A Year at Phoenix: 365 Days of Support
Dear Friends,
The month of March is here, and the coldest months of the year are (hopefully!) behind us. And with this sense of renewed energy for the year ahead, over the next few weeks we will be sharing just some of the monthly highlights in our Phoenix calendar.
Together with you—our community of supporters and friends—our staff continue to make meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of the youth we serve. 365 days a year, for over 38 years.
As you read on, we invite you to consider sustaining our work by becoming a monthly donor or by increasing your existing monthly gift this March.
Recurring monthly gifts are a simple demonstration of your support of our Phoenix youth, their families and communities.
Whether you give $10 or $100 each month, all donations are appreciated and really do add up over time!
With Gratitude,
Your friends at Phoenix Youth Programs
January
With food insecurity and the cost of living on the rise, staff at Phoenix Homes for Independence (PHI) decided to kick off 2025 with a workshop all about finances. Facilitated by Phoenix's Trusteeship Worker, April, youth participants learned about credit scores, filing taxes, and a few tips and tricks for alleviating wallet woes — especially handy post-holiday season!
April
Did you know that April 7th is World Health Day? In partnership with a primary healthcare physician and a community mental health and addictions nurse, Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) offers access to a variety of health-related supports, all year long. Services provided are confidential, free of charge, and include: addictions and mental health support, workshops and info sessions, access to sexual health and hygiene products, flu shot clinics, referrals, and advocacy.
July
Every year during Halifax pride week, Learn & Explore at Phoenix (LEAP) and the Phoenix Pride Committee team up to host our highly anticipated Pride Party! This year, over 60 youth, staff, and community partners came together at Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) to celebrate with colourful crafts, barbecued eats and frozen treats, drag performances by talented artists, and prize giveaways from queer-owned businesses. For many youth, the event is a fun and accessible way to connect with community while feeling accepted and celebrated for who they are.
February
Every February, the program calendar at Phoenix Youth & Community Centre (PYCC) is jam-packed with workshops, outings, and community gatherings in celebration of African Heritage Month and Black excellence. This year, the Share Your Roots event offered attendees the chance to enjoy the vibrant energy of Wontanara Drum & Dance and Drum Against Malaria, a stunning fashion show featuring DB Pearlz Designs, inspiring spoken word performances from the youth of Mulgrave Park, and delicious snacks and refreshments.
May
Tucked away on the shores of Lawrencetown, Ataraxy Farm welcomes visitors to experience the benefits of animal therapy with their dogs, cats, chickens, horses, donkeys, and goats. When we heard that they were expecting baby goats last May, staff and youth from Phoenix Homes for Independence (PHI) took a day trip to enjoy some quality time and cuddles with their newest additions! Youth described the experience as calming and positive for their mental health, and can't wait to go back.
August
For more than 10 years, Mulgrave Park Spread the Love Day has taken to the streets of downtown Halifax in August spreading messages of affirmation and joy. The initiative was started by a group of youth from Phoenix Youth & Community Centre (PYCC) as a way to challenge harmful narratives and showcase the positives of their community. The event has since grown in size and reach, consisting of crowds of 50 or more and upwards of 3,000 candygrams, clearly demonstrating the impact and significance of youth leadership.
March
It's March Break Camp season! Throughout the year, the Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy (PYFT) team support youth with finding meaningful opportunities to nurture their strengths, build their confidence, and develop community connections. For example, youth looking to attend camps that allow them to explore areas of interest but face barriers to accessing these programs can be supported with applications, financial aid, and advocacy.
June
Check out these green thumbs! When youth at Phoenix Youth Shelter (PYS) expressed interest in wanting to learn how to grow their own food, we decided it was time to give the garden a much-needed makeover! Last Spring, staff and youth weeded the entire garden bed, replenished the soil, and planted tons of vegetables, herbs, and sunflowers to enjoy throughout the season.
September
When Back-to-School season rolls around, our staff are ready to help ensure students have everything they need to head back to class with confidence. At Phoenix Learning & Employment Centre (PLEC), we offer a variety of education-related services, including support with navigating applications, registration, and student assistance, internal and external scholarship opportunities, access to backpacks and school supplies, exploring options for assistive technology, info sessions with post-secondary recruitment advisors, study cafés, advocacy, and so much more!
Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing some of our favourite annual program highlights, so subscribe to our newsletter for more impactful stories from A Year at Phoenix: 365 Days of Support!
From the Frontlines
"I love my work with PYFT and feel so grateful to fill the role I do in peoples’ lives; accompanying youth and their families on life’s journey is an honour I do not take lightly. Being grounded in an anti-oppressive approach and the belief that advocacy is integral to therapy brings a richness to this work that deeply aligns with my personal and professional values."
- Becka, Clinical Therapist
Phoenix Youth & Family Therapy (PYFT)
“As a staff member at Phoenix, I can attest that our programs are transformative. For example, the PHI program serves not only as shelter but also as a vital resource for youth striving to rebuild their lives. Here, they receive support to develop essential life skills and pursue their educational goals. This program helps rekindle hope in these young individuals, paving the way for a brighter future.”
- Ann Marie, Live In Support Worker
Phoenix Homes for Independence (PHI)
“The Phoenix Pride Party is a time where the youth we support are able to see themselves celebrated and reflected in our programming. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are a huge part of our Phoenix community, and having access to spaces in which they are free to be their authentic selves and spend time with community leaders is so important.”
- Phoenix Staff,
Pride Committee
