Second base youth shelterServing youth for 19 years

Examine Your Attitude Do you feel that teenagers are irresponsible and should

not be trusted? Do you feel threatened when a group of teenagers are

walking behind you at night? If you see a homeless teenager on the street asking for

money, do you assume they will use the money to buy drugs or alcohol?

Do you feel teenagers should not complain about life because they do not have the same responsibilities as adults and therefore, their feelings should not be taken as seriously?

Do you think teenagers who are kicked out of or who run away from home are rebellious and careless?

Facts The ratio of males to females is

approximately 2:1. Approximately 15% of street youth

reported their families had been homeless.

In 2003, more than 35% of street youth reported they had dropped out of school or had been expelled from school permanently.

More than one-half of street youth

reported emotional abuse or neglect. Street youth are a sexually active

population, with more that 95% reporting previous engagement in sexual activities.

Conflict with parents was the principal reason most street youth reported for leaving home

Second base is here to help

   

Second Base is a shelter and drop-in centre for youth ages 16-21, which has been running since 1993. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Introduction to Second Base The youth are a fundamental asset to society as they are the future of tomorrow. The youth are faced with barriers at times that do not allow them to reach their full potential, and therefore, need a guiding hand into the right direction. Some youth are forced out of their home at an early age, or are one pay check from being homeless and need a place to be safe, warm, and welcomed. Second Base welcomes youth from all walks of life regardless of your race, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, economic situation, disability, personal health political beliefs or legal standing.

As soon as you walk in, there are powerful and moving words above you

Sponsors The United Way Greater Toronto Paloma Foundation The Scott Foundation Canadian Auto Workers Ontario Trillium Foundation CIBC The Brick Gold Foundation Progress Church Of God

What Is Provided The Drop-In Program provides counseling,

TTC tickets, pre-employment and employment services, access to job training, access to food and emergency clothing, as well as laundry and shower facilities.

The Housing Access and Support Program helps youth to find long term housing and how to sustain them. Also provides workshops and programs Designed to help the youth integrate into society.

Getting AheadONSITE PUBLIC LEARNING FACILITY Receive one-on-one tutoring from

community based tutors as well as fully-subsidized high school diploma, G.E.D. prep-test classes and International Learning Centre (ILC) high school classes. Kitchen training provided as well.

Second Base Classroom

How did we feel about this experience? We have a better understanding of the homeless

youth in Canada and how this particular shelter can help.

We felt welcomed into the centre, it was a pleasant atmosphere .

We felt that the staff were very protective of the members, and really wanted to protect their privacy

We really liked the 24 hour milk dispenser and found it sad to know that they are one of the only shelters who provide this.

We learned that there is hope and we can all work to better the lives of the Youth, our future.

Our Appreciation Gifts Our first basket is full of feminine

products such as shampoo, conditioner, cotton pads, wipes, soap, shaving razors, mouse, and brand new makeup.

Our second basket included canned food such as beans, tuna, ham and soups

Our third gift of appreciation was a candle holder with chocolates and a personal Thank You letter from our group

How Can You Help? Raise funds Volunteer Support businesses that support youth Text REGEN to 30333 to donate $5.00 to

help stop homelessness Raise awareness!