One-on-One Counselling for Black Youth

The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW) program provides free, culturally affirming, one-on-one clinical counselling to at-risk Black youth ages 12–25 and their families. Designed to mitigate risk and build resilience, EYOW fosters positive identity, cultural connection, and a deeper sense of belonging.

What Is the Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW)?

The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker is part of the provincial Youth Outreach Worker team funded by the Services for Black Children, Youth & Families initiative (formerly Ontario Black Youth Action Plan). The EYOW expands the continuum of EYOW services by providing clinical counselling to at-risk Black, African and Caribbean youth, ages 12 to 25, and their families or caring adults to prevent youth from further risk and violence.

Free Individual Counselling for High-Risk Black Youth in the GTA

EYOW provides culturally sensitive and client-centred assistance with an anti-Black racism lens to help youth better navigate and connect with services.  Pro-social opportunities are explored through participating in individual and/or sessions with family/caring adults where youth are empowered to strengthen conflict resolution skills, self-esteem and confidence, resilience, sense of identity, culture and belonging to their community.

How does the EYOW Counselling Program Work?

Sessions are free and offered in-person (in office/community), by telephone and virtually for concerns that may include:

• Breakdown with peers, family, intimate partners, or caring adults
• Conflict with peers, school, or the law
• Emotional well-being
• Trauma
• Accessing community resources (e.g., food security, housing, education, employment, health care, income support, legal and social/recreation)

Who’s eligible for free counselling through EYOW?

Black-identifying youth aged 12–25 living in the Greater Toronto Area—and their families—are eligible for free counselling through the Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker program. Priority is given to youth at risk of violence, experiencing family conflict, or facing social and emotional challenges.