Youth Programs
Our youth programs are run through our vibrant youth space called ‘The Spot’ (inside Yorkgate Mall).
The Spot offers programs that are co-designed with youth to promote emotional intelligence, foster community self-love and youth empowerment.
We provide support for multi-barriered youth ages 13-29, addressing the complex interplay of poverty, racism, gender inequality and international displacement through service navigation, wraparound support and structured programs that focus on the complex needs of youth in the Jane-Finch community. Our initiatives focus on professional development and employability, tackling food insecurity, violence prevention, mental health and more.
On-going Youth Programs AND SERVICES
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The Spot offers youth drop-in hours that allow youth ages 13-29 years old the opportunity to drop into the space to use the facilities to meet and with youth workers. Youth drop in is Tuesday-Friday from 3:00pm-8:00pm.
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We offer free sports and recreation programs throughout the year, which include soccer, skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball, volleyball and more.
Contact our team to learn more at thespot@janefinchcentre.org.
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Our youth team runs the Future Focus program, an initiative dedicated to preparing young people for their career and educational pathways. They offer tailored workshops designed to build capacity, enhance networking skills, and support system navigation.
The Future Focus program partners with employment and educational professionals to provide externally facilitated workshops, information sessions and active training and networking opportunities.
For more information, contact Taejah at taejahn@janefinchcentre.org.
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The Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) equips and empowers at-risk/high-risk youth and their families to take action, improving their life outcomes. YOWs act as mentors, promote broader opportunities and support for youth within communities and advocate for the improvement of access to youth services.
For more information, contact Abdul at abduln@janefinchcentre.org or 416-316-4618.
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Tutoring is offered every Thursday from 4:00pm-6:00pm, and is for youth in elementary to high school who may need extra supports with their academics.
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Our Youth Violence Prevention Program is committed to supporting the most vulnerable youth ages 13-29 years old, including those involved in or associated with gangs and the justice system. We offer targeted social development workshops and culturally relevant therapy options that address the root causes of youth violence. By placing youth at the centre of the conversation, our program empowers them through a youth-led peer-to-peer support model, ensuring that their voices guide the solutions. We are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where these young people can heal, grow and redefine their futures.
For more information on how to get involved, contact our Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator at deluxsony@janefinchcentre.org.
Sex Trafficking Prevention Group (STPG)
The Sex Trafficking Prevention Group (STPG) is a youth-led project committed to preventing human trafficking within the Jane and Finch community. STPG is run by young, Black women from the Jane-Finch community who wanted to create resources for youth, by youth.
Their primary mission is to empower and educate young people who may be vulnerable to the threat of human trafficking.
STPG actively engages with local schools to conduct informative workshops that serve as a platform to raise awareness, provide valuable knowledge, and offer essential resources for those in need.
Visit the project’s website to access their youth toolkit, or follow them on Instagram to learn more.
ANNUAL JANE-FINCH LIVE 3v3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Curated and hosted by leaders of our Youth Team, the annual Jane-Finch Live 3v3 Basketball Tournament has become a community classic. This event brings together incredible young talents on the court for an exciting series of competitions with prizes. Here’s a look back at this year’s tournament, which had our largest turnout yet.
Follow their Instagram page for updates on the 2025 Tournament.
2024 Jane-Finch Live 3v3 Basketball Tournament shot and edited by Mohamud Mohamed Follow us on Instagram
Follow The Spot on Instagram to keep up to date with events, programs and services.
The Spot (@thespotyouthcentre)