StepStones for Youth

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StepStones for Youth

StepStones for Youth is a registered charity supporting youth in and from the foster care system.

StepStones for Youth is a Toronto-based charity working with youth in and from the child welfare system by increasing educational achievement, securing stable housing, and building long-lasting support networks. StepStones works with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have experienced trauma, abuse, unstable guardian care and difficult life circumstances. The young people are

at greater risk of unemployment, low educational attainment, and homelessness. We have an established program model that pairs highly qualified staff working with youth in small group settings, where we focus on building skills and relationships. In attaining community and a developed skill set, we have proven results in increasing employment, education, support networks and reducing homelessness. StepStones believes every child and youth in and from foster care deserves the opportunity to thrive.

04/29/2026

StepStones for Youth is grateful for Medavie Foundation’s ongoing commitment to mental health programming. Their support helps ensure that young people with lived experience in the child welfare system can rely on a compassionate network of care, rooted in one‑to‑one connections, meaningful mentorship, and a community that walks alongside them.

04/23/2026

It’s Volunteer Week, and we’re celebrating the volunteers who make our weekly youth community dinners a true highlight at StepStones for Youth. 🍽️✨

Your time, care, and commitment make every meal an opportunity for connection and belonging. We’re so grateful for everything you do!

👉 Learn more about volunteering for Stepstones at the link in our bio

04/21/2026

🎥 Our Visual Voices photography workshop brought youth together each week to learn new skills, flex their creativity, and take their ideas from concept to reality.

A huge thank you to our incredible facilitators, Kristen and Gilad, for cultivating such a welcoming, encouraging space where young people at StepStones can explore and thrive in a new craft. 📸

04/15/2026

In this new article on The Conversation, the authors emphasize the need for building connections for creating sustained success for youth from foster care:

“Care-experienced youth are more likely to persist when financial support is paired with holistic, trauma-informed wraparound services. These include consistent mentorship, navigation support, counselling, tutoring and culturally responsive community connections.”

👉 Read the full article at the link in our bio

04/13/2026

✨ Picture a dinner party that changes a young person’s future.

🍽️ Between May 22nd and June 7th, we’re inviting our community to come together in a meaningful way—around the table!

By hosting a meal with friends, family, or colleagues, you can help StepStones for Youth create the community and sense of belonging that young people transitioning from foster care deserve.

Looking for other ways to get involved? From celebrating birthdays and milestones to taking on personal challenges or hosting your own creative fundraiser, there are countless peer‑to‑peer opportunities to support youth from the child welfare system.

👉 Host a community meal this spring—or start your own fundraiser—and help build brighter futures with StepStones.

Email [email protected] to get started!

04/07/2026

This month, we are sharing all the different ways you can choose to support StepStones. Today, we’re highlighting how you can give with intention.

Support youth in our community by choosing exactly how your donation is used—from essential needs to experiences that create lasting impact.

Your options include:

🎁 Birthday, graduation, or holiday gifts

🛠️ Youth workshops & skill‑building

🥑 Groceries for youth

🍽️ Community dinners

🏠 Housing subsidies

Each choice makes a real, tangible difference.

👉 Explore more at the link in our bio.

03/31/2026

For National Social Work Month, we’re celebrating the incredible Connections Coordinators at StepStones for Youth.

This year’s theme, “Reflecting on our Past, Reimagining our Future,” reminds us of the vital role social workers play in bringing people together across communities, cultures, and systems to build a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow. 💙

03/30/2026

On March 17, we were grateful to welcome members of the Turner Fleischer team to our Weekly Youth Community Dinner, where they spent the afternoon preparing a St. Patrick’s Day–themed meal for our community.

As part of their ongoing support through , Turner Fleischer volunteers teamed up with our Head Chef Emily to create an Irish‑inspired dinner menu, serving youth in our Building Connections program.

These dinners offer isolated young people transitioning out of the foster care system reliable and consistent dinner events. It’s a simple yet powerful way to create stability, connection, and belonging paired with increased food security. Thank you, , for joining us!

03/24/2026

StepStones for Youth is committed to advocating for stronger employment futures for young people with lived experience in foster care, who continue to face some of the highest barriers.

The University of Waterloo’s Youth & Innovation Project has released 4 key recommendations to strengthen youth employment in Canada. These insights underscore what young people truly need to thrive in today’s changing labour market.

03/19/2026

Youth in our six-week photography workshop take on creative and technical challenges, from mastering camera settings to evaluating their own work with peers. These sessions are intentionally designed to help participants build confidence step by step, reinforcing their strengths and encouraging collaboration.

Thanks to our generous community, StepStones offers reliable programming that helps young people develop tangible skills, embrace new experiences, and discover what they’re capable of. Thank you for investing in their growth. 📸

03/10/2026

Black History Month may be over, but our commitment to Black youth wellbeing continues year-round. Designed by a talented youth at StepStones and printed by , our new staff t-shirts symbolize the passion and intention behind what we do.

Thank you for standing with us and with StepStones youth as we move forward together.

03/09/2026

Each year on March 8, communities around the world recognize International Women’s Day—a time to celebrate the social, political, cultural, and economic achievements of women. It is also a moment to reflect on the ongoing work needed to advance gender equality and uplift the voices and leadership of women everywhere.

As an organization working alongside young people in and from foster care, we also recognize the importance of empowering young women and girls as they build their confidence. Creating environments where young people feel supported in their identities, leadership, and aspirations is central to the work we do every day.

Address

Toronto, ON

Telephone

+14168935196

Website

http://www.stepstonesforyouth.com/

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