Free 2 Be
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TYPE:: Free 2 Be, Youth
DESCRIPTION:: WoodGreen Community Services addresses the needs for coordinated housing and community-based services for young people transitioning out of the child welfare system in Toronto.
LOCATION:: 1533 Victoria Park Avenue

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.

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