BY GIANNI UBRIACO
for northern life
After spending two and half years on the street while struggling to find employment, 23-year-old Brad Bradley is finally on the road to success. He joined the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth (SACY) in April and has now decided to do an apprenticeship to become a child and youth worker.
On Sept. 29, he was just one of the centre's members helping out at its first ever youth forum at the Navy League Hall entitled Raise Your Voice.
"My message would be no matter what heartache you're going through or what troubles you're having, there's always someone there to help you in any case," he said. "For people who are going through hard times, just stick with it; there are people who can do something, services are provided, and everything is eventually going to get better for them."
Dozens of youth from the area took part in the free event, which was scheduled from 11:30 am to 7 pm. The day included various games and countless interactive workshops that aimed to get input from local youth while also providing a venue for them to voice their concerns on issues that are critical to them, such as mental health, child welfare, shelters, and the youth justice system.
"We want to know what's working and what's not working in the city, as far as services go for youth, and we want to know directly from them," explained the forum's co-ordinator Stephanie King McLaren. "We want them to stand up for what they believe in and bring out their issues. It's important to talk, and talk, and talk until someone listens. Don't give up until somebody listens."
The day also featured pizza, refreshments, and snacks, plus community leaders were invited to take part, including Ward 1 Councillor Joe Cimino; David Rivard, executive director of the Children's Aid Society (CAS), Child and Family Centre's Sue Nicholson, and even a representative from the Greater Sudbury Police Services.
All the participants also had a chance of winning door prizes, such as an MP3 player and cell phone, but everyone went home a winner as they each received a loot bag and an immeasurable amount of information on youth services that are provided locally and how they can access them.
"I know what it's like to be in CAS and be on welfare and stuff, so I figured I'd get involved to help out a little bit and reach out to the youth because that's what most youth need," said 17-year-old Kayla Pegelo, who gave a presentation on child welfare at the forum. "It's important that people know the opportunities that they're missing out on, the options that are open to them, and all the child welfare services and stuff they can get into."
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Crystal St. Jean saw the activity as a chance to make some new friends and have some fun.
"I think the goal here is just to make us happy," she said. "It gives kids something to do if they're on the streets, so it's a nice chance to just hang out."
Since first opening its doors back in 1986, the centre has sought to respect, support, and empower youth through its mentorship, employment, harm reduction, and housing support programs.
Over the last 21 years, the centre has counselled over 1,000 families and supported 350 young people so they could return to school. The centre has also helped over 800 youth find permanent employment.
