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- Back2Basickz - April Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz - April Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz
April 02, 2025
 Amanda Coombs, Executive Director, Back2Basickz Youth Support Services | Dear Back 2 Basickz Family, Spring is here, and as the weather warms up, things are also heating up at Back 2 Basickz! This April, we are focusing on perseverance—pushing forward despite challenges, staying strong, and making the most of new opportunities. One of our biggest priorities right now is helping youth find meaningful employment opportunities. We know the journey to securing a job can be tough—barriers like experience requirements, limited opportunities, and systemic challenges make it difficult. But just like flowers breaking through the soil after winter, our youth are pushing through with resilience and determination. At Back 2 Basickz, we’re committed to supporting young people with job readiness workshops, mentorship, and connections to opportunities that help them succeed. This month, we’ll be sharing valuable resources and guidance to help youth navigate the job market and take their next steps toward success. Let’s keep moving forward together—April is a time for growth, persistence, and progress As always, stay tuned and visit our social media to stay connected and sign up for upcoming events, mentorship opportunities, and ways to get involved. Warmest regards,  Amanda Coombs Executive Director Back 2 Basickz |
Our Monthly Calendar
April
Monthly highlights
As April comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say a big thank you to our incredible York University co-op students, Jeanelle and Angela! 🎓✨
It has been an absolute pleasure having them as part of the Back 2 Basickz family. Their energy, dedication, and passion for working with our youth have made a lasting impact. From mentorship to program support, Jeanelle and Angela brought warmth and positivity to our space.
Having co-op students join us is not only valuable for their learning and experience but also for our community. These placements create meaningful connections and opportunities for both the students and the young people we serve. We are always grateful for partnerships that allow us to grow together.
Jeanelle and Angela, we appreciate you and wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
Back 2 Basickz hosted two successful CPR, First Aid, and AED training sessions during March.
A huge thank you to our instructor for their expertise and to all the participants who dedicated their time to learning life-saving skills. CPR is crucial—knowing how to respond in emergencies can make all the difference.
If you're interested in future training dates, please reach out for more details!seniors in their surrounding communities. Stay tuned to learn more!
Our April Youth Shout Out goes out to Kevin Oscar
We want to shout out Kevin for his dedication and open mindedness! Kevin is a shining example of someone who is willing to embrace every challenge, even the ones others might shy away from! You are an inspiration!
Your energy, enthusiasm and initiative to participate is recognized and appreciated! Keep being fearless and setting an example for others!
Upcoming programs and workshops for
April!
Fridays (Ongoing ) Barbershop Fridays Fridays is for FREE fresh cutz! We are continuing to bring the community together with Barbershop Fridays! Our dedicated and experienced youth volunteers are here to provide free line-ups, cuts, and fades to Black youth ages 11-24 in the community. More than just a fresh cut, Barbershop Fridays is a space for connection, conversation, and confidence-building. Whether you’re looking for a sharp new look or just want to vibe with the community, we got you! Spread the word, and REGISTER → https://forms.office.com/r/DTVxgZ4yVs for a fresh cut and good energy! ✂️ |  |
 April 2nd, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | 🎨 Art & Mindfulness facilitated by Tristan De Gale🧘🏾♂️ Join us for a relaxing and creative experience at our Art & Mindfulness Workshop, hosted by Tristan. This workshop is designed to help youth express their creativity while using art as a tool to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Explore different art mediums like paints, pastels, and more. Learn how creativity can support mental well-being. No experience is needed – just bring an open mind! Come unwind, create, and connect through art! Sign up today! |
✨Business Etiquette hosted by Cheryl Lewis-Thurab✨ Want to make a strong first impression in professional settings? Join us for our Business Etiquette Workshop, where you’ll learn essential skills like communication, networking, and workplace professionalism. This workshop will give you the confidence to succeed! |  April 3rd, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 April 4th, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | The first Friday of each month is Movie Night in the youth lounge. Join us Friday April 4th for a screening of Nope. Movie comes with refreshments, snacks and fresh popped buttered popcorn! |
🙏Hope in Recovery Despite of Diagnosis - hosted by Alissia Rowe🌟 This workshop delves into the essential role hope plays in mental health recovery. Participants will discover how hope boosts treatment engagement, alleviates depression, and improves overall quality of life. It will also address practical strategies for symptom management, making healthier decisions, creating safe and stable home environments, and cultivating meaningful relationships and a sense of community. |  April 8th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 April 10th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | ✨Confidently Speaking hosted by Cheryl Lewis-Thurab✨ Want to improve your public speaking skills and build confidence in any setting? Join us for our Speaking Confidently Workshop, where you'll learn techniques to communicate clearly, overcome nervousness, and express yourself with impact. Whether it’s for job interviews, presentations, or everyday conversations, this workshop will help you find your voice and own the room! |
 April 10th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | 🧑🏾💻Journalism writing Workshop📰 Calling all aspiring writers! Come out to ourJournalism Workshop Session 1, where you’ll learn from seasoned journalist experts about the art of writing, reporting, and storytelling. Participants will get hands on experience attending real events around the city, and writing articles that will be published in the Caribbean Camera. |
👨🎨Art Gallery of Toronto (AGO)🖌️ We’re heading back to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) for another inspiring visit—this time to explore incredible artwork and to again catch the Hip Hop & Culture exhibit before it leaves! This FREE event is a chance to experience powerful storytelling through art, music, and history. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with culture and creativity! |  April 11th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 April 15th, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | 🦁Disney’s The Lion King at Mirvish Theatre🎭 We’re excited to take our youth to experience the magic of live theatre with a special outing to see The Lion King on April 8th! This unforgettable production brings storytelling, music, and culture to life on stage, making it a perfect opportunity for our youth to engage with the arts and be inspired. |
💃🕺Zumba Dance hosted by Melina💃🕺 Get ready to dance, sweat, and have fun at our Zumba Dance Fitness session with Melina! Move to the beats of Latin, Afro, Reggae, and Reggaeton while getting a great workout. Whether you're a beginner or a dance pro, this session is all about good vibes, high energy, and feeling great. This is free to attend, but spots are limited – so sign up today! |  April 17th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
🎨Art & Craft Workshop hosted by Tarah🍹 Get ready for a night of creativity, relaxation, and good vibes at our Arts & Craft Workshop with Tarah! Unleash your creativity through painting and crafting, and sip on delicious Back 2 Basickz mocktails while you create. Enjoy a chill atmosphere filled with good energy and tae home your own canvas art at the end of the night! Come paint, sip, and unwind with us! Spots are limited – sign up now! |
🎧Career Workshop: Sound Engineer / Recording Studio🎵🎶 Hosted by NuNew Entertainment Come and find out all about entrepreneurship and what it takes to work in sound engineering, and recording.Youth who attend the workshop will get to secure recording time and lessons in an actual studio to record their own track! |  April 24th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 April 25th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | Join us the third Friday of March for an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether you're a board game enthusiast or just looking to unwind and connect with others, there's something for everyone. Register now and bring your A-game! |
🏀B2B Sportz Nightz⚽ Calling all young athletes! Back 2 Basickz drop-in Basketball evening from 4:30 - 6:30 pm is back. Sharpen your skills, make new friends, and finish the evening up with a friendly match. This Drop in will be hosted offsite at Ellesmere Community Centre. Come hoop it up with us! (refreshments will be provided). |  April 28th, 2025 @ 4:30 p.m. |
🧩Autism Support Workshop hosted by Sahsalee and Tamika🧩 Join us for a workshop on understanding autism. Recognize the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) & navigating support systems. Learn effective techniques for managing behavior, fostering social skills, and promoting healthy eating habits in children with autism. This workshop will also provide advocacy, resources, and practical solutions for families. |  April 29th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
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Drop - in Nights
Come to unwind, relax and chill! Hang out with friends, lounge in the meditation room, read a book, play video games, table tennis or just listen to music. Whatever you need, we got you!
Check the calendar for dates
Back 2 Basickz is looking for passionate volunteers to help tutor our youth! Whether it’s math, french, or any other subject, your time and skills can make a huge difference. Join us in empowering the next generation! |  |
Help us to Help
Our services are open to our youth and community members. Your contribution helps us keep our programs accessible to all.
Visit us!
Jane & Finch 1 York Gate Blvd, North York, ON M3N 3A1 - Second Floor (TD Community Engagement Center) Phone: 1-647-514-3124 Email: [email protected] | Scarborough 880 Ellesmere Rd, Unit 304, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L8 Phone: 1-647-514-3124 Email: [email protected] |
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