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Literally no need,” he said adamantly of their reasoning. “I fought) my way through the whole nine months I was in that facility,” said Darr. “Every time I took otf, the police would always find me because my social worker knew where I hung out.” But his stepfather, who lives in St. Albert, Alberra, said Darr has an attention- deticit disorder and a border- line personality which left the ministry no choice but to intervene. “He was taken from our home because of fears his behavior would impact our other children,” said Randy Darr, who along with Erich’s mother have two young - daughters. “Erich’s had difficulty throughout his entire life.” Randy added he hopes his stepson is able to overcome his difficulties and make good on a life that has thus far failed to flourish. “I think his future is in his hands as it is for everybody,” said Randy. Meanwhile his stepson has discovered greener pas- tures on the streets of North Vancouver and continues doing whatever it takes to survive. Darr said if he starts at the intersection of Lonsdale and 23rd Street and makes his way down the hill towards the water, he stands to make as much as’ $40. Darr is talking about pan- ‘handling and although - he’s only 16, he’s an expert in the ERICH Darr, 16, prepares a bite to eat at the North Vancouver Salvation Army centre as the facility’s director of youth and family services Linda Sleith looks on. Darr has been living on the streets since he was 14, but recently has been trying to find a job and a@ permanent place to live. field. Lynn Valley Centre and Capilano Mall are also lucra- tive. “But I'd ger embarrassed because there’s all these beautiful girls there {in the malls) and they’re all rich,” said Darr. Dr Csilla Gyovai DENTIST ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS [MO [TUE [i WES STHs|SFRETYSA S| * Every second Tuesday and every other Saturday is off ** Open 1 monday per month. New patients are welcome =) 929-7499} This special feature highlighting RENOVATION housing market as soft as butter on a hot day, now's the time to renovate. Homeowners can invest a few thousand dollars in their residence and watch their investment grow when the market turns up again. Don’t miss this useful feature appearing in the... The North Shore, and North Vancouver in particu- lar, it seems is an casy touch.. The embarrassment com- bined with the uncertainty of his lifestyle has been nothing to Darr if nor. ther- apeutic. He finds himself on the verge of making life changes that will see him leave life on the strect behind. 2 morning,” ‘slight hint of a head cold coming through in his voice” Particularly the down- town version. “L was going downtown (recently) and saw an old girlfriend who was all cracked out (in the throes of a crack cocaine addiction),” said Darr, adding she is only 14 years old. “You don’t know who anybody is on the streets. I mean that giri’s name is Lucky but fio one knows her real name.™ The road*te recovery or getting back on his feer — any number of cliches are " applicable — is not easy. The journey is rife with setbacks. A game of two steps forward and one step back. With the help of the - Salvation Army family ser- — vices division, Darr has found a place to live and has lined up a regular job. However, when his first * scheduled work day came, ; Darr ended up blowing it off because he slept i in. “I couldn’ t wake up this said Darr with a North Vancouver Salvation Army director. of. youth and’ family . services Linda Sleith said the centre - does not usually deal. with individuals as young as Erich. “Ifa man came in home-. less we could put him in a shelter but there’s no shelter for 16-ycar-olds,” said Sleith. “He’s quite mature for a. 16-". year-old but he's still a kid. |“ Sleith said she has been: encouraging Erich ro go into” the care of the B.C. Ministry, for Children and: Families which. would provide him- _with food and shelter.’ But. - - Erich’s_ previous’ experience ©: with Alberta’s ministry pre- cludes any such move. : “Unfortunately there’s ng “ unconditional love. in. his family,” summed "P Sleith. - Rods Jather's Day Special! Exotic Auto Spa p Ask about our $35 MIN! DETAIL. Auto. Detailing Special ~ ‘150 Price includes pick-up & . 1925-9565 wisevancouver_ Opening Doors: toa New Career * Accounting Assistant + Medical Office Assistant * Legal Secretarial « Administrative Assistant * Office Assistant ESL ¢ Business Fundamentals This is your chance to train for a new career. It’s affordable and programs can be completed in four to ten months. We work with you in a warm and friendly environment. Most importantly, employers everywhere recognize Capitano College for its training . excellence. INFORMATION MEETING: Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 PM. 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