Poverty Awareness in York Region

The Dark Road's Author David L. Rogers where he once sat homeless

When you think of 'therapy" for deep depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol rehab, one doesn't usually think of poetry, but for one man it is just that.

David L. Rogers wrote his book of poetry at a time in his life when he was trying to rid himself of his addiction prone lifestyle that had lead him down so many dead-end roads - often ending with him in jail.

 A resolve to overcome his demons was one thing, and a support network of family, friends/spouse and community helped too, but David needed something more to help him in times when he could feel the old winds blowing.

The poems he subsequently wrote, often act as a reminder as to where he's been and that the dark roads lead nowhere. David feels anyone can relate to the book and that by reading them people then know that they are not alone, that others have felt the same helplessness they have felt and with that knowledge it assists the healing process.

'This Book proves you're not alone. People may say it, but this book proves it. When people read it they can relate to it, and it makes them feel better knowing they're not alone." David L. Rogers

A number of factors came into play that lead David down those roads, with one being an undiagnosed deep depression which he now receives treatment for, but his disposition was rooted as far back as grade school where he and his brothers would be mocked for their "poor" appearance, coming from a low income home with no running water. At one period in time, for about 4 months, as a punishment they'd lock David in a storage room during school lessons, letting him out only for lunch and then back in again he'd go. When he got bigger he lashed out predictably.

I've known the gruff sounding, yet gentle souled David, for a few years now as he volunteered without fail every Thursday at the York Region Food Network, helping to box up and load grocer donated packaged food and toiletries which got distributed to residents in need through delivery via P.A.C.C. as well as some other groups, such as Yellow Brick House abused women's shelter which also picks up donated supplies on occasion.They stopped giving to PACC a year ago or so but David continues to volunteer there.

Although P.A.C.C. doesn't support food-banks as a solution per say - deeming them inadequate, misleading and undignified - they do recognize the desperation some have in obtaining everyday living supplies, and to that end, try to help keep the process as dignified as possible at least.


Mr. Rogers seems to have found some peace at last through poetry, both writing and reading it. His experience reminds me of other types of "art" therapies I've come to know about over the past years from people I've met, such as visual art and photo, but for some, poetry seems to work the magic.
If you'd like to read or share a copy of The Dark Road with someone you care about, contact Author David here! dlrrogers180@gmail.com. Only $15.

Hear readings Oct 17 at Riverwalk Commons Newmarket 7pm as David will be donating 50% of all poetry book sales to P.A.C.C. on Oct 17 - International Day for The Eradication of Poverty.

You can also hear more from David himself through our video interview which we will link for your viewing. Below, an excerpt from "The Dark Road". Tom out!

Lessons Learned

The Dark Road...a book of poetry to help heal the addicted and depressed.

  P.A.C.C. Report by Tom Pearson

Seen  outside the YRDSB building before the meeting.

  Today I attended a meeting at the York Region District School Board building for the Quest for Youth initiative, as part of the planning for the November forum.

  When I first got involved, I wasn't sure exactly what it was to be honest but I think I have a much better understanding now. It is a 3 day event that acts as both an educator and a learning tool for some of the worlds educators in the quest for improved student achievement. The Quest for Youth is an educators forum wherein not only Canadians but teachers from around the world come to take part in the various workshops and educational events that are organized.

  There are underlying themes each year, such as last year a focus was on gay and lesbian students and tied to that bullying. The art work depicted for last years event, in which the performance piece included youth artists completing their artwork in a shadow-like form onstage, contained various images - from men embracing to someone hanging himself. Heavy stuff, and not the "usual" one would see everyday in a regular classroom presentation by students I'm sure. But it gives/gave a voice to kids/youth affected by these themes where it would often else-wise be no more than the white elephant in the room, and perhaps some insight for educators on how to identify and more effectively deal with this should they face it in their schools.  

  The purposes of today's meeting however was two-fold. First we were to discuss one part of the event which is a workshop that's to be a real life maze of what a young person may face when accessing the social services and agencies via a scenario we will present them with.  For example we can make one group a homeless family and they have to then go access the needs they may have such as contacting a shelter, welfare, housing etc and the process that it entails. As the "Quest" event takes place at Toronto's Sheraton Hotel I believe, we talked about being able to set up locations in and around the building allowing us to run people around a little as they try to access the various available resources.

  The maze thing has been done before and I'm not convinced of it's value towards really giving someone that feeling of vulnerability and embarrassment that goes with being vulnerable or destitute, but nevertheless I'll do my best to add some elements that give some 'punch" to it.  Hmmm...but what? Perhaps have them call a real agency or shelter to get the feeling?

    A few years ago I tried to push some of the collaborative partners to do a real maze wherein we dress up a real politician and have them apply for food banks etc but to no avail - with someone citing that we shouldn't embarrass them. I don't agree, but whatever! Ha.

Luther Hansraj

  The second part of the meeting was to discuss the performance piece, which as I understand typically happens on the Wednesday of the education forum. This is where art and performance combine to present messages to the attendees en mass.  For this part, I was to meet the performance Producer/Director, Luther Hansraj, a social activist of sorts and a man with 30 years theatre background who also produced last year's well received performance. I'm a creative guy too and actually taught a theatre school class some years back for Spotlight Theatre School as well as performed/produced The Canadian Improv Showcase and have acted lead on-stage in a musical among some things, so I at least have some knowledge as well to add to the live mix, and am excited to work with an experienced stage visionary like Luther on this.

  As we relayed some York Region stories, including about a homeless family and a father and son who'd been homeless and living in the forest in winter, about a youth with mental health issues unable to leave his house but still able to design our road hockey tourney logo, and that our York Region Anti-homelessness programs actually require applicants to make $30,000 a year, he appeared stunned. Eureka! Finally someone who gets it I thought!

  I'm quite enthused about this performance part of the forum, as I feel it could become something very powerful. We've talked of having visuals via pictures and video in addition, and I already have plenty of that, but as a youth angle I'd also like to tie in the annual youth road hockey drive/event we do. Some may know we have run this 9 years now and give an award to a community leader at the same time. We charge kids nothing to play in the all day tourney, and provide hot chocolate & hot dogs for the players free too. We have always had a hard time getting any kind of sustained cooperation with the schools or Board to attract more participants (let alone the media), as we always felt that to be a natural conduit for the event to be announced or even school teams entered representing if on their on time even as this is a March break held affair. This is something we do hope to change via the performance piece through showing the good it instills to these kids.

  I was quite impressed with the  quiet yet motivated Mr. Hansraj who wants to come out into the communities as well, and I look forward to showing him firsthand some of the challenges these kids face and how through road hockey we build foundations for friendships, leadership and self esteem.

  I'll be honest, in the neighbourhood the event was first started, road hockey had become stagnant the last few years with many of the kids moving on out or growing to old to play. All it seems to have taken is another interested dad to instill more interest and suddenly this year a number of new kids are taking to it - but younger. That's okay too, because the last few years we created a mini event for the younger ones too so we welcome it!

  One day recently a little girl(see video above) showed up carrying a branch from a tree as a hockey stick. She stood among the boys who were playing road hockey, which included her older brother and others, so I approached and asked if she'd like to play. She turned shyly from me and indicated no and at that time someone informed me they spoke no English.



  We're looking for people who have artwork or ( background)music to be part of the performance, or to act as work station assistants- so if you can help or would like to know more about the Quest For Youth contact us!

Tom out!

Youth Wall Art Mural Contest

Hi people!...! On July 1st Myers Costumes at 37 Main S is holding an open stage for entertainment and youth Art Mural contest and have allowed P.A.C.C. to sell BBQ stuff and drinks from their MAIN ST location Canada Day. The elderly owner has been repeatedly tagged with Graffiti and the hope is a beautiful mural will end that as the town makes her remove it at her expense, and lets just say costumes are mostly seasonal.

PACC Volunteers Needed for Canada Day BBQ

  Funds raised can go towards our International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which will hopefully be held this year at Newmarket new Riverwalk Commons location off Main St and cost us more.We hope to attract a number of related organizations this year to help defer the costs and we'll iron an invitation and letter out as such in the next meeting.


  We're looking for volunteers to take 2 hour shifts - perhaps people planning to go to Canada Day celebrations already - to help pull this July 1st fundraiser off. Anyone who can supply anything needed also let us know!


  A symposium hosted by Regional Councilor John Taylor was held last night that used the very nonprofit company ( Options for Homes) as one of the presenters of affordable housing options (ownership) that we proposed as an option long ago, but were ignored. We got no invite from Taylor to this as I only heard about it when the Era banner called for an opinion. What's up with that? Didn't we produce Y.R.'s social audit and list that as an idea for more affordable housing? Just saying.


  Last meeting we more or less got updated on the road hockey event and the like and discussed some of the various action oriented things we're involved in such as 2012 Quest for Youth with the YRDSB among others, and for which a luncheon is being held to discuss further a Nov event that this year focuses on youth and mental health issues.If you'd like to attend and participate let us know! Last year's Quest event included a stage production and ideas are at discussion stage so input is still essential!

Rock n Roll Night

  Unrelated directly - but perhaps indirectly for those interested to get out and meet someone, friends, or take a mental health break! Ha..I am hosting a live entertainment event called American Bandstand Night tomorrow night in Newmarket and singles or couples are welcome!




Tom Pearson
www.povertyacc.com