The Youth Wellness Centre provides youth ages 12-29 access to the full range of services offered at WoodGreen including settlement, housing, employment, education, financial and cultural programming.
Youth can sign up for various wellness workshops and skill-building opportunities occurring throughout the year. Youth can also get connected with mental health services offered onsite on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11-7PM through our partnership with the Toronto East Youth Wellness Hub.
Whatever it is that a youth finds themselves needing we will ensure that they get connected!
Youth Drop In Hours
Youth are welcome to attend our drop-in on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-7PM, where they can speak to a staff member and learn more information about our programs. The drop-in is a safe space for young people to hang out after school, grab a snack, meet friends, play games, and participate in different recreational activities. There is also a quiet space available for doing homework. Once a month we run special events like movie night, art night or host cultural celebrations.
Follow our instagram @Woodgreenywc for the latest updates.
“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 support
Volunteer opportunities are available year-round to support youth with homework, wellness and creative activities. Please contact Erik Wexler at [email protected].
Every gift makes a lasting difference in our community
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.
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.
The Youth Housing Navigator (YHN) program support young individuals aged 16-30 in Toronto by helping them find and maintain safe and affordable housing.
Virtual and in person
Youth between the ages of 16-30 years old; Living in Toronto; Homeless or precariously housed
The Youth Wellness Subsidy Support Program is a specially tailored initiative for young individuals access appropriate and culturally sensitive mental health support.
Intakes are primarily offered virtually or telephonically
Must be 16 to 30 years old and residing in Toronto; Currently or previously associated with a children's aid society (please check the program description for more information)
Ìdàgbà 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.
In-person
Youth of African descent or identify as black (age 12-29)
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.
Employment Accessibility Services for Persons with Disabilities - EAS
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.
WoodGreen offers free Pre-Apprentice and Trades Programs, catering to newcomers and those facing employment barriers to provide a pathway to high-demand trades. Participants undergo assessments for grade 12 Math and English and engage in Academic Upgrading to develop essential communication and numeracy skills for entry into skilled trades.
In partnership with George Brown College, this 15-week skills training program provides newcomers and jobseekers with an opportunity to start their skilled trades career in plumbing. Participants will have access to additional supports to assist them with their training throughout the program.
The Newcomer Women Entrepreneurship Program (NWEP) is a free online training program for newcomer 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.
Personalized Career Accelerator (for Newcomers to Canada)
The Personalized Career Accelerator program (formerly known as Mentoring Pathways to Employment) helps skilled newcomers to succeed in a Canadian job search and connects them with a mentor with shared experiences who can support their journey.
Our Diverse Workforce Advantage Program (formerly known as Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration) can help your organization get a competitive edge in today's rapidly changing world of work. We can strengthen your workforce through training and access to a pipeline of skilled and experienced newcomer talent.
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
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.
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.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to prepare women and gender-diverse individuals for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. The program includes Academic Upgrading, CNC/Precision Machining training, and the opportunity for a paid job placement.
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.
