Ald - Wednesday, October 31. 1984 - North Shore News

Streetworker’s goal is to

-From Page A3

Third It as there that

Mortensen, who has been on

the streets tor 10 months, finds many of the core group

of about 30 kids he knows y name

®

The scene is North Shore Recreations. About 10° kids mill around the front of the establishment this Wednes- day might, It by the dim fluorescent glow of overhead lights.

The kids range from 10 to 19 and there 18 a recurrent theme through their conver- sation: they're bored at home and they preter to hang out with their peers

Thirteen-year-old Norman Shelstad says he only visits the arcade occasionally and with his parents’ permission. He says he does not know Mortensen well but he feels the youth worker serves a purpose.

‘*He keeps us away from the arcades, by playing hockey and stuff. If Kelly wasn't around, I'd play with my friends at the house,’’ says Norman, adding that he finds Mortensen more ap- proachable than his teachers.

Ryan Boulette, 12, echoes Shelstad's comments: *‘He’'s straightened me out a few times. Talked things out "'

Angela Hanley. 14, credits

Mortensen with giving local kids recreational options such as summer soccet games and winter ski trips Without those, Angela says the only thing open to local teenagers would be babysit

ting. Little 10-year-old) Sharon MeNirekle, noticeable

because of her age and size, says her parents allow her to hang out at the arcade as long as she stays with her teenage sister. She has known Mortensen for sever- al months, adding he occa-

ae

care of their children.”"

WHITNEY WILLIAMS (left) and Rob Dewsnap:

sionally helps her schoolwork

“Tt you're bored, you can always go to him and he'll talk to vou about things and he'll take vou and Stuff" she says

But one 1?-year-old youth, who prefers to re- main anonymous, sums up the attitude best “"lUs good to have someone to lean on He's) okay He's a dude." @

Two hours later at North Shore Recreauions. It's been

with her

Skiing

cool

a slow night on the streets but there are still some hangers-on, including = 10- year-old) Sharon, who has added some make-up since the last visit She’s dancing about the front of the building, throwing cheeky comments atl nobody in par- ticular until her 16-year-old sister decides to take her home with the comment: ‘Sharon likes to show oft ."’

Inside, l4-year-old Whitney Williams and 16-

year-Old Rob Dewsnap discuss how the public has

“Ht should be paramount that they take

KELLY MORTENSEN: ‘‘I was helping them grow and I was helping myself grow.”