Lead to Change

It is clear with the current climate that the playing field isn’t fair and black youth are not awarded the same opportunities and supports in society today. With our new state of the art space and mentors who are leaders in the respective field we will be able to affect change in the lives of thousands of youth. Lead to change allows youth with interest in the arts to gain access to industry experts in their field of interest while also receiving the wrap-around support of counsellors to help in bringing their business ideas into fruition, and support those already with their own small business to take their work to the next level. The members of our programs will undergo a curriculum of trainings and workshops to build their skills and increase their knowledge of how to operate a business . They will also have access to space and equipment needed to develop their products. Upon completion of the program youth showcase their work at a graduation. Underpinning the work of lead to Change is the counselling and therapy work that participants will receive through our partner Live Free Counselling Services. We understand the unique needs of black youth, especially young black entrepreneurs and the impacts of anti-black racism which are often unchecked and unsupported as mental health still contains a stigma in our community. As members of the black community we have little opportunities to unpack the social, mental and emotional impacts of racism, police brutality, death, and community violence, we hope to provide our youth the tools to promote resiliency, positive decision making and coping skills