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National Truth and Reconciliation Day

September 30, 2022

We acknowledge that CTYS is situated on the unceded lands and territories of the Anishanabeg, Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse nations.  We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit.

It is important that we recognize the lands on which we gather and that we acknowledge the historical impact and multi-generational effects of colonization, oppressive laws and broken treaties that have occurred here and are an ongoing dimension of our collective responsibilities.

Along with this acknowledgement, we must act in solidarity to support Indigenous sovereignty over their traditional territories and ways of life and to restore land unjustly taken.

We respectfully recognize the presence of Indigenous peoples, both in the past and present, as we commit to action, education, meaningful dialogue and necessary change.

Congratulations, Vanessa Lackraj! Elizabeth Manson Award Recipient 2021

February 16, 2022

Vanessa Lackraj (she/her)

A Message from Our Executive Director

Hi everyone: it is my absolute honour to advise all of you that Vanessa Lackraj has been selected by SickKids Hospital as the 2021 recipient of their Elizabeth Manson Award. This award honours Vanessa’s commitment, talent, innovation, integrity, and leadership in building our R.I.T.E.S program for Black youth and families. Anyone who knows Vanessa will agree this work lives deep within her. In her new management role, we have seen Vanessa’s uncompromising and constructive advocacy for Black youth and the Black community. No one would ever doubt her courage and authenticity.

Congratulations Vanessa. I know that she would want me to include her talented team in this commendation so thank you all!! We also want to acknowledge the leadership and support from Priscilla Ofosu-Barko, our Agency‘s Director, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism.

The late Maya Angelou once said, “I love to see young women go out and grab the world by the lapels.”  Keep going Vanessa!!!!!

Heather Sproule

Boyoboy Returning February 2022!

December 1, 2021

Thank you to all Boyoboy participants who contributed to our 20 workshops in 2021!

Boyoboy is on break during December 2021 and January 2022.
We look forward to relaunching in February 2022 – please stay tuned for updates.

Until then, wishing everyone a warm and healthy holiday season.

Parent Workshop: Enhancing Understanding and Connection

November 8, 2021

*A virtual workshop series designed for parents and caregivers supporting youth struggling with mental health and emotional distress*


Virtual Workshop 1: Tue, November 30th (6-8pm)
Virtual Workshop 2: Tue, December 7th (6-8pm)

*Deadline to sign up is November 26th, but latecomers still welcome! (email [email protected])*

Click here for full PDF

Boyoboy Zoom is a free, virtual workshop series

December 24, 2020

For guys 16-24 who identify as: two-spirit, intersex, trans, non-binary, gay, bi, queer

WHERE: Zoom Hosted by CTYS

WHEN: BOYOBOY takes place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 6:30 – 9:00pm, i.e.:

Wednesday September 22, 2021

Wednesday October 13, 2021

Wednesday October 27, 2021

Wednesday November 10, 2021

Wednesday November 24, 2021

Wednesday December 8, 2021

Wednesday December 22, 2021: CANCELLED

CONTACT: [email protected]

Announcement:

November 19, 2020

CTYS is pleased to announce the release of our 2019-2020 Annual Report.

https://staging.ctys.org/information/about/annual-reports/

Student placement applications

October 30, 2020

As a result of the pandemic, CTYS will not be accepting student placement applications for the 2020-2021 academic year, and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

CTYS Parent Workshop

August 27, 2020

Parent Workshop Poster – 2020

The Families In TRANSition Group

August 24, 2020

A 10-week virtual group for the parents/caregivers of trans* youth.

CTYS is excited to be offering a virtual fall Families in TRANSition group (FIT) for parents and caregivers of trans, non binary and gender exploring youth. (Please see the attached flyer)

At the same time there will be a youth group for trans youth whose parents/caregivers are in the FIT group.

To register or ask more questions email: [email protected]

CTYS FIT Flyer August 2020

In Recognition and in Solidarity

June 9, 2020

In Recognition and in Solidarity