A welcoming and inclusive space offering a range of social, recreational and mental health services.
Quick facts
Service type: Youth, Newcomer
Eligibility: Youth (age 13 – 29)
Delivery: Currently, activities are being offered virtually and/or by phone. This information will be updated once in-person programming resumes.
Fee: Free
Partners: Strides Toronto and Michael Garron Hospital
Program description
Designed by and for young people, the Youth Wellness Centre is a safe space for Indigenous, LGBTTQ+, racialized and marginalized youth to access the full range of our services. Sign up for skill-building opportunities, get help with homework, access mental health supports or just hang out with friends. Our team can also connect young people with community-based services to find supportive housing and employment opportunities.
Program testimonials
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Client
“I've been dealing with so many types of challenges these past few years and WoodGreen has been continuously there to help me with services such as counselling for my mental health that helps me be a better version of myself for tomorrow, support that helps me understand what's the right step to take next and to make clear pathways for the goals that I have for myself.”
How you can help
Volunteer opportunities are available year-round to support youth with homework, wellness and creative activities. Please contact Erik Wexler at ewexler@woodgreen.org.Donations are graciously accepted through the WoodGreen Foundation.
Ready to participate?
Registration
Due to COVID-19, in-person services are currently unavailable. Activities are being offered virtually and/or by phone.
To learn more, please contact:
Contact information
Youth Wellness Centre
(416) 466-1199
ywc@woodgreen.org
Vanessa Wu
Manager, Youth Wellness
(416) 405-5213
vwu@woodgreen.org
Location
815 Danforth Ave. 3rd Floor Toronto, ON
M4J 1L2
Hours
Monday- Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Drop-In (in-person) Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Related programs
Online
In person
Employment Skills for Level 1 Pre-Apprenticeship in Plumbing
In partnership with George Brown College, this 14-week skills training program provides newcomers and jobseekers with an opportunity to start their skilled trades career in plumbing. Participants will engage in 5-weeks of academic upgrading and have access to additional supports to assist them with their training throughout the program.
We work with immigrants and refugees to access affordable housing resources, employment opportunities and government services, including health care. We can also address questions regarding citizenship, permanent residency and work permits.
The Newcomer Women Entrepreneurship Program (NWEP) is a free online training program for English and Arabic-speaking women who are interested in learning and developing entrepreneurial skills to start a business.
The Newcomer Community Integration Program (NCIP) works to address barriers experienced by newcomer immigrants and refugees who identify as women. We help to improve access to supports and opportunities that foster social and economic integration.
Rites of Passage is a guided process supporting Black youth (age 12 – 24) as they transition into adulthood. Our African-oriented approach emphasizes cultural and community connections and nurtures a greater sense of purpose, responsibility and resilience.
Designed for youth who are new to Canada, this program offers recreational, skill-building and mental health services, working with young newcomers as they make friends and settle into their new home.
Mentoring Pathways to Employment (for Newcomers to Canada)
The Mentoring Pathways to Employment (MPE) program empowers skilled newcomers to find and retain meaningful employment in line with their education, skills and experience.
Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration (EEII)
The Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration (EEII) program supports newcomer professionals to improve their cross-cultural communication skills and connect with employment opportunities. We provide customized support to help clients build their network, understand the expectations of Canadian employers and adapt to workplace culture.
Older Workers’ Initiative (Ontario Works recipients only)
The Older Workers’ Initiative (OWI) aims to improve access to sustainable employment for job seekers aged 45 years or older who are on Ontario Works and have been unemployed for at least 1 year.
815 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4J 1L2, and 1533 Victoria Park Ave. Toronto, ON M1L 2T3
The Youth Possibilities Project (YPP) is funded by Service Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The program is open to youth aged 15 – 30 and offers 4 weeks of paid pre-employment training, followed by a 10-week paid job placement. With support from a job developer, participants explore their career options, secure a placement opportunity in their chosen field and gain valuable work experience and practical skills.
Youth Job Connection (YJC) serves youth aged 15 – 29 who experience multiple or complex barriers to employment. The program provides more intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities.
Employment Accessibility Services for Persons with Disabilities Program
This program assists post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Our team aims to reduce disability-related barriers to employment while supporting clients to achieve their goals.
The Capability program supports individuals with disabilities to enhance their employability skills and job prospects. Our team of job coaches and job developers work with clients to prepare for their transition into the labour market
Funded by the United Way Greater Toronto, Foundations for Youth Success is designed for youth experiencing multiple or complex barriers to education and employment. Building on activities offered through the Youth Job Connection program, it aims to equip participants with the life skills needed to successfully engage in employment or employment readiness programs.
The Mentoring Partnership connects skilled immigrants with Canadian professionals in their field. Newcomers work with mentors to understand Canadian industry trends and the local labour market, develop more effective job search strategies and build their professional network.
Commitment required: 18 hours over three months (about 1.5 hours per week)
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly known as Second Career) provides unemployed individuals with financial support and skills training to secure in-demand jobs in their communities.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to address the challenges faced by women in trades and prepare participants for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. It includes 14 weeks of CNC training and employability skills training, as well as an 8-week paid job placement.
Building Code Skills Development for Internationally Trained Individuals
Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, this 20-week skills-training program prepares internationally trained job seekers for the role of Building Official, working in the construction sector or public administration.
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program
This free program equips students with skills related to the millwright trade, which involves installing, maintaining, diagnosing and repairing industrial machines. Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, the program includes trade readiness, employment preparation and academic upgrading.
This VFX training program is designed to give Black youth a competitive edge as they launch careers in digital compositing. Over 23 weeks, participants gain the knowledge and experience necessary to find post-production work. Training includes a six-week paid internship.
With English Language training, newcomers can expand employment opportunities and access government services and community resources. We provide child care during class and support with transportation expenses for our in-person sessions.
We work with Syrian newcomers, both individuals and families, to address their unique challenges as they settle in Canada. Services are offered in Arabic and English.
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