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THE REFUGE APPROACH
Over the past several years of working directly with street youth, we have identified multiple factors that can lead to homelessness. Everyone we encounter is challenged by a unique circumstance that is specific to them as individuals.
Reasons for leaving home engulf a broad spectrum of factors from sexual and physical abuse, abandonment, extreme poverty, personal safety, and being thrown out of the home for not complying with parent's rules.
In order to intervene in a coordinated manner, ensuring that young people at risk receive the services they need, The Refuge has formed partnerships with the best possible community service providers to help address the various problems faced by the youth.
The Refuge very much takes a relational approach to the work that we do here in the Durham Region. We believe in the integration of word and deed in bring the love of God to the street and at-risk youth of our community - that is, we need to not only speak the love that God has for them but we need to also show them God's love through providing for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the youth whom we serve.
Based on this, one of the goals of our programs is to just 'hang-out' with the youth to get to know them better. It is through getting to know them that trusting relationships begin to develop. As these relationships deepen, windows of opportunity are given to the staff to address certain issues in their lives … issues that, once resolved, can help them to make positive life decisions.
We also believe that, for the youth with whom we interact, that a personal relationship with Jesus is the answer for them. Many of the broken lives that come through our doors have pains and hurts that are rooted in painful childhood experiences. Others deal with mental disorders and addictions. All have hearts that need to be healed at the source. We at The Refuge believe that only Jesus can heal such broken hearts and we desire for their hearts to be healed and for them to experience life to the fullest.
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For those who like to celebrate Christmas all year round ... check out our 2007 Christmas Wish Catalogue by clicking on the image above.
...Canada's Only 1/4 Marathon...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Helping Homeless Youth find their Own Quarters
Dave's Recommonded Reading List
1. Under the Overpass
2. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger
...more to come
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