Fostering Positive Identities in Youth Via a 1930’s Hot Rod

Sponsoring Member: Sgt. Tim Houchen

The NASKARZ Wheels Project is designed to create and enhance positive relationships between the VPD and at-risk youth in Vancouver. Working together with the RAYCAM Community Centre, the project aims to build a 1930’s style hot red vehicle. This program will foster positive relationships between these two groups, as well as help to develop positive identity assets in these youth.

There is expected to be five VPD members and fifteen youth for each of the participating schools involved. Each of the youth will be involved in the decision making process, thereby providing them with a sense of ownership and control of the team’s creation. This sense of ownership is the core of building stronger, safer and more positive communities.

Comments from Sgt. Tim Houchen

“I would like to first say thank you on behalf of our team and the youth for [the VPF''s] donation - we will make it go as far as we can.”

“NASKARZ is just about to enter its full time [2010] summer program with the youth. The 1967 Cobra kit car should be completed by the end of the August, to be unveiled at an event in the near future. This vehicle will be shown at numerous events then raffled off.”

“The 1935 Ford should progress over the summer in order to have a rolling chassis. Precision Racing is now building the motor. ManMac Transmissions will be providing the transmission and IWE Rear Ends Only will complete the rear axle. This leaves the braking system to install, and we’ll have a chassis.”

[The VPF's] donation will provide a great deal of the funding for this work to be completed. The program was able to offer the youth two job skill programs worth two college credits, and most of the youth took advantage of this opportunity and will receive full credits for the course.”

Three years ago, I met Aaron. Aaron was 12 years old and was struggling with school; he seldom went and was often influenced by his older brothers and cousins who were involved in stealing cars. During conversation I challenged him to do better in school. Last year he completed all of his studies but he pushed himself a little harder this year and received 2 A’s and a B on his report card. He was quick to point out that I owed him two tickets to the movies, which was our deal if he got an A in school.”

“I now have those tickets and a VPD shirt [that] I will be presenting to him in front of the [NASKARZ] group.”

“I am looking forward to many more successful “Aaron” stories in the future as [participants] continue to succeed in NASKARZ, school and life.”

“These stories are all made possible by funding.”