Joe Roberts speaks to students at Caboto Club, November 24, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait) Joe Roberts speaks to students at Caboto Club, November 24, 2016. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Inspiring Action In Youth

Advocates for youth homelessness in Windsor-Essex are hoping Joe Roberts' "Push for Change" can be a catalyst for more action in the community.

Roberts is a former homeless youth turned businessman who is pushing a shopping cart across Canada to bring awareness and push for prevention models in schools.

On day 208 of his journey Roberts spent the morning talking to local youth about his mission and inspired Grade 12 student Carson Clarke Bartolo to do more in her community.

"I feel like this was so impacting on so many people's lives because he was just able to tell you what is going on and how much so many people are trying to change and how we can change it in our society," says Angela Yakonich with the Homeless Coaltion of Windsor-Essex, who adds that she's hopeful this will be the start to talking about putting prevention models in local schools.

"I'm hoping that this will bring me into the schools a little bit more. I have been here or there, mostly with elementary schools, but now we're engaging with the kids that could actually possibly make a change in this," says Yakonich.

Roberts has spent the last three days in the community. He move on to Chatham shortly on his 9,000 km, 17 month trek to Vancouver.

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