Dear Back 2 Basickz Family,

As we step into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come together. July is a time of warmth, energy, and growth, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing in our programs and our young people.

This month, we’re not just staying busy, we’re showing up. From youth enjoying drop-in nights and workshops to our team connecting with the community at events like Taste of Lawrence and the Shooting Stars basketball games, we’re proud to be out in the city, making our presence known and our voices heard.

We’re especially excited about our outdoor programming, leadership development opportunities, and continued focus on wellness, connection, and fun. Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and every youth who walks through our doors. Your involvement powers everything we do.

Wishing you a joyful, safe, and vibrant July.

With gratitude,

Amanda Coombs

Executive Director

Back 2 Basickz

Grant Announcement 

Special thanks to the WC Kitchen Family Foundation for funding Back 2 Basickz with $24,918.84 to launch the We Rise program, an initiative designed to equip youth with tools to manage stress, understand and regulate their emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.

The program will also help participants identify personal triggers and improve emotional regulation, empowering them to navigate difficult situations with confidence and resilience.

🎓 ✨Congratulations, Grads! ✨🎓

We’re so proud of our Back 2 Basickz youth who’ve officially graduated from high school! Your hard work, resilience, and determination have paid off, and this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next. Keep reaching for your dreams , the future is yours!

Our July Youth Shout Outs goes out to Shania from our Finch program and 

Shania’s growth has been truly inspiring. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, attends every workshop, and consistently takes the initiative to help and look out for the younger participants in the program. We are proud of you Shania! Keep shining and striving; you’re an inspiration to us all!

Shout out to Joe Campbell!

Joel is an inspiring writer who has taken part in many of our workshops, sharing his opinions and points of view, deepening our discussions, and adding valuable perspectives in our workshops and activities.

We truly appreciate Joel’s ongoing participation and the insight he brings to each session!

Seniors Program Launch

We had to delay the June launch of our Bridging the Gap Senior’s program due to venue changes, but we are happy to announce that our official launch will take place in July.

This new project is an intergenerational program designed to bring together youth from Finch and Scarborough with seniors in their surrounding communities, fostering meaningful connections and shared learning experiences.

This initiative is all about connection, learning, and mutual empowerment. By bridging the gap between youth and elders, we’re strengthening communities and building a future rooted in understanding and respect.  

Please come out to join us for the launch, which will include food and entertainment as well as the opportunity to interact with both youth and seniors for different planned activities.

📸 Casting call 📸

Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services is putting out a casting call for boys ages 7–12 from the Jane and Finch and Scarborough communities to take part in a powerful photo series that captures the energy, confidence, and raw beauty of growing up Black in the inner city, with a focus on African and Caribbean backgrounds.

This one-time outdoor photoshoot is part of a campaign by a local fashion designer and artist, aiming to celebrate and uplift young voices through bold, honest imagery.

We’re looking for youth who identify as Black, African, or Caribbean and who have natural confidence, presence, and personality.

Participants will be professionally styled, with all clothing, shoes, and accessories provided—and theirs to keep. The shoot will take place in Toronto this summer, with the exact date and location to be announced.

York University Campus Visit 

Back 2 Basickz is taking an exciting and inspiring campus tour of York University, aimed at introducing youth to the world of higher education.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the campus, explore its facilities, and gain valuable insight into post-secondary education.

Taste of Lawrence

Back2Basics Youth Support Services invites youth to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Scarborough’s largest street festival, Taste of Lawrence.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, the event will feature exciting attractions including food stalls, magic shows, games, rides, fireworks, live music, a talent show, cultural performances, vendors, and an eating contest.

This fun-filled outing promises entertainment and community connection for all participants, with refreshments and Presto passes provided for free.

The Power of Wellness

The Power of Wellness is an interactive mental health workshop designed to help participants explore the connection between emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Through guided discussions, practical tools, and mindfulness activities, attendees will learn strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize self-care.

This workshop empowers individuals to take charge of their wellness journey and cultivate a healthier, more balanced life.

Self Discovery Facilitated By  Coach AJ

Join us for an empowering session, focused on unlocking your potential and preparing for a successful future.

In this workshop, you’ll explore strategies for building a lasting career, develop skills to support personal growth in a healthy sustainable way, and gain practical tools to navigate life beyond high school with confidence and clarity.

Family Systems #2 - Hosted by Saunia & Andrea of Refining Therapy. 

Another Refining Therapy & Back 2 Basickz mental health collaboration. In this workshop, we will discuss family systems by looking at how to navigate family dynamics and express your needs while staying connected.

Bowling!

Back2Basics Youth Support Services is hosting an exciting Bowling Night at Parkway Bowl, offering a fun-filled evening of strikes, snacks, and socializing.

Youth are invited to enjoy friendly competition, connect with peers, and take part in an energetic group outing.

Free food, drinks, and Presto passes will be provided, making it a great opportunity for youth to relax and engage in community fun.

Social Media Safety

Social Media Safety  is a practical workshop designed to educate youth on how to navigate social media responsibly and safely.

Participants will learn about privacy settings, digital footprints, online predators, cyberbullying, and how to protect their personal information.

The session empowers youth to make smart choices online and understand the long-term impact of their digital actions.

Sewing with Ngozi

Back 2 Basickz presents an engaging hands-on workshop lead by Ngozi, designed to introduce participants to the world of sewing.

Attendees will learn essential skills including sewing basics, pattern making and creative stitching for beginners or anyone interested in exploring a new creative outlet.

Love Beauty Supply Store Tour

Back 2 Basickz invites youth to a behind the scenes tour of Love Beauty Supply, Facilitated by Kima. Participants will receive practical business advice, and learn strategies. This Workshop offers an inside look at what it takes to start and run a successful business.

Swimming

Back2Basics Youth Support Services invites you to join us for a refreshing swim day at McGregor Park Outdoor Pool!

Come swim, chill, and vibe with the crew—cool off, splash around, and make waves in the summer heat. It’s all about good energy, fun times, and community connection.

Presto passes and pool access are provided!

Mental Health

This  Mental Health workshop is an informative and engaging workshop focused on raising awareness about common mental health concerns affecting young people today, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.

Participants will learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms, understand the importance of early intervention, and explore the pathways to recovery. 

Resume Writing 

This interactive workshop is designed to help youth craft strong, professional resumes to support their job search. Participants will learn how to highlight their skills, organize their experience, and avoid common resume mistakes. This session will also offer practical tips and tools to build confidence when applying for jobs.

Field Day 

Back2Basics Youth Support Services is bringing the fun outdoors with an action-packed Field Day, featuring basketball, soccer, badminton, and a whole lot of good vibes.

Youth are encouraged to bring their energy, their game, and their crew for an afternoon of friendly competition and community spirit.

Food, refreshments, and Presto passes will be provided, making it the perfect way to stay active and connected.

Building Healthy 

This workshop is hosted by Chelsea and Natasha focusing on building and growing healthy relationships, whether in dating, with friends, or with family.

Key points of building healthy relationships include communication, trust, respect, boundaries, and support.

Life Skills and Smart Decision Making

This is a workshop led by Chelsea and Natasha focused on developing life skills and making smart decisions. Life skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, goal-setting, and planning for a successful future.

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!

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]