For Youth Initiative

For Youth Initiative (FYI) is a city funded organization that supports youth, especially in marginalized groups, in navigating systemic barriers, planning for the future, and accessing the resources they need to succeed. Since our start we have collaborated with FYI on many occasions, and we continue to do so to ensure that VO youth are engaged in their community, and are heard, but we are not affiliated with them.

With a location on 504 Oakwood Ave* (just south of the Vaughan and Oakwood intersection) we encourage VO Youth (aged 12-29) to take advantage of the resources provided by FYI! Below you will find some of those resources, but also explore their website to learn more about them and what they provide.

For any question regarding FYI, please call 416-844-5889 or email Ben, the Operations Director, at benedicto@foryouth.ca

*Please note that upon arriving to FYI's VO location, that it is a basement space. Elevator available.

FYI's Programs

FYI has a variety of fun, engaging, and meaningful programs. Click here to access a list of the programs they provide, which include both in-person and virtual programs.

Counselling

Youth can access free counselling sessions with a registered social worker. In-person and online sessions are available. To complete a registration form and to schedule an appointment, please email ryan@foryouth.ca

FYI also offers online Drop-In Counselling through Unison on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 - 7pm. You can access using Zoom:

Zoom ID: 653 3073 7749

Password: 224466

Boys to Men

For young men. A group focused on creating a safe space for young men to express themselves, to discuss about life, relationships, finances, mental health and self-development.

For more information, contact Cornelious by phone/text at 416-669-9513 or email at cornelious@foryouth.ca

Girls Night In (GNI)

For BIPOC women.

Four main areas of focus are post-secondary readiness, mental health awareness, personal identity and civic engagement. GNI aims to provide a safe space for BIPOC women to share their stories, gain advice, build leadership skills and to further build a positive sense of identity. Youth participants will also earn bus tickets, gift cards, and volunteer hours for their weekly attendance and active participation.

SCHEDULE: Wednesdays starting September 28th, 6:30pm-8:30pm on ZOOM

For more information or to sign-up, contact Andressa: andressa@foryouth.ca

Youth Justice

FYI works with youth who have interacted with the criminal justice system. The Youth Justice Program focuses on major areas of support which include Preventative Measures, Diversion Programming, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration.

For more info click the link here, or email Ben: benedicto@foryouth.ca

The Vaughan-Oakwood Youth Network, working within Tkaronto (so-called Toronto), are on the traditional territories of many Indigenous nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnawbe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.

Indigenous nations have cared for this land for many generations before they were colonised by European settlers decades ago. As settlers, it is our responsibility to be aware of our place in the history of colonialism and to commit to protecting and caring for this land and all those that live upon it.