OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program supports Black youth and their families by connecting them to a wide range of programs and services designed to meet their needs and help them thrive. This program plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps in service access and promoting positive outcomes for youth within the Black community. 

Program Objectives:

• Provide direct support and guidance to Black youth and their families to help them access necessary services.
• Empower youth to build life skills and prepare for employment and education opportunities.
• Foster positive mental health and resilience through community-based interventions.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Service Access: Facilitates connections to pre-employment and employment services, summer job readiness programs, after-school initiatives, mental health supports, recreational activities, and community crisis response resources. 
• Collaboration with EYOW: Refers youth in need of intensive therapeutic services to the Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW) Program for additional support. 
• Youth-Focused Approach: Encourages youth engagement and development through strength-based and culturally relevant practices. 
• Family and Community Engagement: Works with families and communities to create a supportive environment for youth development.

The YOW Program reflects African Community Services of Peel’s commitment to providing accessible, holistic, and culturally informed services for Black youth. By addressing the diverse needs of young people and their families, the YOW Program fosters long-term growth, empowerment, and community integration.

The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW) Program provides intensive, individualized support to Black youth aged 12 to 25 and their families, addressing complex needs through culturally relevant and trauma-informed approaches. The program is designed to empower youth by helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal and social success.

Program Objectives:

• Deliver one-on-one intensive support to Black youth and their families.
• Address underlying needs through counseling and connection to resources.
• Enhance youth’s ability to manage challenges and transition through the Stages of Change model.

Key Features:

• Individualized Support: Short-term counseling and support tailored to the specific needs of Black youth and their families.
• Collaborative Approach: Works closely with Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) to identify youth requiring more intensive services.
• Community Referrals: Facilitates access to community-based resources and services, including mental health, education, housing, and employment.
• Strength-Based Interventions: Encourages youth to build on their existing skills and strengths while addressing barriers to success.

This program aligns with African Community Services of Peel’s commitment to fostering positive outcomes for Black youth by providing culturally relevant, strength based interventions. The EYOW Program serves as a critical resource in bridging gaps in support for Black youth, empowering them to overcome systemic barriers and thrive within their communities.

The Black Youth Re-Engagement and Diversion Program is a culturally responsive initiative designed to address the overrepresentation of Black youth in the justice system and provide holistic, community-based support. The program focuses on timely and individualized interventions that aim to reduce reoffending behaviors, promote positive outcomes, and strengthen connections between youth, their families, and their communities.

Program Objectives:

• Provide culturally relevant, trauma-informed support tailored to the needs of Black youth. 
• Deliver timely interventions to address offending behaviors and reduce justice system involvement.
• Empower youth to reclaim their identity and build self-worth through leadership development and mentorship.
• Strengthen ties to family, community, and culture through wraparound services and support.

Key Features:

• Black-Led and Community-Based: Designed by Black leaders with input from youth, families, and community members.
• Justice System Navigation: Support youth in navigating the justice system and accessing diversion opportunities.
• Individualized Support: Strength-based mentorship, counseling,  and personalized action plans.
• Wraparound Services: Assistance with housing, education, employment, and health resources to address root causes of risk factors. 
• Family Engagement: Involve families in fostering resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging for youth.

This program embodies African Community Services of Peel’s commitment to equity, anti-racism, and community empowerment. Through addressing the root causes of justice system involvement and creating pathways to success, the Black Youth Re- Engagement and Diversion Program aims to build  stronger futures for Black youth in Peel Region.

Positive Youth Development is an integral component of the overall strategy to combat risky and/or negative behaviors in transition-age youth. Youth development efforts strive to be proactive in encouraging positive behavior among young people rather than reactive in responding to unwanted negative or risky behaviors.

Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision-making and interpersonal skills that supports success in the workforce and in adulthood.

Understanding who they are and having a sense of belonging in  their communities are important factors in the positive growth of our youth. We offer a number of programs and projects geared toward helping our young people build their confidence, learn about their identities, and deal with the challenges they face in day-to- day life.

Our youth development programs aim to build leadership skills in youth to enhance their personal and professional development and promote community engagement and participation among black/African Canadian youth in Peel. The programs and services provide youth with information and services that promote positive growth, development, and decision-making.

Programs provided include:

• Youth leadership development activities
• Youth Arts and Heritage activities
• Youth and Community Engagement activities
• One-on-one Peer Youth Mentoring activities
• Youth and Community Safety Education Activities
• Mentoring activities
• Recreational youth activities
• African Young Achievers Club (AYA)
• Black Diamonds Group

The Co-operative Education Program (Co-op), also known as the Placement Student Program, provides students with the opportunity to earn academic credits by integrating their course curriculum with real-world learning in a work placement setting. 

This program is open to students across all pathways, including apprenticeship, college, community living, university, or workplace, ensuring inclusivity and relevance for diverse career goals. Through a collaborative effort between the placement supervisor and co-op teachers, students are closely monitored and supported to ensure a meaningful and successful learning experience. 

The program emphasizes safety, encouragement, and a tailored approach to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations. 

Benefits to Students:

• Gain Valuable Work Experience: Placement students have the chance to work in a unique learning environment outside the classroom, enhancing their understanding of real-world workplace dynamics.
• Develop Employability Skills: The program helps students build essential workplace skills and habits, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management.
• Participate in Hands-On Learning: Students engage in practical, hands-on activities directly related to their field of interest, fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen career.
• Personalized Work Placement: Placement students select a work placement based on their interests, readiness, and individual needs, ensuring alignment with their future goals.
• Build Professional Networks: Students connect and build relationships with potential future employers, increasing their chances of securing employment opportunities after graduation.
• Explore Career Pathways: Co-op placements provide students with an early glimpse into various career options, helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways.

The Co-operative Education Program (Co-op / Placement Student Program) empowers students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace application. It provides an invaluable foundation for personal and professional growth, preparing students to excel in their chosen career fields.

ACS homework club is a free after-school program for elementary students, led by youth and young adult volunteers in a safe, culturally appropriate environment 

Activities include;

• One-to-one or small group homework support.
• An opportunity to share knowledge and build relationships, as well as an opportunity to develop good work habits and a positive attitude toward learning.

ACS homework club also provides an excellent opportunity for youth and young adults to become role models and community leaders as they learn tutoring, communication, leadership, organization, mentorship, conflict resolution, time management, and teamwork skills. Free, light refreshments are  provided for each session. Parents are required to arrange transportation for their children before and after each session.

Activities include;

Indoor & outdoor arts & crafts inspired through all sorts of artful activities designed to develop creativity and imagination, such as;

• Painting & drawing.
• Field trips to places such as Royal Ontario Museum.
• Talent shows.
• Storytelling.

Every summer, we have summer camp and activities such as;

• Field trips
• Indoor activities
• Talent show
• Garden visits
• Storytelling
• Campfires
• Outdoor activities
• Art and Craft
• Splash pads visit
• Summer Camp Tug of War and more