CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE IMAGES OF CARIBANA!

 Summer 2007 is turning out to be a busy one for the VIP group!!

We're joining the Mobile Jam Fest which is a youth documentary competition to raise awareness of the United Nations Millenium Development Goals........not sure what they are? Visit the UN website to find out more.

Stay tuned for the documentary we're working on, it should be posted here in a few weeks!!

There's been a big demand for workshops in the community this summer.  We've had the opportunity to meet a lot of young people and talk about things like healthy relationships, how to resolve conflict peacefully and what we can do to try and keep our communities safe! 

Interested in having VIP come speak to your group?  Call Joanne Muscarella at 416-438-3697 ext. 278 and she'll hook you up!!

We are looking for youth interested in being part of VIP in September 2007. Have something to say about the violence happening in the city?  Want to meet other young people who are making the choice to do something about it? 

Give us a call and you can come in and see what all the program is really like.

The group is working hard at getting feedback from the STEPS conference that happened this past Spring.  Were you there?  Have something to say about the day that we should know for next year?  Please call us or email us!!  Didn't go? Send us an email with your phone number so we can let you know about it next time!  Visit the STEPS page to find out more about this massive one-day event for young people to come together and learn from eachother and others!!

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                                       "THE VIP YOUTH IN ALL THEIR GLORY"      

SENATE SPEACH -Marcus                            VIP Youth speak their heart on various topics to the Senate:

CHERYL'S SPEACH                                 read two articles written by Marcus  Ried and Cheryl      Osawamick.

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VIP is everywhere, here is one of our members with actress Tonya Lee Williams.  The group was at City Hall to view the premiere of a documentary on Youth Engagement.  Tonya Lee is a big fan of VIP, as she also showed up to our huge STEPS event earlier this year. Our VIP members had a chance to hang out with the star and enjoy the a wonderful event.

  So its September and Summers over. See what you missed at VIP!

                   During a cool break from the hot weather in August, VIP had a chance to attend an exclusive Argo's Practice and BBQ just for VIP! Many youth volunteers and staff came out to attend the event and watch the Argos practice their game, and also to grab a bite with them during lunch!

           In a special BBQ lunch the VIP members were invited to, a special gift was given by Alshades Canada! The special gift was a generous donation towards VIP, and we will use all of it in doing what we do!

            Before the film Gridiron Gang, featuring The Rock, was released in theatres, VIP had a special screening to watch the movie before release date...and yes, it was JUST FOR US! The Special screening hosted by the Argos was a lot of fun with the Argos attending as well. Signed Argos merchandise were given away, and overal, those who attended had a great time with a great movie with a strong message!

During September, the Youth Outreach Worker Program was launched and we celebrated with a blast!

A VIP volunteer had a chance to meet with The Young and the Restless star Tonya Lee Williams. Read more here!

Without a doubt, another VIP exclusive!

Check out picks of Argos, Tonya Lee Willams, and more here! -  VIP's Summer Gallery

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Here is Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers, Likwa (supervisor for Youth Opportunites Youth Outreach Worker Program, and our youth volunteers; Latoya, Thansha, Lalitha and Durka.

On October 16th 2006 the annual Scarborough summit took place at the Scarborough Civic Centre. It was a day where people came together to talk about the upcomming municipal elections and current issues which people in our society face. Three of the VIP's volunteers took place in the Summit, and were able to speak out on some of the problems youth face in Scarborough. They were even quoted on the Scarborough Mirror. Mary Ann Chambers, the Minister of Children and Youth Services attended, and the VIP volunteers were fortunate enough to speak with her.

                                                             "Master T Hosts..."                       

                             Showcasing The Endless Possibilities of Scarborough ( STEPS )          

            An event that was just a faint whisper three years ago has finally happened. After a long planning process along with the special commitment from dedicated Staff and youth Volunteers, and especially to Special Events Coordinator Sherien Barsoum and her full pledged commitment and the visionary, Likwa Nkala, who created the concept for STEPS; the event became a reality. The long anticipated showcase took place on March 31, 2006 and was hosted by Scarborough's Centennial College. With many celebrity guests attending the event, most importantly being the Master of Ceremony as former Much Music VJ Master T, along with others such as Toronto Argonaut's CFL All-Star and East Division All- Star Michael Fletcher, and the Young and the Restless star Tonya Lee Williams. Also, above all the greatest guests attending the event were the outstanding youth that were nominated for awards for their overall leadership and their contribution to Scarborough.

The event was a blast! Check out S.T.E.P.S: An Event, An Experience

for what one volunteer had to say about the aftermath of STEPS!

If you missed it or you want to remember - check out STEPS Gallery

                                                    3rd Annual - DUNK OUT VIOLENCE!

                       Not only was 06 the year for STEPS, but East Metro Youth Services were one of the partners that took part with the City of Toronto Parks Forestry and Recreation in hosting their third annual Dunk Out Violence Basketball Tournament at Centennial C.C! With each year this event is held, the better and better it gets. This year, July 8th 2006, the event opened off with a special performance from APEX. The entire day was a grand slam; including an all day BBQ, an amazing half-time performance by the number one dance group in Scarborough, K-otic, 3 on 3 tournaments, and the highlight Dunk Out Competition; where the champ Aundre Rose dunked over two tall men, leaving the crowd in a frenzy! Without a doubt Scarborough's community will always remember to dunk out the violence in their lives. Not only is Dunk Out Violence a catchy metaphor, but as of July 8 it has become the Scarborough code!

A Grand Slam! Check out the tournament winners, the Dunk Out champs,

and the ballers in action - and more!! DUNK OUT Violence Gallery!

                                                                 Check out what else has been happening with VIP. Next Page!                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Updated December 27, 2006