We have a new name! The GBV program is now CREST: Community Response to Exploitation, Sex work and Trafficking.

The CREST program provides trauma-informed case management, outreach, therapy and peer support to those aged 12-29 who have experienced, or been at risk of, exploitation or sex trafficking, and/or young adults 18-29 who have been, or are involved in, sex work by choice, circumstance or coercion.

All of our services are voluntary, confidential, and free. Both self-referrals and service provider referrals are welcome.

To make a referral, click HERE

Our Services

Outreach/Case Management: Our Community Outreach Worker can support you in connecting with needed resources and referrals and in accomplishing your goals. We can help support clients in accessing employment and educational programs, housing resources, medical and legal supports and financial assistance, among others.

Counselling: We offer trauma-informed counselling focused on the hopes and goals identified by clients. Our therapists take a harm reduction and sex-positive approach and use a variety of therapeutic modalities.

Peer Support: The peer support workers use their lens of lived experience to support participants and encourage recovery, hope and resiliency. They may offer individual and group support, as well as accompaniment and advocacy in the community.

Education: The CREST Team offers workshops to the community on human trafficking awareness, prevention and response to youth, families, schools and service providers. If you would like to request a workshop for your group, school or workplace, please reach out to us by email.

Eligibility Details

  • Ages 12-29 years
  • All gender identities and expressions
  • Residents of the GTA
  • Members of all communities
  • Those who are at risk of, or are currently experiencing sexual exploitation
  • Those who are involved in sex work by choice, circumstance or coercion

Contact Us

Program focus: Anti-Human Trafficking, Bilingual Services (French), Case Management, Child Welfare, Employment, Housing, Legal, LGBT, Mental Health, School, Sex Work, Sexual Relationships, Skill Development, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Work more…

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.

In order for the YIT program to be effective, youth need to be engaged, willing, and ready for support. Our program is voluntary and requires youth to actively participate in the service. 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.

Eligibility Details

Youth aged 16 – 24 years and is:

  • in Extended Society Care or
  • in a formal Customary Care arrangement immediately prior to the youth’s 18th birthday or
  • eligible for support under Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) or
  • accessing Ready, Set, Go (RSG) funding
  • willing to engage, participate and ready for support. 

Get in touch with Strides Toronto Youth In Transition (YIT) Workers Program at yit@stridestoronto.ca or on Instagram:

Strides Toronto has been providing services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and/or dual diagnoses for over 20 years. As a trusted agency in Toronto, a high degree of inter-professional partnership is in place to support information sharing and collaboration among services and the community.

We are proud of the high-quality, evidence-based practices our Autism and Developmental Services provide to the children, youth, adults, and the families we serve. Our service offerings are flexible and consider individual needs. Individualized intake assessments are completed to help determine a plan for service.

Behavioural interventions and family services are integrated and coordinated with other services (e.g., mental health) which a child or youth and their family may be receiving. The wide range of services available to children, youth and their families are frequently evaluated and monitored to be flexible and responsive to changing evidence and practice.

Developmental Services provides therapeutic programming and respite to youth and adults with an autism spectrum disorder and/or a developmental disability. The services delivered strive to promote independence, encouraging the development and maintaining of a peer network, empowering them to build their capabilities, with the goal of enhancing their social and life skills development.

Family-centered care is the fundamental basis of service delivery within Strides Toronto’s Autism and Developmental Services. This approach values parents and caregivers as experts on their child and as key decision makers in their child’s interventions. It also recognizes their lifelong commitment to their child’s learning and wellness.

We offer a variety of in-person and virtual services and resources to support families. Our virtual services are offered by phone or by video through our secure Zoom Healthcare platform.