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.

The Strides Toronto New Mentality Youth Leadership program is part of a province-wide network of youth and adult allies working together to disable the label of youth mental illness and to amplify youth voice to create change in the children and youth mental health system and beyond.

The program consists of 2 to 3 projects a year that aim to destigmatize mental health in the community and bring awareness to mental health issues through art, photography, video and events and activities. All projects are created and implement by the youth with consistent supports from our adult allies. The goal of the program is to have participants engage in meaningful conversation about mental health, learning leadership and teamwork skills.

The Strides Toronto New Mentality Youth Leadership program is funded by the Children’s Mental Health Ontario. Snacks and TTC tokens are provided.

Program will resume in September 2023.

Funders/Partners