Our settlement services team supported more than 2,000 newcomers this year, helping individuals and families through housing, employment, and emotional transitions. Using a wraparound approach, we combined one-on-one case management with workshops and group programs to respond to the realities people face when building a life in a new country.

This year we expanded community-based programming, including women’s groups, conversation circles, youth life-skills programs, and intergenerational activities that brought newcomer seniors and youth together. Wellness initiatives like yoga, Cook & Chat, and peer mentorship helped participants manage stress, find connection, and build a sense of belonging.

Partnerships made this work stronger. With Vasantham Wellness Centre and LOFT Tamil Seniors, we addressed mental health, addiction, and civic engagement needs among Tamil newcomer men and seniors. Our intergenerational program, funded by the Minister for Seniors & Accessibility, exceeded expectations, engaging 71 participants. Nearly all said they felt more connected, gained new skills, and experienced improved mental health.

At the same time, systemic barriers remain. The housing crisis is the most urgent need, especially for women-led families. Employment precarity is growing, refugee claims are rising, and the lack of affordable childcare continues to hold back newcomer women. Against this backdrop, our settlement services remain a trusted place where people find both immediate help and long-term pathways to stability and belonging.

Our EarlyON programs continue to provide families with young children a welcoming space to learn, play, and connect. This year, we supported 934 children and 738 adults, building stronger networks for families in our community.

We expanded our reach through new partnerships with the Children’s Book Bank, Surrey Place (Infant Vision presentations), Holland Bloorview (speech and language workshops), and French EarlyON (French Story Time). These collaborations brought new opportunities for children to learn and grow, while supporting parents with resources and information.

In summer 2024, we partnered with Pedalheads to host a bike camp for 60 children ages 5–8, creating safe spaces for physical activity, skill-building, and fun. We also secured new funding in Ward 7, which allowed us to open three additional program locations at Carmine Stefano Community Centre, Jane/Sheppard Library and Black Creek Library.

EarlyON also played an important role in addressing basic needs for families. Through our Christmas Toy Distribution, we connected 368 children with gifts through CHUM’s support and another 422 children through Santa Box. Our food bank served about 100–120 families on a regular distribution list, with additional food provided to others when donations allowed. This year, we saw a sharp increase in families seeking food support, with new parents in particular asking for baby food and diapers—a clear reminder of the pressures families continue to face.

EarlyON continues to be a hub for both early learning and community support, ensuring that families with young children in Jane and Finch can access the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.

This year, our community planning and development work focused on advancing local priorities, strengthening resident leadership, and ensuring equity is centred in neighbourhood planning. In total, 1,696 people were engaged through our projects and initiatives.

We partnered with the youth-led Sex Trafficking Prevention Group (STPG) on the SafeTO Mapping Prevention Project. Together, we conducted research to build a digital map of community services related to safety and youth violence prevention. Through surveys, interviews, and workshops, we heard directly from youth, residents, and service providers about gaps, strengths, and opportunities in our neighbourhood. The findings showed a lack of awareness of existing programs, high program turnover, weak referral systems, and the absence of consistent metrics across agencies. We also heard clearly that grassroots and frontline organizations need sustainable funding to be able to participate fully in collaborative work. This project underscored both the urgency and the potential of stronger networks and long-term investments in community safety.

We also launched a new three-year partnership with United Way Greater Toronto to deliver backbone supports that advance neighbourhood priorities, including the Jane-Finch Community Development Plan. This work included coordinating the first round of Jane-Finch Community Action Grants and supporting initiatives related to community space, inclusive economic development and anti-displacement.

Transportation equity was another key focus. We supported community engagement in the City of Toronto’s RapidTO: Jane Street consultations, through surveys, in-person sessions, and virtual discussions. With residents, grassroots leaders, and groups like TTCriders, we successfully advocated against planned bus stop removals—highlighting how critical accessible transit is for working-class, racialized neighbourhoods. This outcome shows the importance of embedding equity into city-wide transit planning.

Our role as a trustee also helped strengthen local leadership. In 2024–2025, we provided trusteeship services for eight local artists, grassroots groups, and non-profits, supporting program delivery, financial oversight, mentorship, and access to space. 29 resident leaders contributed 521 volunteer hours to these projects, a testament to the strong capacity and commitment that exists in Jane and Finch when opportunities and support are available.

This year, our community wellbeing team supported approximately 1,100 residents, including seniors, youth, adults, and families, helping them navigate complex needs and access critical services.

Our Senior Financial Empowerment and Resiliency (SFER) Program engaged 222 seniors in workshops on financial planning, fraud awareness, wills, and power of attorney, building confidence and reducing vulnerability. Our Hot Meal Delivery program provided 360 meals to older adults experiencing food insecurity, while 605 participants joined our outreach and community engagement events.

Through collaboration with the HUB@2115 and service navigation, residents received urgent wraparound care, including mental health supports, with 47 individuals supported this year. Our Talk It Out, Work It Out program recorded 187 visits, offering seniors opportunities for movement, social connection, and wellbeing.

We also expanded clinical support for Black youth and children in Northwest Toronto through the Black Health Planning Funding Opportunities, funded by Ontario Health—providing culturally responsive mental health services to better meet the needs of Black families in our community.

Our Financial Empowerment and Program Solving (FEPS) program supported residents facing complex financial challenges, helping them access benefits, navigate systems, and build long-term stability. Over the past year, we served 2,974 individuals, providing guidance, crisis support, and financial empowerment tools.

A major focus was helping low-income residents access tax-related benefits and health supports. We filed 2,105 tax returns, enabling clients to access critical benefits such as GST, CCB, and Trillium. Beyond taxes, we assisted 138 residents with Canada Dental Benefit applications, and supported 107 clients with Disability Tax Credit (DTC) forms and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) guidance. These services directly increase household income and access to essential care.

We saw a surge in walk-ins and phone inquiries, with over 700 requests for urgent support related to food, housing, and income insecurity. Our staff provided 178 referrals to food banks and emergency programs and offered 35 instances of informal financial or emotional counseling for residents facing extreme hardship. Services were offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Twi, and Vietnamese, with language barriers noted in about 15% of appointments.

The rising cost of living, limited income supports, and stretched community services have increased both the volume and complexity of client needs. Many families—particularly newcomers, seniors, and single-parent households—struggle to meet basic needs, while frontline staff work tirelessly to provide timely support, guidance, and advocacy.

Residents are increasingly seeking out programs like the Disability Tax Credit, RDSP, and Canada Dental Benefit to maximize income and access essential care. This trend reflects both growing awareness and the urgent need for responsive, hands-on support. At the same time, language barriers, long waitlists, and system-wide capacity challenges continue to make it difficult for residents to fully access services.

Through FEPS, we continue to meet residents where they are—offering practical, culturally responsive support, connecting them to critical services, and helping them take steps toward financial stability and resilience.

Our youth programs continued to support young people in Jane-Finch in navigating the challenges they face every day — from violence in the community to barriers to employment, education, and mental health supports. Through The Spot, we created safe spaces where youth can connect, learn, and build skills while having their voices at the centre of the work.

This year, we expanded our youth leadership network to 12 members (ages 16–18). Youth co-designed programs, joined hiring panels, acted as peer connectors, and received honoraria recognizing their contributions. We also hosted the youth violence prevention basketball tournament, Jane Finch Live ‘24, bringing together over 200 youth from Jane-Finch, Rexdale and Regent Park to foster unity across communities facing conflict.

Our focus on wellness and career pathways continued with strengthened partnerships with Jack.org and SickKids, which expanded access to culturally affirming therapy supports and introduced youth to careers in wellness fields. The career navigator film training program, launched with POV and UWGT, helped 83% of graduates find employment, including 13 youth in film and TV roles.

Over the year, 2,066 youth accessed services at The Spot. Employment supports reached hundreds of youth, including resume coaching, job leads, and one-on-one case management. Wellness and safety programs supported youth navigating violence, trauma, and mental health challenges, while daily drop-in spaces and group programs provided connection, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. Despite ongoing systemic barriers, our youth continue to demonstrate leadership, resilience, and creativity.

At 4400 Jane Street, our community resource centre continues to be a trusted space where residents turn for support. This year, 3,581 people came to us for help with both immediate needs and long-term goals.

We assisted residents with resumes, forms, and government documents, and shared information about social programs, health services, and education opportunities. These services help break down barriers that often prevent community members from accessing the supports they deserve.

One of the greatest needs we saw this year was access to technology. In our community, the digital divide is not about whether the internet exists—it’s about whether families can afford it, and whether every household has enough devices for everyone. Too often, youth, parents, and elders are left at a disadvantage. Research confirms what we see daily: affordability, not infrastructure, is the real barrier (The Dais, 2024).

That’s why our free computer lab is such an important resource. Over the past year, more than 1,250 residents used it—to apply for jobs, finish homework, fill out forms, access benefits, or stay connected with loved ones abroad. What may look like a simple service is actually about leveling the playing field—ensuring people in Jane and Finch can fully participate in today’s digital world.

The community resource centre also acts as a gateway into other programs and services at the Jane/Finch Centre. From direct supports to referrals and technology access, it provides residents with the tools they need to address today’s challenges and move toward their future goals.