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- Back2Basickz - May Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz - May Newsletter 2025
Back2Basickz
May 12, 2025
 Amanda Coombs, Executive Director, Back2Basickz Youth Support Services | Dear Back 2 Basickz Family, As we step into May and welcome the warm weather, there’s a renewed sense of momentum and energy in the air. At Back 2 Basickz, we’re seeing our youth show up with purpose, passion, and power; and that’s exactly what this season is about: growth, opportunity, and action. This month, we’re thrilled to offer a lineup of impactful workshops: from financial literacy with ChecksOverStrikes to family and mental health with Refining Therapy. These experiences are more than just sessions; they’re launching pads for real-life skills, confidence, and possibilities. Looking ahead, we’re excited to start promotion for the June launch of our “Bridging the Gap” program, a new initiative focused on connecting youth and seniors through workshops focused on fitness, health, fun, and connection. We believe there’s so much to learn from one another, and this program is about celebrating shared wisdom, building relationships, and strengthening community. This May 11th is Mother’s Day. I want to take a moment to recognize and honour the incredible love, strength, and care that mothers and all caregivers, bring into the lives of the people around them. Whether you’re a mom, grandma, auntie, older sibling, foster parent, mentor, or chosen family, your presence matters more than words can express. You show up, you nurture, you guide and that kind of love is powerful. Finally as always, I want to thank our community, staff, and supporters for standing with us. The work we do doesn’t happen without all of you. Let’s keep building, dreaming, and creating space for youth to thrive. Here’s to a powerful May! With gratitude,  Amanda Coombs Executive Director Back 2 Basickz |
Our Monthly Calendar
May
Monthly highlights
June 10th is the official launch of our ‘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!
We have been most fortunate to have received the following grants and/or donations. These gifts are instrumental in allowing us to not only running Back 2 Basickz but are also important to allowing us the opportunity to expand our services, impact and reach in the communities we serve!
$14,950 Peter Gilgan Plants to Plates Youth, GTA Community Grants. This grant will allow us to run a project that will allow youth in the program to visit The Black Creek Community Farm in addition to farms in the Toronto region. The youth will be allowed to purchase food with provided budgets, participate in cooking classes and participate in educational workshops on nutrition, and awareness about food grown locally. These workshops will be hosted by guest facilitators, ranging from farmers, chefs to other professionals and educators in the community.
$5100 grant from The community Projects committee of YUFA
(YUFA-CP) supports social justice work in the communities within and surrounding York University through funding new community projects and supporting ongoing programs, in addition to other means. This Grant will allow us to have Black alumni from York university facilitate workshops encouraging youth to apply to careers where Black people are underrepresented.
$2000 donation from the JaneFinch Action Group - This was a much needed donation to allow us to continue to serve meals and snacks at our Youth Gaming Program in the Jane and Finch program. This program is currently running by the kindness of donations and volunteering of people and organizations in the community.
🎭 Disney’s The Lion King at Princess of Wales Theatre 🎭
In April, our youth from our Jane & Finch and Scarborough location experienced the magic of The Lion King live on stage, a powerful reminder of how art and theatre can inspire, uplift, and open hearts. Experiences like these show the importance of creative expression in helping youth see themselves in new stories, voices, and dreams.
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We are extremely honoured to have been featured in print for April with the Toronto Guardian and The Caribbean Camera.
You can access both articles here:
Toronto Guardian: Charitable Choices: Amanda Coombs of Back 2 Basickz
Caribbean Camera: The Caribbean Camera - Many People One Magazine
Our May Youth Shout Out goes out to Josephina!
Josephina is from our Jane & Finch youth program, and we are recognizing her for being a consistent, enthusiastic participant and leader in the program. Josephina is always ready to volunteer and participate in all our events and initiatives, both at our centre and off-site events.
Thank you for all that you do, your energy, enthusiasm and always being ready to step up. You are recognized and appreciated!
Upcoming programs and workshops for
May!
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! ✂️ |  |
 May 2nd, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | The first Friday of each month is Movie Night in the youth lounge. Join us Friday May 2nd from 4-6PM for a screening of Bob Marley: One Love. Movie comes with refreshments, snacks and fresh buttered popcorn! |
A Wellness Workshop for Daily Balance is a guided session designed to help participants cultivate inner calm and build healthy daily habits. Through calming meditation practices and personalized wellness tracking, attendees will learn practical tools to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This interactive workshop encourages self-reflection, mindfulness, and intention setting—empowering individuals to bring more balance and awareness into their everyday lives. |  May 6th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 May 8th, 2025 @ 4:30 p.m. | Acrylic Nails & Nail art Workshop Back by popular demand! Come and learn how to apply and style your acrylic or natural nails. This is an on-going series that will be facilitated by the talented Rella of NKNailroom. All supplies provided free of charge, no experience necessary just bring your nails and creativity! Spots are limited, so register now! |
May 9th, 2025 @ 4:30 p.m.
Boxing with Derrick: Join us for session #2 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. |  May 12th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 May 14th & 15th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | Get that Money: Financial Literacy Workshop presented by Craig & Dean of Checksoverstrikes. Navigating finances as a young person can be difficult and complicated. This workshop is a perfect and fresh approach to learning all about building strong financial foundations, and learning the basics of budgeting for real life, spending and even looking at the stock market. This is a 2 day workshop and participants will also receive a free copy of the “Don’t be a Waste Yute” financial Guide. |
 May 20th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | In-house mental health workshop: Relationships & Friendships This interactive, thoughtful and engaging workshop is hosted by our Youth Outreach Worker Tristan. This workshop will help youth understand healthy relationships, recognize red flags, and build strong, respectful connections with others. It also features a “Real talk” Circle that opens the floor to discussion from anonymous questions submitted beforehand. |
Career Workshop hosted by Katherine Are you passionate about art and design? Come to an info session where you can explore an education in illustration, concept art and animation. Learn about exciting opportunities to turn your creativity into a career! |  May 21st, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
 May 23rd, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m. | Join us the third Friday of May 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! |
Painting & Mental Health hosted by Tarah: This is a creative and relaxed art workshop that will focus on painting on canvas. The theme for this workshop is Black images and mental health. All supplies will be provided free of charge. |  May 26th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. |
May 28th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.
 May 29th, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m. | A mental health workshop presented by Saunia & Andrea of Refining Therapy Join us for a conversation about Family Systems; and learn about the influence of family dynamics on how we think, feel and act. Participants will also learn useful tools to create healthier relationships. |
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Karaoke nights Friday, May 30th, 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. |  May 30th, 2025 @ 4:00 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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