Earth Hour 2010

Childcare advocacy group hoped for more in Saskatchewan budget

A group shot of some of the Little Souls Daycare staff and children.

Leader-Post
By Barb Pacholik

While the new provincial budget has money to boost the number of child care spaces and pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, one advocacy group was hoping for more.

“Overall we’re looking more for a universal system,” said Ann McCrorie of the Early Learning Childcare Coalition of Saskatchewan. She said there’s still not enough spaces to meet demand, but she’d like the province to think even bigger.

“What we envision is a public system of early learning and child care that’s funded and provided by government, essentially. And that it’s an integrated program that combines early learning and child care,” she said.

Wednesday’s budget provides for 235 additional child care spaces and 18 new pre-kindergarten programs. Added to the 1,500 child care spaces created last fiscal year, the total number of licensed child care spaces will grow to 11,650 by the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year. Pre-kindergarten programs will number 230.

Little Souls Daycare in Regina is one of the centres that has benefitted from the influx of provincial money for child care. Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM) received $201,600 from the province in July to fund the daycare.

Now the 60-space Little Souls Daycare, which opened its doors at 1475 Athol St. in February, is still looking for a few more little souls.

“It’s like the best kept secret in Regina,” said SHRM’s executive director Michelle Porter, noting they are still trying to fill 20 spaces. She believes it’s not a lack of demand that has kept the licensed spaces from being filled, but rather a lack of awareness. She spoke recently to one man whose child had been on a waiting list for 18 months, but he had no idea that Little Souls had opened. Because of privacy laws, daycare centres can’t share the names of those waiting for spots.

McCrorie often gets calls from parents struggling to find child care, with proximity to home often high on their list of requirements. Porter said about 60 per cent of the kids at Little Souls come from the area although it is open to children from anywhere.

The extra spaces in this budget do come at a price. The $2-million cost of the additional child care and pre-K programs will be found through reductions in other areas: The Education Supports for Employees of Child Care Centres (which helped with training and education for child care workers) will see a drop in funding; 10 Community Solutions projects (local programs which assist which such needs as family support connected to a daycare or seasonal child care needs) will lose their provincial funding within 90 days; and the use of a school-readiness test for kindergarten students will be reduced.

Porter said one of the other challenges SHRM has encountered in opening its daycare is a scarcity of trained staff, despite having one of the higher pay rates in the city for its workers. “It’s very, very difficult. We’re now looking at bringing in people from other provinces.”

The childcare coalition has also been pushing for a 20 to 25 per cent increase in the wages paid to early educators.

“Without significant improvements to funding, the province will have little or no chance to improve new training and recruitment initiatives,” it said in a news release.

Shawna's Story: Grateful for City Vision's Real-Life Experiences

Recent City Vision College grad and intern at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission shares her story at UrbanMinistry.org.

Shawna Fitz received a Certificate in Missions from City Vision College and graduated in 2009. Originally in the Addiction Studies program, she switched to Missions because it conveyed what she wanted to do—charitable work with Christ at the center. What she loves most about City Vision is the internship requirement. Not only do they provide the knowledge students need to be effective in urban ministry, but they give you the chance to serve people in various organizations and ministries in the US and Canada.

Fitz says, “What I learned at City Vision was right on point with what I did at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.” Souls Harbour is located in Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada) and provides struggling men, women, and families with shelter, food, and clothing. In addition, they have support programs and provide opportunities to introduce the Gospel to the residents.

She recently completed her internship at Souls Harbour this past January where she was the Shelter Shepherd/Caretaker of Harbour House, which provides low-income housing, an emergency homeless shelter, and a recovery program for women. Approximately 85% of the women who come here are running from domestic abuse, and 80%have drug issues. Fitz says, “We get a lot of prostitutes, addicts, and women without homes, so we give them a room to stay in. They become part of your family. I don’t see anybody who goes through what they go through the same anymore. It’s taught me to drop my barriers and to just see them as real people.”

At Souls Harbour she saw real transformation take place in the lives of those she served. She witnessed Mission’s residents come to Christ and their addictions and bondages broken—for Fitz to see former addicts genuinely experience God and his power to heal was “humbling and amazing.” Through it all she drew closer to God, becoming more aware of what he can do for people despite the depth of sin or struggle.

Fitz, now in Kansas, works at the Department of Commerce where she finds resources for people looking for housing or jobs, and conducts adult workshops to improve their skills. A City Vision course that prepared her for this is Life Skills Training, a class that teaches students how to equip disadvantaged adults in areas of “literacy, employment, readiness, and financial management.”

At night, she is involved in street ministry where she talks to local residents about Jesus, listens to their stories, prays for them, and counsels them. To expand her work in urban ministry, she says, “I’d like to provide a place for people to know Christ more—such as a home church—so they would have somewhere to go.” And with the help of City Vision’s Ministry Management course, Fitz is in the process of establishing her own nonprofit that places missionaries in orphanages in Uganda.

It’s clear she has a servant’s heart, driven to serve and provide care for others at her own expense. She’s grateful for the opportunities and resources City Vision has given her—it gave her direction in what steps to take in following God in urban ministry.

What would it take for you to give up a year of your life to live amongst the poorest in our nation?

Why I Gave up Poker

I've been playing poker since I was in elementary school. I had a crush on Doug someone or other, and our families would get together, and he, being older, wiser and cuter, taught me to play.

When poker became popular again, I learned the new rules and tried my hand at it. In fact, I was pretty good! I found a sale and bought all our staff these beautiful poker sets, complete with wooden turntable base and nickle plated handle.

We got together and played poker nearly every week, with different staff coming and going, and a die-hard few regulars. I asked a few ex-gambler staffers if they thought it was alright, and they said they didn't care, but they never came to the tournaments. And of course, we never played for money; just chips.

We all went camping and played at the campground, played during the Rolling Stones concert, played and played and played. I, as reigning champ, felt pretty good about myself! Until one day, a staff member decided she couldn't play anymore. She wouldn't divulge the reason, but just kind of shrugged, and said she was tired of it. At the same time, another staff member said he could no longer play anymore. He said it was wrong, but didn't extrapolate as to why. Well, with our host having backed out, it just kind of dwindled.

Then one day, someone close to me, who, like me, enjoyed the game and thought she was pretty good at it, stumbled onto internet gambling. No longer was it good enough to just play for fun, and the thrill of the win, but pride got the better of her and she began to think she could win big!

But, as all gambling addicts find out, they soon are trapped into a cycle of no returns, where small gains are lost along the way to higher stakes.

It was that moment that turned me around. I got disgusted at the wiles of the enemy. How dare he take something innocent and fun, and suck people into the vortex where money becomes master.

I got angry. I gave up my MSN poker account. I deleted my iPhone Zynga account. I gave up my swanky poker set. And I swore to never play the game again, even in fun.

I didn't know the pull of a gambler. Just like alcohol, you never know if you will be one who succumbs to its grip. Years ago I made the decision to refrain from drinking. Not because it's is a sin, but for the sake of my Christian brothers and sisters who were not able to partake without abusing it.

There is Biblical example for this decision. Paul said, "Looking at it one way, you could say, 'Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.' But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well." (1 Corinthians 10:23&24 The Message.)

The Amplified translation ends it this way, and so will I: "Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but rather, let him seek the welfare of his neighbour."

How does this post make you feel when it comes to giving up something you enjoy, in order to love your neighbour?

Souls Harbour Heading To Halifax

Rescue Mission will help the less fortunate

Newstalk 650 CKOM
By Justin Blackwell


Souls Harbour Rescue Mission will be setting up shop in Halifax.

The charitable organization in Regina has been helping the less fortunate in the city for a number of years.

Executive Director Michelle Porter will be heading up the mission and while sad to leave, is looking forward to the opportunity.

"If we can get even half the support and success from here down to Halifax, it will be well worth the trip."

Porter says the idea came after they were approached by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions which asked them to consider a mission plant in the Maritimes. Porter believes Halifax can sustain a small startup work.

Porter and her husband head down July 1st to begin their new mission.

Joe Miller named new executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Michelle Porter (left), founder and executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, says farewell at a news conference at the mission on Wednesday. Joe Miller (right), director of business development, will take over as the mission’s executive director. Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post

by, Kerry Benjoe
Regina Leader Post

REGINA — The new executive director of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission wants to assure Regina residents that the mission will continue to provide those in need with the help they require.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Joe Miller, director of business development, will take on a new role as the mission's new executive director.

"I'm very excited," said Miller. "I think I have some big shoes to fill."

Miller said the mission will focus on prevention. He said there have already been some exciting changes at the mission like the opening of Little Souls Daycare in February. The centre provides subsidized daycare for up to 60 children.

In a couple of months the mission is to open a youth centre located at 1475 Athol St.

"We're going to continue to do what Souls Harbour does best," said Miller. "We will be there to give people the food, the shelter, the clothing and go through the whole continuum of care that we provide."

Michelle and Ken Porter, who have operated the mission since 2000, plan to celebrate Canada Day a little different this year.

That's when the couple plans to pack a few personal belongings with them and travel 4,000 kilometres to Halifax, where they plan to set up a sister mission.

"What brought us to this decision is the heart and passion that we have for homeless people in Canada and for people who need a leg up," said Michelle Porter. "We went to Halifax and found a hidden group of homeless people."

She said the city draws in many tourists because it's on the East Coast.

"The homeless are hidden behind houses that are done up really quaint," said Porter. "There is a lot of drug abuse and alcoholism as you would expect for a city of that size."

Although she's very proud of what the mission has accomplished in the past decade she's looking forward to doing it all over again in a new city. The Porters established the Regina Rescue Mission in 2000 and merged with Souls Harbour Mission House in 2007 to become the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.

Porter said she knows what a city can do when it bands together to help the homeless.

Stephanie Mitchell, 18, a City Vision College intern at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission is also answering Halifax's call for help.

She plans on making the trek with the Porters this summer because she believes in the mission.

"I felt like this was what I needed to do," said Mitchell.

She said working at Souls Harbour has opened her eyes to the needs of the world.

"I just want to be used to help others in this next journey," said Mitchell.

Big News!

Have you seen the morning paper? There is big news and seasons of change at The Mission. Please join us for a light breakfast and media conference this morning at 10:00 - 10:15 and be part of this exciting new venture! Come to the Soup Kitchen at 1836 Halifax Street and learn about... well... did I say this was BIG?!

My San Diego Itinerary

It's been so nice to come a bit early to enjoy San Diego at the Crowne Plaza. This hotel used to be the Red Lion Hanalei, complete with Hawai'ian theme. Some of that history remains. Let me fill you in on my wonderfully non-eventful time here so far:

Friday:
-Arrival to sunny San Diego
-Shuttle to Hotel & check-in
-Watch a Harrison Ford movie. It was really good, but had to google 'Jack Ryan' (main character) to find out it was called 'Patriot Games'
-Nap
-Order room service: bacon, pepperoni & mushroom pizza
-Watch Food Network's Food Network Challenge & Chopped
-Soak in outdoor hot tub
-Sleep at 9:00

This is what my room looks like, except on the ground floor with a sliding door to patio facing a grassy area & the pool. The hot tub is just around the corner!

Saturday:
-Sleep in until 9:00
-Watch The History Channel. Topic today is the history of the hot dog!
-Back to the hot tub!
-Read a magazine & drink coffee on my patio, overlooking palm trees & pool area
-Free shuttle to Fashion Valley Mall (outdoor) where I procede to buy cute little outfits for Amos, Jude, Judah & Katie.

I also bought an iPhone case at the Apple Store, to keep a little crack in check. This is my Kate Spade case, except in turquoise. At another kiosk I asked if they had a anything to prop my iPhone up on my desk. "Oh, you mean like this?" She showed me a little plastic dodad. "Yes! How much is it?" She placed it in my hand and said, "Free!"

-Back to hotel. Pay for internet to see if Mel and Rae had their babies... YES!
-Call my mom & chat with her and Phil. (She lives in Torrance, California.)
-Order room service: New England Clam Chowder & Hanalei Platter (wings, spring roll, coconut shrimp
-Chat with Ken
-Hot tub in the rain!
-Post blog
-Bedtime!

It's pretty much been a nothing trip so far. And, well, really, that's the point! Tomorrow, if it's not raining, I may take a short run to Old Town before the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions board meeting begins.

Where will your next trip take you?

Hurricane Season at SHRM

Our Head Chaplain wrote The Joy Club (our staff e-list) this encouragement letter today. He called it, Hurricane Season, at SHRM.

Right now there is a seemingly devastating hurricane of trouble, sickness and loss pounding on the doors of the Mission and on each of our minds and hearts. There are people too injured or sick to work, family members that are sick, allegations and accusations against staff, difficulties with staff and clients, and many of you feeling at your wits end. We might well ask "What is happening around here?" or "What is God doing?" or "Where is God in all of this? These are questions that always arise in times of trouble and trials of faith?"

If you have a few minutes, read Job Chapter 23. If anyone ever wondered why everything was falling apart it was Job. He looked for God but couldn't find him. Yet in verse 10 he says "BHt he knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold." This testing of faith is never fun. It almost breaks us; it almost turns us bitter. But right now, in the middle of the storm, is when we must pray for each other and hold on till it is over.

We don't know the exact outcome of our labours and our trials but one day we will know it fully under the clear blue skies of heaven. We'll be able to look back along with Job and say, "That was an awful, tough time. But God used it. God was doing something bigger than I knew.

Jesus said "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

A resident came to me today to tell me she had become a believer in Jesus Christ. That's Gold. Pure Gold. God is up to something, and it's going to be good. The Devil and the world will come at us to sift us like wheat. He will expose our chaff and we will be embarrassed by it. But the wheat that is left is what God is after.

I encourage you to pray in the next week for several things:
1. Staff who are sick, tired or both to get healing, energy and peace.
2. The Mission to be protected from harm.
3. Wisdom for leadership and Board of Directors meeting March 11th.
4. Staff needed to cover gaps at office, shelters, daycare, etc.
5. Funds to finish renovating the youth centre.

I invite you to take one hour in your "prayer closet" sometime soon. Maybe add a fast by skipping a meal. As often as you see a staff member or think of them, say a prayer for them this week.

-Ken

Naked Man

I must admit, when I first heard the story of the naked man running around Regina, I laughed. But as I continued listening to the newscast, they said the man was in a "distressed state." It was at that point I realized this wasn't some fraternity prank, but a man who was mentally disturbed, or high on drugs, and needed help. Why didn't anyone help him? Why did he end up all the way on the 15th floor at City Hall before anyone tried to offer him aid?

I was saddened and disheartened, and embarrassed for this man, "normally a gentleman", according to Mayor Pat Fiacco's aids. So, we get a chuckle at the thought of a naked man running around on a Tuesday morning around Regina. And we wonder if security at City Hall ought to be beefed up. But maybe the bigger question here, is, why didn't anyone try to stop him? Remember, it's sub-zero temperatures here. Since when did we become so "New York City" that we wouldn't try and offer the man a coat, or follow him to make sure he was safe, until police could apprehend him?

Yes, I know. It's awkward. And uncomfortable. Not to mention scary. But if you were so disturbed, or if it were one of your children, would you not wanted a Good Samaritan to intervene?

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is cuing up for their annual, Love Your Neighbour Fund Raising Banquet. It's on Wednesday, May 5th at the Delta Regina. The dinner and parking are free, but you do need a reservation. Come hear stories of Good Samaritan's in action, and how we work 365 days with those that are "distressed."

Call Paula at 543-0011 for more information. Reservations can be made for $10.00. Tickets are NOT available at the door, and are limited, so book now!!


PS. Note to self, for future photos for my articles, do NOT google "naked man."