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In the Fall of 1993, as a result of overcrowding and security incidents related to the youth at Scarborough Town Centre, a group of agencies, along with the City of Toronto departments (Parks & Recreation and Public Health) and Scarborough Town Centre Management, got together to try to address some of these issues.
The result was the formation of the Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC), which is located on the upper level of the Scarborough Town Centre down a hallway between Addition-Elle and Laura. The Scarborough Town Centre is the hub of Scarborough with transit, government service, the shopping mall, the YMCA, office towers, outdoor space and other attractions easily accessible. It is needless to say, a magnet for youth, not only from Scarborough but, from across Metro Toronto.
The SYRC is administered and programmed by a coalition of youth serving agencies working in partnership to provide meaningful services to the young people who frequent the Scarborough Town Centre. Through this network of agencies.
The SYRC is a one-stop-shop for almost all youth issues. In addition, the service providers have a common goal to come together and formalize and strategize ways of dealing with various youth issues. This partnership is especially significant for the youth and mall management who have worked together over the past five years. The youth have had the opportunity to work in retail, customer service and as greeters at mall events. The mall has a great deal of respect for these young people and has learned to understand the issues that they face.
In 1998 Tropicana Community Services (a member of the United Way of Greater Toronto) merged with the Scarborough Youth Resource Centre and became the administrative body for the Centre. Tropicana Community Services Organization is a non-profit organization providing culturally appropriate social services in East Toronto, focusing on the needs of youth, and the Caribbean and Black Communities. Through the co-operative efforts of the staff, volunteers and community partners we provide counseling and other support programs that have an enduring positive impact in building a healthier community, enhancing self-reliance and self-worth.
The purpose of the merger with Tropicana was to secure future funding for the Centre and have an officially recognized lead agency. The Scarborough Youth Resource Centre programming is still administered by an advisory group consisting of representatives from: Tropicana Community Services, Scarborough Town Centre Mall management, Human Resources Development Canada, City of Toronto Parks and Recreation and Public Health Departments, East Metro Youth Services, East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club and Youth.
In 2000 the Scarborough Youth Resource Centre celebrated 5 years of working with our youth, our future. To mark our anniversary we upgraded equipment, renovated the Centre and added high speed Internet access through financial and in kind support from Industry Canada's Community Access Program, IKEA Canada, Scarborough Town Centre Mall Management and the Brofman Foundation. In addition, we held an open house celebration in September 2000, which involved 18 youth serving agencies and over 50 youth volunteers. The event which was sponsored by the Scarborough Town Centre Marketing Department included a youth service providers community fair, Scarborough Youth Council Impact Awards, two showcases of youth talent and recognition of supporters, funders, staff and volunteers.
The Centre continues to grow and develop adding relevant youth programming based on the needs of the youth that frequent the mall. In 2001 the Centre expanded its services by adding:
- Girls Night
- Tamil Youth Drop In
- Violence Prevention Coop Drama Program – Toronto Arts for Youth
Everyday Services:
- Volunteer Development & Experience Program
- Job Postings
- Counselling/Referrals
- Information on: housing, health & recreation, employment, substance abuse, sex, current events, post secondary & secondary education
- One on One Internship Program
Other Services:
- STEP Program
- Arts & Leisure
- Cultural Activities
- Prenatal Program
- Pre-employment Workshop
- March Break Activities
- Talent Shows
If you would like more information on any of the above programs,
please contact the Scarborough Youth Resource Centre directly at (416) 296-7154.
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