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- Back2Basickz - June Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz - June Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz
June 03, 2025
 Amanda Coombs, Executive Director, Back2Basickz Youth Support Services | Dear Back 2 Basickz Family, As we step into June, the energy of summer is all around us with longer days, brighter skies, and the promise of sun-soaked adventures. Here at Back 2 Basickz, we're excited to embrace the season with outdoor fun, community connection, and unforgettable ‘catch us outside’ excursions for things like sports games, swimming, camping trips and days out Wild Water Kingdom and Canada’s Wonderland! While we soak up the sunshine, our commitment to empowering youth remains strong. This summer, we’ll continue delivering impactful workshops and programs designed to build confidence, life skills, and lasting memories. In closing, as we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I want to take a moment to honour all the fathers, father figures, mentors, and role models who help guide, support, and uplift our youth. Your presence and love make a lasting difference. Here’s to a season of growth, laughter, and learning together. Warmly,  Amanda Coombs Executive Director Back 2 Basickz |
This newsletter is dedicated in memoriam to Leah L.. Leah was a vibrant soul and a special part of our Back 2 Basickz family. Her presence brought light, laughter, and warmth to our space, and her absence is deeply felt by all who knew them.
She will be remembered for their laughter and kind spirit towards animals.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss.
We miss you Leah, and your light will continue to shine in all we do. Rest in power.
Our Monthly Calendar
June
Monthly highlights
June is the official launch of ‘Bridging the Gap for Seniors Program’. This intergenerational program is designed to bring together youth from Finch and Scarborough with seniors in their surrounding communities, fostering meaningful connections and shared learning experiences. Through this program, young people will have the opportunity to engage with seniors through mentorship, storytelling, technology assistance, and community-building activities. In return, seniors will share their wisdom, life experiences, and cultural knowledge, creating a powerful exchange that benefits both generations. 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. Keep an eye out for more details about this exciting new project! |  |
On May 15th, Back 2 Basickz was one of 25 proud and honoured recipients of the City’s ‘Toronto Community Champion Award’. This continues to recognize the extraordinary contributions that community organizations make to support the health, interests and well-being of Toronto residents, particularly those from Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups.. Twelve youth from the Back 2 Basickz program were selected at random to attend the award ceremony hosted at the Toronto Reference library’s Bram and Bluma Appel Salon and also then got to attend a Blue Jays game on May 16th. A special thanks to the City of Toronto, United Way, Rogers Centre and the Toronto Blue Jays for helping make opportunities like this possible.
A big thank you for all that you do! Your energy, enthusiasm and initiative to always step up and help is recognized and appreciated
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Placement Announcements
Please join us in welcoming our two new Social Service Worker placement students from Seneca College! We're excited to have them join the Back 2 Basickz team as they gain hands-on experience supporting our youth and community programs.
Our placement partnerships continue to be a powerful way to mentor future change makers while strengthening the impact of our work on the ground. Welcome aboard Chelsea and Natasha!
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Our June Youth Shout Out goes out to Amaya and Empress from Scarborough! Amaya and Empress are dedicated student-athletes, always eager to take part in workshops and events. Their football team have gone undefeated this season, highlighting their commitment on and off the field. A big thank you for all that you do! Your energy, enthusiasm and initiative to always step up and help is recognized and appreciated |  |
Upcoming programs and workshops for
June!
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 anyone 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! ✂️ |  |
 June 6th, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | Monthly (ongoing) Movie night June 6 The first Friday of each month is Movie Night in the youth lounge. Join us Friday June 6th from 4-6 PM for a screening of Ma. The movie comes with refreshments, snacks and fresh buttered popcorn! |
Monthly (ongoing) Movie night June 13 Join us the second Friday of June 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! |  June 13th, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. |
 June 20th, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | Monthly (ongoing) Karaoke night June 20th Friday, June 20th, we’re kicking off Karaoke Night, come and sing along to today's greatest hit or simply join us for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable performances. |
Boxing Workshop with Derrick! This isn’t about fighting—it’s about discipline, fitness, and FUN. Whether you want to pick up a new skill or just get moving, this workshop is for you. |  June 2nd, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
Back by Popular Demand!
Our youth enjoyed the workshop hosted by Elaine of G.H.E.T.T.O Stories, so much that we have to bring her back for a part 2!
Join us for a workshop on visualization. This workshop is all about unlocking your full potential.
 June 3rd, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |  |
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.
June 5th 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.
His Strength (Building Real Relationships) Hosted by Celeste
Workshops for young men: This workshop is hosted by Celeste and is designed as open discussions to explore the positive and negative traits to look for when choosing friends and partners while building healthy relationships.
The goal is to create a safe space where participants can reflect on their own experiences, identify areas for personal growth, and gain insight into making better choices.
 |  June 10th 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 June 11th 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | Her Power (Building Better Bonds) Hosted by Celeste Young women will engage in group conversations to share their experiences, support each other, and learn how to foster healthy relationships, both personally and socially. This engaging workshop will encourage self-awareness and thoughtful decision making in choosing partners and friendships. |
June 12:
Father’s Day (We will be distributing free cards and father’s day gifts) Supplies are limited and first come first serve.
June 16
Checks Over Strikes Financial Literacy Workshop #2
This is a real-talk financial literacy workshop made just for youth! Learn how to:
Budget like a pro, understand credit & debit, build good money habits, manage your paychecks and make smart spending choices and dodge the financial pitfalls that hold you back! Whether you’re stacking for sneakers, saving for college, or planning your future, this workshop will give you the tools to thrive, not just survive.
June 17th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.
June 23
Checks Over Strikes Financial Literacy Workshop #3
This is the final workshop in financial literacy series with Craig and Dean of Checks Over Strikes Even if you missed the first 2 workshops, we encourage you to come out. Learn to budget like a pro, understand credit & debit, build good money habits, manage your paychecks and make smart spending choices and dodge the financial pitfalls that hold you back! Participants will also receive a free copy of ‘Don’t be a Waste Yute’.
Join us for a class where fun and fitness collide!
Step fitness incorporates dance and low impact aerobics with music and rhythm. Join us for this class hosted by Step Instructor Judith Powerr and get fit to the hottest of hip hop, reggae, soca and R&B! Everyone is welcome and no experience is required.
 |  June 24th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
Career Workshop: Exploring a Career in Banking and Finance.
If you would like to explore a career in banking and finance, then this is the workshop for you.
Investor protection Banker and content creator Kevin Limbombe will be delivering this informative workshop about his own personal experience, education and career path into law and banking.
 June 25th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |  |
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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