Dare To Dream

Before posting more entries from the Dare To Dream project, I thought it might be good to give readers here a bit more of a perspective on what the project is all about and how it came to fruition. The following article was written by EYC Public Relations Officer, Marc Rocheleau, and was printed a couple of weeks ago in the Essex Free Press and the Essex Voice:

"By Marc Rocheleau

Although many feel hopeless during their adolescence, one teenager is "daring to dream" of a way to help.

Having gone through depression, 16-year-old Jasmine Wood decided to do something about it. After working through her personal problems, the Essex Youth Centre (EYC) member used her creativity to help others suffering from depression. Wood wanted to create a book featuring art submitted by youth to raise awareness of this issue.

"A couple of years ago I went through a lot of stuff with myself," she said. "Just kind of making it aware for other teens is my goal."

Wood heard about the Dare To Dream program at the Town Youth Participation Strategies (TYPS) conference and thought it might be a way to reach out to others.

The Dare To Dream program is available for people 18-years-old and younger to promote mental health awareness. Project submissions are reviewed by a panel of youths and, if accepted, grants of $1,000 (for individuals) or $5,000 (for groups) are given.

Deciding to take the project on in March, Wood almost missed the deadline. After finishing the hand-written application, her mentor, EYC Executive Director, Sandy Larivee expedited it for review.

Although they received a $5,000 grant in June, Wood's exam schedule and summer job caused some delays. In September, Wood had more free time and received some help. Fellow EYC member Kelly Howe (17) created posters highlighting the project and Sylvia Caetano provided support during her placement. Child & Youth Worker Tanya Nash also got Wood on track, helping to organize and distribute posters beyond her 20 hour co-op.

"Tanya picked up the torch because it's an amazing project," said staff-member Sue Vermast. "It certainly isn't anything that warrants merely 20 hours. Jasmine's put in 200 and I'm quite sure Kelly's put in at least 200 drawing the posters.”

Every submission must fit on 8.5x11" paper, be 2D and no profanity is allowed. Despite these guidelines, no one has been limited so far.

"I got this really cool entry that I saw the other day," said Wood. "It was drawn but also had, like, kind of a poem but it was really cool. It was almost like Japanese anime kind of style and it was really cool."

Cash prizes will be awarded and first place will get their art on the cover – Wood is using judges from the school and EYC , including a social worker to decide the winners. Once completed, she's hoping to have an open house at the centre for participants to show and celebrate their work. Copies of the book will also be printed for local schools and have contact information for help.

People ages 13-20 can submit their art to the project by e-mailing perfect.dreamer@hotmail.com. For more information, contact the EYC at 519-776-9000 or visit the Dare To Dream Project's Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42077171361. Entries must be in by February 13."