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R.I.T.E.S. Group Program

The R.I.T.E.S. Group Program at Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) is a culturally specific, identity
development initiative that supports the empowerment of Black and African Canadian youth
between the ages of 12 and 17.

Through a group-learning model, we aim to instill a sense of kinship and create awareness of
assets within the Black and African Canadian community. Facilitators aim to create an environment
where youth feel a sense of safety, love and good energy. Within the program, youth are able to explore different Africentric value systems, principles and grounding rituals, while connecting to elders, their community and nature.

The George Hull Collaborative

In collaboration, CTYS and The George Hull Centre for Children and Families partnered to expand the existing CTYS R.I.T.E.S. Program and its services. This partnership is an integrated mental health service for Black and African Canadian children and youth from birth to 18, and their families. These services include therapeutic group programming, individual and family counselling services. The R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative was created to address an increased need for culturally specific clinical programming in Toronto’s Rexdale and North Etobicoke communities. The R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative aims to address the many barriers that Black children, youth and their families experience in accessing mental health services, and to provide access to the full range of services at both agencies.

Youth accessing any group service can also access individual counselling with a R.I.T.E.S. Clinician.

How Do I Access This Group Service?

We will be offering hybrid and/or in-person R.I.T.E.S. groups that meet once a week. If you are interested, please complete a referral form and fax it to the appropriate staff listed below at 416-924-2930.

You will also find a poster and two frequently asked question sheets which will provide additional program information such as group start dates.

Our R.I.T.E.S. program is also partnered with George Harvey Collegiate Institute and Thistletown Collegiate Institute. At this time, the two school groups are only open to students in those schools. Interested students should speak with school personnel to learn more about the R.I.T.E.S. Program.

The forms below are updated three time throughout the year (spring/ summer/ fall)- this will require a process to update regularly.

If you have questions or for more information, please contact:

CTYS R.I.T.E.S. Groups

George Hull R.I.T.E.S. Collaborative Groups