Renew Work Bee in Progress

Some of the highlights of the this year’s Renew project were engaging residents who had given up caring about their alleys which included reporting crime and observing traffic and garbage dumping in the alleys.  Renew staff were told on a few occasions from these residents that their sense of pride and care was renewed and they would now monitor the traffic in their alleys to try and keep it clean.  We had residents share that they felt we “were gifts from the creator” and “appeared like angels” as they were frustrated with their yards as they had no tools to cut the grass. We had many youth come and help with excitement and even had the youth go home and comment to a family friend of their parents that they did not want them over because they “would just mess the yard up all over again” which speaks volumes for the level of pride these children took in cleaning their yards/alley.  Those same children had a trampoline in their yard the very next day after the waist high weeds had been cut!

The whole purpose of the work bee clean ups was to engage residents and renew their sense of pride in their environment as well as renewing North Central in the bigger picture of things.  Residents from all walks of life came out to help and it allowed them to meet other neighbors as well as the youth.  We had a great partnership with Rainbow Youth Centre’s (RYC) Road to Employment youth who expressed to Renew Staff as well as to RYC staff how good about themselves they felt after a day of doing alley clean ups (see attached letter of support).  They came out almost every Wednesday all summer and many of the accomplishments Renew achieved can be directly attributed to their assistance as they worked hard and full of heart and spirit.

The City of Regina reported that they picked up an average of 50 hoppers per month which is their measurement with the older garbage truck.  Although in one alley alone the workers estimated it to be 30 hoppers and that it took them 3 days to clear all of the garbage and branches we piled.

In addition to the work bee clean ups, we also participated in graffiti cleaning blitzes which consisted of painting over graffiti and removing tags from garbage bins. The area from the 600-1400 blocks (tracks to Dewdney Avenue) and all the way between Albert and Elphinstone Streets were completed for garbage bins and graffiti removal.  Only a handful of blocks were completed on the other side of Elphinstone up to Lewvan Drive.

In these blitzes youth graffiti offenders, who will call J and E who came through the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS), they had each worked 10 hours with the Renew Project doing alley clean ups.  When they had another set of hours to complete they requested to JHSS to work with the Renew Project specifically which the JHSS coordinator expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Renew Project staff as well as the impact it had on these youth.  In one blitz E and the coordinator were driving down an alley and he pointed out his tag which was quite old.  The coordinator had E knock on the home owner’s door to introduce himself as the offender who vandalized her property.  The lady was elderly and told the youth she had just painted over a tag when his appeared and she did not have the ability due to health or the funds to cover it again and so it sat there for over a year.  E apologized and offered to cover it up immediately for her.  He did and the lady expressed such a sincere appreciation for it.

These youth expressed a strong sentiment of remorse and understanding of the impact of their crimes.  The biggest level of awareness for these youth came from the moments of being in the alleys painting.  We would have all types of people approach us.  People would approach us, question what we were doing, thank us for our work, and even sometimes would lecture the youth on completing their hours by working hard.  Some of these people would also enquire about jobs doing what we were doing.  The youth offenders both expressed complete shock and humbleness to have so many different types of people thank them.  It was a matter of not being judged as well as breaking stereotypes to these youth and helped them see that even down and out people do not want their neighbourhood vandalized/abused. Conversations with these youth reflected their sense of awareness of the impact of their crimes to the victims as well as to the neighbourhood.

In addition to the work bee and the blitzes, Renew staff have been monitoring for re-tags.  We have had approximately 20 re-tags the entire summer out of the entire area of the 600-1400 blocks from Elphinstone to Albert Street.  Most of the re-tags were done by the same individual (s) as well. We would paint over the re-tags and as of today, there are only 9 re-tags remaining.  There are approximately 30 graffiti tags on non-white surfaces that we chose not to paint over due to using white paint only.

Process of the Renew Project:

The process started off with delivering an introduction flyer to residents of targeted blocks notifying of when Renew Project staff would return to conduct a survey and solicit volunteers for the work bee.  Renew Project staff would then return to conduct the survey and educate residents on the reporting process for graffiti as well as other NCCA programs. This was followed by conducting the work bee with community participation to pick up garbage, cover graffiti and perform minor yard work.  After the work bee, staff would host a BBQ to encourage community engagement and communication.

The Renew project would like to thank the following people for their donations and support:

City of Regina, Rainbow Youth Centre, John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, RAMP, B&B Small Engine Sales & Service Company, Wendy Dumalski, General Paint, Colorburst Paint, James Morberg and Wendy Grant, Regina Police Service, Aids Programs South Saskatchewan, Go Green, Student Summer Works Program, McDonalds, 5^th Avenue Convenience Store, and Roberta Pelletier (for the AMAZING BANNOCK).  Most importantly, The Renew Project would like to thank all of the volunteers and especially the North Central Residents who came out and led by example in working towards a safer, cleaner community.  It is the volunteers that made the difference, and we are forever thankful for the time given!

Our Communications Coordinator Max finishes up his term with us this week and we wanted to give him the opportunity to share some of his thoughts and reflections on his time here with the NCCA. Take it away Max……

Hello to everyone who reads our blog! It’s really nice to know you’ve taken the time out of your day to keep in touch with what’s been going on here in North Central (and even nicer to know that you’re willing to read my ramblin’ rants.) I have thoroughly enjoyed working here for the very reason that it has been an experience unlike any I have ever had! Coming into this job I had plenty of ideas as to what communication and marketing should look like on paper but to be honest I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into. What I got into was an experience I cherish and will never forget…

I was lucky enough to work with some of the best folks I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Hard working, dedicated staff, volunteers and community members who are proud of where they live and willing to put in the effort to make each day better than the last. Make no mistake, it might not always be roses here but there is truly something inspiring about a community that dedicates itself to self improvement and looking forward towards a brighter future!

Life is different here in North Central, different than the big city life of Australia anyway! But there’s certainly nothing wrong with different. Different is great and I’ve spent my whole career trying to celebrate different, (so maybe this was all meant to be!) I hope we can all continue to share and celebrate the struggles, challenges, successes and stories that make this such a unique place to live, work and play in. It is these stories that allow us to move forward, to reflect and to build. Sharing who we are, what we know (and don’t know)  and what we want (while working together) is the best way to get things done!

 I truly believe that even in the short time I’ve been here (and as an outsider) I’ve seen some really positive strides and believe this community is in the midst of some exciting times! I look forward to visiting the North Central Community, as I know it still has many lessons to share with me.

There is always more to learn.

Max 

Today we were delighted and overwhelmed by the support of the Saskatchewan Construction Association (SCA), who delivered a generous donation in lieu of our recent Transition to Trades program equipment robbery. SCA President, Mark Cooper (pictured with NCCA Director, Rob Deglau) visited us on behalf of Industry partners and members, awarding us with a donation of $5000 plus commitments of tool contributions to help replace the stolen tools.

We would like to take this moment to sincerely thank Mark, the SCA, and its partners for their commitment and support of the Transition to Trades program.

We are pleased to announce government approval to increase in our intake for the upcoming program semester.  We look forward to continuing to play our part in encouraging skills development both socially and professionally for our cities youth and overall prosperity for the greater Saskatchewan economy.

For media enquiries please contact:

Transition to Trades Director, Jane Gattinger on (306) 550 1202

President of the Saskatchewan Construction Association, Mark Cooper on (306) 527 6854

Introducing an exciting kaleidoscope of perspectives! Creativity through arts, music, workshops, performance and more. Stay tuned for future announcement, details and line up which will be announced soon. To get involved simply get in touch and in the meantime should you like to learn a little more about the National movement that is ‘Culture Days’ look no further than this link!

If you’re looking for an exciting and dynamic new challenge then our Transition to Trades program might have a career just for you! To read more about the program and its history click here, or read below for full descriptions on the current roles available. Please contact Transition to Trades Director, Jane Gattinger via email at director.trades@nccaregina.ca to apply or for more information.

Life Skills Coach

 Duties  are to;       

• Plan and schedule daily classroom discussion/activities for participants in areas such as: self-esteem, communication, conflict resolution, anger management, addictions, substance abuse, time mamagement money management, relationships, parenting, problem solving, values, goal setting, boundaries, work ethic, resumes, interview skills, job search, housing, tennants rights/responsibilities, couple communication job site tours and apprenticeships.
• Assert a positive, professional leadership role with participants; emulating a high moral standard
• Respectfully Hold students accountable for upholding policy and discussion guidelines
• Assist Director in evaluations with students
• Prepare accurate reports on the day to day activties and student progress/concerns
• Assist with proposal writing/administration as needed

Qualilfications;

• Be committed to the improvement of students lives and the betterment of the North Central and Inner City communities of Regina
• A broad spectrum wealth of Life Skills knowledge in the above mentioned topics among others
• Effective communication, presentation and facilitation skills
• High moral standards/ integrity
• Positive/Cooperative attitude/ professional and sincere
• Ability to address concerning behaviors with students in a respectful supportive ways/ Non- judgemental
• Personal stability and ability to lead a role modle life that students can aspire to
• A basic understanding/comfort in working with First Nation’s Culture
• Ability to keep students engaged & motivated in the project of the moment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to hold students accountable for their behaviors
• Criminal record check
• A BA degree in the humanities and/or equivelent training/experience

Team Leader

Primary purpose

To oversee young multi cultural adults in the North Central area of Regina and assist them in their transition into construciton employment and trades by maintaining positive relationships with participants, holding then accountable for their choices, demonstrating/instructing construction through actual construction projects,and helping them rise to a successful employment standard of performance.

Duties         

• Assert a positive leadership role in a team environment
• Work with participants on attendance, attitude, skill and work ethic
• Repectfully address participant behavior/performance if not up to standard
• Prepare basic reports on community work projects
• Assist participants in resolving conflicts if or where needed
• Work in cooperation with other program staff
• Ongoing monitoring of work performance and progress
• Report to the Director all updates, progress and concerns
• Portray a positive Immage for the program and the community association

Qualifications

• Able to connect with multi-cultural young adults (ages 18-30) in positive/supportive ways
• Patient, non-judgemental, flexible, and positive attitude
• Possess high moral standards and stability, so as to act as a positive role modle with students.
• Possess effective communication and instruction skills
• Capable of resolving conflicts
• Able to present as professional with students and members of the community
• Have excellent organization and time management skills
• Have good physical stamina/ Able to present a standard for students to aspire to
• Have knowledge of worksite and powertool function and safety
• Ability to keep students safe on the job site
• Have a practical knowledge of carpentry skils and a variety of construction projects.
• Experience in Construction
• Minimum of Grade 12, and/or post secondary education or equivelent experience in a related field
• Hold a valid class five drivers licence
• Criminal record check

Please note the application date for positions closes by August 19th, 5.00pm.

The North Central Community Association would like to thank you for your support!  We are very excited for the opportunity to work with the community of North Central to help increase community pride by working together towards a safer and cleaner community as a part of our Renew Project initiative.

We now have completed 6 work bees and we have had a total of 62 volunteers which includes 22 adult residents and 14 youth resident helpers! We also have had the Road To Employment folks come out and help us with a couple clean-ups. We have received very good feedback from the residents that come out to help us and there is a strong sense of pride flowing during our work day from all those that help.

We also created a group called “North Central’s Renew Project“ on Facebook where we will post our information.  Please join and share our group to have the most up to date information and notices.

We will be working with North Central residents on Saturday July 27th, 2013 in the shared alley of 800 Block Athol and Garnet Street from 10am – 4pm (weather permitting). We will end the day with a free BBQ to celebrate our hard work!

We are looking for volunteers to help do minor yard work and maintenance such as painting over graffiti, cutting lawns, trimming hedges and cleaning up garbage.  It would be a great opportunity for employees to educate North Central residents on their programs and service. We will meet in the alley at 9:45 am and will be working throughout the day if anyone wants to show up at a later time.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact the Renew Project staff at (306) 791-9888.  We hope to see you out there!

Who:  North Central Community Association’s Renew Project and North Central community volunteers

What: Minor yard maintenance, cleaning and graffiti covering

Where and When: 800 Block Garnet/Athol July 27 ^th (weather permitting) 10 am-4pm, BBQ to follow

Why:  Cleaning North Central to improve community pride for a safer and cleaner community

Community Gardens

May 30th and June 1st was a fertile time for our community; picking, plotting and planting! The Community Gardens planting days and bbq event saw a massive team of helpers, staff and volunteer come together, building community spirit and pride around a garden patch! Everyone from the Regina City Police, to 104.9 Wolf radio station came along to get involved; not to mention some great coverage from a range of local tv news crews.

North Central would also like to thank our generous financial sponsor, Walmart- Evergreen Grants, as well as our fantastic in-kind partners; Safeway, Sobeys, Superstore, Extra Foods, Co-op, Fuller Austin, Time Hortons and Giant Tiger, without which the event would not have been nearly as successful.

As the plants continue to grow throughout the community we encourage you to get involved with the ongoing program which includes practical gardening education and development and plant and fruit/veggie general knowledge. To find out more about garden locations and to get involved with the program check out our event page here 

To view pictures from the Community Garden ‘Fun Day’ click on the photo below!

Student nurses and North Central Team get ready for a big day of planting!

Rockstar Communicators

We’re also happy to announce our online communication ‘rockstar’ volunteers and latest additions to the team! These guys will be helping out North Central and our partner organization Street Culture Projects, Street Culture Studio program over the next little while and we are really excited to have such multi-talented young professionals working with us. Read on below to hear a little bit more about Nick and Jared….

Nick Faye

“I’m a musician currently completing a work term at SaskTel and will be graduating in December with a BBA from the U of R. Also, my mission is to get more positive exposure and publicity for the Street Culture Studios”.

Check out Nicks band camp at http://nickfaye.bandcamp.com

Jared Schlechte

“Aspiring musician, and avid fan of the arts in general, Jared Schlechte currently uses his musical background working with Rage Regina in the form of concert reviews and a music inspired blog. A web designer by day, and a musician by night”…

Jared will be working on NCCA’s webpage as well as online network development and general social media mayhem. Check out his music/culture group Rage Regina at http://www.rageregina.ca/

Timeraiser Event

Thursday, 23rd of May was Regina’s 2nd annual Timeraiser event (and the 10th year in the events total history). For those who don’t know Timeraiser is a unique ‘resource’ raising opportunity; different to most typical fund raiser style events. The key difference is that attendees bid their time rather than money to win artwork by local artists. Attendees have the option to bid on a number of local non-profit organizations, of which there were over 30 representing their various causes. Our association had a great opportunity to get to know a range of professionals in the area, and while North Central didn’t ‘win’, we certainly received an overwhelming amount of positive attention regarding our many current and upcoming events and initiatives. We certainly can’t wait to attend next years Timeraiser event and encourage you to check them out for more details.

CBC Sasks Craig Lederhouse hosting Timeraiser