Before coming to Canada, Nicole searched in earnest for nurturing child care for her son, Zion. 

“I needed child care in the central-west area of the city that took toddlers and I liked the vibe of the Bellevue Child Care Centre. And I found out that there’s so much more to like there!

“Zion is now in the preschool child care at Bellevue and he loves it. When he’s not there, he misses his friends and talks about them all the time. He really engages with the other children and loves playing outside with them. 

“As a single mom, I appreciate that the Centre helps with his day-to-day structure and routine, and prepares kids for kindergarten. Bellevue has early childhood education and fresh, nutritionist-approved meals. And it’s highly important, especially for single working women, that The Neighbourhood Group signed up for the national $10 a day child care plan. We’re not stuck in the 1950’s anymore.

“The Neighbourhood Group is a good organization and the staff at Bellevue are so supportive and encouraging. When Zion is at Bellevue, I completely trust that he’s in good hands.”

Young people are struggling: Only 20% with mental health issues receive proper treatment. Of the remaining 80%, many youth use substances to cope. Far too many. 

Programs like our Higher State of Mind are critical to prevent young people from falling through the cracks. Designed for racialized youth who use cannabis and prescription drugs, the program employs peer youth to provide harm reduction and coping strategies. That shared experience helps young people deal with the symptoms and root causes of mental illness. Jayden learned this first-hand.

“Higher State of Mind really helped me reflect on things that I was doing that I shouldn’t. The program really changed the way I looked at things going on in my life and motivated me in high school. I started going to classes more often, recovered the credits I was missing, and got into a co-op program. Then I did my placement with the Game Changers mediation program and was lucky to land a job with them. Now I’m a peer mentor and help other young people by giving advice and strategies to avoid situations like the ones I went through. 

“Higher State of Mind and Game Changers really built my character so I could help other youth and make my community better.”
 

For youth coping with anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health illnesses, the need for an outlet has never been greater. At our Youth Arcade Studio, young people can do just that. Through creative self-expression, youth can explore themselves, the world around them, and their place in it. Just ask Angela.

“Before I came to the Studio, I was closed off. I only interacted with friends at school and was just focused on academics. One of my friends was already coming to the Studio and convinced me to join the House of Cool animation program there. Through the pandemic, I was part of the weekly virtual programs and summer sculpture workshops which was great because it was such an isolating time. This year, I joined the pottery program and had fun at the Art Gallery of Ontario last November where we had our work on display and for sale. 

“The Youth Arcade Studio has been a huge part of my teenage life and allowed me to expand my creativity and freedom in ways that I didn’t have before. Staff at the Studio gave me immense support beyond just art instruction. I became more knowledgeable about myself, and about the world in different forms and shapes that I would not normally have seen.”
 

Rising food prices. Unemployment and precarious work. Unaffordable housing. The reasons for food insecurity have never had more impact on hungry people in Toronto. In Scarborough alone, the number of visits to food banks increased by a staggering 29% last year. Cynthia is one of the nearly 20% of Torontonians living in a food-insecure household.

“I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. I’m in a wheelchair and cooking is very tough. The money I get from the government isn’t enough to cover everything I need. I do have a personal support worker but she’s only here for a short time. That’s why I go to the community dinner.”

Located near Victoria Park and St. Clair, the Community Dinner serves a free, nutritious home-cooked meal for up to 150 people every Thursday. But the Dinner is more than just a way to reduce hunger and improve people’s health: it’s a way for people to socialize and connect.

“With my treatments and health issues, getting out of the house is very important to me. At the Dinner, I get a good meal and meet other people. The Dinner is a life-saver.”

“I am a newcomer in Canada and a participant in the Women’s Settlement program. I was very happy to attend The Neighbourhood Group’s Election Workshops. 

“Staff guided us through the basic knowledge of municipal elections in Toronto. We learned about the different levels of government, the roles of the Mayor and City Council, and how elections work, including who is eligible to vote, what identification is needed, and different ways to vote. I was surprised that I could vote by mail and vote in an advance poll. We found out about voter registration cards and how to properly fill out a ballot, which means putting an ‘X’ beside the name of the candidate we want. Back in my home country, there is a picture of each candidate, and symbols on the ballot.

“We also learned ways we can participate in elections beyond voting, like running as a candidate, volunteering on election day, sharing election information and educating our family and friends. 

“I feel the multiple ways of voting make the democratic process more accessible to eligible voters and encourage residents to vote in Toronto’s municipal elections. Now I know that we should vote for a leader who will best serve our needs. 

“I am so thankful to The Neighbourhood Group for hosting and organizing these important workshops.”

Unresolved disagreements with neighbours, roommates, tenants and friends cause stress and typically get worse. So where do people turn? Community mediation.

Our free community mediation service helps people understand the root of their conflicts and develop mutually-beneficial solutions. Since 1985, we have opened over 6,000 cases and brought peace of mind to people and communities alike.

Originally focused in Kensington Market, our service expanded to meet the critical need across Toronto. By partnering with Humber College in Etobicoke, taking over from Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview in North York, and as of 2022, working with Warden Woods in Scarborough, our Conflict Resolution team offers a proven, effective mediation service for everyone across Toronto. The streamlined intake is a boon for the court system, police, bylaw officers and any other organization that needs efficient and timely methods of securing mediation referrals for people in conflict. 

For Warden Woods Executive Director, Julia Gonsalves, the benefit is crystal clear:

“Through this partnership, Warden Woods will improve access to free mediation for people in Scarborough by having a physical mediation space at our main location and meeting space available at our others. By educating our staff and community about the benefits of mediation, people will know about this vital service and be able to get help when they are not able to resolve their own conflicts.”

When Elizabeth came to Canada, she had trouble finding work because of her limited English. 

“I’m a single mother with two young children. I had my degree and worked as a manager back in the Dominican Republic but I needed a job here to support my family. I started English classes and went to The Neighbourhood Group’s Employment Centre on Danforth for help.”

Working with staff to determine her needs and goals, Elizabeth realized she wanted to help others in her new country. She focused on healthcare and joined our Pathways to Developmental Service Worker program. The 16-week training and placement program gave her the training and Canadian work experience that is essential for newcomers entering the Canadian workforce. 

After her placement, Elizabeth was hired by Christian Horizons to work in a group home. Now able to support her family through a decent work employer, Elizabeth also gained confidence in her skills, and ability to speak English.  

“I love my work because I’m making a difference in people’s lives. Where I come from, there’s no support for people with disabilities. Here I see the progress people make to become independent. Programs like this help everyone and show we’re all part of a community. I want to get my Developmental Service Worker diploma so I can do even more!”
 

Getting older is harder than ever. Skyrocketing grocery prices and rent, and declining mental and physical health drastically affects people’s ability to live on their own. Thanks to supportive housing like our Community Link House, seniors can maintain their independence and dignity. Osbert joined the House soon after tragedy struck. 

“When my wife passed away, I couldn’t afford to stay where we lived. To make matters worse, I had a stroke and couldn’t manage things on my own. I spoke to a housing worker at The Neighbourhood Group and she helped me fill out a housing application. Because of her and my social worker, I was able to get a spot at Community Link House.”

As fully-subsidized supportive housing for seniors who have experienced homelessness and mental health issues, Community Link House offers 24/7 access to qualified personal support workers, crisis response services, nutritious home-cooked meals, recreational activities and general assistance.

“Living at Community Link House is very accessible. It’s close to shopping and the TTC. I can be independent here. It’s a big plus!”
 

For people with complex health issues who are ready to be discharged after a hospital stay, the delay can be longer if extra support is not available to help them recover at home. Our Transitional Care Program changes that. By hosting people in our supportive housing residences, people like Clive have the personal support they need until they can return home, or move to a long-term care location.

“I worked all my life but after a stroke, everything felt like a new world. I couldn’t walk and had to learn to do everything again. And I couldn’t go back to my apartment because I couldn’t go up the stairs. 

“My social worker told me about a place I could go where people could help me while my wife was at work, and I could stay until I got into a long-term care home. I was skeptical but I got a room the same day I spoke with staff at The Neighbourhood Group. 

“The personal support workers are so kind here and helped me do things on my own, simple things like putting on clothes, getting into bed and keeping myself clean. They also measured my blood pressure, helped me shower, did laundry and cleaning, and even took me to my physical therapy.  

“When I found a room at a long-term care home, I had tears in my eyes. I’m very thankful for my personal support workers and I’ll never forget them.”
 

Isolated seniors are at risk for more than just loneliness: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s are just a few of the increased physical and mental health risks seniors face when being alone. For Barb, the solution was right around the corner.

“After working for the Provincial Government for nearly 50 years, I looked for ways to stay active and see people. The Adult Day Program was close so I tried it.”

Designed to help maintain the physical and mental health of seniors who are frail or living with cognitive disabilities, the Adult Day Program offers fun, enriching activities, nutritious meals, and companionship in a welcoming space.

“I feel like I belong here. We talk, laugh, and share what’s going on in our lives. We’re friends, even outside the program, and go to dinner and outings together. When I was away having eye surgery, everyone in the program called to see how I was and offered support. When a group member has a birthday, one of the volunteers buys flowers, tea or snacks, and when I was away, one of the volunteers delivered it to me. Everyone truly cares about each other.

“The Adult Day Program is an invaluable part of my life. It’s my home away from home.”
 

The war in Ukraine is devastating even for those lucky enough to escape. Ana was seven months pregnant, when she fled her homeland, leaving her husband and the life she knew behind. 

When she arrived as a refugee, Ana had no friends or family here. Luckily, she connected with our Perinatal Settlement Services. With assistance from a nurse, dietician and lactation consultant, Ana found the support she needed to care for her baby, and the peace of mind that help was always available. Through the program, Ana received grocery gift cards and clothes for her new baby. Settlement workers also helped her get a birth certificate and passport for her new baby, as well as child care subsidies, English classes, and doula and postpartum support.

Equally important was the connection Ana made to other pregnant women and new mothers. Weekly sessions were designed specifically for Ukrainian women, whose shared experiences made the adjustment to life in Canada much easier. During the sessions, Ana took a leadership role and actively recruited other Ukrainian refugees who could benefit from the sessions. Today, Ana is still a leader in our perinatal sessions and is quickly improving her English.

“The Neighbourhood Group's dedication and efforts made a significant impact on my life. I will always be grateful for the welcoming support I received.”
 

The needs of underserved populations in our community have never been greater. Whether it’s educating youth, providing employment opportunities for BIPOC women or helping newcomers adapt, the growth of innovative community programs is evident. To help these grassroots organizations fulfill their missions, The Neighbourhood Group’s Trustee Hub acts as a trustee by leveraging its financial, fundraising and administrative resources, and furthers its own goal of improving the lives of people in our community.
 

Trustee Spotlight

Wanasah addresses the urgent mental health needs of Black youth and their families in Regent Park and neighboring areas in downtown Toronto. Through Black-centric, inclusive, holistic, and culturally-safe care, Wanasah strives to create safe and inclusive communities where Black youth with mental health concerns live with dignity and a sense of purpose.

Trusteed Organizations

• 4GetAboutIt Youth Collective
• Activity Days at Susan
• Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative (AYEDI)
• Aki Wiidookaagewin
• All Saints Church Community Centre
• Alliance For Equality of Blind Canadians
• Antibes Youth Council
• BAM (Books, Arts, Music)
• Bike Brigade
• Blessed Home
• Bootcamps for Change
• Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute Youth
• Butterfly
• Black Women In Motion (BWIM)
• Change-Makers Foundation 
• Chester Lea: Re-rewriting our Stories
• Chop Love Cafe
• Concerned Tenants of Empringham, Community support and engagement
• Corktown Residents and Business Association
• Crescent Community Service
• Central Youth Group of Scarborough (CYGS) 
• DearFutureMe
• Direct Your Life
• Earth Angels
• East End Elite
• Emotionart
• Equitable Action for Change
• EthioCan Bridge The Gap
• Etobicoke York Safety Network
• Explore T.O
• Friends of Cornell Park
• Friends of Flemingdon
• Game Changers
• Girl Impact
• Goodsort
• Haitians of Toronto
• Healing for Scarborough
• Healing Markham and Lawrence
• Homefront Community Services
• H.O.P.E.
• Hope & Hustle Heights
• Hope Community Services
• Iball Canada
• Inkspire
• International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
• Kids Fun Fest
• Lawrence Heights Parents Association
• Lights Out Basketball Academy
• Literacy Heights
• Malakai Lafond-Wright and Aaliyah Wright, Knowledge & Fitness Program
• Malvern Rise Up
• Mental Health Matters
• Mobile Arts
• Moms on a Mission
• Moss Park Women's Group
• Mothers of Peace
• Myles Unlimited
• O'Connor Hawks Youth
• Outsider Genre
• Own your Impact
• Power of Love
• RCAD Initiative
• Rebuilding our Youth Retreat
• Regent Park Black Lives Matter Coalition
• Sassy Moms
• Scarborough Anti-Violence Mentorship Brotherhood Association 
• Seamoss in the City
• Serenity 2.0
• Show Me the Money
• Sister Circle
• Smile for Sache
• South Asian Advisory Group
• Sports Program
• SRHR Hubs
• St. James Resident Council
• Stay Golden
• Stick To The Code
• Stitching It Together 
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health
• Taylor-Massey & Oakridge Community Response Team (TMOCRT)
• Team L.E.A.D
• TFCA - Wexford/Maryvale Community
• The Helping Hand Foundation
• The Key of Sight
• The Peoples Youth Film Program
• The South Asian Yard
• Toronto Prep Wellness Initiative
• Ubuntu TO
• Victoria Park Anti-Violence Ambassadors Organization
• Vision Key
• Wanasah
• Westhill safety Network
• Woburn Black Student Association
• Young Male Leadership Group
• Youth Innovation Program
• Youth Mental Health & Fitness
• Youth United
• Youth United St Jamestown
• Youth4Youth

“My journey with The Neighbourhood Group began at a very low point in my life. I was struggling with heavy substance use and finding myself in unsafe situations where I was fearful for my life. Due to the negative connections and acquaintances I made while using substances, I decided to leave my home to live in a tent. I felt safer there than I did at my own apartment. It was then I heard about The Neighbourhood Group.

“I started out as a client, getting case management support through the Toronto Community Action Team (TCAT). That helped me understand more about my behaviour and I learned better ways to deal with things. I was still living in a tent then but I was driven and determined to achieve my goals. Soon after, I began training for the peer support program. After completing the program, I applied for a drop-in support position and got hired! And with the help from staff, I also found a safe apartment for myself.

“The support from everyone at The Neighbourhood Group has helped me to this day as I continue to achieve my self-identified goals and grow past the problems I had.”

Childcare

10 provincially-licensed childcare centres provided safe and enriching childcare for 1,704 children, ages newborn to 12 years. Locations include:

• Bellevue Ave.
• Canoe Landing Centre
• Harbourfront Centre
• King Edward Public School
• Lord Lansdowne Public School
• Ontario St.
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
• Waterfront Public School
• Winchester Public School
• Yonge-Sheppard Centre

Children & Youth Services

Drop-in, academic and employment support, mental health, arts, recreational, mentorship, advocacy and justice programs helped 3,300 children and youth transition through the teen years. Locations include:

• After School Programs
• Extra Judicial Sanctions/Measures
• Game Changers Restorative Justice
• Integrated Model of Care
• Kensington Art Academy
• Kick Start
• Kidz Klub
• MOTIV8
• North York Youth Drop-in
• Steps2Success
• Summer Camps
• Youth Arcade Studio
• Youth Awoken
• Youth Outreach Workers
• Youth Recreation & Leadership
• Weekend Youth Club

Community Development

Working alongside community members to address issues and build better neighbourhoods helped 3,203 people through advocacy, education and support. Programs include:

• Community Dinners
• Community Gardens
• Community Development & Social Action
• Easy-Access Voicemail
• Financial Advocacy and Literacy
• Neighbourhood Pods – Mutual Aid
• Teesdale Food Bank

Conflict Resolution & Training

Community and workplace mediation, conflict management, public workshops, consulting and training helped 2,833 people resolve conflicts, and prevent future conflict from escalating. Programs include:

• Community Mediation
• Workplace Mediation and Training
• Mediation & Conflict Resolution Training

Employment Services

Programs, workshops, training, resource centres, individual counselling and job development helped 2,631 job seekers prepare for and find employment with specialized programs for newcomers, at-risk youth, and people with mental health issues. Programs include:

• Better Jobs Ontario
• Carry On
• Connections
• Enhanced Services
• Employer Services
• Moving Forward
• New Knowledge, New Steps
• Opportunity Knocks
• Youth Job Connection
• Youth Works

Housing & Housing Development

Supportive housing, eviction prevention, case management and wraparound services helped 466 people maintain their independence. Locations include:

• Art Manuel House
• Cecelia Murphy Building
• Community Link House
• Dovercourt Place
• Jean Dudley House
• L.L. Odette Place
• Macey Place
• Norm Houghton Complex
• O’Connor House

Independent Living & Seniors

Personal Support Workers, nutritious food, recreational services and general assistance helped 7,731 seniors and adults living with physical and/or mental challenges live independently and with dignity. Programs include:

• Adult Day Services
• Cantonese, Korean and Mandarin Programs
• Case Management
• Congregate Dining
• Friendly Visiting
• Home at Last
• In-Home Services and Personal Support Workers
• Meals on Wheels
• Respite Care
• Seniors Active Living Centres
• Stroke Survivors
• Transitional Care
• Transportation and Toronto RIDE

Newcomer Services

English classes, workshops and settlement support helped 3,659 newcomers successfully adapt to new life in Canada. Programs include:

• Beginners Computer Skills Program
• English Conversation Circles
• Healthy Lifestyle Workshops
• LINC & ESL English Classes
• Perinatal Settlement Support Services
• Rainbow Connect
• Women’s Program

Trustee Hub

Mentoring, financial and administrative assistance helped 66 community groups fulfill their mandates to improve social and economic justice. Some include:

• Afghan Youth Engagement and Development Initiative (AYEDI)
• Aki Wiidoogeewin
• Healing for Scarborough
• Lawrence Heights Parents Association 
• St. James Resident Council
• Wanasah
• Youth United

Urban Health & Homelessness Services

Holistic case management, harm reduction and poverty reduction services improved the mental and physical health of 21,818 people who are living below the poverty line, including people who are homeless or marginally-housed, and those who have mental health and substance use issues. Programs include:

• Clinical Care and Case Management Services
• Community Connect
• Corner Drop-in
• Crystal Meth Project
• Employment Program
• Eviction Prevention
• Harm Reduction Services
• Here to Help (H2H)
• HIV & AIDS Prevention
• Integrated Prevention and Harm Reduction (iPHARE)
• Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site
• Mobile Shelter Support Program
• Partners for Access and Identification (PAID)
• Peers in Emergency Departments
• Peer and Park Outreach
• Peer Training and Development
• Safe Seniors Supported Housing
• SafeSpot
• Street Survivors
• Toronto Community Action Team (TCAT)
• UHN Stabilization Centre
• Voluntary Trustee Program
• Vulnerable Seniors Housing Support