The objective of the AroniAward is to recognize students who reflect a positive state of mind, and follow up their goals with positive action. Unlike other Scholarships and awards, the AroniAward recipients may be students who lack strong academic points due to socio- economic hardships and other obstacles, but continue to have a positive outlook and strong commitment to furthering their education.
Recipients: 2007 AroniAward recipients.
Computers placed to date: 3 top of the page
Beatz to da Streetz is Toronto’s first non-profit arts program that aims to empower homeless and underserved youth ages 16-24 through urban arts to reach their full potential and become agents of positive social change. The program leverages the powerful connection between young people and music to promote opportunities for increasing self-esteem, development of creative expression, building life skills, opening opportunities for professional mentorship, education and income generation for homeless and underserved youth. The workshops are run out of Centennial College’s Centre for Creative Communication. Check out their video on youtube http://ca.youtube.com/b2dscrew
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 4 top of the page
Belka Enrichment Center is a project of Caribbean Global Missions (CGM), a non profit organization aimed at developing the academic and social potential of low income and at risk youth in Jane & Finch, Ontario, and other parts of Canada. Belka Enrichment Center aims at enabling children and youth of low income and inner-city communities with economic self-reliance, equality, power and civil rights. Belka Enrichment Center is a non religious organization with a mission to collaborate with children, youth, young adults, parents and teachers in Jane & Finch. Students participating in the Lab-On-Wheels have access to one-on-one tutoring, and receive consistent guidance with their homework assignments.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 10 top of the page
Burkes Bookstore is Canada’s oldest Black Community oriented bookstore. Burkes Charitable Foundation evolved from the bookstore and aims to offer services that will nurture the lives of people and support building a stronger community. In keeping with their philosophy of inclusiveness, this project seeks to bring together people of diverse backgrounds.
Recipients: Students with limited resources who face obstacles making it difficult for them to achieve their academic goals and advance to post-secondary education programs.
Computers placed to date: 20 top of the page
Meeting the needs of a diverse society for over 50 years, COSTI Immigrant Services is a community-based multicultural agency providing employment, educational, settlement and social services to all immigrant communities, new Canadians and individuals in need of assistance. COSTI strives to be a leader in community service by using a client focused, proactive, and innovative approach in planning, developing and delivering services. Their programs ensure that regardless of language or cultural barriers, people who arrive in Canada are able to use their existing skills, learn new ones, and participate actively in all aspects of Canadian life. Operating from 14 locations in Toronto, York Region and Peel, COSTI provides services in more than 60 languages. Last year, over 42,000 individuals received assistance.
Recipients: Students from newly immigrated families
Computers placed to date: 20 top of the page
Education through media addresses the issues faced by at-risk youth, including homelessness, juvenile delinquency, prostitution, substance abuse, and violence. They provide an opportunity for personel development through job-skills training and employment assistance in a structured setting that promotes self-esteem, creativity, and team-building among participants.
Recipients: youth involved in program.
Computers placed to date: 1 top of the page
First Nations School of Toronto is unique in that Aboriginal values, spirituality, culture and Ojibway language are integrated into the school curriculum. The goal is to ensure that urban Aboriginal children will have the opportunity to learn about their heritage and the traditional Anishinabe cultural perspective while acquiring the skills necessary to survive in today’s world. Their focus is to offer the Ontario Curriculum with an ‘overlay’ of Native language, tradition and culture, that meets the requirements set by the School Council, the Toronto District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Recipients: Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Computers placed to date: 39 top of the page
Horizons for Youth is dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth achieve personal responsibility, make positive choices and become empowered for their future. Horizons for Youth sets the standard for physical and emotional shelter where youth can access professional services with dignity.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 5 top of the page
Lost Lyrics
11 Chiswick Ave, Toronto, ON M6M 4T5
Lost Lyrics is a self-determined movement rooted in the exploration of alternative education. The vision of Lost Lyrics was inspired by the constraints and limitations of the public/mainstream education system. Replacing the black-board-and-chalk, lecture-and-notes style of teaching, Lost Lyrics is a space that continuously searches for more open and creative methods. Classes are spaces where they engage critical themes of fluctuating self- identity, such as; sexuality, hood politics, ideas of success and relationships through critical conversations, creative games and journal writing. Hip Hop culture continues to be utilized as their inspiration and analytical lens.
Recipients: Youth in the Jane & Finch and Malvern communities.
Computers placed to date: 1 top of the page
Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation
www.mpcf.ca 99 Harbour Square, Unit 1601, Toronto, ON M5J 2H2
Mike’s vision is to quicken academic excellence, infuse depth of character, promote health and vitality, and inspire generosity in our youth. Through organized fundraising appeals and events, his goal is to make substantial contributions to local health, human resources, education and character building programs that serve our community.
Recipients: Under-resourced youth in the GTA.
Computers placed to date: 5 top of the page
Native Child & Family Services of Toronto
www.nativechild.org Central Administration
295 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1S2
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strive to provide for a life of quality, well being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. It does this by creating a services model that is culture based respecting the supreme values of the Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination.
Recipients: Single parents with young children. Many are currently before the Child Welfare courts, some have children in care and wish to work toward their return, most are poor, isolated, and suffer a lack of support in an environment deemed insensitive and inaccessible to Native people.
Computers placed to date: 6 top of the page
Lawrence Heights is a community of ethnic and linguistic diversity, predominantly newcomers and first-generation immigrants from East and West African countries, as well as Caribbean and Latin American countries. There are 1,080 family units and a high proportion of single-parent families. It is one of a number of Toronto communities affected by youth gangs and violent crime involving firearms over the past few years. In October 2005, Toronto City Council designated Lawrence Heights as one of 13 priority neighborhoods, requiring infrastructure investment and improvement of community services.
Recipients: Grade 9 students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 150 top of the page
Regent Park is the oldest public housing project and one of the most economically disadvantaged regions in Canada. While extremely rich in diversity, it is a community that faces many race, language and cultural barriers. With an average of 850 high school age kids and no secondary schools in the community, 56% of them (twice the Toronto average) were dropping out – until Pathways came along. Beginning in September 2001, Pathways enrolled 95% of the eligible grade nine high school students (and their parents) in an innovative program that addresses many of the challenges elaborated by the Regent Park community. Now in their 7th year, Pathways continues to enroll and re-enroll over 95% of the eligible grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 students as the program has expanded to include over 835 kids that attend over 60 different high schools.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 547 top of the page
Jamestown is located in North Etobicoke, in the northwest end of Toronto. The community is culturally diverse and has a history of strong community spirit. However, it is also a community that is wrestling with many socio-economic issues related to poverty, unemployment, immigration, affordable housing, education, and family breakdown. In October 2005, Toronto City Council designated Jamestown as one of 13 priority neighborhoods, requiring infrastructure investment and improvement of community services.
Recipients: Grade 9 students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 187 top of the page
In the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre catchment area, located in the west end of Ottawa, there are six social housing neighbourhoods. These communities include over 4,000 individuals, most of whom live in single-parent households. These neighbourhoods have larger than average child and youth populations (about two-thirds of residents are children and youth). Close to 30% of residents are newcomers to Canada, particularly from Somalia and Arabic-speaking countries. Almost all of the residents are living below the average income level and many are living below the poverty line.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 180 top of the page
There are two neighbourhoods in Kitchener that have opened their doors to the Pathways to Education Program. Both communities are diverse, with a wealth of languages and cultures represented among the participants. The two neighbourhoods, both of which are in the south-central core of Kitchener, have a high percentage of families living in public housing and new Canadians settling in the areas. Most importantly, with two of the highest dropout rates in Kitchener, the families in these neighbourhoods are eager to see the program succeed in their communities.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 30 top of the page
The Remix Project is a youth program that acts as an arts and cultural incubator in Toronto, Canada, North America’s cultural capital. Young people aspiring to start careers in the urban arts sector drive the program by developing personal six month plans for success. Upon completion of the 6 month cycle, their youth can choose to get follow-up support in three areas;
* Re-attachment to Education: by earning high school credits through their coop programs or possibly obtain a scholarship to a post secondary institution.
* Internships: are made possible for participants because their staff team is extremely connected in urban industries.
* Entrepreurship: Remix works with young people to identify grants, bursaries, and loans to help them get their businesses and ventures started. Remix has started-up a brand new micro-credit program which will be able to lend loans of $300 to $1000.
Recipients: Art of Business graduate.
Computers placed to date: 1 top of the page
Shoot With This is an exciting and creative program for at-risk youth at Westview Centennial Secondary School and is an innovative attempt to motivate and empower at-risk youth by giving them the resources and support to learn about video making from inspiring and talented individuals whose experiences are not dissimilar from their own. The goal is to engage them to visually articulate personal and social issues in their lives and communities. The filmmaking workshops will be complemented by mentorship from four social workers with the TDSB who work at schools in this community. Shoot With This hopes that this connection with school board staff will enable these youth, many of whom have had negative experiences with formal education, to have a positive and enriching educational experience and reconnect with these institutions.
Recipients: ‘at-risk’ males and females ages 15 to 18 who are currently enrolled at Westview Centennial Secondary School in Toronto’s Jane/Finch corridor. ‘At-risk’ can mean they were once or currently are involved in street crime, homelessness, dropping out of school, being suspended or expelled from school, etc.
Computers placed to date: 8 top of the page
Sketch
www.sketch.ca 580 King St. W. , 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 63 , Station B, 119 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2T2
Sketch creates opportunities for street involved and homeless people ages 15-29, to engage in the arts in a cross-discipline studio environment or in the community.
Recipients: Young people who live street-involved and homeless or who are considered to be at risk.
Computers placed to date: 15 top of the page
Spanning the Gap: Access to Post Secondary Education
Ryerson University
This program is designed for students who are interested in continuing their education despite having low grades or not finishing high school. They have to maintain a C average and with completion they are guaranteed a spot in the program of their choice at Ryerson University.
Recipients: First-nations students participating in program.
Computers placed to date: 7 top of the page
StepStones services a population of youth who are economically or socially disadvantaged. The mandate of StepStones is to promote and continually improve fundamental core skills for vulnerable youth that will directly increase their potential for achievement at school, in the community, and as members of the workforce.
Recipients: Girls, aged 12-14 who have participated in a two-week camp program beginning with an initial one-week day program in the city of Toronto followed by an eight-day overnight camping experience at a rented camp facility in Northern Ontario (Owen Sound).
Computers placed to date: 92 top of the page
St. Lawrence Community Health Centre
140 The Esplanade, Unit 3, 1st Fl, Toronto, ON, M5A 4P5
St. Lawrence Community Health Centre provides a variety of services including access to a doctor, nurse, counsellor, addiction counsellor, social worker, dietician or pharmacist for regular health check-ups, prevention and treatment. They also have specific services for seniors, youth, people with HIV/AIDS, residents of hostels and various ethnic communities. In May 2006 they developed a drop-in computer homework lab for youth in the community. Sky’s the Limit provided 5 computers, a printer and a scanner for their lab.
Recipients: Youth in the community
Computers placed to date: 5 top of the page
S.T.Y.L.E Program is an LD specific community base program serves youth 13-21 within the Jane/Finch and Bathurst/Finch area; providing immediately needed LD specific programs at no cost to those living or attending school within these two priority neighbourhoods. The S.T.Y.L.E Program’s main programs include: Academic tutoring; Life skills coaching (college/job applications, Finding your way around your neighbourhood, managing money/time); and Social skills (anger management, communication skills, problem solving, etiquette.)
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 9 top of the page
Touchstone Youth Centre is a 32 bed emergency shelter for 16 – 24 year old homeless and at-risk youth. In addition to shelter, they address the many issues of homeless youth by offering an Employment Program, Housing Help, a Drop-in Centre and an Outreach Worker.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 11 top of the page
Y.A.A.A.C.E (Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, & Character Education)
The organization’s mandate is to create a culture of high academic achievement, social and civic responsibility among its members and establish an infrastructure that will bridge the gap between young people North and South of Finch. Y.A.A.A.C.E. is committed to empowering young people; through developing self-confidence, discipline, a healthy self-image, inspiring occupational aspirations, instilling commitment to all levels of schooling (elementary, secondary and post secondary), fostering racial and ethnic identity. Y.A.A.A.C.E. seeks to forge meaningful partnerships with parents, mentors, and organizations with whom the youth they serve interact.
Recipients: YAAACE participants in Jane & Finch catchment area.
Computers placed to date: 60 top of the page
Youth Deserve a Chance to Dream supports groups and organizations whose main objectives are to educate, nurture and guide young people by offering character building activities, seminars and events, which enable them to become responsible and productive citizens. Their goal is to provide various types of assistance to organizations that provide a positive, stimulating social environment that encourages personal growth to at-risk youth in our community.
Recipients: Youth involved in program
Computerse placed to date: 4 top of the page
Youth in Motion (YIM)
www.youth-in-motion.ca The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Building
69 Bloor Street East, Suite 302 (3rd Floor), Toronto, ON M4W 1B3
Youth in Motion (YIM) is a national, not-for-profit organization focused on developing the employability and life skills of today’s youth to prepare them effectively for success in life and work. Their programs are designed to provide access to career information and increase awareness about opportunities for youth and those impacting the career decisions of youth.
Recipients: YIM Opportunities Unlimited graduates
Computers placed to date: 33 top of the page
This program is designed to assist participants in improving their knowledge and understanding of themselves, their knowledge of the Canadian Labour Market, as well as enhancing their knowledge and understanding about the jobs they wish to pursue. The major goal of this six-month training program is to assist youth in overcoming barriers to employment. There are three (3) components of the program: Improving Self awareness, Self-Esteem and Relevant Life Skills necessary for the work-world.
Recipients: “at-risk” youth 17-30 years old who are unemployed and out-of-school.
Computers placed to date: 11 top of the page
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, a mentoring organization for children, is committed to providing caring adult relationships for children to promote their healthy development and enhance their self-esteem. Children in their programs are often living under very stressful circumstances and need a consistent adult role model and friend. Each year, their agency serves over 1350 children in Peel. Children and youth in their programs demonstrate increased confidence, improved social skills, improved relationships with family and peers and hope for the future.
Recipients: Youth involved in program.
Computers placed to date: 40
CompuCorps mentoring is an Ottawa-based Canadian charity helping other charities and their disadvantaged clients to become more effective through volunteer projects, computer re-use and technology planning. Over the last 7 years, CompuCorps Mentoring has engaged over 250 TechMentors as volunteer ‘mentors’ for 100 charitable groups who needed help in how to use technology to achieve their missions.
Recipients: Burmese refugees in Ottawa area
Computers placed to date: 104 top of the page
Foster Farm Community Centre
1085 Ramsey Cres, Unit 334, Ottawa, ON K2B 7Z9
The community house acts as a resource and drop-in centre where a variety of services and activities are offered to the tenants and the residents of the Foster Farm community. These include: daily drop-in; cooking classes; sewing club; clothing closet; chaplaincy service; leadership training for youth; Computer access, bread and pastry baskets, Good Food boxes for residents only, Monday and Thursday giveaways and many seasonal social and recreational activities. The house also serves as a base for several community services. The food programs include: lunch and chat, soup on Tuesdays and a Food Bank.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 6 top of the page
O-YA! (Osgoode Youth Association)
http://o-ya.ca 5479 Osgoode Main Street, Osgoode, ON, K0A 2W0
The Osgoode Youth Assocation (O-YA! ) helps to enrich the quality of life of youth 12-18 living in Osgoode Ward by supporting the development of their village raised young people as world ready adults and engaged citizens.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 4 top of the page
The Shawanaga First Nation community is located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Parry Sound.The community is comprised of approximately 550 band members, with about 190 living on-reserve. Their land includes the area depicted by the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. Their ancestors, The Southeastern Ojibway, used to live a nomadic lifestyle before European contact in the late 1600s. Their community is suffering from high levels of unemployment due to their isolation.
Recipients: Youth and their families living in Shawanaga.
Computers placed to date: 80 top of the page
Ontario
GTA Regions
Aroni Awards Foundation
Beatz to da Streetz
Belka Enrichment Center
Burkes Bookstore
COSTI Immigration Services
Education Through Media
First Nations School of Toronto
Horizions for Youth
Lost Lyrics
Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation
Native Child & Family Services of Toronto
Pathways to Education
Regent Park
Rexdale
Kitchener
Pinecrest
The Remix Project
Shoot with this
Sketch
StepStones for youth
St. Lawrence
S.T.Y.L.E.
Touchstone
Shoot with this
Y.A.A.A.C.E (Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, & Character Education)
Youth Deserve a Chance to Dream
Youth In Motion (YIM)
Durham Region
Word of Truth Skills Link Employment Program
Peel Region
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel
Ottawa
CompuCorps Mentoring
Foster Farm Community Centre
O-YA! (Osgoode Youth Association)
Winthrop Court Community House
Parry Sound
Shawanaga First Nation Community
Aroni Awards Foundation
www.aroniawards.com
The objective of the AroniAward is to recognize students who reflect a positive state of mind, and follow up their goals with positive action. Unlike other Scholarships and awards, the AroniAward recipients may be students who lack strong academic points due to socio- economic hardships and other obstacles, but continue to have a positive outlook and strong commitment to furthering their education.
Recipients: 2007 AroniAward recipients.
Computers placed to date: 3
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Beatz to da Streetz
http://www.b2ds.ca
1076 Pape Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4K 3W5
Beatz to da Streetz is Toronto’s first non-profit arts program that aims to empower homeless and underserved youth ages 16-24 through urban arts to reach their full potential and become agents of positive social change. The program leverages the powerful connection between young people and music to promote opportunities for increasing self-esteem, development of creative expression, building life skills, opening opportunities for professional mentorship, education and income generation for homeless and underserved youth. The workshops are run out of Centennial College’s Centre for Creative Communication. Check out their video on youtube http://ca.youtube.com/b2dscrew
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 4
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http://208.124.232.190/main/
1977 Finch Avenue, Suite 212,Toronto, ON M3N 2V3
Belka Enrichment Center is a project of Caribbean Global Missions (CGM), a non profit organization aimed at developing the academic and social potential of low income and at risk youth in Jane & Finch, Ontario, and other parts of Canada. Belka Enrichment Center aims at enabling children and youth of low income and inner-city communities with economic self-reliance, equality, power and civil rights. Belka Enrichment Center is a non religious organization with a mission to collaborate with children, youth, young adults, parents and teachers in Jane & Finch. Students participating in the Lab-On-Wheels have access to one-on-one tutoring, and receive consistent guidance with their homework assignments.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 10
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Burkes Bookstore
www.burkesbookstore.com
873 St. Clair Avenue W, Toronto, ON M6C 1C4
Burkes Bookstore is Canada’s oldest Black Community oriented bookstore. Burkes Charitable Foundation evolved from the bookstore and aims to offer services that will nurture the lives of people and support building a stronger community. In keeping with their philosophy of inclusiveness, this project seeks to bring together people of diverse backgrounds.
Recipients: Students with limited resources who face obstacles making it difficult for them to achieve their academic goals and advance to post-secondary education programs.
Computers placed to date: 20
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COSTI Immigration Services
www.costi.org/index.php
1710 Dufferin Street Toronto, Ontario M6E 3P2
Meeting the needs of a diverse society for over 50 years, COSTI Immigrant Services is a community-based multicultural agency providing employment, educational, settlement and social services to all immigrant communities, new Canadians and individuals in need of assistance. COSTI strives to be a leader in community service by using a client focused, proactive, and innovative approach in planning, developing and delivering services. Their programs ensure that regardless of language or cultural barriers, people who arrive in Canada are able to use their existing skills, learn new ones, and participate actively in all aspects of Canadian life. Operating from 14 locations in Toronto, York Region and Peel, COSTI provides services in more than 60 languages. Last year, over 42,000 individuals received assistance.
Recipients: Students from newly immigrated families
Computers placed to date: 20
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Education Through Media
http://www.educationthroughmedia.org
1610 Bloor St. West, Toronto, On M6P 1A7
Education through media addresses the issues faced by at-risk youth, including homelessness, juvenile delinquency, prostitution, substance abuse, and violence. They provide an opportunity for personel development through job-skills training and employment assistance in a structured setting that promotes self-esteem, creativity, and team-building among participants.
Recipients: youth involved in program.
Computers placed to date: 1
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First Nations School of Toronto
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/profiles/5360.pdf
935 Dundas St. E. Toronto, M4M1R4
First Nations School of Toronto is unique in that Aboriginal values, spirituality, culture and Ojibway language are integrated into the school curriculum. The goal is to ensure that urban Aboriginal children will have the opportunity to learn about their heritage and the traditional Anishinabe cultural perspective while acquiring the skills necessary to survive in today’s world. Their focus is to offer the Ontario Curriculum with an ‘overlay’ of Native language, tradition and culture, that meets the requirements set by the School Council, the Toronto District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Recipients: Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Computers placed to date: 39
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Horizions for Youth
http://www.horizonsforyouth.org/index.php
422 Gilbert Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6E 4X3
Horizons for Youth is dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth achieve personal responsibility, make positive choices and become empowered for their future. Horizons for Youth sets the standard for physical and emotional shelter where youth can access professional services with dignity.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 5
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Lost Lyrics
11 Chiswick Ave, Toronto, ON M6M 4T5
Lost Lyrics is a self-determined movement rooted in the exploration of alternative education. The vision of Lost Lyrics was inspired by the constraints and limitations of the public/mainstream education system. Replacing the black-board-and-chalk, lecture-and-notes style of teaching, Lost Lyrics is a space that continuously searches for more open and creative methods. Classes are spaces where they engage critical themes of fluctuating self- identity, such as; sexuality, hood politics, ideas of success and relationships through critical conversations, creative games and journal writing. Hip Hop culture continues to be utilized as their inspiration and analytical lens.
Recipients: Youth in the Jane & Finch and Malvern communities.
Computers placed to date: 1
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Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation
www.mpcf.ca
99 Harbour Square, Unit 1601, Toronto, ON M5J 2H2
Mike’s vision is to quicken academic excellence, infuse depth of character, promote health and vitality, and inspire generosity in our youth. Through organized fundraising appeals and events, his goal is to make substantial contributions to local health, human resources, education and character building programs that serve our community.
Recipients: Under-resourced youth in the GTA.
Computers placed to date: 5
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Native Child & Family Services of Toronto
www.nativechild.org
Central Administration
295 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1S2
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strive to provide for a life of quality, well being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. It does this by creating a services model that is culture based respecting the supreme values of the Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination.
Recipients: Single parents with young children. Many are currently before the Child Welfare courts, some have children in care and wish to work toward their return, most are poor, isolated, and suffer a lack of support in an environment deemed insensitive and inaccessible to Native people.
Computers placed to date: 6
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Pathways to Education, Lawrence Heights
www.pathwaystoeducation.ca/comm-lawrence.html
Lawrence Heights Community Health Centre
12 Flemington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 2N4
Lawrence Heights is a community of ethnic and linguistic diversity, predominantly newcomers and first-generation immigrants from East and West African countries, as well as Caribbean and Latin American countries. There are 1,080 family units and a high proportion of single-parent families. It is one of a number of Toronto communities affected by youth gangs and violent crime involving firearms over the past few years. In October 2005, Toronto City Council designated Lawrence Heights as one of 13 priority neighborhoods, requiring infrastructure investment and improvement of community services.
Recipients: Grade 9 students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 150
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Pathways to Education, Regent Park
www.pathwaystoeducation.ca/regent
411 Parliament Street, Second Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 3A1
Regent Park is the oldest public housing project and one of the most economically disadvantaged regions in Canada. While extremely rich in diversity, it is a community that faces many race, language and cultural barriers. With an average of 850 high school age kids and no secondary schools in the community, 56% of them (twice the Toronto average) were dropping out – until Pathways came along. Beginning in September 2001, Pathways enrolled 95% of the eligible grade nine high school students (and their parents) in an innovative program that addresses many of the challenges elaborated by the Regent Park community. Now in their 7th year, Pathways continues to enroll and re-enroll over 95% of the eligible grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 students as the program has expanded to include over 835 kids that attend over 60 different high schools.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 547
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Pathways to Education, Rexdale (Jamestown)
www.pathwaystoeducation.ca/comm-rexdale.html
Rexdale Community Health Centre
8 Taber Road, Etobicoke, ON M9W 2N4
Jamestown is located in North Etobicoke, in the northwest end of Toronto. The community is culturally diverse and has a history of strong community spirit. However, it is also a community that is wrestling with many socio-economic issues related to poverty, unemployment, immigration, affordable housing, education, and family breakdown. In October 2005, Toronto City Council designated Jamestown as one of 13 priority neighborhoods, requiring infrastructure investment and improvement of community services.
Recipients: Grade 9 students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 187
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Pathways to Education, Pinecrest
http://pathwaystoeducation.ca/comm-ottawa.html
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
1365 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7
In the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre catchment area, located in the west end of Ottawa, there are six social housing neighbourhoods. These communities include over 4,000 individuals, most of whom live in single-parent households. These neighbourhoods have larger than average child and youth populations (about two-thirds of residents are children and youth). Close to 30% of residents are newcomers to Canada, particularly from Somalia and Arabic-speaking countries. Almost all of the residents are living below the average income level and many are living below the poverty line.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 180
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Pathways to Education, Kitchener
http://pathwaystoeducation.ca/comm-kitchener.html
Catholic Family Counselling Centre
400 Queen Street South, Kitchener, ON, N2G 1W7
There are two neighbourhoods in Kitchener that have opened their doors to the Pathways to Education Program. Both communities are diverse, with a wealth of languages and cultures represented among the participants. The two neighbourhoods, both of which are in the south-central core of Kitchener, have a high percentage of families living in public housing and new Canadians settling in the areas. Most importantly, with two of the highest dropout rates in Kitchener, the families in these neighbourhoods are eager to see the program succeed in their communities.
Recipients: Students currently enrolled in the Pathways to Education program.
Computers placed to date: 30
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The Remix Project
www.theremixproject.ca
110 Sudbury Street Suite 200 Toronto, ON M6J 3S6
The Remix Project is a youth program that acts as an arts and cultural incubator in Toronto, Canada, North America’s cultural capital. Young people aspiring to start careers in the urban arts sector drive the program by developing personal six month plans for success. Upon completion of the 6 month cycle, their youth can choose to get follow-up support in three areas;
* Re-attachment to Education: by earning high school credits through their coop programs or possibly obtain a scholarship to a post secondary institution.
* Internships: are made possible for participants because their staff team is extremely connected in urban industries.
* Entrepreurship: Remix works with young people to identify grants, bursaries, and loans to help them get their businesses and ventures started. Remix has started-up a brand new micro-credit program which will be able to lend loans of $300 to $1000.
Recipients: Art of Business graduate.
Computers placed to date: 1
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Shoot With This
www.bigitup.com/shoot_with_this
Westview Centennial Secondary School
Oakdale Road Toronto, Ontario, M3N 1W7
Shoot With This is an exciting and creative program for at-risk youth at Westview Centennial Secondary School and is an innovative attempt to motivate and empower at-risk youth by giving them the resources and support to learn about video making from inspiring and talented individuals whose experiences are not dissimilar from their own. The goal is to engage them to visually articulate personal and social issues in their lives and communities. The filmmaking workshops will be complemented by mentorship from four social workers with the TDSB who work at schools in this community. Shoot With This hopes that this connection with school board staff will enable these youth, many of whom have had negative experiences with formal education, to have a positive and enriching educational experience and reconnect with these institutions.
Recipients: ‘at-risk’ males and females ages 15 to 18 who are currently enrolled at Westview Centennial Secondary School in Toronto’s Jane/Finch corridor. ‘At-risk’ can mean they were once or currently are involved in street crime, homelessness, dropping out of school, being suspended or expelled from school, etc.
Computers placed to date: 8
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Sketch
www.sketch.ca
580 King St. W. , 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 63 , Station B, 119 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2T2
Sketch creates opportunities for street involved and homeless people ages 15-29, to engage in the arts in a cross-discipline studio environment or in the community.
Recipients: Young people who live street-involved and homeless or who are considered to be at risk.
Computers placed to date: 15
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Spanning the Gap: Access to Post Secondary Education
Ryerson University
This program is designed for students who are interested in continuing their education despite having low grades or not finishing high school. They have to maintain a C average and with completion they are guaranteed a spot in the program of their choice at Ryerson University.
Recipients: First-nations students participating in program.
Computers placed to date: 7
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StepStones for Youth
www.stepstonesforyouth.com
44 Van Dusen Blvd., Toronto, ON M8Z 3E7
StepStones services a population of youth who are economically or socially disadvantaged. The mandate of StepStones is to promote and continually improve fundamental core skills for vulnerable youth that will directly increase their potential for achievement at school, in the community, and as members of the workforce.
Recipients: Girls, aged 12-14 who have participated in a two-week camp program beginning with an initial one-week day program in the city of Toronto followed by an eight-day overnight camping experience at a rented camp facility in Northern Ontario (Owen Sound).
Computers placed to date: 92
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St. Lawrence Community Health Centre
140 The Esplanade, Unit 3, 1st Fl, Toronto, ON, M5A 4P5
St. Lawrence Community Health Centre provides a variety of services including access to a doctor, nurse, counsellor, addiction counsellor, social worker, dietician or pharmacist for regular health check-ups, prevention and treatment. They also have specific services for seniors, youth, people with HIV/AIDS, residents of hostels and various ethnic communities. In May 2006 they developed a drop-in computer homework lab for youth in the community. Sky’s the Limit provided 5 computers, a printer and a scanner for their lab.
Recipients: Youth in the community
Computers placed to date: 5
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S.T.Y.L.E Program
www.ldatd.on.ca/style_program.php
S.T.Y.L.E Program is an LD specific community base program serves youth 13-21 within the Jane/Finch and Bathurst/Finch area; providing immediately needed LD specific programs at no cost to those living or attending school within these two priority neighbourhoods. The S.T.Y.L.E Program’s main programs include: Academic tutoring; Life skills coaching (college/job applications, Finding your way around your neighbourhood, managing money/time); and Social skills (anger management, communication skills, problem solving, etiquette.)
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 9
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Touchstone Youth Centre
www.touchstoneyc.org
1076 Pape Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 3W5
Touchstone Youth Centre is a 32 bed emergency shelter for 16 – 24 year old homeless and at-risk youth. In addition to shelter, they address the many issues of homeless youth by offering an Employment Program, Housing Help, a Drop-in Centre and an Outreach Worker.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 11
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Y.A.A.A.C.E (Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, & Character Education)
www.yaaace.com
340 Sentinel Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3J-1T9
The organization’s mandate is to create a culture of high academic achievement, social and civic responsibility among its members and establish an infrastructure that will bridge the gap between young people North and South of Finch. Y.A.A.A.C.E. is committed to empowering young people; through developing self-confidence, discipline, a healthy self-image, inspiring occupational aspirations, instilling commitment to all levels of schooling (elementary, secondary and post secondary), fostering racial and ethnic identity. Y.A.A.A.C.E. seeks to forge meaningful partnerships with parents, mentors, and organizations with whom the youth they serve interact.
Recipients: YAAACE participants in Jane & Finch catchment area.
Computers placed to date: 60
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Youth Deserve a chance to Dream
http://www.youthdeserveachancetodream.com
Parkwoods Postal Outlet
1277 York Mills Road, P.O. Box 33502 Toronto, Ontario M3A 1Z0
Youth Deserve a Chance to Dream supports groups and organizations whose main objectives are to educate, nurture and guide young people by offering character building activities, seminars and events, which enable them to become responsible and productive citizens. Their goal is to provide various types of assistance to organizations that provide a positive, stimulating social environment that encourages personal growth to at-risk youth in our community.
Recipients: Youth involved in program
Computerse placed to date: 4
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Youth in Motion (YIM)
www.youth-in-motion.ca
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Building
69 Bloor Street East, Suite 302 (3rd Floor), Toronto, ON M4W 1B3
Youth in Motion (YIM) is a national, not-for-profit organization focused on developing the employability and life skills of today’s youth to prepare them effectively for success in life and work. Their programs are designed to provide access to career information and increase awareness about opportunities for youth and those impacting the career decisions of youth.
Recipients: YIM Opportunities Unlimited graduates
Computers placed to date: 33
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Word of Truth Skills Link Employment Program
www.wtcc.ca
1543 Bayly St., Pickering, ON L1W 2Z1
This program is designed to assist participants in improving their knowledge and understanding of themselves, their knowledge of the Canadian Labour Market, as well as enhancing their knowledge and understanding about the jobs they wish to pursue. The major goal of this six-month training program is to assist youth in overcoming barriers to employment. There are three (3) components of the program: Improving Self awareness, Self-Esteem and Relevant Life Skills necessary for the work-world.
Recipients: “at-risk” youth 17-30 years old who are unemployed and out-of-school.
Computers placed to date: 11
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel
www.bbbspeel.com
23-71 West Drive, Brampton, ON L6T 5E2
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, a mentoring organization for children, is committed to providing caring adult relationships for children to promote their healthy development and enhance their self-esteem. Children in their programs are often living under very stressful circumstances and need a consistent adult role model and friend. Each year, their agency serves over 1350 children in Peel. Children and youth in their programs demonstrate increased confidence, improved social skills, improved relationships with family and peers and hope for the future.
Recipients: Youth involved in program.
Computers placed to date: 40
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CompuCorps Mentoring
www.compucorps.info
1040 Somerset St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4L3
CompuCorps mentoring is an Ottawa-based Canadian charity helping other charities and their disadvantaged clients to become more effective through volunteer projects, computer re-use and technology planning. Over the last 7 years, CompuCorps Mentoring has engaged over 250 TechMentors as volunteer ‘mentors’ for 100 charitable groups who needed help in how to use technology to achieve their missions.
Recipients: Burmese refugees in Ottawa area
Computers placed to date: 104
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Foster Farm Community Centre
1085 Ramsey Cres, Unit 334, Ottawa, ON K2B 7Z9
The community house acts as a resource and drop-in centre where a variety of services and activities are offered to the tenants and the residents of the Foster Farm community. These include: daily drop-in; cooking classes; sewing club; clothing closet; chaplaincy service; leadership training for youth; Computer access, bread and pastry baskets, Good Food boxes for residents only, Monday and Thursday giveaways and many seasonal social and recreational activities. The house also serves as a base for several community services. The food programs include: lunch and chat, soup on Tuesdays and a Food Bank.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 6
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O-YA! (Osgoode Youth Association)
http://o-ya.ca
5479 Osgoode Main Street, Osgoode, ON, K0A 2W0
The Osgoode Youth Assocation (O-YA! ) helps to enrich the quality of life of youth 12-18 living in Osgoode Ward by supporting the development of their village raised young people as world ready adults and engaged citizens.
Recipients: Youth in the community.
Computers placed to date: 4
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Shawanaga First Nation Community
http://www.shawanaga.ca/
R. R. #1 Nobel, ON POG 1GO
The Shawanaga First Nation community is located approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Parry Sound.The community is comprised of approximately 550 band members, with about 190 living on-reserve. Their land includes the area depicted by the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. Their ancestors, The Southeastern Ojibway, used to live a nomadic lifestyle before European contact in the late 1600s. Their community is suffering from high levels of unemployment due to their isolation.
Recipients: Youth and their families living in Shawanaga.
Computers placed to date: 80
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