The two organizations will offer programming jointly moving forward.
Toronto, Ont. – Turning Point Youth Services and WoodGreen Community Services are pleased to announce the integration of the organizations. The combination of these two agencies will enable a more effective and integrated approach to the provision of comprehensive support services for youth in the GTA. Effective July 2nd, this transaction brings the services that each organization provides to youth under a shared governance and leadership structure.
“Our city is facing unprecedented challenges, and our young people are being adversely affected with many of their needs UNMET,” said Anne Babcock, president & CEO of WoodGreen Community Services. “By integrating our operations, WoodGreen and Turning Point Youth Services will be able to leverage our joint expertise to respond to the growing and complex needs of young people. Together, we can ensure youth needs are being MET in East Toronto.”
Despite being the wealthiest city in Canada, many young people in Toronto are struggling due to the cost of living and the housing crisis, along with difficulties finding employment and needing mental health support. Approximately 1,500-2,000 youth are sleeping on Toronto’s streets each night, and young people ages 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.
By integrating programs and services under WoodGreen, the two agencies will be able to provide a more robust continuum of care offering to young people living in Toronto. Some of these programs and services will include mental health, employment, youth justice, and housing assistance as well as supports for newcomer youth. The organizations also align in many areas including mission and values; the vulnerable youth clients they both work to serve; shared service area (East Toronto); funders; and experience providing programs and services for youth.
“Combining Turning Point Youth Services’ many decades of experience with WoodGreen’s many years of leadership and expertise will greatly benefit the youth clients that we serve,” said Chris Bouchard, Executive Director, TPYS. “By coming together, we will better enhance the experience of our clients and provide more holistic services — which are especially needed right now when so many young people in our community are searching for support.”
Both organizations are committed to a smooth integration, providing all staff, clients, and partners with consistent and reliable services.
ABOUT WOODGREEN COMMUNITY SERVICES (woodgreen.org) – WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving more than 37,000 people each year. We offer over 75 programs and services tackling the social determinants that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our community.
ABOUT TURNING POINT YOUTH SERVICES (turningpoint.ca) – Turning Point Youth Services (TPYS) is an accredited, non-profit agency serving youth (12 to 24 years of age) and their families in the east end of Toronto. Turning Point’s mission is to empower youth to make positive change, and to accomplish this, it offers a continuum of services for youth and their families with a focus on mental health, housing/sheltering, and youth justice.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Tureisha Hamlet, Manager, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, thamlet@woodgreen.org, tel: (416) 277-2672
