NOVEMBER 2018

We're all about applied and hands-on learning here at the Learning Exchange!

Meet RJ in this month's Learner Story and hear about all the unique learning opportunities that become available when you're open to new experiences!

Learn about Art Therapy and our new "Zen Zone". Get in the Christmas giving spirit with gift ideas from the Impact Market. Meet our Board President.

After taking my CPR and First Aid, I got involved with St. John Ambulance as a volunteer First Aider. I will be taking my MFR (Medical First Responder) in January 2019.

My experience has been great. I really like helping people and all of these new opportunities have definitely helped me do that. 

I’ve already passed two of the GED tests and now I’m working on the rest. I have improved my math, which I had a hard time with all through school.

I want to continue in the medical field and see what new opportunities might open up through St. John Ambulance. I really like helping people and enjoy volunteering at sporting and special events as a First Aider.

"No artistic ability required": Art Therapy & Mental Health at the Learning Exchange

Third year Bachelor of Nursing Students (UNBSJ) students, Ally Woodman and Lori Slauenwhite, recently completed a 12 week placement at the Learning Exchange. One of their many projects was creating the "Zen Zone"art therapy room. Here's what they wrote about the vision and motives behind the initiative:

Too often people are too busy to take care of their own mental health, and so self-care practices get put on the back burner. However, now with the Zen Zone, students and staff at the Learning Exchange will be able to take a break, get creative and practice mindfulness to improve their mental health throughout their day.

 The newly named Zen Zone is a safe spot where people can go to relax for a bit, taking their mind off of real world struggles. The white office walls have been transformed into a unique coloring mural for learners and staff to take a break and participate in a collaborative art therapy mural.

Butterflies fly around the room representing freedom and change. Flowers and plants are seen throughout the room symbolizing the continued growth of each individual that passes through the doors and the Learning Exchange as an organization. At the center of the room there is a compass. Each learner has had their compass point them in the direction of the Learning Exchange for one reason or another, however this is only one of the stops on their journey’s through life, and while the road may get foggy at times, they can always rely on their compass to lead them in the right direction. The quote inside the compass “Life is a journey and only you hold the map” is also representative of the journey that each learner has gone through to get them to the learning exchange and also the journeys they will go through once they leave.

But, why make the Zen Zone in the first place? Well, as every single person has mental health, every single person needs to take care of their mental health too. What better way to do that then a creative break to relieve stress!

 In fact, the creative process of coloring, drawing, painting or any other form of art is very beneficial to mental well-being. The act of completing simplistic activities, such as coloring in pictures can promote mindfulness, and is an act of self-care. Not only that but, research has shown that art therapy can be used to enhance focus, attention spans, and reflective thinking. Creating art can relax the mind, and people will find themselves able to express their inner thoughts and feelings with others.

 This room will be an ongoing legacy for everyone at the Learning Exchange. From creating the name of the room, to beginning to color in the designs, the Learners have been a part of the process the entire way, and we hope one day they will come back and see the finished piece and know that they were part of the collaborative, ever changing team that made that room special.

 The best part of it all? Absolutely no artistic ability is required! The theory behind the Zen Zone focuses on a creating a collaborative awareness of self-care. It was created so all people had to do is take part in the project by coloring, and that's what makes it work! In this room, everyone is an artist. So come on by, grab a marker, and take a break from the chaos and step into the peaceful creative part of you that you all know exists.

Season's Greetings from the Impact Market ~ Your Holiday Shopping Guide

Mug Bird Feeder 

• Some birds stick around in the winter, and they need to eat too. 
• If you’re a bird watcher, it will attract them to your home. 
• You can use the mug when the birds are done! 

Doggie Bath Bar

• Sometimes dogs need soap too! 
• Great gift for dog lovers! 

Voila All~Natural Cleaning Products 

• Eco friendly! 
• Voila is a social enterprise of the Saint John Learning Exchange. 
• Products are made by WES students

Me to We Rafiki Bracelet 

• ME to WE is an innovative social enterprise that provides products that make an impact, empowering people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices. 
• You can choose where your donation goes based on the bracelet you get.  
• Donations go to people in developing countries.

Leather Bracelets

• The Loyal Workshop is an organization that helps women leave the sex trade by providing them with alternative training and skills
• Impact Market is currently the first and only vendor in Canada

Klink Coffee

• Klink Coffee is a Social Enterprise of the John Howard Society
• They change lives by providing jobs and training for people returning home from prison

Stone Necklaces 

• All the stones are sourced from the Bay of Fundy
• Locally made

Jean Jackets

• These jean jackets are extremely stylish
• They are up-cycled (take something old repurpose it to make it new again)
• Locally made

Beach Art

• Look fantastic hanging on the wall
• Created using 'found' items (sea glass, broken pottery, rocks) from local beaches

Board Excitement ~ Meet the President

Karla joined the Board of Directors of the Saint John Learning Exchange in 2014. In Spring of 2018, Karla became Board President. 

Karla has been an instructor at NBCC for over twenty years. She has a passion for adult education and adult literacy. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering within her community and has served on other community boards such as the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation.  

“It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of the SJLE as it has given me the opportunity to work with a passionate, dynamic, innovative group of professionals that are positively impacting our community.”