Outline

PARC offers a number of regular group meetings every week-night evening. PARC is generally open 56 hours a week from 9am to 9pm Monday through Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Fridays. Participation in all groups at PARC is voluntary. Youth can learn more about the groups and arrange to attend a goup 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 cleaning up on 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 (Monday)

Facilitated by Micheal and Lisa
The relationship group is a fun, relaxed way for youth to become aquainted with PARC.
The topic is relationships, good and not, family or romantic; how to understand them, how to live with or without them, and how to make them great.
Mondays from 5:30 till 8:00 p.m. Youth are encouraged to come straight from school or work and join in the preparation of a meal for the group members. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.
This group is lead by two experienced PARC staff.

Art Group (Tuesdays)

Facilitated by Heather and Stephanie
The Art group is a safe comfortable environment for youth interested in art to explore various art mediums and learn to express their ideas and feelings through art. It is a non-competitive setting in which self-expression along with the freedom to enjoy the materials is encouraged. Icebreakers and check ins at the beginning of each group contribute to the relaxed approach.
This is often one of the first groups that youth who come to PARC join because the expectation is to work at ones own pace and experiment with whatever materials catch ones eye.
The art group currently meets Tuesdays from 5:30 till 8:00 p.m. Youth are encouraged to come straight from school or work and join in the preparation of a meal for the group members. Youth can access the group through their PARC worker.

Network Group (Wednesdays)

Facilitated by Network group and supported by PARC staff
Network is an advocacy group which gives youth the opportunity and encouragement to speak out about their experiences in care, and to "give back" and work for positive change within the child welfare system. Some members have participated in other groups at PARC, and have brought those skills to the Network Group. Most of the members are already living on their own in the community, so are further along the spectrum of independence.

Men's Group (Thursdays)

Facilitated by Alex, George and Jason
The Men at PARC of all ages are encouraged to get together and do guy stuff. This can take the form of joining with the other youth organizations to do things which included organizing a conference and sometimes an in PARC group is formed to do stuff which has included go carting, paintballing, making music CDs and playing ball. The group meets most thursdays at PARC and may happen anytime.