Notre impact
Our goal is to expand programs and services that reduce social isolation, alleviate food insecurity, address community gaps and empower vulnerable populations—such as seniors, single mothers, and individuals with disabilities—by coming together to build a strong volunteer network, increase community partnerships, and enhance local resources.
Community Care Team
A group of staff and dedicated volunteers serves North York by checking in with the recipients of the food hubs and mobile food delivery, visiting homes, shopping for groceries, and brainstorming referrals to support agencies. In 2024 they made over 570 homes visits and over 800 phone calls.
Neighbours needing support will contact us by phone, through a referral from another agency or through our 'Get Help Form' on the website.
Food Programs
NeighbourLink’s food programs began in October 2021 when we opened the 415 Food Hub in a Toronto Community Housing complex in Willowdale that distributes fresh food and non-perishables. An additional 70 households are benefiting from our mobile and vegetable distribution programs. In the Fall of 2024, North York Harvest Food Bank approached us to take over a food bank near Bayview and Sheppard that was closing. With support from the community we were able to take it on and use or model of combining non-perishable food with nutritious fresh food and access to other supports.
Youth Programs
After-School Program
NeighbourLink launched a brand-new After-School Program that participating youth named The Learning Club! The Learning Club is designed for all school-aged youth residing in Toronto Community Housing, offering dynamic and engaging activities to expand our impact in the community.
In the summer we host a Basketball Drop-In every Thursday evening and a Day Camp for children and youth from Tuesday to Friday. These programs provide young people from under-resourced parts of our neighbourhood with meaningful activities, connections and mentorship.
Youth Mobilization Network
NeighbourLink also runs a youth mobilization network of volunteers 13-17 looking to grow their leadership skills and make positive impacts in the community through initiatives like park clean-ups, recreational drop-ins, tech help for seniors and more.
Seniors Programs
We host biweekly intergenerational events bringing together seniors, students and volunteers from the community to alleviate social isolation. Activities include dance classes, physiotherapy, visits from local schools, art workshops, holiday concerts, Nowruz Celebrations, Lunar New Year Celebrations, BBQs and more!
Single Moms Mother’s Day
During the pandemic, we matched families in the community with single moms to prepare hampers of encouragement for them. For the last three years we’ve hosted a Single Moms Mother’s Day Tea, an in-person event that includes refreshments, flowers, gifts, a photo booth and more. All while providing child care for their kids.