Let’s Bridge the Gap
From mental health supports to employment skills-building, SOY bridges the gap so that 2SLGBTQ youth can thrive. Join us by donating, bidding in our auction, or starting a fundraiser today!
Why Support?
Many of the young people we serve are dealing with homelessness, are newcomers to Canada, or facing various barriers to their health and wellness. Traditional systems often fall short of meeting their needs, but we’re here to bridge that gap.
Our Supporting Our Youth (SOY) Program offers daily drop-ins, mentorship, goal planning, mental health support, and case management. Plus, we provide access to essentials like food and clothing and help build employment skills, find housing, and connect with others through shared meals and community activities.
Our goal? To support the health and well-being of 2SLGTBQ youth. Your contribution makes this possible!
Help 2SLGBTQ Youth Thrive
Here’s how you can help us reach our goal of $25,000
Donate
Your contribution directly funds essential services for 2SLGBTQ youth, from mental health support to basic necessities like food and clothing. Every dollar you give makes a meaningful difference.
Fundraise
Start a fundraiser and rally your friends, family, and community to support our cause. Download our Community Fundraising Toolkit for a step-by-step guide. Top fundraisers will be entered into a draw to win some great prizes!
Bid
Over 35 local businesses have contributed amazing auction items. Your bids help support our SOY program while giving you the opportunity to enjoy some great rewards.
Spread the Word
Help spread the word! Share our #SOYBridgingTheGap campaign on social media and help us reach our $25,000 goal to bridge the gap for 2SLGBTQ youth.
What is SOY?
Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is a vibrant community development program at Sherbourne Health designed for 2SLGBTQ youth aged 14 to 29. We offer a safe and welcoming space where young people can focus on their goals, health and wellbeing.
Our drop-in program runs every weekday, alternating between mornings and evenings, with sessions like Trans Fusion Crew, Black Queer Youth, and Wellness Mornings. Each session provides meals, transit fare, and access to mental health counsellors, case management, and primary health care.
“Since I started attending SOY, I’m sure I have at least one meal a day, which takes away the worry about food so I can focus on my studies and do well in school.” – Grace, SOY Participant
Case Management & Goal Planning
We offer personalized support to help youth identify and reach their goals, schedule appointments, and eve accompany them to meetings. We also provide rent-geared-to-income units for youth under 27 and connect them with mental health services, shelters, legal aid, and employment programs.
Mentorship & Peer Leadership
Our mentorship programs are tailored for marginalized queer and trans youth, focusing on goal identification, community connections, and skills development for confidence and self-advocacy. We offer both group mentorship, which enhances health and well-being skills, and 1:1 mentorship for more personalized support.
A Special Thanks
Thank you to all the incredible businesses that contributed to our online auction and to our amazing community for coming together to make this campaign possible. We couldn’t do it without you!
- Jerome Photography
- Rogers
- Custom Maids
- Eyes On Church Optical
- LUSH
- Sheraton Hotel Toronto
- BATL Toronto Port Lands
- Let’s Roam
- Keurig
- Brass Vixens
- Australian Boot Company
- The Well of Alternative Medicine
- Jays Care Foundation
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Young Centre for the Performing Arts
- Stratford Festival
- B, Halfmoon
- Sugarmoon
- Inside Out Festival
- Arcadia Earth
- Lindt
- Step Up Clinic
- Purdys Chocolatier
- The Danforth Music Hall
- The Puzzle Nerds
- Sage Health & Wellness
- Storm Crow Manor
- Hard Feelings
- Farm Boy
- Sausage Party
- Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
- Toronto Zoo
- AGO
- LES Studio
- Craig’s Cookies
- Keg Steak House