Donna Jeffers
Restorative Care Coordinator at Northridge Long Term Care
“This program has richly touched the lives of residences and they look
forward to the groups that visit monthly. The interaction provided is
rewarding to both the residence and the volunteers. The volunteers are
impacted by stories they hear regarding the residents past and the energy
from the youth groups helps to lift the residents spirit.”
Amanda Pantin
Program Manager at Northridge Long Term Care
“When I was first approached by Dianna about having a group of youth come in on a monthly basis to spend time with our residents I was very excited. It has been challenging to obtain regular intergenerational programs in a long term care setting. Dianna and I decided that we would start off the first session as an afternoon tea, and see how that went. The initial gathering was a huge success! When I followed up with residents a couple of days later they were still talking about it and how the youth had presented different activity ideas to participate in during their monthly afternoon teas, such as playing board games, crafts, sharing musical talents and other special skills. Since that initial tea on Saturday, August 14th, 2010, our residents look forward to the second Saturday of each month to see and catch up with the new friends they have made. I really enjoy that each visit is now themed and look forward to the summer months for the garden beautification project. This has been a wonderful program to have on a consistent basis and one that we look forward to continuing.”
Mary Holshausen
Iroquois Ridge High School Co-op Student 2010/11
“My co-op placement with CYAN has been very rewarding, and I have gained much experience which I would not otherwise have attained. The wealth of knowledge which I have been exposed to through this co-op is far greater than that which any classroom could have offered. I learned about how to introduce myself professionally and how to make a good lasting impression. I have enhanced my computer skills by and expanding my general knowledge of various computer programs. I also learned how to network, why it is important and how to create a partnership with other organizations. Through this experience I have been able to observe and learn about not-for-profit organizations, how they establish themselves and how they are run. Also I have come to realize the difficulties in creating a reputation for a new organization which strives to become recognizable among youth and other major community organizations. Overall I am pleased with my co-op experience, and would suggest other students to do a co-op.”
Ryan Switzer
2010-01-15
“We had a blast helping CYAN out with a couple of events this past school year. I really feel that CYAN is very “in tune” (no pun intended) with our philosophy as a business in that they are an organization that empowers youth to work towards bettering the community of which they are a part. Inkling is proud to have worked with Madeleine and CYAN for the past year and we look forward to several years of working together!”
Bill Shields
2010-01-15
Executive Director
Safetynet Children & Youth Charities
Clothing/Food Bank, Academic Tutoring, Music
“CYAN approached Safetynet Children & Youth Charities to work on a collaborative to raise money to purchase bicycles for children, who otherwise would not have them. The venture was a huge success, and is now to be an annual event. We managed to raise donations to provide 33 bikes, and helmets, to children that Safetynet is actively working with. None of this would have been possible without CYAN’s hard work and determination to see this project through. It was a pleasure to work collaboratively with CYAN, and Safetynet Children & Youth Charities is looking forward to working jointly together in the Future assisting children and families in the community.”
James Erdt
2010-01-15
Founder / President
http://www.joyzone.com
Community BBQ for the Partners Equipping Youth Program at Kerr
“A fun filled day of food, football and entertainment!!! With Joyzone’s involvement we were able to provide 13 youth with a knapsack and loads of school supplies so that their entrance back to school was started on the right foot. It was an excellent opportunity to share some very special moments with the Kerr Street Kids. Joyzone also had the chance to provide medicine balls, resistance bands and other small workout equipment to the youth for use in their upcoming recreation centre so they can also focus on their physical fitness needs!”
James Erdt
2010-01-15
Founder / President
http://www.joyzone.com
Garage Sale Fundraiser for Christmas Sponsorship Program
“As an adult mentor to the CYAN Steering Committee , I am honoured to see what a fantastic job the youth did on this very special event that raised money for a single mom with 3 children form within the Oakville community for Christmas 2008! They collected, arranged, priced and sold many items that were donated from kind supporters throughout the community. This event was all about teamwork and that they certainly displayed!”
Wendy Butt
2010-01-15
Cozy Reading Coordinator
Oakville Parent-Child Centre/Ontario Early Years Centre
“WOW! We sincerely want to thank the youth for all their efforts on the Oakville Parent-Child Centre’s float for the 2008 Santa Claus Parade. The youth truly took this project and “ran with it”, handling all aspects including concept, decorations, and participating on the float the day of the parade. We can’t thank them enough. We greatly appreciate all their hard work.”
Valerie Keating
2010-01-15
Mother of 4
“In a generation of ipods and video games it is exciting that our youth still yearn to engage in their communities, seek advise from adult mentors, and realize that they can make significant a difference in the world around them. My teenage daughters have come to understand the importance of volunteering their time and energy for a worthwhile cause and the satisfaction they feel when they bring joy to someone in need. As a mother of four it is reassuring to know that an organization like CYAN exists to mentor and enable the youth of today.”
James Erdt
2010-05-14
Founder / President
http://Joyzone.com
Oakville Poverty Forum
“I was very impressed when I saw a number of the CYAN Steering Committee members take part in this event to educate themselves on the issue facing our community. They were all very interested in learning how they can show their support and provide resources to make Oakville a better place for all! I really enjoyed being their amongst such an ambitious group of young people who truly care about making a difference. They are leading by example and are great role models for other youth!”
