Newsletter

Text Box:

Text Box: Empowering Aboriginal Youth

Greetings from the Executive Director

Charles J Andrew Youth Treatment Centre

September 2011 Issue

Text Box: I am pleased to be able to once again get our newsletter on the go and will be a regular issue at least twice a year. It has been a trying time at CJAY but things are on track now after a lot of hard work by all. It is great to be able to let everyone know we have changed the program based on a program evaluation that was completed. It came out loud and clear that the land based program works best for aboriginal youth and has proven to be the most effective way of healing. The management and board came up with a plan for the program, which was approved by the board in March 2011, with implementation on May 16, 2011. The program now operates half time out on the land and half time clinical at the centre. We have two teams set up consisting of a Nutshimit (land based) Team and a Clinical Team. They work one week on one week off. The Nutshimit team consists of Cultural Coordinator, Counsellor, Youth and Family Worker, Cook and Elder. The Elders play a vital role in teaching aboriginal customs and traditions. We try and select Elders according to youth in program at the time. It is just wonderful to see how youth work with Elders and how much respect they have for the Elders even when they are struggling with substance abuse issues. The Clinical team consists of Program Coordinator, two Counsellors, 4 Youth and Family

Text Box: Workers and a Cook. The first new program intake was a male program with 9 youth starting the program and 7 who graduated, which is the most that graduated since CJAY opened. Graduation was a huge celebration with youth and their families along with Elders, CJAY board members, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, Wagmatcook First Nation, CYFS Sheshatshiu and staff. Even though it was difficult for all during this time the management and staff has to be commended for sticking with us and working in the best interest of program and youth. Your dedication and commitment to CJAY is much appreciated. Thank you to the board for all the support and guidance, and to First Nations Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada for believing in our plan and supporting us throughout.

Text Box: We are currently taking referrals for a female program starting September 11th and already have close to full house for next program. We look forward to working with all referral agencies and communities as we work towards improving the health and well being of youth and communities we serve. With Respects Iris Allen Executive Director

Text Box: In This Month’s Issue: Changes at CJAY– Pg 2 Kitchen Nooks– Pg 2 Therapy on the Land– Pg 3 Reaching our Youth– Pg 4 Intake Recruiting– Pg 4 There is nothing wrong with change if it is in the right direction– Pg 5 Inspiration from our Floor staff members – Pg 6 Fun Page – Pg 7

Iris Allen, Executive Director