TESTIMONIALS

Many UWO students who volunteered at STREET CONNECTION, have written and given superb input on their experiences with our agency.  Through their emails we received very positive, personal and productive comments.  What I learned was many unknown benefits occurred through “our” interaction that STREET CONNECTION and UWO can site and be very proud of.

“one of the most fulfilling activities that I have participated in throughout my university career.” Julie Weller, UWO

“I learned about responsibility and setting an example for others to follow.” Sari Belzycki, UWO

“As a Business graduate, I am amazed at how much they have provided the community with the limited resources at their disposal – an increase in which I am certain would result in an exponentially larger increase in the breadth, and quality, of services provided.” Spencer Charters, UWO

“I, Jennifer Cole, a UWO graduate in 2005. During my three years at UWO, I volunteered weekly at Street Connection. My experiences there had a profound influence on my life. I grew up in a privileged environment.  Street Connection gave me and other students the opportunity to volunteer in a very unique setting: … direct, personal contact with the clients.  The staff is comprised of incredible individuals who teach new volunteers by role modeling. … – they taught me about dedication, empowerment, and respect. Through them and the clients, I discovered my own strengths and weaknesses, allowing personal growth.  I am studying my Masters of Social Work at Ben Gurion University. Street Connection influenced my course of studies. … At risk youth can be defined as youth at risk of becoming criminals later on in their lives. Street Connection provides that first step, by empowering those at risk to take control of their lives.”

“As a UWO Professor, I would be proud to have UWO students support Street Connection.  Since 2000, I have been involved with Street Connection and have been extremely impressed with all aspects of its administration and the services it provides. I have also discussed the many virtues of Street Connection with students at Western who have been involved with the organization as volunteers. I believe linking Western students to Street Connection would not only benefit Street Connection but would be a very positive experience for students at Western.”  Victoria Esses

“I, Melissa Pickles, UWO Alumna 2007, first learned about Street Connection through Western’s volunteer fair, … Street Connection has been extremely eye-opening, often providing practical situations/applications for the theory we learn in class. I have met some of the most interesting, heart-breaking, intelligent and compassionate people … gained invaluable perspective and compassion. … forced to re-evaluate my views and prejudices about those in poverty, and the social systems in place to help them, and have become strongly motivated to continue working with those in poverty. … UWO student volunteers provide a very valuable service to Street Connection. As peers who are pursuing higher education, we are able to act as positive role models … I believe that if Street Connection had the funding to expand their current programs, the relationship between UWO and Street Connection would expand.  It provides an extremely necessary service … estimated that currently one in five children in London grow up in poverty, and the centre often has nearly a hundred clients using its services on any given night.”

“My name is Petra Stephen. …an Honours Specialization in Pathology and Toxicology at UWO. I  became aware of Street Connection at a UWO volunteer fair three years ago, … it was a real opportunity to help make a change instead of just padding a resume for future applications.…   I learn about people, their lives and their troubles and their successes, and I learn about myself. I have learned not to shy away from confrontation, but to stand up for myself and for others. I learn more every day about the social injustices that affect many people – about housing, access to medical care, welfare, etc. …”

“I graduated in the fall of 2007 … straight away Street Connection had a profound impact on my life … The fact that these kids are living out on the streets, living lives more difficult than any of us lucky ones could ever imagine is no fault of their own. They are victims of society and an unlucky upbringing. I realized then how important it is for individuals to do their part to make a difference in whichever way they can.   … I can’t think of a better organization to receive UWO’s support and continued involvement; it is a partnership that should be reserved for many years to come. ” David Vink, UWO student

COMMENTS BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STREET CONNECTION engages with agencies, organizations and individuals in the development of strategies, programs and services targeting vulnerable youth. We continue promoting community awareness and dialogue, collaborate with other agencies, and develop innovative partnerships with the business community to support coordinated services with our youth.  We involve our diversified youth, ensuring the services are youth centred, to find and implement ways to meet and support their needs. STREET CONNECTION continues to be a member of the London Homeless Coalition, London CAReS (an outreach Community Addiction Response Strategy) and has many, many community partners.

It is very difficult to express ‘concrete results’ when life’s variables and the lives of all participants, homeless youth and volunteers alike, are mixed into outcomes.  If I had to sum up the results in a few words, they would be experience, understanding and compassion for the human condition. When students from UWO first volunteer with us, we hope it is an enriching experience for them and that they remain with us throughout their years at Western.  We know and believe our association with UWO students is a WIN/WIN situation for all.

While with us, our UWO volunteers generally adapt well in any given situation.  Their self-assuredness and other attributes such as integrity, honesty, willingness and insights become apparent to the tasks they take on.  They demonstrate their abilities to easily work with others.  Through the volunteer experience UWO students generally begin to share their life experiences with our youth in a very real and forthright way.  They come to a point, where working with our most vulnerable, they come to realize we all are so much alike and recognize the ‘human condition’.  As they continue to volunteer with us throughout their university career, they become more effective working with and within the ‘human condition’ and obtain transferable assets in their careers of choice.  The proverbial problem, ‘to get a job you need experience and to get experience you need a job’ applies here.

Dick Rastin, RSSW