BCL RAY Youth Program

RAY Youth Program

Who we serve: Youth ages 13-24 years in Central Etobicoke

The Rathburn Area Youth (RAY) project provides services for the underserved communities of Central Etobicoke namely the East Mall, West Mall, and Capri neighbourhoods, with a focus on youth. We provide the services necessary for youth to empower themselves and their families, to take an active role in the decision-making process within their immediate communities as well as across the city, and to promote the pursuit of education. This is all in an effort to equip youth with the information and supports they need to make healthy life choices.

RAY is a program of LAMP Community Health Centre, and is funded by the United Way of Greater Toronto. Community partnerships are also essential to the success of this program, and our partners at the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Toronto Parks and Recreation, and the George Hull Centre for Families are instrumental in program delivery at RAY.

The youth we serve primarily reside in Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) communities (Community Housing Unit 7). Many of these families endure economic hardships that don't allow them to partake in activities that are essential in creating healthy communities. These areas, and subsequently the residents, are often marginalized in the broader social environment, and often face barriers like poverty, violence, social exclusion, and issues around access.

The contribution of youth is the most important factor at RAY as we pride ourselves on being youth driven. Through programming, events, and community assessments, youth play an integral role in guiding the direction of all youth programming at RAY and are key decision makers within the program and the community.

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 3pm to 9pm