Steps to Success Program

"Change doesn't happen overnight, but the staff helped me and taught me that I had the power to empower myself." - a former resident

The Steps to Success Program equips our youth with the skills to secure independent housing, to complete their education, or to obtain employment.

The majority of youth who seek our aid have poor life skills and behavioral issues. They may not have been successful in school. They may have a learning, physical, or mental disability that impedes their progress.

To address the needs of our residents, the program offers a variety of workshops presented by our staff and by outside partner agencies. Sessions are held morning and afternoon seven days a week. Workshops topics include such things as: budgeting, healthy sexuality, substance abuse, anger management, job search skills, effective communication, resume writing and self esteem development among others.

The program also offers recreational activities, as an essential part of skill building. In activities like scavenger hunts, sport tournaments, media exercises and recreational sessions, residents are encouraged to practice social skills, team building and problem solving techniques to complete tasks in a more relaxed environment.

In 2006 the Day Program offered more than 600 workshops

Community agency day program partner include:                                                                                   

Breaking the Cycle

ending gang violence                                           

Elmbank Community Centre

use of gym for basketball games

519 Community Centre

transgender awareness

Humber College

human sexuality topics

Justice for Children and Youth

youth legal rights

Rexdale Community Legal Clinic P.A.I.D. program

assistance acquiring identification

The Mobilizer

employment skills

Toronto Police 23 Division

police/youth relations

YMCA

pre-employment workshops and gambling

YSAP

youth substance abuse