Dear Community,

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, here at Back-2-Basickz Youth Support Services, we have so much to give thanks and be grateful for for at Back-2-Basickz Youth Support Services. We are especially thankful for the amazing youth we serve and the chance to support their families during this season. This year, we are fulfilling Thanksgiving meal lists to ensure families can enjoy a special meal together on Thanksgiving Day. If you are interested in donating (monetary or non-perishable food items), please reach out to us before Friday October the 11th.

In addition we acknowledge and look forward to October 11th which is International Day of the Girl Child. It’s a time to reflect on the challenges girls continue to face simply because of their gender, and to stand with them in their fight for equality. Back-2-Basickz will be celebrating the voices and power of girls advocating for their rights worldwide.

With Halloween also around the corner, we would like to remind those that will be out celebrating, to stay safe by traveling in groups, wearing bright colours, and avoiding any unwrapped or open treats.

We thank you for your continued support and are wishing you all a safe and joyful season.

We are thrilled to announce that Honourable MPP David Smith will be joining us to lead a Youth Debate on topics that are impacting the lives of our young people!

This is an incredible opportunity for our youth to learn, engage, and voice their thoughts.

We extend a heartfelt “Thank you!“ to Honourable MPP David Smith for taking time out of his busy schedule and supporting our youth and the Scarborough community.

Don't miss the best night of the month!

Every 1st Friday, we are turning up the fun with Movie Night and it is going to be a blast!

Our first movie night was an absolute success, and we are hosting another one again. Get ready for a night full of popcorn, fun, and lots of laughter.

This is one night you will not want to miss, so grab your friends and come join the fun!

Working as a missionary with Alecia Griffiths

Many people do not realize how important missionary work is. It is not just about helping others, but making a real difference in communities around the world.

Come out and learn what it means to be a missionary, how you can get involved, and how it can personally benefit you.

Whether you are thinking about becoming a missionary or just want to know more, this is a great chance to see how you can make a positive impact.

Mental Health Tuesdays are here!

Starting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, we will be hosting informative workshops every Tuesday to focus on critical mental health topics.

Some of the key areas that will be cover include:

• Substance Use & Mental Health

• Supply the Change Psychotherapy Workshop

These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and tools to help you understand and navigate mental health challenges.

Whether you are looking to better care for yourself or support others, attending these workshops is a great step toward fostering a healthier mindset and community.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and empower yourself!

Fundraising & Capacity building with Trevaun Douglas.

As a part of our Employment and Entrepreneurial Workshop Wednesday, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting Guest Speaker Trevaun Douglas on Oct 9th, 2024 from 5-6 pm.

Trevaun is a community leader and activist who recently raised over $50,000 dollars walking from Toronto to Niagara Falls, to raise money for the Lawrence Heights community to provide back to school necessities for kids in need, as well as to support ongoing youth initiatives throughout the year. 

He will be speaking to our youth about his start in activism and fundraising, and how they can get started in grassroots activism and entrepreneurship in their own communities. 

Script Writing & Acting Coaching with Steven Salguero, AKA “Heavy”

In this workshop, you will learn the essentials of script writing, developing characters, crafting dialogue, and building engaging plots.

You will also dive into acting techniques such as improvisation, voice projection, and body language to bring characters to life. Collaborate with others, write and perform scenes, and receive valuable feedback.

Whether you are at a  beginner, intermediate or advanced level, this is your chance to sharpen both your writing and acting skills.

Resilence in Young People and the Accompanying Consequences of Anger. Presented by Annmarie Etuk-Campbell

In this workshop, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Certified Counsellor Annmarie Etuk-Campbell of Supply the Change Psychotherapy, will be presenting a Healing Circle workshop to our youth. 

Topic: Resilence in Young People and the Accompanying Consequences of Anger. 

Topics that will will be discussed: 

Learn to understand the emotion of anger, learn anger management and coping skills that can be practically applied in daily life. 

It will be a safe space to speak and learn about relationships with anger and societal pressures and expectations.

Youth Debate moderated by Honourable MPP David Smith. 

Honourable MPP David Smith will be joining us as moderator for a fun and engaging night of debates with our Back 2 Basickz youth. Join us to hear our youth speak and debate on important topics impacting the lives of our young people today.

The audience  will be voting on best arguments and we will be presenting an award to the winning team

Our YorkU placement students Caera and Ray will be delivering a workshop Monday, October 21 , 2024 This workshop will be about Safe Sex. 

Some of the key areas that will be cover include:

• WHAT IS AN STD/STI? Stigmas and MYTHS REGARDING STD/STI’S AND SAFE SEX

• SAFE SEX; DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTRACEPTIVES, AFTER CARE:ACCIDENTS THAT MAY OCCUR AND WHAT TO DO

• LGBT SEXUAL HEALTH

Our YorkU placement students Caera and Ray will be delivering a workshop Monday, October 28 , 2024 This workshop will be about Reproductive Health. 

Some of the key areas that will be cover include:

• Medical Screening and timelines 

• Reproductive Health & various related medical conditions

• Reproductive health and its importance to physical, mental and social well-being.

On Wednesday, October 30 , 2024 JANUSHA POOBALASINGAM from VPI Employment Services, will be delivering her first workshop in a series of workshops centered around employment.

Workshop Topic: Identifying your Strengths,Skills, and Accomplishments

In this workshop, youth will be using quizzes to identify and explore various career options using towards their interests and personality. 

Youth can expect to discover unique strengths, skills, and accomplishments, and understand why they are important for future career success.

In House Workshops (Walk-ins are Welcome)

Our Youth Outreach Worker Carlotta McDowall will be delivering a series of weekly In-house interactive  workshops to teach our youth important and practical life skills for the everyday.   

Some of the key areas that these workshops include are:

• Money management 

• Time management

• Job search and interview preparation 

• Setting Goals

Join us for the following in house workshops and check out our instagram to learn more.

October 17: Time Management

October 23: Goal Setting (Create your own Vision Board)

October 24: Understanding Different types of Bank accounts

October 31: How to write an Invoice

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]