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Peace Projects

The Community Investments portion of the TO Wards Peace model features Peace Projects to help promote youth engagement, empowerment and community safety in Rexdale / Jane & Finch. These projects aim to enhance and build on youth’s capacity to accomplish creative ideas and initiatives that aspires to bring peace, cohesion and unity to disrupt violence and conflict.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF PEACE PROJECTS?

–          Help promote youth engagement and community safety in the North West City of Toronto

–          Support youth to turn IDEAS into ACTION

–          Support emerging (new, small, grassroots) youth led groups to become involved in their communities

WHO DOES PEACE PROJECTS FUND?

They are coordinated and delivered by groups/ organizations/ collectives where leadership positions and decision-making responsibilities are held by young people ages 13-29 from the Jane & Finch and Rexdale community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?

Peace Project’s funding mandate is to support programs being carried out by youth-led groups/ organizations/ collectives.

2024 Peace Projects Recipients

Free Spirit Association (2024 Peace Project)

The Free Spirit Association is a youth-focused initiative committed to fostering positive development and community engagement across Toronto. With a strong belief in the importance of mentorship and guidance, the project aims to provide meaningful programming and workshops that inspire young people to pursue their goals with determination and purpose.

Led by Nicholas Arop and Brandon Deonarine of the Mount Olive/Rexdale area, the association seeks to strengthen neighborhoods by reaching youth early and encouraging proactive involvement. By engaging youth while they are most impressionable, the Free Spirit Association promotes safety, unity, and ambition, working toward a more connected and empowered society.

Bounce Back (2024 Peace Project)

The Bounce Back Project is dedicated to empowering youth in the Rexdale community by providing meaningful, structured activities that promote personal growth, leadership, and resilience. Through basketball tournaments, skill-building workshops, and mentorship from guest speakers, we offer a safe space for young people to develop confidence, teamwork, and life-skills. Our initiative is designed to break down systemic barriers, reduce violence, and inspire positive change—one game, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time. Stay tuned for an exciting program filled with sports, mentorship, and personal growth—where every session is a chance to learn, connect, and have fun!

New Legacy Youth (2024 Peace Project)

New Legacy Youth is an inspiring group that is comprised of three young individuals who have a dedication to serving the community. Having witnessed the impact of senseless violence in the Rexdale community over the past few years, they are committed to educating and empowering young people to foster hope and create a safer future. New Legacy Youth is committed to strengthening the community by connecting with, supporting, and empowering young people, particularly those in underserved areas like Rexdale. Their mission is to inspire positive change through mentorship, education, and community development. New Legacy Youth is building a brighter future by empowering young people and creating a lasting legacy of hope and positive change.

1 City 1 Vision (2024 Peace Project)

1 City 1 Vision is a community-driven initiative dedicated to improving local neighborhoods and advancing social impact. The project organizes food distributions, provides blankets and essential supplies to those in need, and hosts career-building events aimed at empowering individuals with new opportunities.

Through its 2024 Peace Project, the organization works to unite people, support local youth, and foster lasting change. By funding grassroots initiatives and helping others launch their own community projects, 1 City 1 Vision creates a ripple effect of positivity and progress. Every effort is made with inclusivity in mind, ensuring no one is left behind.

The team operates under the motto “Built 2 Win,” taking individuals from pain to power through direct action and unwavering commitment.

2023 Peace Projects Recipients

Pain 2 Power (2023)

The Pain 2 Power Project is a transformative program developed to empower and uplift youth in Rexdale between the ages of 13 and 29. Focused on turning personal challenges into creative strength, the program offers an 8-week experience that includes workshops, artistic expression, and mentorship opportunities.

Participants engage in creating short stories, songs, and poems while receiving guidance from experienced artists and community leaders. The program concludes with a showcase event featuring live performances, artwork, and open discussions on violence prevention, self-expression, and positive community change.

Pain 2 Power fosters a supportive space for youth to build confidence, share their stories, and become agents of transformation in their communities.

MOR (2023) 

The MOR Initiative for Black Students in STEM is a Black youth-led grassroots organization dedicated to supporting Black high school students from low-income neighborhoods in Toronto, particularly in Rexdale, as they pursue STEM education in university through financial support and 1-on-1 Mentorship. Founded by Abigail Ralph, alongside co-founders Siham Mohamud and Jwan Omer, the initiative was created in response to systemic barriers faced by Black students in higher education. Since launching its pilot program in 2021 with funding from Taking It Global, MOR has provided financial assistance to over 40 students, covering university application fees and easing their transition into post-secondary education. Now led by a team of five senior university students, the initiative continues to offer mentorship and financial support, with a mission to help Black students navigate higher education and a vision to dismantle systemic barriers in STEM fields.

Please contact morinitative@gmail.com for more information

2022 Peace Projects Recipients

ScholaRLY – Rexdale Limitless (2022)

ScholaRLY – Rexdale’s Limitless Youth is a grassroots, youth-led research incubator designed for five racialized, low-income youth in Rexdale. Over three months, participants (Youth Peer Researchers) receive mentorship and training in community-centered, anti-oppressive, and intersectional research practices. They conduct a systematic literature review, lead a small community project, and gain foundational skills to navigate academia as emerging researchers. Beyond research training, the program conducts a mixed-methods study examining the barriers and facilitators of higher education access for Rexdale youth and the role of equity-centered programs in addressing these challenges. Recognizing the systemic neglect and exclusion these youth face, the initiative seeks to:

  • Support the development of research projects in the sciences or humanities with a focus on equity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
  • Dismantle barriers to higher education by fostering a program designed *for and by* racialized youth.
  • Provide professional development through mentorship, publishing opportunities, and career-focused awards.
  • Create a safe and inclusive space for racialized, Rexdale-residing youth to explore academic research.
  • Ensure all participants have the opportunity to publish in an academic journal and engage in a university-level research study.
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