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The Can...
How
it all got
started...
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The Can is the
brainchild of alumni youth from New Beginnings for Youth an Ottawa
based charitable organization. Their idea captured the imagination
of the Ottawa business community who arranged for the donation of a
trailer and building materials. |
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Through the support of
community volunteers, youth and local trades the first trailer was
converted into a vibrant and functional youth center. In January
2000, the center was ready and began its function of being a unique
programming venue, capable of traveling directly into neighborhoods
and communities, taking programming to youth where they live and
congregate. |
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The Can has been
successful beyond our expectations. The program has expanded and the
Can has ventured into rural communities. |
Bringing the community together...
The Can impacts the community it serves in that:
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Everyone gets involved.
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Youth take ownership and pride.
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The Can keeps teens active in their neighborhoods and gets
them involved.
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The youth develop a sense of community.
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Programs encourage their growth in the
community.
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It impacts adults by exposing them to pro-active youth who
are getting involved in their community.
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It offers youth a safe place to hang
out.
Partnerships...
The Can is also a catalyst for creating partnerships
in the community. It is a vibrant, tangible and visual program that
interests a variety of local businesses and entices them to get
involved.
The following is a list of partnerships that believed
in the program and in each their own way helped The Can take shape.
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Belko Auto Body
Blue Line Taxi
Boyd Group of Companies
Canus Plastics
Carleton Iron Works
City of Ottawa
City of Nepean
Carroll Thatcher Planning Group
Colonnade Developments
Doran Contractors
Ed’s Trucking
Electrical and Plumbing Store
Gervais Towing
Gowans Towing
Home Depot
H.P Ward foundation
Kessels Upholstering
Marlboro Windows
Malmberg Truck & Trailer Equipment
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M.D Ottawa Woodworking
Murray Len Supply
Myers Motors
Myers Auto Body
Orange Security
Ottawa Senators
Ottawa trailer repair
Ottawa Valley Metal Inc.
Owens corning
Professional Mobile Wash
Rome Flooring
Scaffold Fast Ottawa
Schooner Transport
Sleeptek
Studio Signs
Tagg
Valley Hardware
Westeinde Constructions
Weyerhaeuser |
How
it works...
The Can enters a community for a 5 weeks period
during which a variety of programs and activities are offered to local
youth such as:
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Leadership
development |
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Movie night |
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Sports and games |
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Homework Club |
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Teen Talk |
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And many more. |
The host community provides The Can with a location
supporting access to bathroom facilities, provides a local emergency
contact, access to a 220 volt. 30 amps. 4 prong locking plug and covers
the cost of hydro.
Once dates and locations are confirmed with the
community, an NBFY staff member markets the program in schools, local
papers and local businesses well in advance of The Can's arrival. A community needs assessment
and research is also conducted so that the programs may be
modified to best suit the particular needs and interests of youth in the
community.
New Beginnings for Youth arranges transportation of
the Can. High-energy staff are hired from within the local
community to manage and operate the center under the supervision and
guidance of a representative from New Beginnings for Youth. Staff
orientation, weekly meetings and ongoing support are services provided
by the NBFY staff.
A written report containing data from the research
done during our stay is provided to the township and/or group that
brought us to the community. The research contains information on the
total youth who attend the center, how many males, females, average age
group, activities that worked, where the youth are coming from, how they
are getting there, why they attend, youth suggestions, Can staff
suggestions and New Beginnings for Youth recommendations.
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