Our mission
To provide safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces where women and youth can heal, grow and lead — breaking cycles of violence, isolation and poverty through practical support, healing-centred programs and community connection.
Grounded in dignity, safety and hopeToronto · North York Hub
Our story
Why we exist
We were created because too many people in our city feel alone, unsafe, or unseen.
Empower To Thrive Youth and Women Network works with people whose lives have been shaped by violence, stress or instability — and who often fall between the gaps of larger systems. Our roots are in African-diaspora communities in Toronto, and our approach is shaped by the people we serve rather than handed down to them.
Practical support, healing-centred programs and community connection: that combination is how we work to break cycles of violence, isolation and poverty.
Direction
Mission & vision
Our vision
A Toronto where women and youth can live free from violence, isolation and constant fear — where survivors are believed, young people have safe adults to turn to, basic needs are within reach, and culture and identity are valued.
Our purpose
Six things we set out to do
Each one exists because someone in this city needed it and could not find it.
01
Domestic violence support
Confidential support for women and youth experiencing abuse, control or intimidation — with safety planning that follows your lead.
02
Mental health services
Compassionate support and real routes to resources when stress, trauma or crisis becomes too much to carry alone.
03
Youth violence prevention
Mentorship, conflict resolution and community connection that reduce risk and build stability for young people.
04
Emergency food assistance
Connecting individuals and families to emergency food and essential resources, with care and confidentiality.
05
Healing circles
Culturally grounded spaces to share experience, build connection and heal alongside people who understand.
06
Education programs
Guided learning and practical support that build skills, confidence and direction — including help with the barriers in the way.
How we work
The values behind every conversation
Trauma-informed practice
We work in ways that avoid re-injury and put your wellbeing first.
Safety
Physical and emotional safety comes before every other consideration.
Choice
You decide what happens next. We offer options, never ultimatums.
Respect
You are treated as the expert on your own life, at every stage.
Cultural sensitivity
Culturally grounded support, rooted in the communities we come from.
Peer mentorship
Support from people who have walked a similar road and come through.
Confidentiality
What you share stays with us, and we are clear about any limits up front.
Community partnership
We connect people onward rather than holding them inside one service.
The process
How support usually works
There is no single route through — but this is the shape most people’s first weeks with us take.
Start a conversationYou reach out
By phone, email or the contact form — whichever feels safest. You do not need a referral or a diagnosis.
We listen first
A confidential conversation about what is happening and what you actually want help with. No forms fired at you.
We plan together
Safety planning, practical assistance, or a warm referral to victim services, food access or family support — at your pace.
You stay connected
Healing circles, peer support, mentorship and programs stay open to you for as long as they are useful.
Community Leadership
People who care and lead
Dedicated facilitators, trauma-informed counsellors, and youth mentors working across Toronto.
Amina Farah
Executive DirectorMalik Adebayo
Youth Mentorship LeadSarah Mensah, MSW
Women’s Crisis & SafetyGrace Osei
Food & Essentials Support
Join us
Be part of what we’re building
Volunteer, partner, or simply pass our number to someone who needs it.