Toni
Marginalized youth need opportunities. Too often, all they get is a prison sentence.
With the right support, every youth can write their own story.
Toni has spent more than 20 years working with marginalized youth in Toronto. As a community partner of the Success Accelerator, she’s seen how support systems often fall short and how judgment-free spaces can change everything.
She’s not just an advocate. She’s a survivor of addiction, abuse and discrimination. She is living proof that when you invest in people, they rise.
“I worked with gang youth … for many, it was the first time they felt safe and not judged. That broke my heart.”
Did you know?
In Canada, Latin American, Black, and West Asian boys have the lowest on-time high school graduation rates—81% and 83%, respectively.
— Statistics Canada, 2024 (1)
LGBTQ+ youth who live in very accepting communities attempt suicide at less than half the rate of those in unaccepting communities.
— The Trevor Project, 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health (2)
There’s still time to help
Your donation helps more youth like Tristan, Alisha & Star get what they need: care, tools, and a chance to rise.
Get to know other Voices of Resilience
Shaniqua
"Quincy"
Alisha
Star
Toni
Tristan
At The Local Charity, we focus on three key pillars that empower youth to transform their lives from within.
Mental Health
Empowerment begins with the mind. We strive to equip youth with positive and resilient mindsets to lead fulfilling lives.
Essential Life Skills
Essential Life Skills form the foundation of success. With the right practical tools, we enable youth to unleash their full potential.
Technology
In a digital world, access to technology is crucial. By providing access to computers and the Internet, we offer youth a stepping stone to success.
The Success Accelerator is TLC’s core program. It helps youth build stability, confidence, and leadership through mentorship, listening, and practical tools.
(1) Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2024, February 28). High school graduation and postsecondary enrolment of Black, Latin American and other population groups: What explains the differences? https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2024002/article/00003-eng.htm
(2) The Trevor Project. (2024). 2024 U.S. national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/