Tomorrow, September 30th, is Orange Shirt Day. It is also the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Please read this statement from our Executive Director Colin Tessier:
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION & ORANGE SHIRT DAY!
Posts By: Assist
FINDING A SAFE HOME WITH PRIDE
Hot off the press! Our 2021 Summer Newsletter.
Click here to read our 2021 Summer Newsletter
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL WELLNESS WORKER
We sat down with Sylvia Parke to learn more about her and her new position in the Supportive Recovery Program.
What is your name and role at Threshold Housing:
My name is Sylvia and I am the Cultural Wellness Worker in the Supportive Recovery Program at Threshold Housing.
My English name is Sylvia, my Haida name is ‘7stil aa yaa’ which translates into ‘always doing something.’ I am from the Haida nation on my Mother’s side, from the Saangaalth Stas’stas Eagle clan of Old Massett Village, Haida Gwaii. My Naanii (granmother) was Sylvia Storry (Kelly), oldest daughter of Godfrey and Victoria Kelly (Edenshaw). I am a grateful visitor on the unceded territory of the Lkwungen and Wsanec speaking people.
Who does your role support?
I mainly support Indigenous identifying youth in the Supportive Recovery Program.
OAK BAY ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
We
want to thank the lovely people at The Rotary Club of Oak Bay for putting together this incredible fundraiser.
want to thank the lovely people at The Rotary Club of Oak Bay for putting together this incredible fundraiser.————————————————————————————————————-
In order to make the education dreams of the youth at Threshold Housing a reality, the Rotary Club is now able to offer a matching donation program until July 31, 2021.
THRESHOLD HOUSING’S NEWEST HOME!
We are so ha
ppy to announce our newest acquisition to the Threshold Housing Society group of homes. This beautiful heritage home enables us to expand our mission of providing safe housing, support services, and community to the at-risk youth we serve. Everything we do here at Threshold is focused on impacting the long-term trajectory of young people’s lives. This is one more step moving us closer to our vision of a community where all youth thrive. Please join us in celebrating this new home in our community where young people will find safety and healing for decades to come.
Photo of: Our Executive Director Colin Tessier at the new home holding the keys!
VIRTUAL MOVIE SCREENINGS!
Virtual movie screenings are back!
Join Threshold Housing Society for a virtual screening of the documentary 19 & Homeless on Wednesday May 5th, 12th, 19th at 7pm or Friday May 28th at 3pm.
This documentary captures two years in the lives of a group of former foster youth as they age out of care and transition into adulthood. This documentary includes a Threshold graduate’s journey from aging out of foster care to being supported by the Threshold program. This film captures youth navigating their challenges, barriers, their trauma, as well as their moments of joy.
Get your free ticket here.
You can watch the trailer here:
READY OR NOT AGING OUT OF CARE
In British Columbia, when a youth in government care turns 19 years old they often lose access to essential support services, such as their housing, social worker, mental health services, and financial support. Youth age out of care, whether they are ready or not – at an age that is often already challenging and stressful. Due to the unprecedented times we are living in, youth in BC have just been granted a reprieve from aging out of care. This is an encouraging step in the right direction, although at this time it is a temporary shift. We must continue to highlight the various challenges, barriers, and trauma youth aging out often face. Why? Aging out of care without appropriate supports in place is often cited as a risk factor that leads to experiences of youth homelessness. We especially know this through the youth we serve. It is also often stated that only 28% of people know that youth age out of government care after their 19th birthday. So, now until June 31st, we will be bringing awareness to the challenges youth in care are exposed to when aging out. We look forward to highlighting stories of lived experience, articles, research, and stats on our social media pages. This year, we will also be sharing local Indigenous organizations and the incredible work they are doing in our community with youth. We can’t discuss aging out of care without highlighting that Indigenous youth are over represented in the child welfare system due to ongoing legacy of colonialism. Join us and help us spread the word by sharing our posts! #ReadyOrNotAgingOutOfCare
MARCH 31 – TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY
Today is #InternationalTransDayofVisibility. This day started as a day of awareness to celebrate individuals who identify as trans and gender non-conforming. This day is also a day for allies and advocates to show up and show support!
Here are 5 ways you can be an ally:
1. Listen – make sure you are centering trans and gender non-conforming people and not yourself.
2. State your pronouns – sharing your pronouns can make a space more inclusive and safe for people to also share their pronouns.
3. When you mess up – apologize and move forward.
4. Use gender inclusive language.
5. Help spread awareness- share posts and help educate your friends and family