It's Good to Get Around

Recently, I signed up my 16 year old sister in an arts program. She has always loved to sing but does not have access to a studio to take her passion to the next level. I was pleased to know that at The B.E.A.T. Studio summer program run by For Youth Initiative (F.Y.I) not only has a musical element but also engages the participants in critical discussions about identity, purposeful lyrics, music video analysis, and coverage of local artists. It was obvious that she enjoyed these discussions as they were repeated to me nearly verbatim, and as critical as I can be - I found her re-tellings to be enlightening.

Now in response to Rob Ford's rude an 'out-of-ordah' comment that programs for at-risk youth are virtually hug-a-thug initiatives is not surprising. But as for the coordinators and community leaders I've worked with and witnessed in action, empowerment and accountability are at the foundation of their vision. It takes a village to raise a child and young people who are actively committed to these programs know that nothing less than the best is asked of them. Now, after-school and recreational programs do not replace parenting nor eliminate crime and drug trafficking - BUT for many young people these programs offer invaluable and positive life changes. Plus if you can invest money into war, then it is not more waste of money to spend tax dollars on FREE programs for our youth.

And the problem is that 'programs' are not just for 'at-risk' and 'marginalized youth' - if there needs to be so much quotations it is clear that political correctness has become over-inflated. So to clarify, programs are not just for the poor, their useful for anyone who's interested. We do not need to emphasize that young people are in the hood (i.e. government housing), but emphasize that their class and race are not a barriers to success, only their mindset can open and close doors.

I for one reaped endless benefits from many FREE programs that exposed me to people, places and things. Bus fare was tight (and a two hour commute one way) and lunch money was low but as long as the facilitators treated me like I had all the potential in the world I would find my way back week by week.
Thus, there are ample countless organizations in Toronto that cater to every community and nearly every service/interest. The following list focuses on the arts and the Black community because that is where I have the most knowledge and connection to but please consult:  http://www.211toronto.ca/, a great resource for searching specific resources in the city.

Brief Community Directory

Afro United http://www.afrounited.com/

To build a strong community we need easy access to resources and locate our strength. The City of Toronto and the GTA is rich in creative talents who are producers of progressive content.  Afro United recognizes the need to promote local initiatives and events which are making a positive impact on our community. We showcase individuals and organizations that possess the right attitude to motivate and inspire young people. Discover a compilation of local cross-discipline achievers who understand the need to invest in our community and responsibly educate children.​

Art Starts http://www.artstarts.net/

Art Starts is an award-winning charitable, not-for-profit organization committed to arts-based community development in the city of Toronto. Our mandate is to build healthier communities using the arts. We are a growing organization currently operating five sites across the city.

b current http://bcurrent.ca  

We develop new works which are rooted in the cultural, social, and political experiences of the Canadian and international Black Diaspora. In order to effectively do this we have dramaturgy & workshop sessions or rehearsals, public readings, and workshop performances.

We produce out of the box performance pieces and ideas, in addition to main stage plays.

We cultivate both emerging and seasoned artists in career and community arts through experiential/hands-on development work in the rAiz'n the sun Programs and our newest Studio Artists Project.

Black CAP http://black-cap.com/

Black CAP is an organization that works to reduce HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s Black, African and Caribbean communities and enhance the quality of life of Black people living with or aff­ected by HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is spreading quickly in Toronto’s Black communities and we believe that our work is more important than ever. At this time, Black, African and Caribbean people account for more than one-fifth of all new HIV infections in Toronto, in the early nineties we made up only one-tenth of new HIV infections. Issues of HIV related stigma and discrimination, homophobia, anti-Black racism, immigration, poverty, and barriers to social inclusion also continue to make our work harder.

For Youth Initiative http://foryouth.ca
For Youth Initiative (FYI) is a non-profit, charitable organization operated by youth, for youth. At FYI we aim to encourage civic engagement and increase access to educational, recreational, economical and cultural opportunities.

Lost Lyrics http://www.lostlyrics.ca/

Lost Lyrics is part of a movement. Created in response to unimaginative teachers, negative labels and boring classes, Lost Lyrics is the alternative…rooted in the search for self-determination.

Hip Hop culture is the inspiration and tool utilized to break down the images, pressures, and issues our young people face. Together we create our own road-map, somewhere between the streets and the classroom, pushing young minds to engage, speak and rebel…but still graduate.

Nia Centre for the Arts http://www.niacentre.org/

Nia Centre for the Arts is a community space focused on supporting the holistic advancement of Afro-Diasporic young people.

PEACH http://www.peachyouth.org/

At PEACH, very marginalized youth in the Jane and Finch community re-imagine their future. They bounce back from setbacks, reconnect to education, experience strong adult support, improve learning skills, become engaged in community activities, express themselves, and feel connected.

We are leaders in building relationships and partnerships that guide youth in crisis and their families to the supports they need to achieve success.

The Remix Project  http://theremixproject.ca

The Remix Project was created in order to help level the playing field for young people from disadvantaged, marginalized and under served communities. Our programs and services serve youth who are trying to enter into the creative industries or further their formal education; The REMIX Project provides top-notch alternative, creative, educational programs, facilitators and facilities. Our mission is to help refine the raw talents of young people from across the GTA in order to help them find success as participants define it and on their own terms.

Sacred Women Centres International http://www.obsidianinstitute.com

We are a sacred community committed to spiritual exploration and awakening for women everywhere. Women are inspired to self-empowerment and experience a safe space to be heard, acknowledged and accept just as they are – whole, perfect and complete – the divine mothers of the universe. Women of all ages, identities and economic, cultural, religious or spiritual backgrounds may share in this experience. Here at the Sacred Women Centres Int’l Women Are Bringing Change By Being The Change.

TAIBU http://www.taibuchc.ca

TAIBU Community Health Center is a population of based community health center, which is committed to providing Primary Health Care Services to the Black Community in the GTA as its priority population. TAIBU is situated in the community of Malvern.

Urban Arts http://www.urbanartstoronto.org

UrbanArts is a progressive, not-for-profit community arts council providing opportunities for diverse cultural expression, artistic development, training and employment to urban communities with a focus on youth in central west Toronto. Our programs in digital photography, music, dance, visual arts, spoken word and leadership development teach youth how to enhance their artistic skills while developing their leadership capacity.

Tropicana Community Services http://www.tropicanacommunity.org

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multi-service organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices.  Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, child care, educational and employment services and youth development.

Women’s Health in Women’s Hands www.whiwh.com

Women’s Health In Women’s Hands (WHIWH) Community Health Centre provides Primary Healthcare to Black Women and Women of Colour from the Caribbean, African, Latin American and South Asian communities in Metropolitan Toronto and surrounding municipalities.

We are committed to working from an inclusive feminist, pro-choice, anti-racist, anti-oppression, and multilingual participatory framework in addressing the issue of access to healthcare for our mandated priority populations encompassing gender, race, class, violence, sexual orientation, religion, culture, language, disability, immigration status and socio-economic circumstances.

Young and Potential Fathers http://youngpfathers.org/

The Young & Potential Fathers Initiative addresses the cycles of disengagement, lack of resources and lack of visible role models for young racialized fathers in Toronto’s priority neighborhoods, with a specific focus on African Canadians. The initiative will strengthen the capacity of individuals, families and the community at large to provide direct support to young fathers and their children.