Words from our Chair...Don Clarke

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Hamilton legal community's fundraising effort for homeless and crisis kids: "Miles for Smiles".

This annual 40 kilometer bike ride began in 1992.  Lawyers from the criminal, family, civil and commercial bar, crown attorneys, justices of the Ontario and Superior Court, justice of the peace, police officers, law clerks and others from your offices and Courts have joined together and raised almost $400,000.00 over the history of the ride.

What is Miles for Smiles?

A number of years ago, four Hamilton, Ontario lawyers brainstormed for a way to raise money to assist some of the most disadvantaged members of our community – homeless and street-involved youth. These four gentlemen came up with the idea of riding their bicycles for pledges, and Miles for Smiles was born. Over the years, the Biking Barristers (as they came to be known) have seen Miles for Smiles evolve into an annual effort to bring the local legal and business communities together to join forces and raise money in support of facilities that help these kids, in particular two such facilities operated by the Good Shepherd Centres: Brennan House, Notre Dame House, Notre Dame School, Angela's Place and JEB's Place.

Brennan House provides housing to support local youth in their transition from homelessness to independence.

Brennan House provides a 15 bed, co-ed transitional housing program for youth 16 to 20 years of age.

This long-term, personal strength-based program supports young people in transition from homelessness to independence. Residents are expected to establish their own personal goals with the aid of Youth Support Workers.

At Brennan House, young people are encouraged to develop life skills such as budgeting, problem solving, conflict resolution, anger management, self awareness and other identified areas. The team approach incorporates 24-hour Youth Support Workers and community resources to assist youth in their development.

Youth are expected to assume responsibility for contributing to and following house rules, attending Homework Program, completing their education, undergoing job training and maintaining employment.

Notre Dame House 14 Cannon Street West, Hamilton, ON L8R 2B3  Phone: 905-308-8090

Notre Dame House is a 24-hour emergency shelter and multi agency resource centre of homeless and street-involved youth. In 2001, Notre Dame House also opened a school to meet the educational needs of these young people in our downtown core.

The six-week program uses a unique team approach that pairs each young person with a youth support worker who helps them reach their personal goals using strength based, client centered approaches. Program objectives are achieved through advocacy, case coordination, recreational/ therapeutic programming, informal counseling and connections to housing, education, income resources and other identified needs.