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 13 and 17.
R.I.T.E.S. stands for Resilience, Identity, Transformation, Empowerment and Self-Determination. The R.I.T.E.S. The group aims to create a brave space to discuss awareness and experiences of systemic oppression and its impact on mental well-being. The group serves to develop effective coping strategies using an Africentric lens by incorporating evidence-based research on Anti-Black racism, stress management, mental health and wellness.
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?
If you are interested, please complete a referral form and fax or email it to the contact information below.
Please see additional program information and documents below.
Our R.I.T.E.S. program is also partnered with Monarch Park Collegiate Institute, John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, Parkdale Collegiate Institute, Martingrove Collegiate Institute, North Albion Collegiate Institute, Smithfield Middle School, Dixon Grove Junior Middle School & Elmbank Junior Middle School. Currently, our school groups are only open to students in these schools. Interested students should speak with school personnel to learn more about the R.I.T.E.S. Program.
If you have questions or for more information, please contact: 416-924-2100 ext. 228 or [email protected]