Anthem: Rocco Colangelo.

Land acknowledgement;  President Danny Cassidy.

 

Toast to King, Canada, and Rotary: Danny

Attendance: 13 members.

 

Barry Smith, in his introduction of today’s speaker, Shannon
Jackson of YouthLink, made mention of Shannon’s 10 years of leadership, her role in
human resources and youth programs, and celebrated her in her current role as
Executive Director for YouthLink.

Speaker: Shannon Jackson, Executive Director, Youth Link, Scarborough
In her presentation, Shannon articulated the mission of YouthLink, the programs they
support, and the programs facing sustainability challenges. The mission of YouthLink is to
believe in the potential of every youth and to provide youth with the support, guidance
and opportunities they need to make positive life choices. YouthLink offers youth and
family counselling, parenting support, youth shelter and housing, education programs,
and community-based programs for youth aged 12 to 24 and their families. Shannon
mentioned that youth are experiencing increased isolation in this post-pandemic era and
that youth face greater challenges securing housing and thus, are experiencing a
homelessness crisis. Further to these, she mentioned increased levels of poverty,
academic pressures, escalating violence, human trafficking, systemic discrimination,
and increased mental health challenges.
Shannon said that YouthLink addresses these and other challenges with wrap-around
and diverse programs. Some of these programs include: community outreach, where
youth outreach workers find and build trust with marginalized youth; education outreach
where Pathways to Education provides tutoring and mentorship, clinical supports, where
youth can access a walk-in clinic for immediate support, and housing and shelter
where a 52-bed shelter space can be accessed.
Finally, Shannon mentioned new programs that are impactful, but are facing sustainability
challenges due to funding concerns. Some of these new programs include: Youth
Outreach Workers Program (YOW), Footprintz Project, Restorative Justice Program,
Black Mental Health Matters Program, Spark Music Program, Life Stabilization Fund
Program, and Youth Advocating Anti-Homophobia Awareness.

Thanking the speaker: Courtney thanked the speaker and, in doing s,o mentioned his
support of YouthLink’s support for families with pets, noting that pets are too often the
only companionship that people facing isolation may secure.

 

Announcements:
- Gerd finally got around to presenting Les Klein with the Paul Harris Fellowship. Les was very happy about this... Congratulations Les!

- President Danny celebrated the success of the gala, mentioning that this was a club effort from those in the organising committee, those who sold tickets, Donated, Found Sponsors, Found auction items, and those who contributed to the room setup and worked on the receiving desk. Many hands pulled together to make the event successful. Everyone should be proud!

- President Danny mentioned the club’s upcoming meeting with the District Governor,
and he also mentioned the District Conference and his experiences at the conference.

 

- Barry was happy he was able to attend the Rotary Club of Agincourt’s annual trip to
Stratford. The show this year was Little Orphan Annie.

- Dhanni was happy the gala was a success

- Gordon celebrated the gala and the Blue Jays

With no additional business for the good of Rotary, President Danny terminated the
meeting.