Youth Readiness Program

What is the Youth Readiness Strategy?

Launched in 2023, this CCAF-funded program supports at-risk 18- to 23-year-olds in Toronto who are exiting child welfare care and transitioning to independent living as their government funding ends due to their age. Due to complex factors, these young adults do not typically have financial support from family. Through your donations, this program provides youth involved with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) with the personalized guidance, tools and resources they need to overcome significant challenges while learning to support themselves.

How it helps:

At-risk youth in Toronto need support as they age out of care

Nearly one in four people experiencing homelessness in Ontario are under 24; many have come from foster care. Former foster youth face steep barriers, including financial hardship, food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, education gaps and mental health issues. They are at greater risk of human trafficking, substance use and becoming young parents.

In 2023, the Ontario government raised the age that youth must leave government-subsidized care from 21 to 23, with increased monthly funding for those who leave earlier. Unfortunately, the subsidy doesn’t go far in Toronto, Canada’s most expensive city. An 18-year-old receives $1,800 a month; by age 22, funding drops to $500 a month.

CCAF fills government funding gaps affecting Catholic youth

The Youth Readiness Program has supported 273 young people. Your donations enable CCAS workers to offer youth tailored support and resources, including:

• Life skills programs including financial literacy
• Funding for housing support
• Home Start Up kits with dishes, bedding and other supplies
• A youth pantry with food and personal hygiene products
• A resources website available 24/7 to connect youth with community resources, and much more

This initiative will begin preparing youth for this transition earlier, by providing mentorship and life skills to 13- to 15-year-olds.

Your impact:

Your donations transform the lives of vulnerable youth

The program has helped hundreds of vulnerable young adults like Joseph put food on their plates, find apartments during a housing affordability crisis, and gain essential skills.

“In the past, some kids left care with their belongings in a garbage bag,” says Jim Gilligan, Executive Director of the CCAF. “Now we help young adults transition into independence with life skills, education, financial aid and spiritual support.”