“The HOPE program is going to help me have a foundation. I want to do better for my mom, but I also want to do better for me,” said Kevin, one of eight recent graduates of YSM’s HOPE (Helping Offenders on Probation Excel) program. “Everyone can say they love themselves, […]
Connecting Passions to Employment
Lila* had been living in a shelter for 6 months after moving to Toronto. Working in restaurants when she could, Lila was looking for stable employment, “I needed a job – anything”, she says. “One day [when I went to the library to look for jobs] I saw YSM across […]
#YSMRelay
Over recent months we’ve all seen increased instability within our communities. With fewer services available and many losing stable employment, YSM saw an influx of neighbours seeking healthy food to sustain themselves and their families. Pre-COVID, YSM’s Food Bank served about 600 people a week, but from March through August […]
Taking Camp to the Kids
Since the beginning of YSM’s modified COVID service plan in March, YSM’s Tree of Life Homework Club staff had been connecting weekly with 41 children, and their families, all of whom were looking forward to a new camp experience this summer. With the city moving to stage 2 re-opening, and […]
Medical First Responder Volunteers
Since 1883, St. John Ambulance has been teaching first aid and CPR, as well as volunteering in communities across Canada. “This is what we do – we don’t only save lives, we change them”, says Elvis, Chief of St. John Ambulance Central Toronto. When YSM reached out for help, Elvis […]
Camp is for Making Friends
Over the past months, we have all experienced physical separation from our friends and communities. As summer ramped up and YSM summer camps began this year, with new precautions and procedures, kids were excited to see old friends and make new ones. New to YSM’s Computer Lab day camp, Lucy* […]
Your support is strengthening families
Greg was heartbroken when, at birth, his son was taken into protective custody. Alone and unsupported, Greg tried his best to get his son back. “It didn’t look like I had a chance,” says Greg, “I knew I would have to work hard to beat the stereotype that comes with […]
Sylvie’s story, volunteering at YSM
When Sylvie moved to Toronto in 2017 to study medicine, she wanted to find a place to volunteer. Having moved between various cities, volunteering was always a priority, as it helped her feel connected and settled in a new community. YSM’s Food Bank was a great fit – Sylvie soon […]
Community connection through COVID-19
Your support has been sustaining YSM through this challenging COVID-19 crisis. We cannot thank our generous donors enough for the ways you have reached out to support neighbours struggling with poverty. From notes of blessing and encouragement to financial gifts, donations of food and supplies to rallying the community online, […]
Tele-counselling: supporting youth from a distance
“At the beginning [of COVID] it was really about safety. Do the youth we support have food, shelter, a home . . . are they safe?” says Nazreth, Counsellor / Registered Psychotherapist at YSM Evergreen Centre for Street Youth. Knowing the need for counselling was especially vital during this time, […]
Responding to the need: supplying nutrition throughout the pandemic
“I have never seen so much food in my life,” says Chris reflecting on the roughly 15,000 to 16,000 pounds of food which have gone through YSM each week since the beginning of our modified food services. As YSM’s Food Services Manager, Chris has been involved in the planning and […]
Hope beneath the overpass
When, in the fall of 2019, Dwight returned to work at YSM Evergreen Centre, there was a new vision to reach out to youth and individuals living under the Gardiner Expressway. “There are 50 – 70 people living in those areas [under the bridge and along the Lakeshore], I have […]
Jacob’s Story, Volunteering in the Food Bank
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect our city and our neighbours, YSM has been so grateful for your support in all the many ways you have been showing it: through messages of encouragement, funds, time, supplies and more. YSM has redistributed our staff to fill in gaps where volunteers […]
Caring for the community’s pets
When Mark isn’t in a taekwondo class with his children, he works as a veterinary keeping Toronto’s furry neighbours healthy and happy. Seeing a community need, Mark, in partnership with Community Veterinary Outreach, started a free, bi-monthly veterinary clinic at YSM back in 2011. “It’s amazing to see the gratitude […]
Double Take Staff Member Samantha’s Story
Growing up in group homes, and without a stable family to rely on, Samantha struggled through her teenage years. When about to enter college, she learned she was pregnant and knew she needed to put off her education to find work. With no employment experience, it was a daunting task. […]
Azan – “YSM has been a life-saver…”
“YSM is a life-saver for me. I wish that I had met them sooner. YSM is making a big difference in my life and the lives of my children.” For nearly two years, Azan* had been struggling to navigate systems he knew little about, in hopes of being reunited with […]
Ismail – Building access to recreation for all
In 2005, the City of Toronto began the Regent Park Revitalization Project to rebuild housing, support a vibrant community and create enjoyable spaces in the neighbourhood. A part of the early development was the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, offering recreational activities and classes. However, registration is mostly online and has […]
Amanda – Gives her time to YSM – the place that changed her life
“My favorite thing about YSM is how friendly the staff are. They come in with a smile and know you by name. It’s good to come to a place you know you are welcome and safe.” Amanda has struggled with poverty for most of her life doing her best to […]