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Supporting Our Youth (SOY)

Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is a community initiative operated by Sherbourne Health. SOY offers free health promotion services and programming centered on supporting the health and well-being goals of 2SLGBTQ youth, many of whom are homeless, racialized and newcomers.

 

  

SOY runs groups, programs, and events that support the health and well-being of all queer, trans, and questioning youth. Our programs are free and open to self-identifying queer and trans spectrum (2SLGBTQ) youth, including those questioning their sexual and/or gender identity. They are designed for youth aged 29 and under from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

SOY provides you with goal planning, health and wellness programming through our Youth Resource Workers; mental health and primary care service providers; mentors and peers; dietitians and housing supports; urban and newcomer health services; and community partners and referrals. We are here to support your wellness, along with offering practical assistance with your daily needs, like applying for financial help, securing housing, career coaching, and academic support.

Come find support, especially as:

  • A racialized/BIPOC youth;
  • Someone experiencing homelessness;
  • A youth from another country or small town;
  • Someone who has been in the child welfare system;

Through SOY’s programs, you can find queer and trans friends, mentors and community, and learn about 2SLGBTQ communities, histories and issues. Come express yourself, build your confidence and leadership skills, celebrate and more.

Weekly Groups

Our weekly drop-in groups are for youth 29 and under who identify as 2SLGBTQ to connect and share in a welcoming place of safety, respect, and fun. With a focus on life and employment skill building, community resourcing, and connection groups are a place you can make friends and get the support and information you need.

All SOY groups provide a snack or meal and TTC tokens for those who need them. Groups take place on Sherbourne Health’s second floor, in a wheelchair-accessible space.

Drop-ins are welcome for these weekly groups, but we encourage registration. Register here, and email soy@sherbourne.on.ca for more information

SOY JOY
Trans Fusion Crew
Black Queer Youth
Wellness Mornings
two people packing bags of food items to distribute.

SOY’s Programs

These programs provide practical support to youth aged 29 and under with resources, including housing, designed and delivered with the goal of allowing 2SLGBTQ young people with the tools they need to flourish.

 

Youth In Transition
Goal Planning Services (GPS)
Internal Housing

Mentorship and Peer Leadership

SOY’s mentorship programs are tailored to empower marginalized queer and trans youth by guiding them in setting life goals, building meaningful connections with supportive community members, and cultivating skills, experience, and leadership qualities to boost confidence and self-advocacy. Mentorship is a personal developmental relationship where a more experienced individual, often with specific expertise, supports and guides a less experienced who wants to learn. We have two mentorship streams: SOY Group Mentorship and SOY One-on-one Mentorship. For more information about becoming a mentee or mentor, email peerleadership@sherbourne.on.ca, or fill out our online forms to become a mentor or receive mentorship.

SOY Group Mentorship
SOY One-On-One Mentorship
SOY Lead
Peer Leadership Program

Social and Contacts

Looking to get in touch? Stay up to date with our social channels, send an email or give us a call.

Upcoming Events, Programs and Drop-Ins

Event Series SOY: Black Queer Youth

SOY: Black Queer Youth

Second floor

Black, Caribbean, African or multiracial queer and trans spectrum youth aged 29 or under who live in Toronto, especially downtown, in the Jane-Finch/Black Creek or Malvern/Scarborough communities.      

Event Series SOY: SOY JOY

SOY: SOY JOY

Second floor

This general drop-in is open to all 2SLGBTQ youth and young adults aged 29 and under. It’s all about joy, self-care, and community connection!

Event Series SOY: Black Queer Youth

SOY: Black Queer Youth

Second floor

Black, Caribbean, African or multiracial queer and trans spectrum youth aged 29 or under who live in Toronto, especially downtown, in the Jane-Finch/Black Creek or Malvern/Scarborough communities.      

Event Series SOY: SOY JOY

SOY: SOY JOY

Second floor

This general drop-in is open to all 2SLGBTQ youth and young adults aged 29 and under. It’s all about joy, self-care, and community connection!

Questions? Contact us.