Find community programs for youth
Find programs and support to help you feel safe and stay engaged in your community.
Overview
For many young people, growing up today can be tough. You face new challenges and you might not know where to turn for help finding a job or starting a business.
Learn about programs to help you:
- work constructively within your community
- gain confidence
- learn new skills
- work towards a valuable work reference
Get a mentor
You can find a mentor through the Youth Mentorship Program to help you build your confidence and self-esteem in school, at work and in your community. A mentor can also help you:
- improve your performance at school
- find employment or start a business
- get involved in your community
Learn where to access your local Youth Mentorship Program.
Get help finding services
Youth outreach workers can meet you in the places you hang out to make sure you know about the programs and services that are available to you and encourage you to get involved in positive projects in your community.
Learn where to access your local Youth Outreach Worker Program.
Gang prevention and intervention
If you are involved in a gang, if you could become involved with a gang or if you want to leave one, the Gang Prevention and Intervention Program can help you get a fresh start and:
- find a job or training
- get an internship
- learn about parenting
- recover from addictions
- improve your relationships
Find out where you can access the Gang Prevention and Intervention Program.
Deal with conflict and violence
Learn how to deal with conflict and violence with others and gain skills that will help you throughout your life. You’ll find support in community agencies and schools. Students in the program build skills through peer support in:
- communication
- positive social behaviour
- building stronger relationships
Learn where you can get help with managing conflict.
Youth Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Program
The Youth Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Program is a prevention-focused initiative that is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy. It supports locally responsive, targeted prevention and resilience programs to address the root causes that make youth susceptible to involvement in violence, gangs and victimization, including human trafficking, and help them find meaningful opportunities.
Programs are delivered by local service providers in Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Toronto and neighbouring Indigenous communities and prioritize culturally specific supports for Black and Indigenous youth, who have been disproportionately impacted by youth violence and victimization, including human trafficking.
Student and family advocates
Student and family advocates work directly with Black students and families to develop individual strategies for helping you and your child to overcome barriers when navigating school processes and systems. The advocates provide a range of supports, which may include:
- support navigating elementary, secondary and postsecondary school systems
- help accessing community resources and services
- advocating for your family during processes like disciplinary practices and parent-teacher communications
Local organizations in Ottawa, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area help families connect with advocates.
Contact an organization in your community to learn if your child is eligible