As 2023 looms and we wrap up at Shore Junction for 2022, I can’t help but sit and reflect with gratitude on another year working alongside passionate youth organisations, schools and individuals to welcome rangatahi into a safe, fun and enjoyable youth hub.
Let me reflect on some of the incredible things we’ve done in 2022:
The launch of Shore Junction Records: Working alongside professional producers such as Vince Harder and Mazbou Q, we were fortunate enough to launch our in-house record label in May. All songs were written and performed by youth members who attend Westlake Girls High School, Rosmini College, Takapuna Grammar School and Glenfield College, just to name a few. These songs now stream on Spotify, Apple music and Youtube. If you haven’t listened yet, search “Shore Junction” on any of those services.
Forming a relationship with Starbucks Takapuna: A wonderful relationship. Thanks one of the fantastic mothers of a youth member, we built a relationship with Starbucks where they’ve supported us with coffee beans, the purchase of a discounted espresso machine, plus a pathway to barista employment for Shore Junction members who show promise in coffee making. We’re so grateful.
Invitation to watch and meet the incredible band, “Kings of Leon”: How fortunate we are that we were able to offer a group of Shore Junction singer/songwriters the opportunity to go backstage at the Kings of Leon concert in September. Not only were they invited to the show but were also invited backstage to see the band rehearse live. The youth had the best time!
While these are only a few of the highlights from this year, we’d love to acknowledge that everything we do here is only possible with the help of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, Starbucks, our generous supporters and sponsors and the kind and generous youth service providers and community stakeholders.
To celebrate the end of the year, we are having our end of year break-up party at Shore Junction on the 20th of December at 4pm for all youth members between the ages of 13-24 years of age. There’ll be free food, music, karaoke, dancing and lots of laughs.
FYI: We will be closed from the 21st of December and reopening on the 13th of January.
Have a wonderful Christmas and brilliant new year.
