St. James Town
St. James Town is the first neighbourhood Yonge Street Mission moved in to as part of our plan to expand into new communities in Toronto. Our staffers have reached out to the residents and local organizations. We listened to them to identify their needs and goals. Through the partnerships formed in the neighbourhood, we are supporting existing programs and developing new ones run by and for the community. These programs include the St. James Town Youth and Women’s Councils and the YUVA Youth Leadership Program.
A History of YSM in the St James Town Community
Yonge Street Mission placed its first worker in St. James Town in February of 2008 with the task of learning from the community and understanding the hopes, dreams and aspirations of its residents. The St. James Town Youth Network was established during YSM’s first year in the neighbourhood and the St. James Town Youth Council launched in the fall of 2008. With the intention of promoting community leadership and supporting community initiatives, YSM has been supporting local youth and women in a variety of projects including a high school tutoring program, community kitchen, after school homework club and basketball recreation program. Our staff team is grateful for the warm welcome that has been extended to them by both local organizations and residents.
Our Partners
We thank World Vision – PECP for their support of community development in SJT since 2008.
 | YSM’s Mandate for St. James Town Building on capacities already present in the neighbourhood, the St. James Town YSM team will support the community of St. James Town as it identifies the issues that most affect residents. We’ll help the community to get organized around implementing solutions to those concerns by fostering a shared vision for a positive future that is community created, initiated, owned and controlled. |
Using the Community Development Model
Community Development is an organizational model that believes that the power of decision making around programs and resource use belongs in the hands of the community. We believe that residents living in St. James Town are competent and talented and know what is best for their neighbourhood. Our hope is to always listen well and support community members to achieve their goals for the neighbourhood.
 | St. James Town Youth Council The St. James Town Youth Council is a group of approximately 25 high school students who meet on a monthly basis to plan opportunities for bettering their community. YSM supports the Council by offering administrative support through an adult advisor and also by granting them an annual budget which they oversee and use as they see fit to accomplish their mandate. |
Some of their most memorable events have included the annual Youth Talent Show “Urban Flair”, the March Break “Camp Reality” and hosting two Jane’s Walks. Their plans for the 2010/2011 year include intentionally focusing on building relationships with the seniors in the community and refurbishing the local tennis court.
The Youth Council Mission Statement
The St. James Town Youth Council exists to connect, inspire and empower local youth to realize their full potential both personally and in their community.
We achieve this by:
- hosting and supporting local events
- advocating for community growth
- exploring initiatives & developing skills
- providing unique learning opportunities
St. James Town Branch News
St. James Town Youth Council in the news!
St. James Town, the high-rise neighbourhood in northeast downtown built during the ’60s for childless urban adults transitioning to the suburbs, has a strong and active youth voice in 2010 thanks to the St. James Town Youth Council.
Formed in September of 2008 after a push from a group of neighbourhood service providers and organizations who wanted to include a youth voice in the community planning and consultation processes, the goal was to gather and empower local youth in one of the country’s most diverse and densely populated neighbourhoods. And here’s the best thing about it: it’s now almost entirely youth driven and operated.
For more information about St James Town Branch
Contact Us
St. James Town Neighbourhood Office
225 Wellesley St E, Unit 4B (Street front)
Toronto, ON M4X 1X8
P: 416-929-9288
F: 416-929-7041
- Director of Community Development x 225
- Community Development Coordinator x 222
- Youth Leadership Coordinator x 223