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Linda - Community Living Centre for Older Adults

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Linda - Community Living Centre for Older Adults

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The agency I would be Executive Director of would work with older adults who want to home share with others to create supportive community living pods. My agency would match folks wanting to live communally, source out viable homes or support renovations of existing homes. Provide education to and start-up supports for pods to ensure successful community living.

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Harnessing your Inner Creative-- A mental health agency targeting or catering to youth and young adults.  

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Harnessing your Inner Creative-- A mental health agency targeting or catering to youth and young adults.  

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I would like for it to be a place where one is able to express themselves wholeheartedly as well as to bridge the pieces between learning, teaching and growing. This can be a place where one can draw, write and artistically convey their emotion however they wish. I would like to have classes (Mental health Education) , monthly events/workshops and or outings to reinvigorate, inspire, and motivate those whom wish to attend.

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Rise & Root - Nature based, trauma informed harm reduction support for survivors of gender-based violence 

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Rise & Root - Nature based, trauma informed harm reduction support for survivors of gender-based violence 

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My organization would offer a trauma-informed, nature-based space in Toronto where women and gender-diverse people who use substances can access care, community, and holistic supports.

I would like to partner with community gardens, farms, and other outdoor spaces (Riverdale farm, High Park zoo, etc.) to incorporate animals and nature into substance use and trauma care.

Rise & Root would provide case management and counselling support along with monthly community workshops.

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The place I want to run as an Executive Director is called Gentle Hearts Senior Centre. It is a non-profit organization created to support older adults who are feeling lonely, isolated, or struggling with their mental health and finances. It is a safe and welcoming place where seniors can come to meet others, play games, share meals, and feel part of a community.

The centre offers social activities, gentle wellness programs, and donation-based support for basic needs like food, clothes, and transportation. Our goal is to help seniors feel connected, respected, and cared for. As Executive Director, I would lead Gentle Hearts with compassion and dignity, making sure every senior feels seen, supported, and never alone.

We provide door-to-door transportation so seniors can safely travel from their homes to the centre and back. Our building and vehicles are fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can participate. Gentle Hearts is a place where every older adult belongs.

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If I were the Executive Director of a non-profit agency, I would want to lead an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous individuals in reconnecting with their cultural roots, identities, and traditions that may have been disrupted by colonization and discrimination. The organization would create safe, community-led spaces where individuals can explore language, ancestry, cultural practices, and land-based traditions through elder guidance, cultural workshops, and intergenerational programming. It would also emphasize healing and wellness by integrating culturally informed mental health support and traditional practices, recognizing the impact of intergenerational trauma. By prioritizing Indigenous leadership, partnerships with tribal nations, and sustainable funding, the agency’s mission would be to foster belonging, cultural pride, and empowerment, ensuring Indigenous knowledge and identity are reclaimed, honored, and carried forward for future generations.

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If I could run any non-profit agency, I would choose to be the Executive Director of Across Boundaries. Their focus on holistic, community-based mental health supports for racialized and Black communities aligns deeply with the kind of work I see myself doing. What draws me to Across Boundaries is that they don’t approach mental health as just an individual issue, they recognize how racism, poverty, disability, migration, and social exclusion all intersect to shape someone’s wellbeing. That kind of lens feels honest, necessary, and aligned with how I understand community work.

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If I could run a non-profit organization, it would be called BrightPath Community Support, and it would focus on helping families facing financial stress while raising young children. The organization would provide access to affordable childcare, budgeting workshops, and referrals to housing, food, and employment programs. Many parents struggle to balance work, school, and caregiving, so BrightPath would remove barriers that keep families from moving forward. As Executive Director, I would lead with compassion and strong financial management to ensure every dollar supports families in building stability and a better future.

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I see myself in the future as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called Nuevo Hogar—a project I dream of developing to support Latino immigrants throughout their settlement journey in Canada. Nuevo Hogar represents safety, belonging, and the idea that everyone deserves to feel at home, even when far from where they were born.

Through Nuevo Hogar, I hope to walk alongside newcomers as they navigate the Canadian system, helping them understand and access the resources and services available to them. Many Latino immigrants arrive with resilience and hope, yet face language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and isolation. This dream is rooted in guiding individuals and families with dignity and care, connecting them to government programs, community resources, and opportunities that support stability and empowerment.

This vision is deeply personal and shaped by my own lived experience as an immigrant. Nuevo Hogar is not only a professional goal—it is a dream that reflects my commitment to community development, social justice, and supporting Latino communities as they build a new home in Canada.

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The agency name would be “Lifttheyouth” which is a non-profit organization focused on empowering youth ages 13–25 who face systemic barriers such as poverty, racism, mental health challenges, and limited access to education and employment opportunities.

The organization centres youth voice and leadership by offering mentorship, life-skills workshops, educational support, and career readiness programs. LifttheYouth takes a holistic, strengths-based approach that recognizes young people as capable leaders rather than problems to be fixed.

As an Executive Director, I would aim to lead collaboratively, build strong community partnerships, and ensure programs remain youth-driven, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the community.

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Safe Beginnings Parent-Infant Recovery Health Hub

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Safe Beginnings Parent-Infant Recovery Health Hub

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I dream of creating a program in Saskatoon called Safe Beginnings because I have seen how quickly support disappears after birth—especially for families affected by substance use. Once pregnancy-focused care ends, parents are often left to navigate recovery, mental health, and newborn care alone during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. This gap is not accidental, but it is deeply harmful, and it is something I feel called to change.

Safe Beginnings is my vision for a different kind of response—one rooted in compassion, dignity, and relationship. It would meet families where they are, without requiring abstinence, and recognize that a parent’s healing, a baby’s development, and their bond cannot be separated. As Executive Director, my hope would be to build a program that offers consistency instead of fragmentation, support instead of surveillance, and trust instead of fear.

Through early referral after birth, families would be connected to a dedicated care coordinator who walks alongside them, offering parent–infant support, early developmental screening, trauma-informed mental health and addiction care, and practical parenting support. Although this program does not yet exist in Saskatoon, the need for it is urgent. Safe Beginnings is my dream of creating the kind of care I know families deserve—and the kind of system I hope to help lead.

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This nonprofit would exist to serve youth who have learned how to survive early but have rarely been given the space to become. The agency would focus on adolescents and young adults whose lives have been shaped by instability, social invisibility, or constant adaptation to unsafe or inequitable environments. Rather than cantering deficits or trauma alone, the organization would prioritize slowing life down for young people offering consistency, reflection, and choice in a world that often demands urgency from them. Through long-term relational support, skill-building rooted in real-life decision making, and opportunities to explore identity, purpose, and aspiration without pressure, the agency would help youth reclaim authorship over their own narratives. Its work would be grounded in the belief that marginalized youth do not need to be fixed or redirected, but resourced and trusted enough to define success on their own terms.

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If I were the Executive Director of a non-profit agency, I would lead a community-based mental health and wellness organization dedicated to equity, prevention, and holistic care. As a social worker and mental health supporter, my vision would be to create an agency that integrates mental health services, physical wellness, community education, and social support under one accessible and culturally responsive model.

The agency would prioritize underserved and marginalized populations, including newcomers, immigrants, seniors, youth, and students, by removing barriers such as stigma, language, cost, and lack of awareness. Services would include trauma-informed counseling, group therapy, peer support programs, yoga and movement-based healing, mental health literacy workshops, and crisis navigation support. Strong partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, settlement agencies, and community organizations would ensure coordinated and sustainable care.

As Executive Director, I would focus on ethical leadership, evidence-informed practice, staff well-being, and community participation. I would actively engage community members in program design and evaluation to ensure services remain relevant and impactful. My ultimate goal would be to build an inclusive organization that not only responds to mental health challenges, but also empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and promotes long-term resilience and social well-being.

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If I could dream up a non-profit agency… it would be a one year, residential, community healing program for people in recovery from addiction, trauma, grief, loneliness, hopelessness and whatever else that people feel broken by. It would be a year long immersive program that allows participants the safety and care to really heal the things that need their full attention. Daily programming would be guided by indigenous wisdom and guided by values of reciprocity, stewardship and belonging. It would combine being in nature, learning skills, emotional healing and practical skills for farming, growing, building, eating well and in harmony with nature. People would have the space in time to heal, learn, grow and not just stabilize but leave with the ability to live consciously, care for the land, and participate meaningfully in their lives.

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As a future Executive Director, I plan to establish the Hope Is Not Lost Foundation, an agency dedicated to supporting young adults living with HIV/AIDS. Our mission will focus on providing comprehensive, compassionate care by connecting individuals to essential resources such as medical professionals, counselling referrals, and community supports. The foundation will prioritise holistic well-being, ensuring that every young person we serve has access to the tools and networks they need to thrive. Through advocacy, education, and personalised support, we aim to reduce stigma, promote health equity, and empower young adults to live with dignity and hope

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If I could dream big and be the Executive Director of any non-profit agency, I would run SilverConnect Ontario, a community-focused organization with the slogan “Helping Ontario seniors stay safe, connected, and confident with technology.” This agency would provide free or affordable tech help through walk-in clinics and one-on-one support for phones, laptops, email, Wi-Fi, printing, and online forms. It would also collect donated devices from businesses, refurbish them, and distribute them to seniors who cannot afford reliable technology. By refurbishing and reusing devices instead of throwing them away, SilverConnect Ontario would also help reduce electronic waste and support a healthier planet. A major focus would be digital safety, including scam prevention, password protection, and helping seniors feel more confident using online services. The goal would be to reduce barriers and make sure older adults across Ontario are not excluded from basic opportunities like healthcare, housing, legal services, and social connection simply because technology has become too complicated or inaccessible.

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If I would start a non profit today it would focus on sexual violence against young men. There are many programs like this, however non in my area. I think that having have mentorship and community will help reduce the stigma and encourage young men to speak up. My primary focus would be on healing through community , mentorship, peer support groups, and therapeutic approaches. I'd call Huron Haven for men.

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Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre 

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Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre 

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Although I prefer a front-facing role, I would choose a role at this organization as it aligns with my passion for and current experience in adult learning. In leading this organization, I would focus on amplifying the voices of the community while sharing power and resources. Program Development and organizational decision making, especially in adult education, must arise from the ground up so it would be a focus of mine to regularly consult the community. All in all, a small organization like this would allow me to ensure the work remains rooted within the community, maintains and follows a strong philosophical framework, and be able to pivot and adapt easily to community need.

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If I were the Executive Director of a non-profit agency, I would run a Newcomers Support Centre dedicated to supporting people who have just arrived in Canada and are starting over in a new country.

This centre would help newcomers adapt to their new lives by offering settlement support, employment guidance, language and communication assistance, and mental health resources. Many newcomers experience isolation, culture shock, and stress, especially when they don’t have family or community support. I want this agency to be a safe, welcoming space where people feel understood, respected, and supported.

The centre would also focus on building community connections, helping newcomers understand Canadian systems (housing, healthcare, education), and empowering them to regain confidence and independence. My goal would be to not only provide services, but also help newcomers feel a sense of belonging and hope as they rebuild their lives in Canada.

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Jessy - Older Adult Focus x Capacity Building

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Jessy - Older Adult Focus x Capacity Building

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When I think about the kind of organization I would want to lead, I struggle to narrow it down!

I know it would be a senior-serving organization, but my interests and passions related to supporting older adults are so broad!

The organization I currently work for is a strong, older adult focused, community-based organization that offers a wide range of programs and services. Leading an organization like this is something I would love to do.

If I were to dream up and start my own organization, I would focus on design and capacity building-supporting communities, municipalities and organizations to design, strengthen and sustain models that support aging well.

I struggle with whether it would deliver direct services or not because the I don’t want to duplicate existing services/programs but to complement and strengthen what already exists by using my experience and skills to support.

Ideally, there would be a service menu for organizations to choose from such as volunteer engagement design, workflow mapping, program evaluation, community engagement facilitation, co-design workshops.

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If I could run any non-profit agency, I would want to be the Executive Director of DREAM, an organization that supports youth and young adults (16–29) facing homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, justice involvement, or barriers to employment and education.

DREAM would provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive supports to help young people move from survival mode to stability and independence.

Programs & Services

Housing navigation and stability support

Employment and education pathways (resume help, interview prep, training)

Case management and mentorship

Life skills support (budgeting, ID support, referrals)

Community programs that build connection, confidence, and belonging

My goal as Executive Director would be to create a space where youth feel safe, respected, and supported, while also building real opportunities for long-term success.

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Community, Family well being centre or hub

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Community, Family well being centre or hub

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I would like to work with community members, families,newcomers, seniors, people with disabilities who are living on modest incomes or have low literacy if I were an Executive Director. My agency would offer accessible learning opportunities in financial, legal, health, and digital literacy, as well as childcare, parenting support, free tax clinics, and assistance navigating government benefits and applications. We aim to run our program with transparency and a strong commitment to care, welcoming, respectful, participant‑centered, trauma informed, non- judgemental service. Above all, My agency's goal is to create programs that make a tangible, meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

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If I were to be an Executive Director, I would want to run an organization such as Food Secure. A non-profit, charitable organization that fights food insecurity by hosting a weekly food bank that distributes fresh, frozen foods as well as hygiene items and household goods. In addition to the food bank Food Secure would also

provide case management and counseling to help those get connected to other services and receive support

Offer regular workshops so people can learn about things such as financial management, what benefits they qualify for and their rights in employment and housing

Connect with other food banks and charities to trade and swap to ensure the items donated go to where they are needed most

Teach community members how to garden and have a community garden to grow fresh food

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How it feels to be Black women & nonbinary in this world. 

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I do not believe I have the stamina, supportive team, or desire to be an executive director in this life - I would support someone who aligns with my values, mission, and identities in leading.

That being said, I imagine a Black-led arts & wellness hub with a recording studio and rotating professionals coming to teach the youth and adults who are underserved and in poverty. The hub would have instrument rentals, drop-in evenings for connection and album listening, panels, a yoga and movement space, a sensory room, library, and sexual health/hygiene supplies as well as meals. Similar to Sketch Toronto but for the west enders. Toronto is spoiled, would like to see the resources and funding move further out and up to Jane-Finch/Sheppard & Weston.

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The agency I would be Executive Director of would support women who have experienced abuse.

My agency would provide a safe and supportive space for women facing emotional, physical, psychological, and financial abuse. It would offer crisis support, counselling, housing assistance, and connections to legal and community resources. The agency would also focus on advocacy, helping women navigate systems such as housing, income support, and the justice system. Programs would be trauma informed and culturally responsive, with an emphasis on rebuilding independence, confidence, and long-term stability. The overall goal would be to support women in moving from crisis toward safety, healing, and empowerment.

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ALIGN - Athlete Longevity, Identity, Growth & Navigation

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ALIGN - Athlete Longevity, Identity, Growth & Navigation

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This organization would exist to support young athletes as whole people - not just performers.

Built on the belief that sport and movement can be tools for healing, connection, and purpose, the organization would work alongside schools, competitive sport programs, and communities to provide young athletes with the resources they need to truly thrive. This would include access to eating disorder prevention and recovery supports, sports and performance anxiety care, body image education, financial and equipment assistance, coaching and fitness guidance, and spaces that foster team camaraderie and belonging.

At its core, the organization would recognize that athletic development cannot be separated from mental health, education, identity, and community. Through movement- and sport-based therapeutic programming, mentorship, and on-the-ground engagement, it would help athletes build healthy relationships with their bodies, competition, and themselves.

The organization would also emphasize long-term support through creating an alumni network of former athletes who have navigated the system and now give back as mentors, advocates, and leaders. These alumni help younger athletes see what sustainable success looks like beyond wins, scholarships, or rankings.

I would lead ALIGN with a deeply rooted, engaged framework, and I would make a point of being present where it matters most: in schools, gyms, fields, arenas, and community spaces. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and direct collaboration with coaches and educators, ALIGN would equip young people with the tools to balance sport, education, and self-worth. ALIGN would show athletes not only how to excel in their sport, but also in their communities and, ultimately, in their futures.

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As the dream, I would be founder and Executive Director of Roots, Routes & Resilience, I would lead with a long-term vision grounded in relationship, adaptability, and shared responsibility. This is an all-season agency designed to shift with both the rhythms of the year and the lived realities of the people who gather within it.

The Dream for me with Roots, Routes and Resilience would be to build and sustain structures that support community leadership rather than manage people.

I dream where one day I could be the E.D. of an agency that includes investing in community gardens, more canopies in less affluent neighbourhoods or wherever they are needed, and native pollinator areas where weather and land allow, shared kitchens and preservation workshops during harvest and colder months, and year-round opportunities to gather in circle, as well as participate in greenhouse,s and other winter programming. An important part of this work is creating intentional spaces where young people can meet with elders from their communities to deepen their understanding of where they come from their histories, traditions, family stories, and lived experiences. I thought of a name for this program and I like Stories Between Us. Helping with social isolation of seniors and sharing stories about back home and the traditional foods, music, regalia and language for the youth to learn more about their ROOTS (I also chose ROOTS as they are the foundation of the trees I would like to see planted, the plants in the community gardens and the roots of the native pollinator flowers/grasses/fruits etc. These gatherings are designed to support learning through listening, reflection, and relationship, recognizing elders as knowledge holders and youth as active participants rather than passive recipients. I envision a place where kids can go to after school and do things that are constructive. I believe that by keeping youth busy with constructive projects/items is a start to end youth loitering in the mall, in subway stations and getting into trouble. I would love to see them get busy with relevant after school programs. In the place that I am thinking of having this agency, is right beside a Raptor funded (5) Raptor funded and maintained basketball courts. I think weekly 3 on 3s would be quite popular as I am familiar with the space. I have so many ideas but not enough space or time to share them. :-)

Newcomer programming sits at the core of this work, particularly creating space to reflect on first winters, first summers, and the layered experience of learning how to live in a new place. These moments are approached not as challenges to overcome, but as meaningful transitions that shape belonging over time. Hence the part of the name ROUTES.

Facilitation across the agency would be grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing that prioritize listening, reciprocity, reflection, and connection to land and season. Storytelling, food, and place are woven together and I have many ideas for programs I would love to see built around those . My responsibility would be to hold this framework steady ensuring the organization remains non-hierarchical, responsive, and rooted in care, working from trauma-informed and from an anti-oppressive framework. This will allow people to arrive with their histories, contribute what they know, and grow resilience together, season by season. RESILIENCE rreflects the collective strenth that grows when people are supported, conected, and allowed to adapt together rather than expected to endure things alone.

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If I could run any non-profit, it would be Level Up Skills, a youth focused agency that helps youth build practical skills they can use towards employment, further their education, or entrepreneurship.  Level Up Skills programs would combine creative skill building such as, a sound studio for creating beats/poetry, fashion design classes, sewing classes, cooking and baking classes. In addition, a social club for belonging, a homework club for academic confidence, and nights that offer grounding, mentorship, and heart centered guidance would be offered.

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Agency Name: BridgeWorks Youth & Community Hub.

My dream nonprofit is BridgeWorks Youth & Community Hub, an organization focused on supporting youth and families who are navigating gaps in education, employment, and community belonging.

The agency would work with high school students and young adults, especially those from marginalized or under-resourced communities, to help them transition confidently into post-secondary education, skilled trades, or meaningful employment.

The core of the work would center on mentorship, academic support, career readiness, and access to community-based resources.

What makes BridgeWorks important to me is its strong community-led approach. Programs would be co-designed with young people, families, schools, and local organizations, building on existing strengths rather than focusing only on deficits.

The organization would also advocate for systemic change by partnering with policymakers and institutions to address barriers related to equity, access, and opportunity.

As Executive Director, my role would be to ensure the mission stays grounded in community voices while building sustainable partnerships and funding to support long-term impact.

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The GTA will only be stronger and richer and more welcoming

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Unemployed newcomer women in the GTA ( T.A.S ) Organization. ( Diverse, Respectful and Inclusive)

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Unemployed newcomer women in the GTA ( T.A.S ) Organization. ( Diverse, Respectful and Inclusive)

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T.A.S is a not for profit organization that works for unemployed newcomer women's success, welcoming them into a safe and supportive environment . T.A.S empowers women to strengthen their talents, hone in on their skills, develop tools they need to succeed professionally , and increase their participation in the social fabric of the GTA by finding stable employment. If I Adama Touray is the Executive Director of this organization. The organization will be diverse , respectful, and inclusive workplace that actively supports newcomers, including immigrants and refugees.

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If I were an Executive Director of an agency it would be focused on working with Black youth developing their creative and artistic skills through workshops and mentorship. It will be a creative safe space where youth are able to explore their creativity through art, music, storytelling, and media. Mentorship will build confidence, and leadership skills for participants including strengthening their cultural identity, belonging, and career pathways. Focuses on youth empowerment and youth development.

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If I had the resources and capacity to create a NPO, I would develop an community arts exchange hub focused on using creative practices and storytelling as a platform where different stakeholders -across communities, sectors and generations- could meet each other and connect, learn a new skill ,play, create something, make meaning together, discover challenges and solutions, dream weave, and enact changes.

In my most idyllic dreams, the hub would have a physical space, with a movement studio, a visual arts studio, a music/recording room and a community space with tables, cozy couches and chairs as well as a kitchen and dining area where meals would be served. We would also have a community garden kept in partnership with a local indigenous organization, and we would offer land and food stewardship and sovereignty programming.

At the hub, the core programming would have an intergenerational focus, so we would always be running at least one senior’s program, one adult program, one youth program, and one program bringing them together. The theme, focus and arts practices would vary and rotate based on participant interests/ needs, and based on the artists in residency at the time.

Outside of the hub, the team would be mobile and would travel across the city , province or country to collaborate with other orgs. This is an important aspect of the organization as our work would be rooted in the notion that in a lot of cases social service organizations don’t have the time, resources or training to engage with community in art focused meaningful  ways, since as we now, so much of the sector is caught up in a cycle of bandaging issues and trying to get communities access to the first lines of support. But this means that both community workers and communities are left burnt out and longing for more connection.

Mossbridge wants to function as a meeting place, a connector and support for existing organizations, community workers, artists, and communities. To do this we would focus on developing and practicing a model of facilitation and collaboration that is transformative, intentionally grounded in slow, deep, relational care, while also researching and developing avenues to sustainably fund and support such models. We would get to know our partners and their communities and work to support them in embedding creativity, art, joy and play into their work and their lives.

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If I were an Executive Director, I would want to lead an organization that is focused on supporting Black youth in a real and meaningful way. The work would centre around education, social development, and physical and mental health, because these areas all affect each other and play a big role in a young person’s future.

The goal wouldn’t just be to offer programs, but to help Black youth understand why these areas matter and how to take care of themselves in each one. A big part of the work would be making sure youth know what resources exist and how to access the right supports when they need them, whether that’s related to school, mental health, or physical well-being.

I would want the organization to be a safe space where Black youth feel understood, supported, and empowered. By focusing on education, health, and access to services, the organization would help young people build confidence, develop life skills, and move forward with the tools they need to succeed.

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This agency will focus on the joys and benefits of sport, and integrate young girls/women into a world in which they do not usually see themselves. Skill-building/support opportunities that will be granted to these youth include: Positive work ethic, physical wellbeing, social engagement with like-minded individuals, and perseverance. It is here to recognize and appreciate this demographic, as well as help to increase the engagement of sport from this demographic.

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"Hope for Youth"

If I had the money and resources, I think I would focus on young people with disabilities who lack family support. This could be emotional, financial, related to housing, and other important areas for creating responsible future adults who can become who they want to be.

Working in this field, I believe there are young people who are confused about what they want to be and what their parents want them to be. They need a helping hand to hold theirs and remind them that everything will be alright.

Assuming that young people have the world at their fingertips might be true, but not all of them are aligned with their goals, and some are simply looking for emotional support to pursue their dreams without being a burden.

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Agency Focus:
Grounded Futures is a non-profit organization that supports individuals in choosing, finding, and maintaining employment that is the right fit for their strengths, goals, and mental health needs. The organization meets people where they are and understands that many individuals may have been away from work or support for some time.

In addition to employment support, Grounded Futures offers pre-employment programs that help individuals rebuild routine, confidence, and readiness for work. These programs include computer skills, soft skills training, learning about workplace accommodations, Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), Humble Tiger–informed coping skills, career cruising, and interactive workshops. Through this preparation, individuals are supported to gradually re-engage with employment in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.

As Executive Director, my goal would be to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel prepared, empowered, and confident to return to work and build stable futures.

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If I could run any non-profit agency, I would create Nuevo Hogar, a supportive community for Latino immigrants navigating life in Canada. This organization would be a safe, welcoming space where newcomers feel seen, valued, and guided as they settle into a new country. Nuevo Hogar would provide practical support such as language classes, help accessing housing, healthcare, education, and employment resources, while also offering social and cultural programming to foster connection and belonging. Workshops, mentorship programs, and community events would help families build networks and develop the confidence to thrive.

As Executive Director, my focus would be on walking alongside individuals and families with dignity, respect, and care, recognizing both their resilience and the challenges they face. Nuevo Hogar would not only address immediate settlement needs but also create a sense of home, empowerment, and community for those far from where they were born. My goal would be to ensure that every newcomer feels supported, included, and equipped to succeed.

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If I had the funding and resources to start a non profit organization it would have to be a community based organization called Little Roots which would be dedicated to supporting children and their families during key stages of growth and transition. The organization focuses on early childhood development, emotional well-being, and family stability, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Little Roots would offer programs such as child centered play and learning groups, caregiver support circles, school readiness workshops, tutoring, and family resource navigation to ensure children have strong foundations to thrive.

Then, as Executive Director, I would envision Little Roots as an agency that truly listens to children and values families as experts in their own lives. Grounded in community development principles the organization would use participatory approaches to co-create programs alongside parents, caregivers, and community partners. Special attention would be given to families experiencing stress related to economic pressure, caregiving demands, or social isolation. Little Roots’ goal would be to nurture safe, inclusive spaces where children feel seen and supported, and where families are empowered to build resilience, connection, and long term well-being within their communities.

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Inside Voices Collective is a non-profit dedicated to working with prisoners and people with lived experience of incarceration to design programs that truly reflect their lived realities, needs, and aspirations. For too long, prisoners, people who are directly impacted by incarceration have been silenced, overlooked, or dismissed by the very systems that claim to support them. The mission would be to restore dignity, build trust, and empower participants to be active leaders in shaping programs, services, and policies that affect their lives.

The organization would operate on the principle that change is most meaningful when it comes from those with firsthand experience. Inside Voices Collective would provide opportunities for skill-building, personal development, mentorship, and advocac both inside prison walls and in the community after release. Programs would be co-designed with participants, using participatory action research and collaborative decision making, so every voice shapes outcomes.

As Executive Director, I would focus on creating a culture of trust, transparency, and respect, where participants feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal is not just to provide support but to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard, helping them become leaders in their own growth and agents of change within their communities. By centering lived experience and fostering authentic participation, Inside Voices Collective aims to challenge the systems that marginalize prisoners while building programs that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

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I would create and lead New Roots Network, a newcomer-led, community-based non-profit that helps immigrant and refugee families settle, stabilize, and thrive in Canada. I would build a “one-stop” support model that offers system navigation (healthcare, housing, school registration, and legal referrals) alongside employment readiness supports like resume help, interview prep, credential guidance, and connections to employers. I would also offer culturally responsive wellness supports, peer mentorship, and community circles so newcomers feel less isolated while adjusting to life in a new country.

My leadership priorities as Executive Director:

I would build strong partnerships (settlement agencies, schools, employment hubs, libraries, and local employers) to reduce barriers and avoid duplicated services.

I would create a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive workplace culture where staff feel supported and newcomer voices guide decisions.

I would use data and community feedback to evaluate programs, improve services, and secure sustainable funding.

Why this matters to me:
I want to lead this agency because I know how overwhelming settlement can be, and I believe many of the barriers newcomers face can be reduced when people get the right support at the right time.

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If I were to be the Executive Director of my own organization, I would choose one that focuses on food security, systems navigation and creating community leadership.

The organization wouldn't duplicate services, but rather fill in gaps and work to connect systems. The underlying vision of the organization would be to improve food security and nutritional justice by addressing underlying structural and institutional barriers and inequities. Using food programs as an entry point to build trust and belonging, the organization would integrate wrap around supports and programming in adult education, systems navigation and employment counselling, where individuals can move at their own pace. I would want this to be a place where individuals feel welcomed, respected and dignified, and where food isn't something you have to earn, it's non-conditional. This would be a choice-based, community informed and culturally grounded organization. The organization would be designed with flexibility; valuing community experience as expertise and working alongside community members.

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The agency I would want to create and lead is called the Kid Producers Club. It would be an after-school music production program geared towards youth in inner city Toronto, completely free for participants. The participating youth would attend twice a week and learn a wide array of music production skills, study the history of hip-hop production, and get opportunities throughout the school year to showcase the beats/songs they create together.

The purpose of the program would be to combat youth social isolation, which is a growing issue in Toronto. Because of this, community building and self love would be a big part of the program's "curriculum". Each session would include repeating positive affirmations to uplift participant self-esteem. The participating youth would also get equal opportunities to contribute to the planning of musical showcases/performances.

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I currently lead my dream organization, Kidnetix Kidz Association, as Executive Director. It is an established, community based not for profit with strong local connections and ongoing program delivery. My long term goal is to transition the organization into a registered charity to create more stable and diversified funding streams, including access to larger grants, donations, and corporate partnerships. This shift would allow the organization to scale its programs, expand into new communities, and respond more consistently to growing demand.

Programs are designed to be engaging, active, and hands on, using play based learning to build skills such as problem solving, teamwork, communication, and confidence. As demand continues to grow, transitioning into a charitable model will support long term sustainability, increased program capacity, and a broader impact across the community.

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West End Afro Canadian Community Alliance 

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West End Afro Canadian Community Alliance 

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If I could run any non‑profit agency, it would be WEACCA the West End Afro‑Canadian Community Alliance because it represents the exact kind of community‑rooted, justice‑driven work I believe in. As Executive Director, my vision is an agency that supports Black, Afro‑Caribbean, and African communities through culturally grounded legal support, youth leadership, trauma‑informed wellness, and strong tenant organizing. WEACCA would be a homeplace for healing, advocacy, and empowerment, blending community development, culture, and justice into one powerful ecosystem. This is the agency I would choose because it reflects my purpose: building structures that protect, uplift, and strengthen Black communities with dignity and belonging.