Past Events
Job and Training Event
Positive Change Toronto Initiative hosted a session in collaboration with HTA75, Career Foundations, and Carpenters Local 27, offering insights on skill development, job opportunities, and apprenticeships. Participants engaged in discussions about career prospects in hospitality, skilled trades, and received one-on-one job search support.
TAIBU Health Awareness Sessions
In partnership with TAIBU Community Health Center, PCTI delivered culturally tailored health awareness and screening clinics for the Somali community. Topics covered included breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.
Canadian Red Cross Organizational Review
PCTI worked with the Canadian Red Cross and consultant TKB to restructure and develop key organizational frameworks, including a strategic annual plan, operations plan, and budget, aimed at enhancing sustainability and growth.
Trucking Informational Event
This session, featuring the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) and iMVR, highlighted career growth in the trucking industry and introduced participants to a Virtual Reality (VR) platform designed to enhance driving safety.
Women And Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) Capacity-Building Project
PCTOI collaborated with SEASONOVA Group Inc. on a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) project addressing the intersections of gender, race, immigration status etc, particularly for the Somali Canadian community in Toronto. This initiative produced the "Applying GBA Plus in the Somali Canadian Community" toolkit through consultations, listening circles, and training sessions.
Chronic Health Awareness Fair
The Chronic Health Awareness Fair, held on February 21, was a community event focused on promoting better management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as emphasizing the importance of foot care and healthy eating habits. Organized in collaboration with Taibu Community Health Centre and Relieve Humanity International (RHI), the fair brought together a team of healthcare professionals, including a doctor, a nutritionist, and a registered nurse (RN).
Family Engagement Discussion
The Family Engagement Discussion, hosted by Positive Change TO in collaboration with Taibu Community Health Centre, was held on November 15, 2024. This event invited parents and caregivers of children and youth to engage in an open conversation about the strengths and challenges they face, especially regarding access to education, employment, and training opportunities.
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Career Event
Positive Change Toronto Initiative, in partnership with Hospitality Training Action Centre 75, hosted a Career Event on November 22, 2024 and April 6, 2025. These events offered participants the opportunity to explore exciting career prospects in the hospitality industry, connect with professionals, and learn more about the wide range of available employment pathways. The event was designed to help individuals gain valuable insights, and discover career options suited to their goals and interests. Participants had the chance to ask questions, and receive advice on how to navigate and succeed in the hospitality field.
Somali Artifact Exhibit
The Koor Archives Exhibit, Celebrating Somali Culture, was hosted by Positive Change TO Initiative (PCTOI) in collaboration with Relieve Humanity International (RHI) and Koor Archives on February 8, 2025. The event showcased the beauty, history, and traditions of Somali culture through a vibrant collection of exhibits and storytelling.The event created a welcoming space for guests to engage, learn, and reflect, promoting Somali culture for future generations.
Change Justice Project (CJP)
Over the course of Spring and Summer 2025, PCTOI hosted a series of workshops designed to help community members build legal knowledge, access support, and strengthen their well-being. The series brought together lawyers, legal clinics, social workers, and community organizations to address the unique challenges faced by Somali Youth and family members.
Session: Know Your Rights
In this session a lawyer led a discussion on navigating the criminal justice system and understanding your legal rights. The presentation covered the importance of knowing one’s rights during interactions with law enforcement and throughout the CJS process. It also highlighted how racial disparities in policing and incarceration affect marginalized communities, particularly Black people.
Session: Employment After the Criminal Justice System (DLS)
With the support of Muslim Legal Support Centre, this session focused on helping individuals navigate employment challenges after involvement with the criminal justice system. Facilitated by Downtown Legal Services, the presentation explored employment rights, legal protections, and pathways to overcoming barriers like criminal records when seeking work. Participants learned about options such as record suspensions, accessing legal clinics, and understanding human rights protections to reduce the impact of criminal justice involvement on their careers. The session emphasized practical strategies for rebuilding employment opportunities and connecting with community legal supports.
Session: Know Your Rights – Criminal Record Suspension
With the support of Muslim Legal Support Centre, a workshop on criminal record suspensions was led by a social worker. Attendees learned how suspensions can help reduce barriers to employment, education, and housing, as well as strategies for addressing stigma tied to a criminal record. The workshop emphasized practical steps for moving forward and connecting with community legal supports.
Session: Know Your Rights and Anti-Black Racism (BLAC)
This session, facilitated by a lawyer at the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC), focused on educating participants about their rights when interacting with law enforcement and navigating systemic anti-Black racism. The presentation addressed the disproportionate policing and surveillance of Black communities, highlighting disparities in stops, searches, arrests, and use of force. Participants learned about their rights during police interactions, traffic stops, and arrests, etc. The session also introduced key oversight and complaint bodies, such as the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA), and provided practical strategies for filing complaints, seeking legal help, and advocating for systemic change.
Session: Mental Health and Community Wellness
As part of the series, a mental health professional from Rexdale visited to lead a workshop on stress management, resilience, and community wellness. The session focused on supporting individuals and families who face the added emotional toll of navigating legal systems, racial discrimination, and social challenges. Participants explored strategies for coping with stress and trauma, accessing local mental health resources, and building supportive networks within their community. The workshop emphasized the connection between mental health, empowerment, and advocacy.