Children’s Aid Society of Toronto partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto for one-of-a-kind mentorship program

White background with the logo of Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto and Children's Aid Society of Toronto

At Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), we are pleased to officially announce our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto through Big Steps to Success – a mentorship program designed to improve the educational outcomes for 7 to 14-year-old children and youth in the care of our Agency.

Big Steps to Success is a five-year mentorship initiative funded by BMO and the Government of Ontario. The program is co-developed by the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. By connecting young people in care with a trusted and trained adult mentor, the anticipated benefits for children and youth include:

  • Improving educational outcomes at the primary and secondary school levels leading to higher rates of high school graduation
  • Strengthening school engagement, connection to the classroom and academic motivation

Through Big Steps to Success, mentees will meet with their mentors in their school, home or community and participate in a variety of activities including:

  • Attending cultural celebrations
  • Heading out for a meal
  • Finishing homework
  • Playing sports
  • Attending games, concerts and events
  • Learning new skills

Our aim is to connect every mentee with a mentor who reflects and shares similar background, identities and experiences. We encourage members of our communities to learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor here and/or apply here to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children and youth in care. A positive and caring mentor can empower young people and help build their confidence and self-worth to reach their full potential now and into their future.