360kids helps youth find stability, ‘let their guard down’ in safe space in Richmond Hill

Individuals at risk of becoming homeless receive wraparound support to get back on track

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 25, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Adorning the wall of the 360kids Richmond Hill Hub classroom are the names of 82 youth who graduated from the organization’s iGrad program with a high school diploma.

But they aren’t just “names on the wall” to 360kids staff. Each name represents someone who may have been pushed out of school for one reason or another, defied the odds and found their way.

“Sometimes a youth’s life has fallen out from underneath them,” said Jessica Ward, senior manager of housing and programs, 360kids. “They’ve lost their connection to school, community, and they come here for a short time to find stability.”

The program, operated in partnership with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), has helped to fill an essential gap for youth attending the 360kids facility who are homeless or at risk of facing homelessness.

“When you’re dealing with homelessness, you’ve got to be out of the box,” said Clovis Grant, CEO, 360kids. “If you think differently, you learn differently, and we figured out how to help by bringing school to them.”

Students ages 16 to 26 who register for iGrad work with a teacher and complete online, e-learning courses. They are able to earn high school credits at their own pace, find vocational opportunities and connect with future employers.

It’s one of the many programs and services at the 360kids Hub that aim to surround kids in crisis with a wraparound, or 360, of care. Taking a holistic approach, the organization is supported by the Regional Municipality of York, and focuses on housing, education, health and employment to give youth and young adults opportunities to improve their situation.

Opening the hub in Richmond Hill in 2016 was necessary, Grant said, because before, youth felt they had no place to go and would commute downtown to Toronto for help.

“We know what happens when they go outside their locality,” said Grant. “There are no connections, so they are prime targets for everyone and can get involved in gangs, prostitution, drugs and trafficking.

“We understand that not everybody wants homelessness around, but what we say to the community is that we’re committed to the public good and provide a very valuable service for people. These are our kids, they’re not imported kids, they grew up around here, but life is challenging at home.”

Many youth become homeless, he said, because they have suffered a breakdown in support at home. They may come from families who have mental health issues, families who can’t afford costs or families who don’t support the youth’s way of life.

In her 25 years working for 360kids, chief operating officer Bonnie Harkness has experienced the joy of seeing youth graduate, celebrate big moments, land their first jobs and take steps toward independence. But you likely won’t see their photos anywhere.

“They don't want to be plastered all over the media as being ‘unfortunate’ because people will see that on social media and it’s so hard for them,” she said. “Kids don’t belong in institutions; they belong in families ... Nobody would stay on the street if home was an option.”

Hearing some of their personal stories can be difficult, she said, “and as a mother, it hurts.”

“We can't take back all the things that have happened to kids up to this point, but we can be a part of what happens to kids moving forward. For us, that means giving them a place they can land so they can let their guard down and see they have worth and can succeed.”

The facility also has a well-equipped kitchen and dining room, serving three meals a day “where community happens,” an exercise room, music room, clothing room, laundry facilities, medical room, lounge and transitional apartments.

The organization also offers counselling, emergency support, substance abuse and addictions programs and staff journey alongside as youth navigate adolescence and form their identity and social networks.

“Youth who come into this space know that they matter, they belong and can find connection,” said Debbie Thompson, director of homelessness and community programs, York Region. “And all of that is inspiring because the 360kids team is making a difference.”

360kids receives partial funding for programming from the federal, provincial and regional governments and from the United Way Greater Toronto, Ontario Trillium Foundation, The Home Depot Canada Foundation, Hockey Helps The Homeless and the Regional Municipality of York. It also relies on donations and community support, including clothing and food donations. Information can be found on their website at www.360kids.ca.