Central Toronto Youth Services

02/18/2026

PROGRAMS
Toronto Public Library (TPL)
TPL celebrates Black history year-round with programs, reading lists, podcast episodes and videos that honour Black heritage and culture, and consider the historical significance and contemporary contributions of Black activists and artists from around the world.
https://ctys.org/february-black-history-month/

02/18/2026

EVENTS- Harbourfront Centre
Guided by the unifying theme the sounds of Blackness, Kuumba 2026-amplifying Afro-Caribbean and Canadian artists and thought leaders to create a powerful platform for reflection, celebration and future-focused dialogue.

Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival, embracing the rich tapestry of Afro-Canadian culture, diversity and creativity through a month-long celebration of cultural programming.

02/18/2026

READINGS
Guided learning Journey readings
The guide highlights impactful initiatives exemplify the efforts to preserve, celebrate, and educate about Black Canadians while fostering deep engagement with this rich history and experience.

02/18/2026

While history includes profound injustice and systemic harm towards Black People and Black communities, there is a greater history of creativity, care, brilliance, vision and joy. Black joy is expressed through culture, community, imagination and resistance. It has been a powerful force of self-determination and survival throughout generations. To recognize joy is to honour a living legacy of strength and possibility.

As we commemorate Black History Month, we encourage you find ways to affirm Black joy as a vital life force that nurtures belonging, bravery and hope as youth, young adults and families.

For those interested in events and opportunities, please find a few links below, some community-based, others learning focused.

https://ctys.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Black-History-Month-Poster.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQCw0JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ0REJXaWxsSDlLbnpkaWRjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjnvXMyXRDjxHjKyQ_T0SlufZkgl7xAoPKCJE3bbaAO7KAEXc-XNZbmvGIQi_aem_lhykfI7oyqrPld9VUOu_IA

02/13/2026

Black History month events being hosted by the Toronto Region's YJ Anti-Racism and Strategic Planning Team

02/13/2026

CTYS office will be closed on Monday, Feb.16, for the stat holiday, and will open again on Tuesday, Feb 17.

02/13/2026

Children and youth in Ontario are facing significant mental health needs, where geography often determines access, and inequities remain stark.
Did you know:
⚠️️ 35% of children and youth have unmet mental health needs
⚠️ 1 in 4 hospitalizations for children and youth is for mental health reasons
⚠️ Waits for counselling exceed 120 days
⚠️ Wait times for services in the North can reach up to 600 days
⚠️ Kids from lower-income neighbourhoods are hospitalized for mental health at double the rate
That's why we're asking the Ontario government for a targeted, multi-year investment to move toward wage parity for the community child and youth mental health workforce so that kids can get timely mental health care when and where they need it most.
🔁 Read our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission to learn more and share if you agree! cmho.org/pre-budget-submission-2026
Vijay Thanigasalam

02/13/2026

Grief can feel especially confusing for children in the middle years 💭💙
Middles is a supportive group created just for kids ages 10 to 13 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or custodial caregiver.
Through connection, creative activities and guided support 🎨🤝, Middles gives children a safe space to share, listen and understand their grief alongside peers who get it. There is room for feelings, questions, creativity and even moments of lightness 🌱✨.
Our next Middles Bereavement Support Group runs Wednesday evenings from February 18 to April 15. Registration closes February 10.
If you know a child who could benefit from this space, we invite you to reach out. Visit our website or contact Preston or Rachel to learn more and register 💙
https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/.../grief-and.../

Grief can feel especially confusing for children in the middle years 💭💙
Middles is a supportive group created just for kids ages 10 to 13 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or custodial caregiver.

Through connection, creative activities and guided support 🎨🤝, Middles gives children a safe space to share, listen and understand their grief alongside peers who get it. There is room for feelings, questions, creativity and even moments of lightness 🌱✨.

Our next Middles Bereavement Support Group runs Wednesday evenings from February 18 to April 15. Registration closes February 10.

If you know a child who could benefit from this space, we invite you to reach out. Visit our website or contact Preston or Rachel to learn more and register 💙

https://www.yorktownfamilyservices.com/programs/grief-and-bereavement/

02/13/2026

t’s !📞
Three digits can connect you to the supports you need.
211 is a free, confidential helpline that connect people to community and social services. Available by phone, chat, website and text in different regions, 211 is available 24/7 in more than 150 languages. You can call or text 2-1-1 or visit 211central.ca.
In celebration of 211 Day this year, buildings and landmarks in communities across Canada will be illuminated in 211 red, shining a spotlight on how 211 guides people to the right support at the right time. In the GTA, look for 211 red at The Mississauga Clock Tower, Riverwalk Commons & Fred A. Lundy Bridge in Newmarket, the 3D Sign at Nathan Phillips Square and the CN Tower in Toronto, and Vaughan City Hall.
United Way is a proud founding partner of 211 and we continue to work to make 211 available in every region of Canada.
Share this post so others know where to turn for help.

02/13/2026

We want to add our deep condolences following the terrible events in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday. We are hopeful that survivors and people who lost family and friends will receive the mental health supports they need to deal with their experience and their grief.
Please refer to the CMHA BC Division statement for links to accessible resources in British Columbia.
~
Nous souhaitons offrir nos plus sincères condoléances à la suite des événements tragiques survenus mardi à Tumbler Ridge. Nous espérons que les personnes survivantes ainsi que celles qui ont perdu des membres de leur famille et des ami·e·s pourront recevoir les soutiens en santé mentale dont elles ont besoin pour faire face à leur vécu et à leur deuil.
Veuillez consulter la déclaration de la division de la Colombie-Britannique de l’ACSM pour obtenir des liens vers des ressources accessibles en Colombie-Britannique.

Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and everyone impacted by the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge yesterday.

Many people across British Columbia may be experiencing grief, fear, shock, or distress in the wake of this tragedy. Support is available, and no one needs to navigate this alone.

General Resources
- 310 Mental Health Line (available 24/7): 310-6789
- 988 Su***de Crisis Helpline (available 24/7): Call or Text 9-8-8 https://988.ca/
- BC Bereavement Line (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm): 1-877-779-2223
- Northern BC 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-888-562-1214
- KUU-US 24-Hour Crisis Line for Indigenous Elders and adults across BC: 1-800-KUU-US17

Youth-Specific Resources
- Kids Help Phone (24/7): Call 1-800-668-6868, text “CONNECT” to 686868, or reach out online: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
- Foundry Connect (virtual support): https://foundrybc.ca/foundry-virtual-bc/
- Northern BC Youth Support Line: Call 1-888-564-8336 or access the online youth chat: https://crisis-centre.ca/
- KUU-US 24-Hour Crisis Line for Indigenous children and youth: 250-723-2040

02/13/2026