About us . . .
The vision for the project was the result of Joyce Dean fostering disaffected 16 year olds. It was found that after they left her house at 0800, to return at 1800, that there was no provision for them . . . they were left to roam the streets! This was the driving force behind the forming of the Joseph Trust.
Our principles and objectives
We are a Christian charity and work with a Christian ethos. Our workers are mostly committed Christians.
Each placement with us shall be regarded with the highest respect and treated as an individual. Our objective is to enable all those placed with us to be empowered to reach their highest potential and, where appropriate, be helped into employment or further education.
The project as it was at 2006
Originally the project was to be workshops in York teaching motor mechanics and IT skills and other such subjects. However, no suitable venues were found.
Approximately four years ago we were offered five acres of land, with a workshop, for a very reasonable rent. So, it was decided that we would base the project at Rossmore Grange Farm, near Melbourne to the east of York.
It has been slow work, but we have now established a compound of two portacabins and a mobile home. The original workshop has been renovated and in 2008 we built a new workshop to current standards. We have erected the first two poly tunnels. We received charitable status in November 05 (No 1112380) and we have the support of the Home Office (Youth Justice Board), Wetherby Young Offenders Institute and the Learning Skills Council.
The main thrust of the project is to impart life and work skills to the participants. During 2006 we worked with young people from Future Prospects and Doncaster and Leeds Youth Offending Teams. This next year (2007) we will be working with Future Prospects again and also with York Youth Offending Team and a group of young people with learning difficulties from a school in York.
Developments
We are about to start our canoeing, fishing and equestrian maintenance opportunities.
Funding
We are extremely grateful for the funding we have received to date from individuals, churches, private companies, the Learning and Skills Council, City of York Council Education Authority and the Charitable trusts of Dulverton, SMB, Souter, Stansfield, Swann and Yapp.
The project as it was at 2007 - and our achievements
During 2007, we worked with young people from Applefield School, Joseph Rowntree School, Oaklands School, York Youth Offending Team and York Training Centre, as well as individuals with learning difficulties on a part time basis.
The project now at 2008
As a result of the funding shown above we have now been able to work five days per week and employ two full time workers.
Horticulture in 2008 – 2009
We had another crop of tomatoes in the poly tunnel and we have increased our chickens to 30. This year we will be continuing to grow various vegetables and more tomatoes. This coming summer we will be erecting a further two poly tunnels which will enable us to have a growing season during the winter months.
Workshop
Our original workshop has been used as a store since the erection of our new workshop [see photo page].
In the new workshop we are building hen houses and teaching motor cycle maintenance. Our plan is to establish eight workbenches with associated tooling to teach basic woodwork.
Cycles for Malawi
This is another project that we have started in recent times which involves the repair and renovation of cycles to be then sent to orphans in Malawi.
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