Groups
Be a part of the community!
At PARC you are invited to get involved in a number of groups which assist in your transition to adulthood. PARC offers a number of regular group meetings every weeknight in the evening. PARC is generally open 56 hours a week from 9am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Fridays, and even the acceptance of new members to the group (it is rare that any of the youth turn anyone away). Youth can learn more about the groups and arrange to attend a group through their PARC worker.
The youth themselves are encouraged to run the groups. They decide on what is to be covered at each meeting, projects they would like to undertake, guest speakers the group would like to have, and even the acceptance of new members to the group (it is rare that any of the youth turn anyone away).
An important part of each group meeting is the meal at the beginning and it is the group's responsibility to arrange for the shopping, cooking, and clean up of their evening. The meal is free for the youth, but they must decide on the menu and the shopping based on a fixed amount of money that is available for this part of each meeting. While the weekday groups are a main part of the PARC programs, other regular but not weekly activities include camping, cultural events and educational opportunities.
Relationship Group (Mondays - 5:30pm-8:00pm)
The relationship group is a fun, relaxed way for youth to become acquainted with PARC. The discussion topics are about relationships - good and not so good - with family, friends, workers, co-workers, people in the community and/or romantic. We discuss how to understand them, how to live with or without them, and how to make them great. Youth are encouraged to come after school or work and join in the preparation of a meal for the group members. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.
Art Group (Tuesdays - 5:30pm-8:00pm)
The freedom to express oneself through multi-media art makes the Art Group one of the first groups youth participate in when they join PARC. The noncompetitive and relaxed approach makes it popular with all youth. The group, which is led by a staff member and PARC youth, meets after school at PARC and participants are welcome and encouraged to join in the meal preparation, which is part of the relaxed atmosphere. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.
Network Group (Wednesdays - 5:30pm-8:00pm)
The Network Group is an advocacy group that encourages and provides opportunities for youth to speak out about their experiences in care, educate others about important issues for youth in care, and give back while working for positive change within the child welfare system. Group members are provided with an opportunity to improve their skills in areas such as communication, self-expression, literacy and advocacy. The Network Group also focuses on empowering youth by providing a peer network that encourages goal setting in education and career planning. Youth are encouraged to come after school or work and join in the preparation of a meal for the group members. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.
The Men's Group - Standard Issue (Thursdays - Anytime)
The Men's Group focuses on the men of PARC getting together and doing activities such as go-carting, paintballing, making audio music or music videos, and/or attending youth conferences. The group also hosts speakouts in the community at shelters and group homes. Youth are encouraged to come after school or work and join in the preparation of a meal for the group members. The group meets most Thursdays at PARC and may happen anytime. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.
