Kian & Isaac's Story
- May 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Three years ago, we took part in The North Grove’s very first summer program for youth. Looking back, we can see how much that experience helped us grow and how important it is that opportunities like this are available in Dartmouth North.
In 2023, we were wrapping up Grade 7 at John Martin Junior High. All year long, our health teacher Ms. VanTassel had brought our class to help out at The North Grove, just around the corner from our school. It was exciting to get out of the classroom. We spent most of our time working on the Community Farm, but we also prepared meal kits and produce for The North Grove’s Friday market.
Before the summer break, Ms. VanTassel told us about The North Grove’s Youth Summer Program. It was brand new, they had 12 spaces available, and she encouraged us to apply. We were already comfortable going there and it seemed like a meaningful way to spend the summer — why not give it a try?
Summers can be long and difficult for students in Dartmouth North between limited access to transportation and opportunities. It can be an lonely time of year. Programs like The North Grove’s Summer Youth Volunteer Leadership Program give students opportunities to connect, learn valuable job skills, and make a meaningful contribution to their community. Opportunities like this are only possible because of supporters like you.
That summer was great, and the program really took our volunteering to the next level. We were at The North Grove every day, helping to support all kinds of programs, from the Good Food Market to Community Meals to Summer Camps for kids. We also got to know a lot of kids from school better. The environment at The North Grove is friendly, and working together makes it easier to talk to people. Plus, we all chose to spend our summer here, so we had that in common.
The North Grove’s Summer Youth Volunteer Leadership Program offers youth ages 13-16 opportunities to learn, grow, give back to the community and gain valuable experience through volunteerism.
We both grew a lot that summer. In September we were asked to speak at The North Grove’s Annual Report to Community about our experience.
That fall something shifted. Volunteering wasn’t tied to school or to a summer program anymore, it was something we wanted to do. Showing up for our community every week is a choice, and it’s important to us. We can really see the impact of our work here.
We still show up every Monday after school to set tables, make coffee, wash fruit, and ensure everything is ready for 5:30 when families arrive for one of The North Grove’s four free community meals. Making the Family Supper program happen every week...that can mean the difference between someone eating that night, or not.
We know food insecurity is something a lot of our neighbours are struggling with it. Volunteering is one way we can make a difference. By supporting The North Grove, you can make a difference too. It’s not just growing food...you’re helping people grow too.
Dartmouth North tends to get a bad rep. People think our neighbourhood is dangerous, and they sometimes look down on you when you say that’s where you’re from. It’s a reputation that follows us, but we know it’s not true.
Volunteering at The North Grove allows us to talk to so many different community members, and you see they’re good people who are doing their best.
The North Grove has a way of opening minds, and challenging systems and stereotypes that can hinder people’s growth. It’s a really caring environment.
Volunteering benefits us too. Of course, it feels good to show up for our neighbours. We’ve also built a lot of skills here. We could apply for a kitchen or service job — we have real work experience, and great references too.
High school is serious business, and we’re not right around the corner anymore. Taking the bus from Dartmouth High and coming to volunteer after a long day of classes can be tiring. But we always leave feeling glad that we showed up.
Now that we’re older, we can see all the opportunities we’ve had since that first summer of volunteering, and we can see how much we’ve grown. We take on a lot more responsibility as volunteers and leaders. We’ve learned patience and understanding. The staff trust us, and we get to help orient new volunteers who join the team.
We’re not sure what our plans are for this summer just yet, but we'd like to know that a new group of youth can come to The North Grove this year to take advantage of the same opportunities we did three years ago.
