Empowering the next generation
MAAT’s Youth Justice programs are rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and lead. We create culturally responsive spaces where system-impacted youth—particularly Black and racialized youth—can explore their potential, reclaim their identity, and become powerful agents of change within their communities.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and restorative justice practices, participants build the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills needed to navigate challenges and drive meaningful change. Our programs center youth voice while fostering accountability, civic engagement, and a deep sense of purpose.
The Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) connect marginalized and underserved youth ages 12–21 to meaningful supports through mentorship, cultural connection, and trusted community relationships. Our outreach workers meet youth where they are—building trust, restoring engagement, and guiding them toward education, resources, and opportunities for growth.
Reaching Out
We collaborate with youth, families, and local partners to build pathways of care. Our team identify service gaps and co-create solutions with community agencies to respond to violence and build safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
Our Community Peace Engagement Worker and Cross-Community Connections Worker build trusted relationships with youth ages 10–29 at highest risk of violence and gang involvement. These “violence interrupters” intervene before conflicts escalate — redirecting energy toward healing, accountability, and transformation.
We support youth beyond crisis moments — walking with them toward stability and wellness. This includes access to:
We envision new models of justice rooted in restoration, not punishment. Project Reclaim centres healing, community accountability, and youth voice — particularly for young people impacted by gun and gang-related violence.
The Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) connect marginalized and underserved youth ages 12–21 to meaningful supports through mentorship, cultural connection, and trusted community relationships. Our outreach workers meet youth where they are—building trust, restoring engagement, and guiding them toward education, resources, and opportunities for growth.
Create safe, supportive relationships with youth by meeting them where they are — fostering trust, re-engaging them with school, family, and community, and helping rebuild a sense of belonging.
Connect youth to meaningful programs that affirm identity, history, and self-worth.
Support youth in accessing mental health care, education, employment, housing, and other vital resources through personalized guidance and system navigation.
Uplift youth voices, nurture their strengths, and support them in developing skills to lead, advocate, and shape their futures with confidence and purpose.
