Need to address: Poor living conditions.

I feel passionate about addressing the area of poor living conditions of Black and Indigenous single mothers because everyone deserves to have access to the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and housing irrespective of age, race, and gender.

The solution in terms of a program would be advocacy for affordable and secure housing, mental health counselling, skills development, entrepreneurship, employment services, childcare, support groups, meals program, and clothing drive/giveaway.

Community assets to make this dream a reality are:

• community members who have skills

  in handwork like cooking, sewing, baking, knitting, plaiting/hair styling

• community hub for meetings, focus group sessions, and counselling services

• childcare centres

• Library

• Employment agencies

• Adult school

• Mental health counsellors

• Older Black and Indigenous single mothers in the community who have overcome challenges to serve as mentors for the younger single mothers

• Artists, writers, photographers, content creators, online tech, media houses, publishers who can help in advocacy

• Banks that can help with start-up loans for businesses

My dream program is the Women Empowerment Program for Black and Indigenous single mothers to help them with the requisite skills and assistance that they need to overcome the problem of poverty and live a successful life.

Immigrants account for 20% of the Canadian population, and being a child of immigrant parents, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face when they arrive in Canada. That’s why I decided to develop a program for immigrants in the Somalian community, who immigrated to Canada in the last five years. Those who are between 18 and 65 years of age, who live in the Etobicoke area, and encounter difficulties integrating into the Canadian society.

There are various problems in the community that need to be addressed, the one I will focus on is the language barrier. The difficulty in communication that Somalian immigrants experience. They face difficulty in speaking and understanding the language. This problem exists because the main languages of communication in Canada are English and French, and these are not the native languages of Somalian immigrants.

I believe it is important to address this problem because it impacts the community in their other areas of life. their ability to access services, find employment, and exercise their rights.

As a solution in terms of program developing, Language Learning Program such as ESL classes could be one. Where immigrants can improve their English skills. Included in the program will be mentorship and peer support workshop on both language and cultural integration.

These community members come from a collectivist culture, so one of the community assets is their ability to find social support among themselves. Family and community are very important to them, so we will base the features of the program on that asset.

To conclude, the program I hope to develop is a Language Learning program, that includes other features that are helpful to immigrants.

Black and indigenous community

Men and women

Aged 16 – 40 years

Reintegrating into society after incarceration

Looking for employment, housing, basic needs, mental and health and drug abuse supports.

Black and Indigenous communities who were previously incarcerated and need fair access to wellness services, opportunities and basic needs such as: Employment, Housing, Legal Services, Mental Health and Drug Abuse Supports through holistic approaches. Reintegrating into society has proven more challenging for Black and Indigenous populations than for non-Indigenous communities. The percentages are larger when attempting to reintegrate into society than non-indigenous and non-black communities because both groups already have a high incarceration rate. Due to their lived experiences, those who are attempting to reintegrate into society frequently struggle with mental health issues and may resort to substance abuse.

 I am passionate about addressing the structural circumstances and systemic impediments especially in the Black and Indigenous communities by removing obstacles, encouraging recovery and resiliency, and establish environments where everyone may feel included, healthy, and able to develop personally. I want to identify and address the societal and structural barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized groups, especially the Black and Indigenous communities because jailed individuals are sometimes unable to support themselves throughout their transition out of prison, employment is a major concern. Therefore, basic needs like shelter, food and other supports can be difficult to come across. By addressing this, I hope to create healthier, more resilient communities where everyone may realize their greatest potential.

Starting with employment and/or legal services to help lessen the negative effects of criminal conduct and restore a positive job record could be one program or project approach.

Some Community Assets to make this program a reality are to:

Promote the organization through community networking and outreach.

 Maintain positive working relationships with Board members, CEO, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Participate in and support fundraising efforts for the organization.

My Dream is a program that allows marginalized communities to feel empowered and not discriminated against when attempting to access and navigate life like everyone else. I want to increase awareness of available services and promote culturally appropriate living settings through programming and assistance.

Positive support networks can help individuals reintegrate into society.

Education can help individuals reintegrate into society.

Employment can help individuals reintegrate into society.

Health can help persons reintegrate into society.

Housing can help individuals reintegrate into society.

Youth and families need better access to positive and accurate information about health care, mental health care, and gender and sexuality.

Positive and accurate information about 2SLGBTQIA+ health care and mental health care are inaccessible to youth or their families due to misinformation and stigma.

I am passionate about this because there are many misconceptions and misinformation about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and I believe through education, 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights will continue to improve and 2SLGBTQIA+ people will be celebrated as they are. Being 2SLGBTQIA+ is a very “hot topic” right now in our political climate where 2SLGBTQIA+ rights are being threatened and ignorance and lack of education play a large part in the divide. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are an exceptionally vulnerable group because as minors they lack autonomy and many decisions are determined by their parents or guardians who may not support their child. For example, in some provinces, youth must have parents permission to go by a different name at school. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth deserve to have access to information and resources that are relevant to them and have the right to make decisions about themselves. All people deserve to have access to positive and accurate information about their health care.

One solution to this problem would be integrating 2SLGBTQIA+ education into schools and having the schools hold after-school workshops for youth and families who are interested in learning more where food, drinks, and childcare is provided. The workshops would have different topics and could run differently weekly sessions, for example, one for just youth, just parents, and one for both youth and parents. Another workshop could be about 2SLGBTQIA+ sexual health in high schools, while another could be about accessing transgender health care in Ontario. Unfortunately, 2SLGBTQIA+ topics are stigmatized and viewed negatively and ignored, however, with consistent positive representation and education, being 2SLGBTQIA+ will be like being left-handed.

Community assets:

-       Teachers from the schools to assist in child care during workshops, or for those with personal experiences, as guest speakers

- School community rooms to hold events and workshops

-       Friends, family, and community members who are interested in volunteering to organize, facilitate and run workshops

-       Guest speakers who can share experiences or are experts in the field and sharing information (ex: doctors or health care professionals, 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, members of a local 2SLGBTQIA+ organization or NPO)

-       Youth in the schools who are interested in volunteering

-       Local restaurants and cooks to provide food for workshops and events

-       Mental health counsellors for youth, families, volunteers, and teachers

My dream program is a program that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are exploring gender and sexuality in a positive way so that they can be educated and feel confident to make informed decisions about their body and life. My program's main priority would be supporting youth, while educating and connecting families of youth would be secondary. Some families may struggle and that is okay, but my program would focus on empowering youth to make informed decisions on their own, even if their family may not agree. I want my program to be what I needed when I was younger; something that was easy to access and that I could go on my own or bring my parents if I felt comfortable doing so My program would help youth through the process of coming out to family, legally changing their name, sexual health information, and so much more. These resources and information would be easily accessible and youth would get support from staff, volunteers, and peers. I want my program to change the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are struggling and do not know what to do or where to access information or who are interested in seeking 2SLGBTQIA+ health care and do not know where to start.

The problem I’d like to address is Bullying, whether that’s physical, verbal, social, or cyberbullying. They have lasting effects on a young person’s mental health, self-worth, and overall well-being. Victims of bullying experience social isolation, anxiety, and depression, which interferes with their education and personal development. The rise of cyberbullying has made it even harder for youth to find a safe space because bullying can now happen at any time, anywhere, and anonymously. Bullying and social isolation can contribute so suicidal ideation. Youth suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in Canada aged 15-24.

I feel passionate about addressing this issue because bullying creates an environment of fear and isolation that can affect a child’s ability to learn, grow, and feel safe. Every child deserves to feel valued, heard, loved, and supported. Art has the power to provide people with a voice, especially for those who struggle with expressing their emotions verbally. Art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for processing one’s trauma and rebuilding confidence. By creating an arts-based program, I hope to provide a safe space where children and youth can reclaim their sense of self-worth and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

This program will offer non-verbal ways for children and youth to express and process their emotions, helping those who are struggling to articulate their experiences into words. Through guided art workshops, including painting, poetry, digital art, and storytelling, clients will have multiple creative outlets to process their emotions and experiences. By integrating trauma-informed practices and peer support, the program will foster a safe and supportive environment where youth and children can rebuild their confidence and agency.

Some community assets that I would use to make this a reality would be: 

• Local schools and youth centers (TDSB)

• Libraries and community hubs (Accessible)

My dream is to create a Healing Through Art program, a community driven program that uses creative expression to support children and youth who are facing bullying, trauma, and mental health challenges. Through weekly art workshops, this program will help empower young people in processing their emotions, rebuild confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies. This program will also serve as a safe space to connect with others who share similar experiences, creating a sense of belonging. Ultimately, Healing Through Art aims to be a transformative program that not only nurtures artistic talent but also promotes emotional healing and resilience within the youth.

The program seeks to address the unique and nuanced mental health issues facing immigrant communities. Acculturative stress significantly affects this community. It refers to the emotional and sometimes physical strain experienced due to challenges like communication barriers, separation from family, and encounters with discrimination and racism. Despite evidence indicating a clear need for mental health support within immigrant groups, their utilization of such resources remains lower than that of Canadian-born residents. Contributing factors include cultural and traditional stigmas surrounding mental health, feelings of shame in seeking support, and a lack of awareness regarding available resources.

I am deeply passionate about addressing this issue because, as a second-generation Canadian with immigrant roots, I have witnessed firsthand the harmful effects of mental health stigma within my circle of friends and family. I believe there is a critical gap in addressing the nuanced mental health needs of immigrant communities. With culturally competent approaches and strategic resource utilization, we can make significant strides toward dismantling mental health stigma, encouraging healthier practices, and fostering a culture where mental well-being is prioritized.


The GTA's rich diversity is a fundamental asset for this program. We will recruit mentors from various immigrant backgrounds, leveraging their lived experiences to resonate with and support the youth effectively. Community centres will serve as venues for our workshops and social events, fostering accessibility and inclusivity. Furthermore, we will harness the power of social media to raise awareness and promote the program.

My dream program will be a mentorship program, where young adults can connect with older mentors who share similar lived experiences. This intergenerational support will help younger individuals navigate challenges related to cultural identity, family dynamics, and societal pressures. The mentors will also organize and host workshops, speaking engagements, and social events for the mentees, addressing topics such as managing family dynamics around mental health stigma, navigating dual cultural identities, and coping with experiences of racism. These events will not only educate and build capacity within the community but also provide safe, supportive spaces where youth can form meaningful connections based on shared experiences.

"Write Something Beautiful..." Love this prompt!

The community that I would like to work with and create this program for is young adolescent minority boys, aged 12-19,  who have grown up in the Rexdale community. Young men that grow up around the rexdale area often are integrated into a life of violence and trauma. Because of this trauma that they harbour, it affects their ability to healthily and properly express their emotions. This lack of control plays a significant role in the development of their lives. It stops them from creating meaningful relationships and affects their contribution within the community.

The lack of emotional control when it comes to expressing them. How young black boys growing up surrounded by violence are often overlooked due to sexist beliefs upheld by society and their peers. They are encouraged to not show any emotion, and instead suppress them. Because of this they fall short in proper management of their emotions. I would also like to address the copious amounts violence they are exposed to throughout their lives, and how this plays a role. I would like to address the importance of emotional regulation, and the impact it could have if it was introduced early on in these young boys’ lives 

Throughout my life, I have had first-hand experience with boys who struggled with aggression and emotional suppression. From a young age, I noticed that anger was often the only emotion boys were "allowed" to express. If they showed sadness, they were quickly ridiculed and “reminded” that “men aren’t supposed to cry” or “that’s not how boys are supposed to act.” When I was in high school, I had a moment that made this issue painfully clear. My older brother, who was struggling with intense mental health issues, got into a heated argument with our mother. In the middle of it, he said something that shocked and saddened me: “Sometimes you really make me feel like a piece of... I wish I was never born.” My heart instantly dropped, but what hurt even more was that no one reacted; it was simply brushed off, as if his pain didn’t matter. It was the first time I had ever seen him vulnerable, and it made me realize something devastating: I had no idea he felt this way. It all started to make sense, his violent outbursts, his months of isolation, I can’t believe I didn’t realize sooner. At that moment I understood  that boys have emotional needs just as much as girls do, but they are rarely given the space or support to express them. I have two other older brothers, and I saw the same pattern in them—bottled-up emotions, masked by aggression. The lack of emotional grace they were given as children left them unable to communicate their feelings in healthy ways. And I see the same cycle repeating itself in young boys in my community. This ongoing suppression of emotions creates a deep sense of resentment that starts small but grows over time, eventually manifesting as violent outbursts, self-harm, self-destruction, or complete emotional withdrawal. This is what I want to prevent.

An Emotional Literacy Program would provide these young men with the necessary emotional resources and tools to navigate their feelings in a healthy way. The program would include interactive workshops catered to their interests and needs, offering support they may not receive at home due to ridiculous, expired stereotypes surrounding masculinity and emotional expression. This would include; mentorship & guidance: connecting young men with positive role models who encourage emotional growth and self-awareness. Coping & Stress Regulation Workshops: teaching positive coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and mental well-being strategies. Open Discussions & Peer Support: creating a sense of belonging by allowing young men to share experiences, relate to others, and feel understood. Safe Third Spaces for Emotional Well-being: establishing non-sports-focused community spaces where young Black boys can gather, engage in wellness activities, and receive emotional support in a nurturing environment. By breaking harmful stereotypes and fostering emotional intelligence, this program ensures that young men feel supported, valued, and equipped to handle life's challenges in a positive and constructive way.

I would focus on the human and social assets that strengthen our community, particularly through the involvement of Elders, especially older men who have recognized that their lack of emotional intelligence stifled their own growth and want to prevent younger generations from following the same path. These Elders would share their experiences and provide guidance on emotional resilience, fostering open discussions where young men feel safe and comfortable expressing their emotions. Other human assets include therapists, counselors, guidance counselors, poets, artists, musicians, and youth workers—each offering their own unique form of support, whether through professional counseling or creative expression. Parents and guardians would also play a crucial role, as emotional literacy begins at home, and involving caregivers would ensure collaboration to reinforce these teachings. Additionally, social and physical assets like libraries could be used for journaling, movie nights, and storytelling circles, while parks would offer spaces for wellness and mindfulness circles. I would also draw on local agencies and programs like Pathways, which helps young people overcome barriers to success through mentorship from those who have experienced community violence firsthand. These success stories would serve as powerful examples for young men, showing them that no matter the obstacles they face, they can still achieve greatness and contribute positively to their communities.

My dream program would be an open-minded, judgment-free space where young men feel safe to express their emotions without fear of being judged or seen as weak. I want this program to encourage young men to explore different modes of emotional expression, whether through art, sports, music, writing, or open conversations. My dream program would break the stigma that tells men they must suppress their feelings—it would teach them that it’s okay to cry, to feel down, to rest, and to process emotions in a healthy way. It would show them that acknowledging their emotions does not take away from their masculinity but actually makes them stronger. Beyond helping young men, this program would also support parents and caregivers, helping them understand the harmful effects of outdated gender stereotypes and how these pressures can impact their sons in the long term. Ultimately, my dream program would prove that life is better when you know how to express your emotions rather than keeping them bottled up, fostering a generation of emotionally intelligent and self-aware young men.

I dream of a Toronto where Black youth from marginalized communities are empowered with the education, employment opportunities, and support systems needed to break cycles of systemic oppression and achieve their full potential. Through targeted programs and community driven initiatives, my nonprofit will create pathways for success, dismantle systemic racism, and build a future where Black youth thrive.

Target Community:

Black youth (18-25/8) in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) from low-income, under-resourced neighborhoods who face barriers to education, employment, and social mobility due to systemic racism.

The Problem/Need:

Black youth in Toronto experience systemic barriers in education and employment, leading to lower graduation rates, higher unemployment, and increased interactions with the justice system. Systemic racism within institutions like schools, workplaces, and the justice system creates obstacles that limit access to quality education, job opportunities, and professional networks.

There is a need for culturally relevant, community led programs that equip Black youth with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to break these cycles and build sustainable futures.

Why I Am Passionate About This Area:

As a human rights advocate and community worker, I have seen firsthand how systemic racism limits opportunities for Black youth. The resilience, brilliance, and potential of these young individuals are often overlooked due to structural inequities.

I believe that every young person deserves equitable and equal opportunities regardless of their background.

Investing in Black youth is not just about individual success, it’s about transforming communities and creating generational change.

C.L.A.S.S. “Continuous Learning and Strategic Success” will be a transformative program that uplifts Black youth by providing education, employment, and advocacy training to break down systemic barriers.

Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community leaders, this program will not only equip youth with practical skills but also challenge and change the structures that hold them back.

By investing in Black youth, we are investing in the future of our communities. Together, we will create a city where every Black young person has the opportunity to rise, achieve, and succeed.

Empowering Black Youth for a Brighter Future

In Toronto, Black youth from marginalized communities face systemic barriers in education and employment, leading to disparities in graduation rates, employment opportunities, and economic stability.

These challenges are compounded by systemic racism, which limits access to quality education, mentorship, and professional networks.

I am deeply passionate about addressing these issues because I believe in the deep rooted potential of every young person.

Witnessing the resilience and talent of Black youth, I am committed to creating pathways that help them to overcome these obstacles and achieve their aspirations.

By equipping Black youth with the necessary skills and opportunities, C.L.A.S.S. aims to bridge the gap between potential and achievement.

To bring this vision to life, we will support existing community assets such as local, Black-led organizations, educational institutions, and corporate partners committed to diversity and inclusion.

Collaborations with entities like the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, which is dedicated to addressing economic and social barriers affecting Black youth, will be instrumental in providing resources and support. 

My dream is to see my program empower Black youth to excel, become leaders in their communities, and assist in dismantling systemic racism and creating a more equitable society

1. The community I want to target with this program is homeless youth in Toronto, specifically those affected by drug addiction. They experience stigmatization, social isolation, lack of resources, and barriers to mental and physical health care, as well as housing, and general safety. They also face the challenge of navigating their lives amidst addiction, trauma, and societal rejection. 

2. The main problem which I want to address is the stigma and prejudice that these youths face. There is a lack of compassionate support and opportunities for drug-addicted homeless youth to regain stability in their lives amid the multitudes of challenges that they face daily. These youths often feel judged and alienated, which impedes their ability to build trust with potential helpers, therefore creating a roadblock in their path to recovery and reintegration into society. The gaps in resources are compounded exponentially by this stigma. 

3. I am passionate about addressing this issue because youth, and especially homeless youth with addiction problems are among the most vulnerable, yet the most neglected members of our society. They often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems due to their age, addiction, and societal prejudices. Some a\re simply viewed as delinquents who are beyond help, beyond redemption. By offering a non-judgmental, supportive presence, we can help these youth regain their dignity, build trust, and ultimately give them a fair chance at a better life. The resilience which these youth have is immeasurable; the hardships which they face on the street are unimaginably tough to the majority of the population, and if channeled in a constructive manner can help each individual blossom in all areas of life. Another reason why I am passionate about addressing this issue is moreso on the side of addiction - as a young person, I had experienced similar issues to which I’ve mentioned in this statement, and rather than speaking to someone about my issues I have always hid my problems from parents, teachers, and even guidance counsellors, because the fear of being judged and reprimanded for coming clean about my problems overtook my desire to end the self destructive behaviours in which I had been engaging. Though I am now recovered, these behaviours bled into my early adulthood and had I had access to resources as the one which I want to create - an environment where individuals offer youth a listening ear and a helping hand free of judgment and prejudice, then perhaps I would not have experienced what had happened to me. 

4. The solution is the Youth Empowerment and Recovery Network (YEARN) , which is a holistic and compassionate program that will provide homeless youth struggling with drug addiction in the city of Toronto a supportive environment to recover, heal, and reintegrate into society. The program will provide the following key services: 

• Safe living spaces that offer support and are free from judgment and discrimination. These homes will offer a secure environment where youth can regain stability while receiving support for addiction and mental health.

• Personalized recovery plans that include therapy in the group format and individual format, addiction counseling, and trauma-informed care to address the root causes of addiction and trauma rather than just offering band aid solutions.

• A peer-led support system where youth can connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering community, trust, and hope for recovery. Shared lived experience is something that is a big asset in helping to foster trust in vulnerable target groups.

• Workshops focused on career/job readiness, resume construction, and soft skills, as well as networking with local businesses and organizations which offer job opportunities for youth.

The program will address immediate needs of homeless youth such as the need for housing as well as providing the mental health support and practical skills which are necessary for long-term recovery and productive reintegration into society.

5. Community Assets to Draw Upon:

• Healthcare providers and addictions services specialists: Partnerships with local healthcare organizations that provide addiction treatment, mental health support, and medical care. 

• Local Shelters & Community Centers: Collaborations with existing shelters and community centers can help us connect with homeless youth in need, providing them with referrals to YEARN.

• Corporate & Business Partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses for job placements, internships, and donations. Such partnerships will create employment opportunities for youth and financial support for the program.

• Volunteer & Mentorship Networks: Tapping into the compassion of individuals in the community, including those with lived experiences in recovery, will help create a network of mentors and volunteers to offer emotional support and guidance to youth.

• Toronto Police Services: Establishing relationships with community policing officers trained in trauma-informed care will ensure that youth feel safe and supported when navigating challenges in their recovery journey. 

6. My dream program is YEARN, a vibrant, compassionate network that bridges the gap between homeless youth and the resources they need to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. YEARN is not just about offering housing or treatment—it’s about creating a space where youth are seen, respected, and supported. The dream is to create a network of safe, non-judgmental housing, mental health and addiction recovery services, and mentorship programs that empower young people to heal, grow, and regain their place in society. By offering stigma-free housing, mental health and addiction recovery services, life skills training, and peer mentorship, YEARN will break the cycle of isolation and create pathways for youth to regain stability and purpose. Through the support of community healthcare providers, local businesses, and compassionate mentors, YEARN will empower youth to heal and reintegrate into society.