Spring 2024

 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” ~ Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

What a joy it is when the weather warms! The sidewalks grow busy and parks are once again bustling with the sounds of children playing. As farmers ready their crops and flowers start to bloom, we are reminded of the new life that Jesus gives us through His death and resurrection; where one day, we can look forward to new life in our eternal home with our Saviour! 

Seventeen years ago, our Role Model Moms program began and we have had the privilege of supporting and celebrating many moms in getting their GEDs (high school equivalency). While this year marks the end of the GED program in the province of Ontario, we eagerly wait in anticipation of the new opportunities that God may be calling Toronto City Mission to. We are so incredibly excited for this year's moms, who graduated earlier this year for their new beginnings. Praise God! 

On the other hand, we celebrated two years in our newest community, Jesse Ketchum. On the very first day of programs, we began with two children but has since grown into 34 children in our KIC, after-school program, 17 children receiving weekly tutoring with EPIC (6 on a waitlist), 8 youths and a total of 17 volunteers helping at least once per week. What a blessing it was to not only watch God grow this site in numbers but also in relationships built with families. Thank you for all your prayers, time, and giving to make this happen by joining us in our work for God! 

TCM hosted Sonshine March Break Day Camps from March 11-15. The campers learned about Jesus’ compassion and love towards sinners despite our shortcomings through the story of Zacchaeus. They also enjoyed fun-filled days of games, group activities and creative crafts. Children from Flemingdon Park visited Jesse-Ketchum for a field trip day and those from Kingston-Galloway went bowling, where their skills have improved since last year!

This year, we again hosted a Youth Day inviting youths from each of our ministry communities and created lasting memories together! The gospel message was shared with them, and through small group time, they got to discuss how Jesus is the only way and truth to heaven, which changes the way they see life. The youths brought up many interesting questions about the Bible. We are glad to know that our youth are interested in knowing more about God and the Truth.

To watch March Break highlights, please click the button below!

Moms passed their GED (High school equivalent Certificate) exams and received their diplomas! They studied hard to achieve this milestone. We witnessed their children’s pride in their moms’ accomplishments and were unable to contain their joy while celebrating. We will continue to pray for their journey ahead as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.

We are thankful to our volunteer tutors for going above and beyond to support moms in their learning journey and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to our RMM Facilitator, Abigaille, for walking alongside these moms. She not only supported their academic process but also fostered a welcoming, positive and safe space for moms by building loving and trusting relationships with them. Thank you, Abi, for your dedication and compassion!

Strikeout Poverty: Softball Fundraising Tournament

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for an exciting event that promises to be both impactful and fun-filled: Strikeout Poverty 2024! Hosted by Toronto City Mission, this fundraising softball tournament is an event that not only brings the community together but also supports families impacted by poverty to find a sense of belonging through loving relationships and become a bridge that leads their communities to Christ. Join us on this special day!

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your donation will help provide an opportunity for children and youth to build healthy relationships, receive academic support, be trained to be a leader and so much more. Together, we can share Good News and empower children, youth and families in our ministry communities. 

Give Today!

We are also looking for head and assistant umpires for the tournament.

If you are interested, please email Mila at mila@torontocitymission.com

Click below to learn more about our softball tournament!

We are still accepting applications for our Summer Internship Program! 

• Internship period from June 10 - August 16, 2024
• 3 weeks of training and prep, followed by 7 weeks of Sonshine Day Camp
• Must be available to work the full internship period to qualify

If you are or know any young adults who are interested in a paid summer ministry job, please direct them to our website or send inquiries to Dorothy, Director of Outreach at dwong@torontocitymission.com

Still not sure whether to apply or not? Click the button below to read testimonies from our past summer interns!

We are on the lookout for groups of dedicated individuals to join for Summer Sonshine Day Camp 2024! 

Every summer, mission teams from various churches in the GTA help run camp smoothly and have the greatest impact on the lives of children.

As a member of a mission team,

you'll have the opportunity to engage directly with children in our ministry communities, participate in impactful outreach initiatives and build meaningful connections and friendships with staff, summer interns and campers.

If your church or group is interested in serving at a week of camp, please email Dorothy at dwong@torontocitymission.com

Lily joined the staff team in January 2024, and in this story, transitioning from a summer intern to a year-long intern, she shares how God gracefully guided her to continue her ministry journey with Toronto City Mission.

“After my first summer internship in 2022, God has really opened my heart to the Flemingdon Park community. That summer experience has positively impacted my relationship with God as it was an experience that reminded me of how good God is.

During the midst of my worries, anxieties, chaos, and sadness God graciously blessed me to witness His providence He had over me, the rest of the team, and the community of Flemingdon Park. 

I recall one specific moment when one child was throwing a lot of tantrums and getting angry very easily at everything. “Why do you care? You are leaving me anyway. You’ve only been with us for two months and now you are leaving.” My heart really broke hearing those words, we had a conversation about how tough it must be to open your heart to people but just have them come and go in your life. Her behaviour was an outcry about how tired she was experiencing that. I felt right there and then God telling me that my time at Toronto City Mission is not over, that this is only the beginning…”