CEN Celebrates their Silver Anniversary

For those sitting around the table in 1991, discussing how to address the issue of elevated high school drop-out rate on the Port au Port Pennisula, the possibility of what would be 25 years later, was not a consideration.

With an action plan to create social programming and introduce the idea of life-long learning, the Port au Port Community Education Initiative was born. Today, 25 years later, the Community Education Network works as a “collaborative” engaging partners and facilitating programs which support lifelong learning and contributes to supporting socio-economic development and community capacity building in the areas of Housing & Homelessness; Food Security; Mental Health & Addictions; ABE Level 1; Early Years; Community Youth Network; Employment Initiatives and Violence Prevention.

On Saturday, November 5th, 2016, 122 people attended the 25th anniversary celebration and annual general meeting at the Stephenville Middle School.

During his greeting, Mark Felix, one of the founding members and Treasurer of the board, spoke of the importance of education and how important social programs are. “There are only two ways out of poverty,” he said, “Win the lottery and education. With education the risk is lower with a higher reward.”

Mayor Tom O’Brien, congratulated Executive Director Bernice Hancock, the board and staff on this milestone and for always being that organization that includes everyone, of all ages. “Inclusiveness is the key, this is what CEN excels at.” To the youth in the room, he encouraged them to be true to themselves and “be whatever they want to be, not to be afraid to go for something they believe in, an example CEN sets.” Other greetings and congratulations were offered by federal, provincial and municipal officials, along with sentiments from past Executive Directors Beverley Kirby and Sharon Park. Ms. Park spoke briefly of her time at CEN, “Little did I know that my first day through the door that I’d be there 20 years later. Together we made a difference, and that still rings true today for the staff of CEN.”

The agenda for the day’s event included a keynote by renowned author and motivational speaker, Stephenville native, Jeremy Bennett who wowed the audience with his slight of hand magic tricks while presenting on the Secrets to Beating Anxiety.  His key message was that we control our own mind and that stress and anxiety is something we do to ourselves; that it is a defense mechanism we can control. During the 60 minute presentation he offered five things we can do to help reduce our anxiety levels. Those included:

• Changing the words we use to be more positive versus negative;
• Mediate and be in the now, not the past or future;
• Exercise;
• Not to take things personally
• To catch negative thoughts.

Repeatedly he said, “It is important that we take care of ourselves, if someone is pressuring you to do something you don’t want to do, get out!” 

Following the keynote, participants were invited to attend the highlights cafés giving a brief 15 minute overview of programs and services offered by CEN & Associate Organizations-Community Youth Network and Community Action Committee.

Over lunch, many attended the business portion of the event, the annual general meeting. It was during this event that a new Executive was voted in. Congratulations to Chair Johnny MacPherson, Vice-Chair Mark Felix and Secretary/Treasurer Janice Kennedy.  Ms. Hancock spoke briefly regarding upcoming priorities for the Community Education Network with an unsaid promise that CEN is going nowhere.

With bellies filled from a buffet lunch, each were left to choose to attend one of three workshops: Transitions with Kim Kendell, Youth Outreach Worker with Mental Health and Addictions, Music on the Move with Dr. Barbara Barter and Cyberviolence with Janice Kennedy and Sharon Williston of the Bay St. George Status of Women’s Council.

During the wrap-up and feedback session concluding the day’s event, the thunderous applause given by the large group indicated a day well spent. As the 25th anniversary celebration event came to a close with a 5 minute slideshow capturing memories of a quarter of a century of programs, services, smiles and milestones, many broke out in song as they chanted repeatedly, “I wanna see you be brave.” Applause broke out as the final lyrics and notes of Brave, by Sara Bareilles faded out and the final words sat on the screen, “Community Education Network & Associates: Braving the unknown and not afraid of the challenge. Here’s to 25 years and growing!”

To see more pics on how great the day was, check out our gallery. Click here.