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Youth News
May 2019
Person sitting on a bench reading a newspaper
Photograph by Roman Kraft
Welcome to the Second Edition of Youth News!
This is a newsletter about what's happening for youth and young adults at Thames Valley Children's Centre (TVCC) and in our communities (Elgin, London-Middlesex, Oxford, Huron, Perth, Grey, and Bruce)
Please let us know what you think, and what information you would like to see in future editions!


If you would like to continue to receive Youth News please subscribe
TVCC Youth Services
We have many programs and services available for youth and young adults, here are just a few! Head over to www.tvcc.on.ca to see a full list.
Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation helps children, youth and families experience and enjoy their leisure and recreation to the fullest. By working together to support and create meaningful opportunities, we enhance opportunities for participation as fully and independently as possible at home, school and in the community.



Adapted Fitness Centre

We introduce TVCC youth to a healthy lifestyle of physical activity, exercise and well-being through fitness. Our staff work in partnership to support clients who want to work out at TVCC (London location), in their schools, and in their communities.

This service is available to TVCC clients 8 years to 18 years of age. 

To find out more, please contact Rachel Ireland at 519-685-8700 ext 53464 or rachel.ireland@tvcc.on.ca.
Community Programs
Community Living Ontario
Student Links
Student Links offers an opportunity for students with an intellectual disability to explore ideas for their future after high school.
Student Links matches students and mentors who share a common passion or interest. The goal is to enhance their capacity to make informed decisions about their future prior to leaving school.

Some of the mentors that have been matched with students in the past have been experts in botany, broadcasting, comics, film, geography, bikes, music production, aviation, fashion design, fitness and many more.

Students between the ages of 14 to 21 can learn more about their area of interest or be introduced to members of their community who have similar interests.


George Bray Sports Association
Are you interested in trying hockey? Check out George Bray Sports Association!

The GBSA provides kids with special needs the chance to develop confidence & sense of participation through hockey. We focus on the fun of hockey, not the competition, so each player is provided equal ice time, regardless of ability.
Our league is a non-profit organization run completely by volunteers.


Youth Focused Fitness
Did you know Hutton House has a fitness centre? Come on out and try a low cost class just for youth!

Beyond Me
Originating at McGill University in Montreal, Beyond Me has come to London! Their goal is connect children and youth with disabilities with volunteer mentors in their community. While they are coming to the end of their school year they will continue to accept applications over the summer and will begin matching volunteers in September

What's Happening?
Youth Talent Showcase
Do you have a hidden talent? This is your chance to showcase it!
In celebration of National Youth Week we will be hosting a talent show for any and all youth. Join us on Friday May 3rd at TVCC (779 Base Line Rd E, London) for a fun time!
Have a talent you wish to not share? No problem, please feel free to still join us in support of those who are performing. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.


FREE Youth Day Conference
On May 5 th , the City of London is hosting their first Youth Day Conference! Come and learn about what you need to get a job, the skills you need once you have a job, and personal life skills that everyone should know. This day is all about providing youth with an opportunity to gain some professional and personal development skills.
Certificates of completion will be provided to those that attend the sessions.
Lunch will be provided and registration is FREE! There is also FREE transportation to & from the event available should you wish to take advantage of that. Space is limited so click here to register early to reserve your spot.
Young Artist Showcase
Have you been to the Woodstock Art Gallery yet? Check out work from young artists at YouthQuake on May 29th, from 5 - 7 pm

TVCC Family Fun Day
Youth Zone
Join us again this year in the Youth Zone at Family Fun Day on Sunday May 26th from 1 to 4:30pm. We'll have popcorn and snacks, games, button making, and there will be a movie at 2 pm!

Cooking with Friends
This is a 4 week program starting May 30th for students in grades 3 - 8. Come on out to the West Elgin Community Health Centre and learn to cook with friends!

To register and learn more about our program requirements call Kristyn at
519-768-1715 ex 2314T

It's that time of Year...
For those of you heading to post secondary education in the fall, congratulations! OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) applications for the 2019-2020 school year are now open! Be sure to check off that you have a disability as you complete your application as this will open up access to additional funding that the school can use to purchase equipment and services that will support your success.

Talk to the Financial Office about Scholarships and Bursaries, and don't forget to connect with Accessibility Services to talk about what supports are available, and what you need to make the most out of time at school!

Some of our favourite things...
Each edition we will highlight a website or resource that we find helpful, or an article or study we have found interesting. Please send us anything you have found that you would like to see here!
Transition Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities Transition to Post-Secondary Education
This website has many, many useful resources, articles, toolkits and checklists...

CAREERinsite
From Alberta, a very comprehensive site full of articles, resources, and tip sheets. Click on CAREERinsite to access tools, activities and resources that walk you through four steps of career planning- Know Yourself, Explore Options, Get Ready, and Take Action.

That's all for now...
Please let us know what you think, and what you would like to see in future issues of Youth News! If you have a program or event you would like to see included let us know at youthdiscovery@tvcc.on.ca
Are you on social media?
Stay connected with TVCC Youth Services on Facebook,
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YouthForYouth...
...and Therapeutic Recreation at TVCC