YOUTH UNLIMITED

Hi Pacific Community Church,

You’ve been on my mind to thank!

I know it's been a while, and I apologize for the delay in updates; my time has been flying by so quickly. Let me take a moment to catch you up—I truly hope you know your support is what allows me to keep doing this meaningful work!

We've returned to our regular routine after a wonderful summer rhythm, which was a blast! Highlights included park hangouts, a moms' night out, one-on-one connections, downpour rain waterpark event and some memory filled personal family vacation time. Our Muffin Morning program is back in full swing, and we are continuing to care for young families and moms. This weekly program has become a source of stability for many, and we're seeing a very consistent group this season. A mom who is now a regular shared after her first time joining our program,  as she drove home with a staff member - "You have no idea how much this means to me." We later found out it was the first time she had been out with her child in a peer group setting since they were born. This community—this  space—was exactly what she had been longing for.

Isn't just another event.

In addition to my supervision role supporting staff and working behind the scenes, I also get to work closely with our Thrive program, which is our Life Skills program. This program has been adapted over the last few years, and while we spend this year dreaming up its next season, we are also doing some intentional teaching at Muffin Morning.

At the end of September, my co-worker and I led a topic on empathy and listening. It was a beautiful morning of deep conversation, laughter, and practicing those skills (see picture below of a listening activity). One mom, who has been coming for years and has built trust within the community, said at the end, "With this community I can ask these questions [and feel safe], but at home with others I can’t." This place, Young Families, matters. This week I led a session on friendship and connection. I am loving engaging this group in thinking deeper and investing in one another beyond a simple greeting.

Also this week we hosted a beautiful Friendsgiving meal, and a week later, we'll be getting muddy at a pumpkin patch. These are not just events; they are planned intentionally to invest in our families and provide opportunities—like a meal around a table, or an event they otherwise couldn't afford due to cost or lack of resources. We've seen many facing food insecurity, with some even skipping meals so their children can eat. In response, we have meals together once a month and make sure they get another meal (the leftovers) to take home. Most of the meals we cook together, which serves to teach valuable life skills and budget-friendly ways to cook.

Picture: Listening activity during muffin morning

Month-long Diaper Drive. 

This month, my church, Pacific Community Church, finished hosting a hugely successful Diaper Drive. This has been an incredible way to support our program in a tangible way, and I am deeply grateful. We give out diapers and wipes weekly and had completely run out of our most-needed size. We were so low, we even started taking diapers from the drive the first week after 12 boxes were dropped off.

Thank you, PCC!

This remains an ongoing need, and a great hands-on way to support us.

10 years to celebrate. 

I can't thank you enough for walking alongside me in this ministry. Here is the incredible news: officially, as of this month, I am celebrating 10 years of doing this work! Wow. So many good things, so many challenges, so many encounters with young people—so much has been poured into these ten years, and I am thrilled to have you by my side!

Thank you, thank you!

Your support and your encouragement have allowed me the joy of walking with young people. It's been an honour that I don't take lightly.

I'm truly grateful for you.
With much gratitude and a thankful heart,

From my family to yours,

Charlotte Toney