It’s a direct response to the 2009 Toronto’s Vital Signs® Report, says Rahul K. Bhardwaj, President and CEO.
“Youth from low-income families lack access to parks, school yards and recreation centres, often leading to increased health risks as shown in the report,” he says.
“We are responding to this need through our Vital Youth grants that invest in high-quality recreational programs for young people, helping them connect to their community, interact with their peers, and develop their skills and leadership abilities.”
Funding of up to $15,000 – from a $2-million endowment built with support from the Province of Ontario – is aimed at programs starting in September 2010 and available over the course of the year.
Among the interconnected issues impacting youth uncovered by the 2009 Toronto Vital Signs Report were a clear link between low income and poor health outcomes. Indeed, of the 10 neighbourhoods with the highest diabetes rates, 70 per cent lack access to parks, school yards and recreation centres.
Recreational opportunities offer positive benefits beyond health, resulting in a greater sense of belonging and safer communities, according to Mini Alakkatusery, Toronto Community Foundation’s Manager, Programs. She says the Vital Youth granting priorities include access, diversity, and developing leadership.
Recently funded programs include CultureLink Settlement Services’ Newcomer Youth Centre Afterschool Sports Leadership Program, aimed at engaging newcomer and refugee youth in sport they’re familiar with – soccer – while introducing them to winter sports such as skating, skiing and snowshoeing; and Jumblies Theatre’s In the Picture Youth Theatre Program, which brings drama and multi-media to teens living with their families in homeless shelters.
Also receiving a $15,000 grant was the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program (Growing the Future) at Greenest City, which is dedicated to growing local food and developing leaders in Parkdale.
“The support of the Toronto Community Foundation’s Vital Youth program has been the foundation which allowed us to get our much-needed Leaders in Training Program off the ground,” says Executive Director Carolyn Scotchmer.
“We knew that there was a demand for this program among 13- to 15-year-olds in this community, but even we have been positively surprised by the overwhelming response of the community and the momentum the program has gained in such a short time.”
The LIT Program aims to build new attitudes, skills and behaviours around local food and community gardening in an effort to build environmental awareness in the community through participation in an after-school program of interactive workshops and hands-on activities.
“By empowering participants to take action on local food systems and climate change, the Leaders in Training Program aims to be a transformative force in the lives of youth in this low-income, multi-racial neighbourhood,” says Scotchmer.
The deadline for applications for Vital Youth funding is April 19.
Photo credit - Bryan McBurney
Organization - IMPACT - Indian Martial & Performance Art Collective of Toronto
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