WoodGreen and Turning Point Youth Services Join Forces to Strengthen Youth Support in Toronto
Toronto, Ont. – In a strategic move to enhance support for youth across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), WoodGreen Community Services and Turning Point Youth Services (TPYS) have announced their official integration. Effective July 2nd, this merger unites the two organizations under a single governance structure, aiming to provide more comprehensive and effective services for young people in need.
Anne Babcock, President & CEO of WoodGreen Community Services, highlighted the importance of the integration: “Our city is facing unprecedented challenges, and our young people are being adversely affected with many of their needs UNMET.” “By integrating our operations, WoodGreen and Turning Point Youth Services will be able to leverage our joint expertise to respond to the growing and complex needs of young people. Together, we can ensure youth needs are being MET in East Toronto.”
Toronto, despite its status as Canada’s wealthiest city, grapples with significant issues affecting its young population. The high cost of living, ongoing housing crisis, and difficulties in securing employment contribute to the struggles faced by many young people. Current estimates suggest that between 1,500 and 2,000 youth sleep on the city’s streets each night, with those aged 15 to 24 being particularly vulnerable to mental health issues and substance use disorders.
The integration will enable the newly unified organization to offer a broader range of services, including mental health support, employment assistance, youth justice services, housing aid, and support for newcomer youth. This consolidation not only enhances the efficiency of service delivery but also aligns with the shared mission and values of both organizations.
Chris Bouchard, Executive Director of TPYS, expressed enthusiasm about the merger: “Combining Turning Point Youth Services’ many decades of experience with WoodGreen’s many years of leadership and expertise will greatly benefit the youth clients that we serve.”
Both WoodGreen and TPYS are committed to ensuring a seamless transition, with a focus on maintaining high-quality services for their clients, staff, and partners. The integration promises to create a more robust support network for youth in the GTA, reflecting a unified commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Toronto’s young people.
The merger represents a significant step forward in the effort to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for Toronto’s vulnerable youth, promising a brighter future for those facing the city’s most challenging circumstances.