2

Mission and Values .…………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.3

Director’s Report …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.4-5

History of Living Rock ….……………………………………………………………………………………………… p.6-7

Board of Directors & Volunteers ……………………………………………………………………………………..…… p.8

Employee List …………………………………………………………………………………………..……… p.9

Letter from the Auditor & Financial Report ……………………………………………………………………………. p.10

SPECIAL EVENTS

Arts of August …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.13

Operation Christmas Blessing…………...………………………………………………………………………… p.14

Soupfest 13 ………….………………………………………….. …………………………………………….………... p.15

Golf tournament & Camping Trip ………………………………………………………………………………. p.16

Pink Shirt Day & 72 Hours for Life ……………………………………………………………………………….. P.17

PROGRAMS

Educational Supports ……...…………………………………………………………………………………..…..... P.19

Weekday Food Bank & Weekend Food Bank ...…………………………………………………………. p.20 & 21

Food Services Program ……………………………..…………………………………………………………...…. p. 22

Food Truck - The Harvest …………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 23

Housing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. p.24

Oasis Coffee House Breakfast Program ……………………………………………………………………….. p.25

Oasis Coffee House Evening & Weekend Program ………………………………………………………. p.26-27

Rock Resources Reloaded .………………………………………………………………………………………... p. 28

Rock-In-Action ………... …………………………………………………….…………………………………….. p. 29

TRI-Rock Program …………...…………………………………………………………………………………………... p. 30

Wellness Works/Active Young Mothers …………………………………………………………………… p.31

Chaplaincy & Meet The Streets ……………………………………………………………………………….….. P.32 & 33

Youth Outreach Workers– Hamilton…………………………………………………………………………… p. 34

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MISSION AND VALUES

VISION:

Our vision is to Engage, Encourage and Equip youth.

VALUES:

In pursuit of our mission and vision, Christ has called us to value: justice, compassion, diversity, community and learning.

CONTACT US:

Living Rock Ministries 30 Wilson Street Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5 Phone: 905-528-ROCK (7625) Fax: 905-526-8723 Website: www.livingrock.ca Charitable Registration # 883458812 RR0001

ENGAGE. ENCOURAGE. EQUIP.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Living Rock Ministries is a non-profit organization reaching out in the cultural language of youth since 1985. Living Rock offers youth-at-risk a place of belonging, safety and a bridge to the community, while supporting youth to develop a personal vision for their lives.

Celebrating 30 Years of Serving At-Risk Youth!

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Rev. Alan Craig Director, Founder of Living Rock Ministries Photo Courtesy : Strungfoto

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

As I look back on 2015, Living Rock Ministries has much to be grateful for. November 17th marked Living Rock’s 30th anniversary and I truly believe that our successes would not have been possible without God’s blessings on this ministry. In 1985, I started the Rock as a storefront Church. After doing this for about five years, I quickly learned that it is way more effective to come alongside youth and help them on their life journey, at their own pace and in a sensitive and responsive way. In 1990, the Rock made a fundamental change in our approach and started focusing on street involved youth using street outreach, meals and Rock concerts to build relationship. This brought us to 1999. We purchased the youth resource centre and started employment programs to help youth find vision for their lives. In saying all this, the Rock has always believed in the teachings of Christ. That mission has never left. We retained our service, originally on Sunday afternoon, and moved it to Wednesday afternoon, known today as The Gathering. In about 2006, the Rock came to a crossroads. What direction would we go? Most of the work we were doing with the youth was very practical, with programs focusing on employment, parenting and education, as well as offering a food bank and serving over 900 meals a week. In all of that we still desire to see the ministry in all that we do. One of the managers at the time suggested we connect with a ministry in Hamilton called GOHOP that seeks to cover the city in prayer and mentor the new generation. This past spring, Living Rock launched its Food Truck: The Harvest Sandwich Shop which provides supportive hands on training and mentorship that prepares youth for employment in the hospitality, food service and environmental service sectors. These employment fields fill important needs in our community and these are jobs that do not necessarily require high-school or post-secondary education. Youth need to have a place of safety and belonging where they will always feel welcomed. Youth need to find purpose for their lives. This can happen when they are presented with opportunities for personal development whether it is recreational, spiritual, educational or in building life and work readiness skills. Living Rock offers 20 programs and services to youth and their children, and responds to nearly 32,000 annual youth visits to our open access meal programs and youth-focused Food Bank. We know that we are in a unique position to respond to the needs of youth and help them to move beyond their circumstances.

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We offer incentives for youth for working towards educational and personal development goals. We host graduations for youth who have succeeded in programs, share words of encouragements both verbally and in written form and share their stories of overcoming hardships. We believe that these are essential in engaging youth, our next generation of community leaders. Thanks to all our friends who attended events; donated through monthly giving; responded to the summer appeal letter and donated year round. Thank you to all the youth who participated in programs and shared their lives with us. Alan Craig Director, Living Rock Ministries

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HISTORY OF LIVING ROCK MINISTRIES Living Rock Ministries is a non-profit, Christian outreach founded in 1985. It is well known in the community as a highly creative and flexible organization, especially skilled at building positive relationships with youth-at-risk. Living Rock continues to creatively add services in direct response to the latest needs of youth-at-risk. A more detailed history is given below: The Living Rock was the vision of Alan Craig and a team committed to prayer and outreach. The team started a gathering at Hamilton Public Library on November 17, 1985. A drop-in and coffee house was offered to all ages. In 1989, the Living Rock Board defined the vision to “serve street youth ( ages 13-25)”. The focus was on relationship building and purposeful, culturally relevant activities with youth.

As part of the focus, of reaching youth in a way that was culturally relevant. Summer Youth Projects were started to provide street-involved youth with positive activities and while building relationships. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church rented their facility for concerts and outreach in the core of Hamilton. This became a 10-year relationship and an ideal site for outreach in downtown.

Due to shifts in music and youth culture, and decreases in social assistance, Living Rock refocused their out-reach with an emphasis on a youth food bank, free evening meals and street work. As a result of providing a ‘home-like’ premises in a small downtown heritage cottage beside St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the ministry became known to youth-at-risk as the “Rock”. Short-term projects, drama, and The Rock Experience Program (REP) were developed. Youth responded well to this creative ‘work-to-earn’ model, in which youth

help with chores at the Rock, which builds the youth’s esteem. The purchase of the Rock Youth Resource Centre at 30 Wilson St., enables the Rock to expand programs and heighten it’s profile on the streets. The “Oasis Coffee House” Evening Program expands and provides a free meal and creative evening activities, to engage youth and celebrate other cultures. Living Rock was incorporated. (#1366527) The TRI-Rock Employment readiness program begins with the support of Service Canada, in partnership with Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Hamilton Community Foundation. This program focuses on assisting

youth to establish stable housing, life skills and work experience.

An Anti-Racism Initiative sponsored by Heritage Canada, starting significant work in Living Rock’s organizational capacity-building, formalizing written policies and staff training to provide a culture of peace.

This also becomes launch of the Arts of August, providing a practical city-wide initiative celebrating peace and diversity. The Rock Action Council (RAC) a youth advisory team is created. After an extensive renovation project, the food bank is improved, 3 washrooms (with showers) are built. A Health Centre and Breakfast Program was added, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Centre. Access to computers, phones, showers, washrooms and crisis support were made available to the youth. Soupfest launches.

With help of generous donations, Living Rock was able to purchase the building directly beside the existing building. The building provides much-needed program space, administration area, a large gathering room,

storage space and walk-in freezer..

The “Wellness Works” and “Just for Gurlz” programs are added, to support and sustain outreach to the growing number of pregnant and parenting teens with self esteem issues.

1985

1995

1990

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

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In partnership with Adult Basic Education Association, Living Rock offers increased educational supports to youth.

Formalized Rock-In-Action, sports and recreation activities, are offered to youth as an added component to many of our programs. It is a significant gang prevention measure for our community and a highly effective way to build relationships with youth.

Rock Crisis Response enables Rock staff to develop a specialized room and crisis response kits and training. Youth Outreach Workers (YOW-H) works through the Street Youth Planning Collaborative (SPYC) to reach youth on the streets, networking them with the Living Rock. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) support the Living Rock’s renovations for a new roof, a new porch and an elevator. GPS: New Pathways for Youth sponsored by National Crime Prevention Centre of Public Safety Canada sponsored a 3 year initiative. The Food Bank extended it’s hours to encompass the weekends, making it the “only weekend and youth-focused food bank in Hamilton” GPS: New Pathways for Youth funding finished. To keep valuable programs going, the Breakfast Program, Evening Program (including Freestyle Fridays), and the Weekend Program were stream-lined together, into the “Oasis Coffee House.” The vision incorporates a consistent template and valuable lessons from GPS. World Vision provided funding for the Rock Resources, work-to-earn program. ArcelorMittal Dofasco stepped up and sponsored the Oasis Coffee House Weekend Program. With the help and generous donations of Hamilton Community Foundation and The Meeting House, Living Rock was able to hire a Food Services Coordinator. Since February we explored the potential of developing Social Enterprise for youth. Preparing for the 2015 launch of The Harvest Food Truck and work crews helping with catering and special event set up at The Gas Works. Ontario Trillium Foundation sponsored a three-year Volunteer Coordinator position to help formalize and structure the volunteer program. The Harvest Food Truck is launched as the first, non-profit, social enterprise food truck. Funding is researched to offset the loan for the truck and start-up costs. There is lots of learnings and excitement in 2015.

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2006

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2008

2009

2011

2013

2014

2015

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CHAIR Robert Charters Business Administrator

TREASURER Ross Drummond Agricultural Self Employed, Drummond Farms Belvedere Orchards

SECRETARY Peter Boushy Criminal Defense Lawyer

DIRECTORS Carl Joosse Baking and Trucking Business Chris Mantel Horticulturist Connon Nurseries Jen deVries Consultant Karen Hill* Family Physician, Juddah’s Place, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Alan Craig Founder and Executive Director of Living Rock Ministries

*Served part of 2015

In 2015, over 17,357* volunteer hours were completed by over 250 volunteers and students to help make Living Rock a place of belonging and safety, and a bridge to the community of youth.

In 2014, Living Rock received a three-year funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) which allowed a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to be added to the team. With the support of the OTF, the volunteer program has expanded during 2015. We have seen an increase in over 4,000 volunteer hours and have had a boost in over 70 incredible volunteers donating their time during this calendar year.

The increase in volunteer time, as well as the increase in individual volunteers, has ensured that our programming continues with the best quality of care and work. The incredible 250 volunteers that have donated over 17,357 hours of their time to Living Rock allow us to keep providing a safe space for our youth. *not including Soupfest

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BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

VOLUNTEER

TEAM

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Alan Craig (Rev.) ** Founder & Executive Director Karen Craig (RSW) ** Co-Founder & Program Director Julie Conway** Development Director Eudora Benjamin** Office & Finance Manager Abby Craig Evening Program Coordinator Amanda Vos Breakfast Program Coordinator/Housing Brian Dexter Breakfast Program Coordinator TRI-Rock Life Skills Coach Charles Frankum* Maintenance Clint McFawn~ Development Staff Cindy Amberman Housing Cynthia MacDonald* Weekend Program Staff Daniel Abarca Food Services Staff Eamon Dunne* Rock Resources Coordinator Elizabeth Allaby Rock-in-Action Coordinator Evening Program Assistant Gail Lowe~ Food Services Staff Grant Hutchings Weekend Program Staff Helen Bannerman** Data Entry/Admin Support Staff Joel Van Steenbergen Volunteer Coordinator Kareston Robinson Youth Outreach Worker Kevin Vos Rock Resources Staff Mary Anne Roy** TRI-Rock Coordinator Nick Schuurman TRI-Rock Life Skills Coach Randy Neudorf~ Chaplaincy Robert Moore* TRI-Rock Coordinator Sarah Trimble Breakfast Coordinator/Rock Resources Housing Shane Collins Weekends/Evening Program Assistant TRI-Rock Employment Coach Stacey Callahan* Food Bank Coordinator Tammy Talosi~ Youth Outreach Worker Val Campbell** Wellness Works Coordinator Veronica Kilgour* Admin/Marketing Assistant

20I5 EMPLOYEES

~ Worked only part of 2015 * Completed 5 years or more service ** Completed 10 years or more service

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TRI-Rock Participants

Brian C. Dexter & the Living Rock Youth

Band FT: Alan Craig

Rock Resource Coaches, Eamon and Kevin

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FINANCIAL REPORT

INCOME & EXPENSE GRAPHS FOR 2015

PLEASE SEE WWW.LIVINGROCK.CA FOR THE COMPLETE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fundraising$ 196,573

Other$ 7,486

Donations$ 280,529

DonationsIn-Kind

$ 235,797Grants$ 800,186

REVENUES

DONATIONS 280,529.00

FUNDRAISING 196,573.00

DONATIONS IN-KIND 235,797.00

GRANTS 800,186.00

OTHER 7,486.00

1,520,571.00

EXPENSES

ADMINISTRATION 152,992.00

BUILDING FACILITIES 65,231.00

PROGRAMS 1,251,867.00

FUNDRAISING 66,957.00

1,537,047.00

Administration

$152,992

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Programs

$1,251,867

Fundraising$ 66,957

Building$ 65,231

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Arts of August is a free, city-wide initiative of artistic expression, dedication and humanitarianism by Hamilton youth (13 to 25) and their children, inspired by the Anti-Racism Initiative of Living Rock Ministries in 2003. Youth present themes of peace, equality, love and culture and encouraged to see themselves as global citizens.

THE VISION OF THIS INITIATIVE:

TO FOSTER CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND TALENT IN YOUTH-AT-RISK AND ENGAGE THEM IN OPPORTUNITIES FOR ART EX-PRESSION WHICH FOSTER SOCIAL INCLUSION, CONFIDENCE AND CREATIVITY

There were 26 formal workshops at Living Rock, community programs, guest artists, mentors and Rock volunteers. Celebrity judges choose “closest to the theme” prizes and youth are honoured with flowers, certificates and prizes

for their efforts.

THE GREATER COMMUNITY WILL ENCOURAGE YOUTH AND HELP CELEBRATE “YOUTH MATTER” CAMPAIGN. With Hamilton’s 2015 focus on the Pan Am Games, the 13th Annual Arts of August started with a very positive

outreach opportunity at “It’s Your Festival” at Gage Park. The community was invited to do art and inspirational comments relate to the themes of peace, equality, love and culture, while learning about Arts of August. Youth models and artists registered at the festival.

SPECIAL EVENTS

ARTS OF AUGUST

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At all the Fashion Show practices, there were games and exercises that promoted team building, shared learning

and respect. There was a real effort this year to create an environment at The Gas Works venue that youth will feel special and like celebrities. Groom for Men came on-site and the girls went to Lorenzo’s School of Hair

Design. Each youth got a picture with Larry Strung from Stungfoto. Larry does an incredible job treating youth with professionalism and making them feel important and valued. The hard work of summer staff created a magical experience for models and Celebrities. Community encourages the youth through “Comment Cards” at the Grand Finale.

The media helped to promote and cover the positive message of youth through the initiative. Lisa Hepfner, CHCH Broadcaster was the MC for the Fashion Show.

Youth receive prizes and awards. David Christopherson, MP for Hamilton Centre provides certificates for all models and participants. There was a September Art Showcase at the downtown Hamilton Public Library.

TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT WILL SUPPORT A CAUSE WHICH WILL HELP THEM SEE THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, ALLOWING THEM TO BECOME BETTER GLOBAL CITIZENS.

Youth in programs voted on the cause for 2015. They picked “Human Trafficking in China through World Vision. World Vision staff used video and a creative presentation to share the cause with community at the event. Youth decorate and learn about the cause through programs and Fashion Show rehearsals.

Wei (Summer) Jiang is an international student hailing from China and volunteered with the Arts of August Fashion

Show, both as a model and as creative designer. Completing her Master’s in finance and economics, Summer has been volunteering in the Living Rock Food Bank. Here is what she has to say regarding her experience:

“As one member of Living Rock’s Food Bank team, I am glad to take part in the Fashion Show event. I enjoyed the time drawing posters for the event and watching the costume show given by our volunteers and models. This year is the 13th annual celebration of the

fashion show, the theme of which is ‘To End Human Trafficking in China’. I also feel honored to volunteer in this event as I came from China just one year ago. It is so creative to combine

a fashion show of world’s culture and a presentation of a world focused on youth issues. People within the community came by and enjoyed the costumes from all over the world, from Asian cheongsam to a Scottish kilt. What attracts me the most is to provide a global

version and to arouse people’s awareness to care about people all around the world through a world culture show. People’s passion for this show really touched me and makes me feel

engaged. The fashion show was a unique and meaningful experience for me, which gives me a deeper understanding of the themes of Living Rock’s Art of August events, “Peace,

Equality, Culture and Love.”

2015 STATISTICS

31 YOUTH MODELS HELPED TO PUT ON THE FASHION SHOW

100 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE CREATIVITY THROUGH DIVERSITY FASHION SHOW

108 108 PIECES OF ART SUBMITTED

125 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE GRAND FINALE INCLUDING 10 CELEBRITY MODELS & PARTNERS

52 YOUTH ARTIST

World Vision • City of Hamilton • The Gas Works • Lisa Hepfner (CHCH Anchor) • Jamie Clark (World Vision) • Penny Pincher Costumes • Voortman Cookies • The Jump Off • Hamilton School of Martial Arts • Moores Men’s Clothing • Brandom McEachern (Model) • Mark Hebscher (CHCH Host) • Sarah Tracz (HWDSB) • Hamilton Tiger-Cat Cheerleaders • Jean’s Flower Shop • Kind Exchange • Groom for Men • Laurenzo’s School of Hair Design • Cable 14 • Snapd • Immigrant Culture and Art Association • Focus on Youth • Hamilton Arts Council • Hamilton Regional Indian Centre • HARRRP • Re-Create • Art Forms • Liberty for Youth • Westly Urban Ministries • Centre 3 • Scotiabank • The Pearl Company • NGEN • Hamilton Artsist Inc.• Strungfoto • Shannon Craig Photography • Urban Green •

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OPERATION

CHRISTMAS

BLESSING

It is well known that the Christmas season can be very difficult for youth-at-risk due to societal pressures and commercial influence. There is so much focus on gift-giving and family celebration that it seems to only increase the awareness of areas where a youth may be lacking. For this reason, Living Rock Ministries celebrates “25 Days Of Christmas” throughout the month of December with a special week of celebration leading up to Christmas Day. There is also time to make gifts for creative expression and sharing in the Rock Community. Living Rock wishes to thank all who shared in the vision of “Operation Christmas Blessing.”

Community Champions

THANKS ALSO TO OUR COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

WHO MADE DONATIONS.

2015 STATISTICS

250 FOOD HAMPERS

175 YOUTH GIFTS

75 CHILDREN’S GIFTS

Soupfest 13 marked the 5th year that FirstOntario Credit Union held the title of presenting sponsor. This is the 12th year that Hooper Law has been a Platinum Sponsor. Event sponsors help offset expenses so that more of the proceeds can directly support youth. The restaurants, wowed the public once again, with their creativity and tasty soups. This year 21 participating restaurants competed for best soup, most creative soup, best display, and locally grown. A very special thanks goes out to all of the celebrity servers, mascots and sponsors. The Meeting House (who raised up more than 100 volunteers) and the community for coming out to “stir-up support for youth-at-risk”.

SOUPFEST I3

YEAR NET PROFIT ATTENDANCE Soupfest 13 53,000 4,700

DIAMOND SPONSOR:

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

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Living Rock's Annual Golf Tournament has always been a significant fundraiser. Held at the beautiful Beverly Golf and Country Club, the tournament in 2015 raised $25,000 for renovations and Living Rock’s cooking program which prepares over 900 meals per week for youth. This tournament is run and operated by a dynamic committee that continues to ensure this tournament is a success.

“We had a fantastic day of community at Valen’s Conservation Area. Through a generous memorial donation, we were able to take 43 individuals to the beach for the day. We enjoyed a BBQ,

volleyball, burying each other in the sand and swimming. Something almost magical happens when you take inner city

youth away from their day‐ to‐day stressors for a day of rejuvenation in nature. Even the bus ride to and from the

conservation area was a blast!”

-Julie Conway, Development Director

I9TH ANNUAL

GOLF TOURNAMENT

BEACH DAY

“We celebrated the 19th Anniversary of our annual Golf Tournament this year! Not only has this tournament blessed Living Rock with funds, but as a third party volunteer committee, they have encouraged and spurred Living Rock on by their dedication and

consistent commitment.“ -Jen deVries, Living Rock Board Member

72 HOURS FOR LIFE:

Living Rock Ministries, in partnership with Live Bravely, presents 72 Hours for Life: Leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day. There are a series of events, that lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. This initiative reclaims the concept of “Suicide Watch” with 72 hours of reflection, training and awareness for youth (13 to 25 years) and youth allies. Founded by Mike, a former youth of the Rock and now Alumni and partner, Live Bravely is a grassroots organization focused on education, training and reflection in relation to suicide prevention and healing for survivors.

YOUTH

SUPPORTING

YOUTH

PINK SHIRT DAY (in partnership with Youth Serving Agencies Network) Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February, youth and staff wear pink shirts to “Make Noise Against Bullying.” In the days leading up to it, Living Rock will help prepare by holding pink tie-dye groups and bringing in special speakers to help Inform and support any youth who has suffered from bullying, those who knows someone who has or bystanders.

2012 2014

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LIVING ROCK

PROGRAMS

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EDUCATIONAL

SUPPORTS

Back To School Campaign “Keep Going! Don’t Stop!”

Professional Lunch

The Living Rock offers educational support through the partnership that the TRI-Rock Employment Program has the Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA). This partnership allows ABEA to conduct with each participant an educational assessment, a step-by-step action plan to achieve their stated career goals and community referrals to educational sources.

“It was very helpful. It got me on the right track. I didn't know where to search - you guys showed me a bunch of different routes” - Youth

2015 STATISTICS

43 YOUTH ASSESSED BY ABEA

100% YOUTH FOUND ABEA HELPFUL

79% YOUTH IDENTIFIED FURTHER

EDUCATION / TRAINING AS THEIR PRIMARY GOAL *Quotes & Stats were obtained by the 2015/16 ABEA report for TRI-Rock

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The Living Rock Food Bank (Underground Rock Shop) is the only youth-focused food bank in all of Hamilton and is the first point of contact for many youth and their families. As a part of the mission of the food bank, not only are the needs of youth met surrounding food and clothing, connections are also made to other Living Rock and community services, such as: educational, recreational, informational, social and employment programs. These programs address poverty by reducing barriers and helping youth to realize and recognize their strengths, increase social supports and make connections with needed resources. This entry point is often the beginning of forming trusting relationships for youth with members of the food bank team that leads to building foundations to help youth-at-risk securely grow. In 2015, the Food Bank has been strongly supported by 78 volunteers and 26 students that are hard working, passionate and dedicated to the youth we serve. The food bank would not be able to operate without their ongoing support. The Living Rock Food Bank also provides:

One to One Support Nutrition and Budgeting Programs Connection to Wellness Works Coordinator Baby Products and Hygiene items Christmas Hampers and other Holiday Special Events

“I always feel like I am treated with dignity and respect when I shop here. I don’t feel like I am just another person standing in line waiting for food”. -Youth

FOOD BANK & CLOTHING SHOP

‘UNDERGROUND ROCK SHOP’

HAMILTON FOOD SHARE • WESLEY GOZDEK – WEST HAMILTON • FORTINOS • LITTLE CAESARS • THE MEETING HOUSE HAMILTON

• MARSHALL MEMORIAL CHURCH • ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH • JOHN TURKSTRA • PHILPOTT MEMORIAL CHURCH • MCMASTER

MEAL EXCHANGE • ALL THIRD PARTY GROUPS THAT CONDUCT FOOD & CLOTHING DRIVES

This program is the only youth-focused food bank in Hamilton

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This is the 7th year that the Weekend Food Bank has been open at the Living Rock. Youth attendance of this program has increased dramatically over the years. This increase is a result of the following: Heightened youth awareness of the Weekend Food Bank Program Youth in school or working are accessing the Program, instead of leaving early or not attending

responsibilities in order to access a food bank during the week before it closes Street involved youth, those that are homeless or without a permanent address who used the Weekend

Program started accessing the food bank only when it was open on the weekend Youth value the atmosphere because it is quieter and less crowded Youth appreciate personal connection with staff Personal conversations help youth to get their needs met, obtain support and referrals One-to-one connections provide a forum for youth to move past their barriers Two primary staff have backgrounds in Social Work This model has been proven successful especially for youth with mental health issues as well as for those who struggle with several other difficulties. The atmosphere of the weekend food bank program allows these youth to visit for food, clothing and hygiene products in a setting that is often less stressful for them. The success of the food bank has been dependent on community donors, such as, churches, businesses, individual donors and fundraisers such McMaster Meal Exchange (who has provided 14,200 pounds of food over the last five years) during a time when the food bank supply was low. 2015 STATISTICS* (WEEKDAY & WEEKEND TOGETHER)

6,031 TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH VISITS

350 NUMBER OF VISITS BY INDIVIDUAL FEMALE YOUTH

231 NUMBER OF VISITS BY INDIVIDUAL MALE YOUTH

197 TOTAL NUMBER OF VISITS BY INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN AND

YOUTH UNDER 18

640 TOTAL NUMBER OF PARENTING YOUTH VISITS

51,130 TOTAL POUNDAGE OF FOOD HANDED OUT

FOOD BANK - WEEKEND “I am thankful that I can get both food to eat at home and warm clothing to wear in the winter from the same food bank”. -Living Rock Youth

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FOOD SERVICES

.

2015 STATISTICS

4,196 TOTAL HOURS OF ACTIVITY WORK

CREWS

1,547 TOTAL NUMBER OF WORK CREWS

PROVIDED

153 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL TRI-ROCK

YOUTH TO WORK ON FOOD SERVICES WORK CREWS

The Food Services Program at Living Rock aims to provide youth with essential life skills and equip youth for the work force by coaching youth with Food Services Skills Training, utilizing industry standard equipment. ”The Living Rock is definitely not like other organizations, it is awesome! Nutritious meals are prepared every day of the week and every bit of it is prepared from donated goods. Also Arts of August; fashion show, and it is great to see that everyone is a part of something.”

Weekday Breakfast Kitchen Work Crews: 469 youth and community volunteer spots filled in one year. With 144 youth/volunteers participating weekly for a combined total of 628 hours of work training completed. TRI-Rock Employment Program Wednesday Lunch Work Crew: 470 youth employment training spots filled in one year. With 7 youth participating weekly for a combined total of 165 hours of work training completed. Evening Program Kitchen Work Crews: 946 youth and community volunteers spots filled in one year. with a combined total of 713.5 hours of kitchen volunteering completed

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

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Cody

THE HARVEST

FOOD TRUCK

The Harvest Sandwich Shop is a truly unique social enterprise venture: the 1st nonprofit food truck in Canada, created with a mission to create work experience and jobs for youth and re-directing proceeds to supplement funding for Living Rock’s Rock Resources and Food Services Programs. Through providing life skill and work readiness training for youth-at-risk we can support youth through essential personal development goals while also addressing individual risk factors, such as, homelessness, substance use and mental health concerns. Living Rock provides supportive hands on training and mentorship that prepares youth for employment in the hospitality, food service and environmental service sectors. These employment fields fill important needs in our community and these are jobs that do not necessarily require high-school or post-secondary education. The Harvest Sandwich Shop serves up hearty, delicious and savory sandwiches and salads and is out in the community at all the popular food truck locations, in addition to providing catering services.

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Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Living Rock has been funded to provide housing supports since 2001 and now has two full time Youth Housing Support Workers. In April 2015, Living Rock received funding for a Homelessness Prevention Case Manager (HPCM) and an Intensive Community Case Manager (ICCM). In 2009, Living Rock joined their efforts with Street Youth Planning Collaborative and Catholic Children’s Aid Society with coordination support from the Social Planning Research Council (SPRC), to create the Youth Housing Support Project (YHSP). Through the YHSP, Living Rock works in collaboration with Wesley Urban Ministries, Good Shepherd and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. Supports offered by the Youth Housing Support Workers:

Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program navigation Advocacy and mediation with landlords Support through the Landlord and Tenant Board, following the Residential Tenancy Act Referrals to community agencies, including but not limited to; addiction services, mental health, transitional living, employment services, and educational support Provide bus tickets for housing related appointments Attend apartment viewings with youth

“Thank you again for all of your help and support. You were honestly the first person I had talked to about my situation that I felt understood what I wanted and needed help with, and wasn't trying to get me back home.

(I know now that I've decided to go home it may seem odd that I'm glad you didn't try to get me to, but I really needed someone to believe me that I knew what was best for me and was willing to fully support me in

that). So again, I just wanted to say thank you so much” - Youth

HOUSING SUPPORTS

2015 STATISTICS

45 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL FEMALE YOUTH

22 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL MALE YOUTH

1 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS NOT IDENTIFYING GENDER

556 TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH VISITS

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OASIS COFFEE HOUSE:

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Breakfast Program is one of many services offered at Living Rock Ministries. Every morning Monday to Friday a warm, nutritious meal is available for free to any youth aged 13-25. Breakfast program is so much more than food. Youth have access to showers, hygiene products, clothing, wifi, computers, as well as partner agencies, housing and support staff. It is a safe place for youth to connect with community resources and find a place of belonging. It is a haven and refuge for at-risk youth in Downtown Hamilton. On-site partnerships include support from Hamilton Regional Indian Centre. This year, youth Wellness Centre (a new program through St. Joseph’s Hospital) came on-site to support youth with mental health concerns.

“I really like coming here. It’s very social, there’s a lot of support here.” -Youth

2015 STATISTICS

6,343 NUMBER OF YOUTH VISITS

7,000 MEALS SERVED

49 VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE 2,000 HRS

Community Donations

Gerry & Deb Stulen

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Geraldo’s at LaSalle Park Hamilton Food Share :

Oakrun Bakeries YMCA

“Oasis Coffee House” Evening Program is a safe community for youth. During the night youth share a warm and nutritious meal. They are able to engage in a variety of positive social activities such as: wellness spa night, sports and recreation, cultural theme nights, and movie and game nights. Youth are able to access support through crisis response, referrals, and use the “work to earn” model to receive incentives such as: bus tickets, or snacks.

“I come here because it’s the only place I know people care about me. Everywhere else they treat me like nothing.” - Youth

“It’s so easy to describe heaven, just describe the Living Rock.” - Youth

OASIS COFFEE HOUSE:

EVENING PROGRAM

2015 STATISTICS

7,000 YOUTH VISITS

900 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH

8,682 MEALS WERE SERVED TO YOUTH

80 INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS SERVED

13,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS SERVED

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The Weekend Program provides youth with a place of safety, a place of connection to seek out practical, emotional support and referrals to community and Living Rock resources. The program offers youth: Services within the Rock and outside agencies.

“This is the only place I feel comfortable. I can trust the staff and people here.”- Youth

“When I was doing drugs I stopped eating. When I came to the weekend Program I started eating

again. When I quit doing drugs I would be come to the Rock for food and to hang out.” - Youth

Community Champions

A place to stay out of the heat/cold Snacks Access phones and computers Access to showers, clothing and hygiene products Arts, crafts and games Laundry Services Clean Movies (educational and entertaining) Work on individual projects and homework

Emotional support

Referrals to shelters / other community resources Weekend food bank

OASIS COFFEE HOUSE:

WEEKEND PROGRAM

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Enabled for Life: Ready to Work Rock Resources Reloaded Program seeks to enable youth towards attaining a healthy and productive life while instilling job readiness skills into the lives of Hamilton’s youth.

In April 2011 World Vision provided funding and expertise in the redevelopment of Rock Resources Reloaded which has accumulated important learning through strong relationships with funders and key informants to develop current programming in 2016 and continue to adapt to meet the needs of youth in Hamilton. Together, the common vision for youth has combined a synergy of the Living Rock’s practical expertise and World Vision’s organizational development strength. Using a “work-to-earn” model, the Rock provides incentives for youth to engage in one-to-one weekly meetings with a coach, skill building workshops and work crews aimed at readying them for entry level employment. Food services, retail merchandizing and sales, inventory control and cleaning work crews are opportunities to teach the basic skills for employment.

ROCK RESOURCES

RELOADED

2015 STATISTICS

870 YOUTH VISITS

61 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH PARTIPATED IN WORK CREWS

771 BUS TICKETS GIVEN OUT AS INCENTIVES

204 TOTAL REFERRALS

“As a person who struggles with mental illness, I tend to feel useless and unproductive more often than not. Helping out with cleanup after the breakfast program has strengthened my (unfortunately low) sense of self-worth.” -Youth

MISCHA WEISZ FOUNDATION

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ROCK-IN-ACTION

Rock in Action seeks to increase youth physical activity as well as encourage them in gaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Rock in Action uses programming such as evening ball hockey games, weekly fitness workouts, wellness sessions, and dodge ball nights to, not only, encourage physical activity but to also provide stress relieving coping methods for youth.

“I love it. It’s fun getting together with everyone. I don’t really get out much so it’s fun. I like playing hockey with friends.” – Youth

“It is important to have a healthy future. It motivates me to never give up on life and my life goals.” – Youth

ROCK-IN-ACTION

2015 STATISTICS

95 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH ACCESSED PROGRAMMING

965 TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH VISITS

902 VOLUNTEER HOURS CONTRIBUTED

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The objective of the TRI-Rock Program is to assist youth who are facing employment barriers to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. TRI-Rock is a 16-week, full-time, paid employment training program for people aged 18—30. It is split into two 8-week phases. Phase 1 is at the Living Rock. Youth are provided with hands-on employment experience, as well as training and tools related to employment skills and life skills, such as educational planning with ABEA, First Aid, Safe Food Handling and Police Checks. Phase 2 is a subsidized job placement in the community. Placement employers have the option of hiring on TRI-Rock participants after the 8 week placement is complete. There is a graduation with a completion bonus and Rock Certificate and a certificate from David Christopherson, member of Parliament from Hamilton Centre.

“TRI-Rock helped me a great deal with communication skills and other things such as work ethic. In the past I’ve always showed great work ethic but I got comfortable doing nothing with my life

and time so I guess I can say TRI-Rock revived me back to my own self.” - Youth

TRI-ROCK

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

2015 STATISTICS

45 INDIVIDUAL YOUTH PARTICIPATED IN TRI-ROCK

86% YOUTH COMPLETED PHASE 1

77% YOUTH EITHER OBTAINED EMPLOYMENT OR

RETURNED TO SCHOOL

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The Wellness Works Program provides practical support to at-risk pregnant and parenting youth in addition to Case Management Support. The main components of programming are: Outreach in Food Bank, Breakfast and Evening programs. We have committed to having one person in each program trained to respond to crisis pregnancies. Engage in the completion of contact forms and Case Management

Encourage through the “Earn –while-you-learn” model of programming such as Stroller Fit and work programming and the use of Parent Resource Room/Incentive Room. The Parent Resource Room offers the parents the opportunity to purchase practical supplies needed for their families such as diapers, formula and wipes. Equipping through the participation in Pregnancy Support Group and one to ones and appointment supports with students and staff.

This program is designed to ensure positive outcome through the critically formative years (from 0-6 years), as well as reducing the effects of poverty on young parents and their families. Wellness Works is a member of the Young Parent network of Hamilton. The building of relationships in this program is an on-going process that requires intentional conversations in a social, or informal setting through sharing the needs of the youth or their children.

Beginnings Family Services Philpott Memorial Church Young Parent Network Hamilton Urban Core Health Centre Community Donors

WELLNESS WORKS:

PRENATAL & PARENTING

2015 STATISTICS

163 ONE-TO-ONE COUNSELLING VISITS

94 VISITS TO THE PRENATAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

46 BUS-TICKETS GIVEN AS INCENTIVES (UNFUNDED)

49 GIFT CARDS/FOOD VOUCHERS GIVEN

186 VISITS TO PARENT RESOURCE ROOM

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The Gathering

The vision of Gathering has always been to offer the message of Christ in the cultural language of youth. Once a week, Living Rock hosts a voluntary lunch hour Chapel Service with a Christ-focused message especially designed for street-involved youth. There is food, music, and many different people sharing their personal stories as they journey through life with God.

There is daily morning prayer time for staff and youth. A prayer request log is kept in the reception area for youth to record their prayer requests.

GOHOP (Greater Ontario House Of Prayer) After the Gathering, youth are welcome to join GOHOP in creative worship and prayer. There is a community prayer truck sponsored by GOHOP in the month of July.

YOUTH CHAPLAINCY

2015 STATISTICS

1,834 TOTAL NUMBER OF YOUTH VISITS

806 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL FEMALE YOUTH

1,040 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL MALE YOUTH

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Meet the Streets (MTS) was established in 2006 by Living Rock Ministries and is an Urban Ministry and Community Training Program. Through the years, MTS has been active, participants have been able to better understand the challenges faced by youth-at-risk, and get the chance to see what Living Rock does in the community. Groups choose their modules for learning, experience and service. MTS is designed to:

Give insight to the challenges youth-at-risk face in Hamilton Provide positive opportunities for youth-at-risk to interact with different community groups Provide a forum for street-involved youth to tell their story

A powerful DVD, featuring some of Hamilton’s youth-at-risk sharing their stories and providing information on the challenges faced by street-involved youth

Provide opportunities to share in service and fundraising activities Teach participants about the programs available at Living Rock

“Speaking to the youth was enjoyable, informative, and satisfying. Their stories were eye opening.” -MTS participant

“I enjoyed learning about the services and opportunities Living Rock offers. It’s heartwarming that such

an organization exists in Hamilton” -MTS participant

“It opened my mind to what’s happening in the world.” -MTS participant

MINISTRY TRAINING & COMMUNITY EDUCATION:

“MEET THE STREETS”

2015 STATISTICS

141 PARTICIPANTS IN 10 EVENTS TO LEARN ABOUT

LIFE ON THE STREETS

Video donated by:

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YOUTH OUTREACH WORKERS

HAMILTON (YOW-H)

Youth Outreach Workers of Hamilton (YOW-H) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and is a partnership project of the Street Youth Planning Collaborative (SYPC*). Members Agencies of the Street Youth Planning Collaborative are: Alternatives for Youth (AY) Living Rock Ministries * Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Good Shepherd Youth Services * Wesley Youth Services * (Lead Agency) Social Planning & Research Council (Ex Officio) *Employers of YOW-H workers

The Youth Opportunity Strategy of the Mobile team began as a response to youth violence in downtown Toronto. The strategy currently serves Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Ottawa, London, Thunder Bay and Durham Region. Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) started out as a three year pilot project, ending March 31, 2010, but has continued on indefinitely, through the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth. Some of the goals of the initiative are as follows:

Engaging youth in order to identify their needs, strengths and interests.

Connecting youth to a full continuum of prevention, early intervention, and diversion resources.

Working with community resources to create youth development opportunities and to identify

and address access barriers.

Engaging youth and their families with the community.

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CONTACT US: Living Rock Ministries

30 Wilson Street Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5

Charitable Registration #883458812 RR0001

P: 905-528-ROCK (7625) • F: 905-526-8723 • W: www.livingrock.ca

@LivingRockHamOn