Free 2 Be
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Free 2 Be (Housing First for Youth Leaving Care)
WoodGreen’s Free 2 Be (Housing First for Youth Leaving Care) is a program which supports young people who have been involved with the child welfare system and are now transitioning to life after care. Grounded in a holistic, client-centered approach, Free 2 Be program blends intensive case management with WoodGreen’s diverse services to support core outcomes for young people in the following areas:
- High school and post-secondary educational attainment
- Essential skills development and employment
- Mental health and wellness
- Housing stability and tenancy skills
- Consistent relationships and social connection
Who is eligible?
All youth must meet the following criteria in order to participate in the Making the Shift research study or WoodGreen’s Free 2 Be (Housing First for Youth Leaving Care):
- Currently between the ages of 17-24
- Currently living in or residing in Toronto Proper, including the inner suburbs of Etobicoke, East York, Scarborough and North York
- Currently involved within the Children’s Aid Society or were involved with the Children’s Aid Society in the past 6 years with any of the following agreements:
- Crown Ward
- Society Ward
- Kinship Care
- VYSA (Voluntary Youth Services Agreement)
Collaboration
If you are a youth serving organization or a landlord/housing provider in Toronto, we would welcome the chance to connect with you and explore opportunities for collaboration. Such inquiries may be directed to Rasheeda Guinn, Supervisor, Strategic Engagement, Free 2 Be at rguinn@woodgreen.org.
How to get involved
We’ve all heard to saying, “it takes a village”.
This ‘village’ has never been more necessary than it is today.
A true village approach recognizes the strength of meaningful collaboration and partnership, acknowledging that it takes many people, with their varying strengths and perspectives to form a supportive community for a young person.
Your role in the village is valued and needed.
Learn how you can get involved
Opportunities to support, include:
- Create a Welcome Home Package to let a young person know you care
- Volunteer to support our local community events and programming
- Fundraise or donate to Free 2 Be
- Partner with Free 2 Be
Contact us today to find out more about how to support young people as they transition to life after care.
RELATED PROGRAMS
PROGRAM NAME | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
---|---|---|
Newcomer Youth | WoodGreen works with Newcomer youth (age 13 – 24) to give them a greater sense of belonging in their new Canadian home. |
Across the City |
Rites of Passage | WoodGreen Community Service offers Rites of Passage, a process for youth (12 26) to explore, mature and grow into their full identity as young African-Canadians. |
1533 Victoria Park Ave. |
Youth Wellness Centre | The Youth Wellness Centre is a one-stop, multiservice, youth-friendly space where young people can have fun and access key services they need when they need them |
Contact for more information |
Youth@Work | WoodGreen Community Services supports young people who are searching for a job. |
989 Danforth Avenue (at Donlands Ave.) 1080 Queen Street East (at Pape Ave.) 1533 Victoria Park Avenue (at Eglinton Ave.) 815 Danforth Ave. |
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