Emergency Teen Shelter
History
- On September 1996, the Victory Over Violence committee of Kings County hosted a presentation entitled Throwaway Teens. The presentation detailed how for some teens (16-18 years of age) lack of adequate funding contributes to homelessness, joblessness and poor educational attainment. Lack of funding creates sizable gaps in our social system. These gaps render agencies virtually powerless to assist in meaningful and sustainable ways. As a result, increasing numbers of youth, especially those between 16-18 for whom funds are not available, experience barriers to adequate housing, education and job opportunities. It was estimated that at any given time in Kings County there may be as many as forty teens on the street. In response to this alarming statistic a sub-committee was formed and local churches were canvassed for space to use as a shelter.
The Shelter
The Victory Over Violence Emergency Teen Shelter (VOV ETS) first opened on January 28, 1996. Initially, the shelter operated from two locations: St. Andrews United Church in Wolfville on Monday nights, and the Church of the Nazarene, New Minas on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Since then we have matured as an organization; and are proud to announce that the VOV ETS has partnered with The Red Door Youth Health & Support Centre, located in Kentville.
In the earliest days of operation, the shelter was staffed using volunteers recruited from Acadia University and the local community. Throughout the shelter's existence, a combination of summer student grants, Human Resources Development Canada grants and volunteers have helped keep the shelter staffed with 2 volunteers nightly - when needed.
We are open on an "on-call" basis seven days a week between the hours of 10:30 pm - 7:00 am. VOV ETS is a registered, non-profit society administered through a voluntary board of directors.
We are preparing a series of presentations to Acadia University, NSCC Kingstec Campus and the surrounding community as we head into our 2007 Community Recruitment Program.
678-2323 and leave a message.