The Gender-Based Violence Program provides free support to individuals who are involved or at risk of being involved in human trafficking or those who have been involved in the sex trade by choice, circumstance, or coercion. The program is grounded in treating trauma, relational therapy and addressing human rights. Our team works from a strength based, sex-positive, harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. We believe in empowering survivors to have self-worth and to build healthy support systems.

Our team is composed of Trauma Therapists, Community Outreach Workers and Peer Navigators. The GBV program offers the following services centred around client-directed service planning:

1. Trauma Therapy. Our therapists use a trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome psychological trauma.  The GBV program recognizes that individuals who access our services often experience a combination of acute and developmental trauma.   An acute trauma can be one where a person perceives a threat to one’s life, body, or emotional safety.  Developmental trauma can occur because of adverse and chronic childhood experiences, such as neglect and abuse.  As a result of trauma, people may have difficulty coping with their experiences, which can be very distressing and disruptive to daily functioning. Our therapists support individuals by working toward managing trauma symptoms, reducing shame and blame and building healthy relationships.  Our therapists apply various therapeutic modalities in this process, including relational therapy and EMDR, as well as provide psychoeducation for participants and their family.
2. Community Outreach & Education. The GBV team is available to provide outreach and education to youth 12-29 years old in various settings. Outreach and education take a preventative, non-judgemental approach to human trafficking/sex trafficking and incorporate topics such as healthy relationships, safety, consent and boundary setting. Concurrently, as part of our outreach, the GBV team can provide education on the topics of sex trafficking and trauma-informed care to service providers.
3. Case Management & Service Navigation. Our Community Outreach Workers assist individuals with finding safe and affordable housing, accessing financial assistance, finding medical care, obtaining identification documents or legal consultation, school enrollment, job searching and can provide external referrals when needed. Assistance with life skill development, goal setting and budgeting support is also available
4. Peer Support & Navigation. Our Peer Navigators actively advocate to reduce and end sexual exploitation. They act as support workers to encourage trauma recovery, build hope, confidence, and resilience within participants. The lived experience of the Peer Navigators lessens the isolation that many survivors feel, by creating a sense of belonging, connecting survivors with each other and to community-based resources. They can also offer assistance with appointments, court support, and aid with safety planning
5. Support Group. Our Peer Navigators run an online support group with support from one of our Trauma Therapists. The group focuses on life skills and social/recreational activities.
6. Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program. This program offers short-term (8-12) immediate counselling sessions for children and youth who are victims of internet sexual exploitation and to their immediate family members. *ICE is available by referral only via the Ontario Provincial Police and BOOST. Learn more about ICE .

Any questions can be directed to the Gender-Based Violence Program at GBVinfo@stridestoronto.ca or 416-438-3697 ext. 13265.

On November 9, 2022, the Government of Canada endorsed the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. Preventing and addressing GBV in Canada requires a coordinated national approach, with federal, provincial and territorial governments working in close partnership with survivors, Indigenous partners, direct service providers, experts, advocates, municipalities, the private sector and researchers.

The work of Strides Toronto’s Gender-Based Violence Program supports the vision of a Canada free from gender-based violence and supporting victims, survivors and their families regardless of where they live.

The What’s Up Walk-In® Clinic is Toronto’s only free, six day a week mental health counselling walk-in service for children, youth, young adults, and families. The clinic helps with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual identity matters, bullying, behavioural concerns, addictions, and anything else that might be on one’s mind. All the information you provide is confidential.

Therapists offer single sessions up to an hour long. We don’t judge. We will support you in your concerns and work collaboratively with you. The focus is on abilities, resources, and skills that you have, or you want to develop. Together we will target a priority concern and develop a plan with you that you feel comfortable with. If you feel you need more help, you can come back to the What’s Up Walk-In. All our therapists are clinically trained.

The clinic is barrier free, and accessible. No health card or appointment is necessary and it’s completely free!  The What’s Up Walk-In network is a collection of 6 agencies operating at 8 sites across the City of Toronto.

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The Youth Outreach Worker Program is an initiative for at-risk youth ages 12 to 21 years old and their families in East Toronto. It is designed to help empower and provide them with individualized programming to meet their unique needs and circumstances. Youth Outreach Workers (YOWs) also work with other community resources to coordinate youth activities and services.

We also have specialized YOWs who have a focus on specific populations in Toronto, such as Syrian, Afghan and Tamil. Their goal is to make programs and services more accessible to youth and their families by overcoming language and cultural barriers. Outreach to specific populations help inform members of the community of the availability of services and to remove the stigma and fear associated with accessing services such as mental health.

We also offer clinical services as part of our Enhanced Youth Outreach Workers program (EYOW). In addition to providing support services, EYOWs can offer intensive intervention for example in the areas of mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship or family violence and / or human and sex trafficking etc.

Some of the many services we connect youth and families with include:

• Employment
• Housing
• Legal
• Education & alternative learning
• Volunteer hours
• Drop-in Programs
• Assistance in Applying for schools, loans & government assistance
• Help getting ID, SIN and Health Card
• Food Banks
• Counselling
• Newcomer youth programs

Youth In Transition Workers aim to meet youth where it is more convenient for them, in the community, at coffee shops, libraries or at the office. Some resources and supports offered to youth may include:

• Housing and or educational supports
• Employment and services training
• Life skills (e.g., financial management and household management)
• Legal services and psychoeducation
• Health and mental health services
• Access to Trauma Therapy and Human Trafficking Peer Support Group
• Snacks and TTC fare for case management needs
• Access to Strides Food Mart available upon sign up

In addition to the above supports, Strides YIT workers provide targeted/focused assistance in the following areas:

• Mental Health and Addictions YIT
• Bilingual (French speaking) YIT connects youth with Francophone resources within their communities.
• Anti-Human Trafficking YIT provides individualized case management to youth at risk of sexual exploitation and Human Trafficking.

The length of work with youth varies based on their long-term and short-term goals. Once youth provide consent, referrals can be emailed directly to our team: YIT@Stridestoronto.ca.

The Volunteer Readiness Program serves youth looking to complete community service hours towards high school graduation or probation requirements. The youth is not required to have prior volunteer or work experiences to participate in this program. The volunteers participate in a variety of activities including community events and packing food hampers for those experiencing food insecurity among other things.

The youth are assured to gain community service hours and employability skills including communication and leadership skills through hands on experiences with the support of Youth Outreach Workers. They will also have opportunities to develop their resume and access other programs and services based on their individual needs.

Snacks and TTC tickets are provided for the youth volunteers.

Studio 2 Multimedia Program supports youth in the development of multimedia skills, as well as social skills, with an emphasis on media literacy, employability skills and mental health.

Our program uses various industry standard software and hardware to help youth design a variety of media projects. Youth are engaged under the supervision and guidance of professionals and Strides Toronto staff. Projects youth can work on include film and documentaries, print, photography, portfolio development, and music/audio recording. Programming is delivered through one-on-one sessions, group workshops and facilitated workshops in the community and/or school.

Shout out to the staff and students at DMT! For those looking for more info, DM me! 🙏🏽

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Shout out to the staff and students at DMT! For those looking for more info, DM me! 🙏🏽 …

If you’re using a desktop or laptop computer click on this link to enter this virtual gallery and listen to some amazing beats produced by participants of the Studio 2 multimedia beat-making program. Enjoy! https://www.artsteps.com/view/64512d4142302b7377f0b2f8?currentUser

Open

If you’re using a desktop or laptop computer click on this link to enter this virtual gallery and listen to some amazing beats produced by participants of the Studio 2 multimedia beat-making program. Enjoy! https://www.artsteps.com/view/64512d4142302b7377f0b2f8?currentUser …

Posted @withregram • @thezone_stridesto Join us in The Zone this February as we celebrate Black History Month💚💛❤️

Mondays – Honouring Black History through food. Learn about and cook traditional Somalian, Kenyan and Jamaican dishes.

Wednesday February 1st and 8th – Learn about Black History while making a community quilt.

Friday February 10th – Black History games night

Friday February 24th – Black History movie night

📲 dm us if you have any questions!

#BlackHistoryMonth #YouthEngagement

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Posted @withregram • @thezone_stridesto Join us in The Zone this February as we celebrate Black History Month💚💛❤️

Mondays – Honouring Black History through food. Learn about and cook traditional Somalian, Kenyan and Jamaican dishes.

Wednesday February 1st and 8th – Learn about Black History while making a community quilt.

Friday February 10th – Black History games night

Friday February 24th – Black History movie night

📲 dm us if you have any questions!

#BlackHistoryMonth #YouthEngagement …

Posted @withrepost • @thezone_stridesto Join us on Wednesday December 21st from 3-6pm for the Zone’s 2022 holiday party.

Wear your tacky holiday attire and drop in for games, prizes and some delicious food.

This is a free event for youth 12-25 years old.

Open

Posted @withrepost • @thezone_stridesto Join us on Wednesday December 21st from 3-6pm for the Zone’s 2022 holiday party.

Wear your tacky holiday attire and drop in for games, prizes and some delicious food.

This is a free event for youth 12-25 years old. …

Posted @withrepost • @mo_thesocialyow Hi everyone! The Zone is hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive and donations will be collected between November 14-December 9th.

Some items that are high in demand:
– rice
– canned vegetables
– canned fruit
– coconut milk
– beans
– peanut butter
– canned meat
– pasta sauces
Etc.

Donate today!!

Open

Posted @withrepost • @mo_thesocialyow Hi everyone! The Zone is hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive and donations will be collected between November 14-December 9th.

Some items that are high in demand:
– rice
– canned vegetables
– canned fruit
– coconut milk
– beans
– peanut butter
– canned meat
– pasta sauces
Etc.

Donate today!! …

In partnership with

We had a blast rock climbing at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre yesterday! 🧗🏽‍♀️

We have some pro climbers in our group! 🔥

#RockClimbing #CommunityEngagement #CommunityOutreach #NewcomerYouthEngagement #StridesTO #PanAm

Open

We had a blast rock climbing at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre yesterday! 🧗🏽‍♀️

We have some pro climbers in our group! 🔥

#RockClimbing #CommunityEngagement #CommunityOutreach #NewcomerYouthEngagement #StridesTO #PanAm …

☀️HELLO FRIENDS!
Happy Summer Days🌴🌞

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S CALENDAR 🚨
REMINDER ⚠️ to always READ the caption.

🍎🥪🍡Food/Snacks/Refreshments/TTC Tickets will be provided during program ALL SUMMER🥰
.
.
🚍🚊TTC TRAINING: Do you want to learn how to get around Toronto using the TTC? Bring your friends and join us from 1-3 PM to learn TTC routes and safety.
.
.
🤝🌎 ENGAGED FOR CHANGE: if you want to earn volunteer hours, join us in person from 3-5 PM for our volunteer program! You will be supporting our program while developing skills to put on your resume!
.
.
🎉🌞SUMMER KICK-OFF: Join us to learn more about our summer 2023 newcomer youth program. A day filled with games, prizes and food! 1-4 PM

🗻ROCK CLIMBING: Join us for a free rock climbing session at the Pan Am. From 12-3 PM.
.
.
🗼✈ CN TOWER: Do you want to see one of Toronto`s iconic places for free? Come join us from 11 AM-5 PM.
.
.
⛺🌳 PARK DAY: Let`s have some fun in sun! Join us for a day at the park with some outdoors sports/games, snacks and refreshments will be provided. 1-5 PM.
.
.
🖥💼 HIRE ME: are you looking for a job? Then join us for our employment program from 1-4 PM.
.
.
🎳BOWLING : join us from 1-5 PM for a fun game of bowling. Spots are limited! DM us if you would like to register.
.
.
🚢🌴TORONTO ISLAND: come visit the Toronto Island with us for FREE from 11 AM-5 PM. Reminder to be prepared to be out in the sun.
.
.
Remember, to stay safe and enjoy the sun! The NYEP team is always here for you, Let`s have some fun this summer!!😊

DON`T FORGET to REGISTER 📌

#SafeSpace #StridesTO #NewcomerYouth #FunPrograms #NewcomerYouthEngagement #YouthEngagement #YouthEngagementPrograms #CommunityEngagement #Toronto #Scarborough #MentalHealth #MentalWellBeing #Ontario #OntarioYouth #ONYouth #Programs #Summerprogram #Summer #Summeryouthprogram #Freeprogram

Open

☀️HELLO FRIENDS!
Happy Summer Days🌴🌞

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S CALENDAR 🚨
REMINDER ⚠️ to always READ the caption.

🍎🥪🍡Food/Snacks/Refreshments/TTC Tickets will be provided during program ALL SUMMER🥰
.
.
🚍🚊TTC TRAINING: Do you want to learn how to get around Toronto using the TTC? Bring your friends and join us from 1-3 PM to learn TTC routes and safety.
.
.
🤝🌎 ENGAGED FOR CHANGE: if you want to earn volunteer hours, join us in person from 3-5 PM for our volunteer program! You will be supporting our program while developing skills to put on your resume!
.
.
🎉🌞SUMMER KICK-OFF: Join us to learn more about our summer 2023 newcomer youth program. A day filled with games, prizes and food! 1-4 PM

🗻ROCK CLIMBING: Join us for a free rock climbing session at the Pan Am. From 12-3 PM.
.
.
🗼✈ CN TOWER: Do you want to see one of Toronto`s iconic places for free? Come join us from 11 AM-5 PM.
.
.
⛺🌳 PARK DAY: Let`s have some fun in sun! Join us for a day at the park with some outdoors sports/games, snacks and refreshments will be provided. 1-5 PM.
.
.
🖥💼 HIRE ME: are you looking for a job? Then join us for our employment program from 1-4 PM.
.
.
🎳BOWLING : join us from 1-5 PM for a fun game of bowling. Spots are limited! DM us if you would like to register.
.
.
🚢🌴TORONTO ISLAND: come visit the Toronto Island with us for FREE from 11 AM-5 PM. Reminder to be prepared to be out in the sun.
.
.
Remember, to stay safe and enjoy the sun! The NYEP team is always here for you, Let`s have some fun this summer!!😊

DON`T FORGET to REGISTER 📌

#SafeSpace #StridesTO #NewcomerYouth #FunPrograms #NewcomerYouthEngagement #YouthEngagement #YouthEngagementPrograms #CommunityEngagement #Toronto #Scarborough #MentalHealth #MentalWellBeing #Ontario #OntarioYouth #ONYouth #Programs #Summerprogram #Summer #Summeryouthprogram #Freeprogram …

🗓☀️HELLO FRIENDS!
Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Here’s our June program calendar.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S CALENDAR 🚨
REMINDER ⚠️ to always READ the caption.
.
.
📚📑STUDY GROUP: looking for a space to connect with other students and get some studying done? Join us for some snacks and quiet study time. Get extra support with homework and learn effective studying tips. Bring your friends and join us from 3:30-5pm.
.
.
🤝🌎 ENGAGED FOR CHANGE: if you want to earn volunteer hours, join us in person from 3:30-5pm for our volunteer program! You will be supporting our Zone Food Mart while developing skills to put on your resume!
.
.
🗑🌎 COMMUNITY CLEAN UP: join us and earn volunteer hours while making our environment cleaner and safer. Join us from 3:30-5:30pm.

💬🧠UNWIND YOUR MIND: a safe space where you can talk about issues you are facing on and learn different methods on how to cope with daily stressors and practice wellness. Join from 3:30pm-5pm.
.
.
🖥💼 HIRE ME: are you looking for a job? Then join us for our employment program from 3:30pm-5pm.
.
.
⛳️🏌🏽‍♀️MINI PUTTING : join us from 4-6pm for a fun game of glow in the dark mini putting! Spots are limited! DM us if you would like to register.
.
.
🏊🏼‍♀️💦INDOOR SWIMMING: join us from 1-5pm for some indoor swimming. Reminder to bring your swimwear, towel, change of clothes and other supplies if needed.
.
.
Remember, we are always here for you. Keep doing amazing things! Take care!!😊
.
.
##SafeSpace #StridesTO #NewcomerYouth #FunPrograms #NewcomerYouthEngagement #YouthEngagement #YouthEngagementPrograms #CommunityEngagement #Toronto #Scarborough #MentalHealth #MentalWellBeing #Ontario #OntarioYouth #ONYouth #Programs #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #2SLGBTQ+

Open

🗓☀️HELLO FRIENDS!
Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Here’s our June program calendar.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S CALENDAR 🚨
REMINDER ⚠️ to always READ the caption.
.
.
📚📑STUDY GROUP: looking for a space to connect with other students and get some studying done? Join us for some snacks and quiet study time. Get extra support with homework and learn effective studying tips. Bring your friends and join us from 3:30-5pm.
.
.
🤝🌎 ENGAGED FOR CHANGE: if you want to earn volunteer hours, join us in person from 3:30-5pm for our volunteer program! You will be supporting our Zone Food Mart while developing skills to put on your resume!
.
.
🗑🌎 COMMUNITY CLEAN UP: join us and earn volunteer hours while making our environment cleaner and safer. Join us from 3:30-5:30pm.

💬🧠UNWIND YOUR MIND: a safe space where you can talk about issues you are facing on and learn different methods on how to cope with daily stressors and practice wellness. Join from 3:30pm-5pm.
.
.
🖥💼 HIRE ME: are you looking for a job? Then join us for our employment program from 3:30pm-5pm.
.
.
⛳️🏌🏽‍♀️MINI PUTTING : join us from 4-6pm for a fun game of glow in the dark mini putting! Spots are limited! DM us if you would like to register.
.
.
🏊🏼‍♀️💦INDOOR SWIMMING: join us from 1-5pm for some indoor swimming. Reminder to bring your swimwear, towel, change of clothes and other supplies if needed.
.
.
Remember, we are always here for you. Keep doing amazing things! Take care!!😊
.
.
##SafeSpace #StridesTO #NewcomerYouth #FunPrograms #NewcomerYouthEngagement #YouthEngagement #YouthEngagementPrograms #CommunityEngagement #Toronto #Scarborough #MentalHealth #MentalWellBeing #Ontario #OntarioYouth #ONYouth #Programs #Pride #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #2SLGBTQ+ …

Happy Pride Month!🏳️‍🌈💗

#Pride #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #PrideToronto

Open

Happy Pride Month!🏳️‍🌈💗

#Pride #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #PrideToronto …

Hello 😊!

Are you a newcomer youth, 12-21 years old❓

Join us on May 31st 📆 for the movies🎬🍿🥤.

📌 Spots are limited! 📌

Please message💌 to register and get more information.

🎥📅📺
#newcomeryouthengagementprogram #newcomer #youth #stridesTO #movie #free #scarborough #toronto #freetrip #freeprogram

Open

Hello 😊!

Are you a newcomer youth, 12-21 years old❓

Join us on May 31st 📆 for the movies🎬🍿🥤.

📌 Spots are limited! 📌

Please message💌 to register and get more information.

🎥📅📺
#newcomeryouthengagementprogram #newcomer #youth #stridesTO #movie #free #scarborough #toronto #freetrip #freeprogram …

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The Newcomer Youth Engagement Program is for youth ages 12 to 21 who are immigrants to Canada and are permanent residents or conventional refugees. The program provides free activities every month that include volunteer opportunities, sports events, workshops and trips around Toronto.

The Newcomer Program offers two types of service:

1. Orientation
   This program provides information on mental health services and social skills training to help newcomer youth and their families with the settlement process.  The importance of positive mental health and mental health stigma are discussed and connected to the immigration experience.  Information and strategies are explored through innovative and out of the box practices.  The Orientation stream also provides training to service providers and/or youth in schools and other community agencies on various mental health topics.
2. Welcoming Communities
   This program provides newcomer youth and their families with the support, skills and training they need during the settlement process. Newcomer youth receive leadership and mentorship training.  They also receive homework help and educational supports to ensure they do well in school and develop employment skills.  Program workers focus on providing youth with information, skills and knowledge to help them adapt, settle, and integrate into Canadian life.  Workshops on topics such as communication and social skills, cross-cultural and diversity skills, and navigation on public transit are provided.  The Welcoming Communities program also provides training to service providers and/or youth in schools and other community agencies on various settlement topics.

Souhaitez-vous obtenir des services en français? Si oui, cliquez ici

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an initiative that aims to bring the right services to youth (and their families) at the right time and in the right place.

We provide youth aged 12 – 25 with a range of services to address needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth can access support, connect with peers, and engage in activities that promote wellness.

When you first get connected to our Youth Wellness Hub, we will help you identify which service is the best fit for your needs.

Meet our integrated care team:

• Nurse Practitioner
  Our Nurse Practitioner provides primary care and transitional clinical care related to physical, mental and sexual health. They can support you with clarifying a diagnosis, creating treatment plans, prescribing and managing medication and making referrals to specialized health services.
• Care Navigation
  Care navigators will work with you to set and achieve goals in areas such as health, mental health, employment, education, housing, and more. They will also help you to navigate social service and healthcare systems to find the best options for you.
• Counselling
  Therapists are available to help you explore your emotions, gain insights into your behaviours and thoughts and provide helpful strategies that you can implement in your daily life. Whether you want to talk about anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, coping with trauma or managing stress, our counsellors will listen and support you in enhancing your emotional well-being.
• Peer Support
  Peer support workers provide support, guidance and understanding through their shared experience of navigating mental health services. Peer support is offered in both individual and group settings.
• Harm Reduction
  If you need support reducing harm and improving well-being in relation to substance use, counsellors are available to provide you with guidance and tools to help you navigate through life while making safer and informed decisions.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an initiative that aims to bring the right services to youth (and their families) at the right time and in the right place.

We provide youth aged 12 – 25 with a range of services to address needs related to mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth can access support, connect with peers, and engage in activities that promote wellness.

When you first get connected to our Youth Wellness Hub, we will help you identify which service is the best fit for your needs.

Meet our integrated care team:

• Nurse Practitioner
  Our Nurse Practitioner provides primary care and transitional clinical care related to physical, mental and sexual health. They can support you with clarifying a diagnosis, creating treatment plans, prescribing and managing medication and making referrals to specialized health services.
• Care Navigation
  Care navigators will work with you to set and achieve goals in areas such as health, mental health, employment, education, housing, and more. They will also help you to navigate social service and healthcare systems to find the best options for you.
• Counselling
  Therapists are available to help you explore your emotions, gain insights into your behaviours and thoughts and provide helpful strategies that you can implement in your daily life. Whether you want to talk about anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, coping with trauma or managing stress, our counsellors will listen and support you in enhancing your emotional well-being.
• Peer Support
  Peer support workers provide support, guidance and understanding through their shared experience of navigating mental health services. Peer support is offered in both individual and group settings.
• Harm Reduction
  If you need support reducing harm and improving well-being in relation to substance use, counsellors are available to provide you with guidance and tools to help you navigate through life while making safer and informed decisions.

The Zone Youth Space is a place where youth can come to create, connect, learn and inspire!

Created in partnership with Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, The Zone Youth Spaces provides a dedicated space for youth, consistent staff, and programming tailored to a variety of youth interests.

The Zone Youth Space offers free programming 6 days a week, that includes after-school youth drop in, employment and leadership workshops, homework help, multimedia programming, and more. The space is equipped with video games, board games, a pool table, foosball, computers, and free WiFi.

For more information, contact Lindsay Wheelans at lindsay.wheelans@stridestoronto.ca