St. Joe’s helps stir up support for Youths-at-risk
President Dr. Higgins and Lisa Jeffs, Manager of the Youth Wellness Centre, served up some hot soup to support youths-at-risk yesterday for Living Rock’s 14th annual “Soupfest.”
“Soupfest”is a community celebration and this year over 20 quality Hamilton restaurants competed in the Best Soup, Most Creative Soup, Best Display, and the Best Grow Local categories. The event was sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union and included appearances by local celebrities, live music and entertainment, and a toonie auction. All proceeds raised from the event support the Living Rock Ministries’ efforts in responding to youths-at-risk.
Each week Living Rock prepares 900 meals, provides emergency food to 200 youth, offers prenatal and parenting classes, crisis and housing support, and employment training. The St. Joseph’s Youth Wellness Centre's mobile team visits Living Rock on a weekly basis to provide support to youth struggling with mental health and addictions difficulties. The mobile team consists of a nurse, youth mentor and clinical therapist, as well as a family educator from the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and an addiction specialist from Alternatives for Youth. Lisa Jeffs says, “Service is provided on site to help break down barriers to youth accessing the care that they need.”
Dr. Higgins and Lisa Jeffs joined local restaurant owners to serve up imaginative soup creations including ‘Savoury Parsnip Smore’ and were, “thrilled to be invited to volunteer at the Soup Fest by Karen Craig, the Director at Living Rock.” The results of this year’s SoupFest winners will be announced on the Living Rock website once calculated by organizers.
For more information about Living Rock visit: http://livingrock.ca/
For more information about Soupfest: http://livingrock.ca/specialevents/soupfest/