Helping Out Others Develop Life in Neighbouring Communities (HOODLINC)

HOODLINC addresses a number of key socioeconomic issues around academic success, youth involvement in gangs, youth involvement in the criminal justice system, the lack of youth mentors and support, and youth involvement in violence and conflict.
The ROSE (Real Opportunities for Success in Education) Project focuses on providing academic, educational, and familial support to youth who are at risk of dropping out of school or who are missing a few credits to graduate.

The key components of the program include: the alternative school, run in collaboration with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), the student nutrition, breakfast and snack program, the social and recreational program, and the crisis support and response program for young people and their families.

Youth are able to connect with staff who can identify with their lived experiences and understand their challenges. This fosters a sense of trust that enables staff to provide mentorship and support youth to make positive choices. To date, the initiative has engaged 70 youth to attend the alternative school and complete course credits.