JUST BETWEEN US

exploring systemic racism and its impact on youth mental health in Scarborough

Due date: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 at 11:59pm

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Systemic racism is complex.

It’s seen in Scarborough’s infrastructure: community services, healthcare, schools, & transit are underfunded; we are underprotected & overpoliced; & we are rarely consulted regarding decisions that directly affect our lives.

As a non-Black, non-Indigenous team, we recognize that oppressive systems are disproportionately harmful & violent towards Black & Indigenous communities.

We may not be able to eradicate it completely, but we hope to create meaningful, intercultural dialogue around systemic racism & its impact on our mental health.

Mental health challenges are real for so many of us.

In many of the cultures & communities represented in Scarborough, speaking about mental health comes with stigma. Coming from racialized backgrounds, we’ve had very few spaces & opportunities to talk about mental health – but that doesn’t make it any less real.

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We get it. At kin + care collective, we often find that our creativity helps us through tough times. Sometimes, creating art says so much more than words can.

Just Between Us is a celebration of Scarborough, & all the ways that it shapes who we are.

It’s a celebration of our determination to show up for one another no matter how many times we have been left behind. It’s a celebration of the quiet sharing we do in the safety of inner circles; of the relief that comes with hearing somebody say, “I get it.” This is a celebration of us.

And just between us…we’re so excited to create with you.

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So, who can apply?

  • Self-identify as racialized/BIPOC

  • Live in Scarborough

  • Are 18-29 years old (inclusive)

  • Have lived experience with mental health challenges 

  • Have an interest in using art as a tool for mental wellness

Just Between Us is open to youth who:

What to expect?

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    • SIXTEEN, free, in-person, 1-4pm, biweekly on Sundays

    • Jan. 2026 to Aug. 2026

    • Location: TBD (in Scarborough)

    • Facilitated by Scarborough & Toronto-based creative mentors

    Using art forms such as:

    • poetry

    • photography

    • painting

    • cooking

    • music and DJing

    • mindfulness and yoga collaging

    To explore themes such as:

    • identity

    • the stories of Scarborough

    • migration

    • culture & food

    • community

    • self-care and tending to our bodies

    • hopes for the future

    • That centres shared identities and similar lived experiences among participants, facilitators, & kin + care team

    • That prioritizes fostering community connections

    • And includes 1:1 check-ins with the kin + care team

    • Having the opportunity to share your creative works in our spring showcase

    • Presto tickets to travel to/from workshops

    • Receiving a Care & Creation Kit prior to starting the program (a welcome bag with goodies!)

    • Access to free art supplies, food, and connecting with us C:

FRequently asked questions

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  • As long as you’re 29 at the time of your application, you’re good to go! (i.e. 29 or younger on December 3rd, 2025)

  • You’ll receive a Care & Creation Kit full of goodies before the program starts. Your creative work will be compensated, more details to be discussed at our first workshop :)

  • Ideally, yes, but we know things happen. We’re asking that participants attend at least 12 of the 16 workshops.

  • To protect our participants’ safety and privacy, the exact location will be shared with successful applicants at the time of acceptance. It will be near central Scarborough and will be accessible by public transit.

  • If you prefer to type, yes! But you may also pre-record audio clips of your answers or record your answers directly in the application form.

  • If you’d like to preview the questions before applying: bit.ly/JustBetweenUsQuestions

    When you’re ready to apply: bit.ly/JustBetweenUsApplication or click the button at the bottom of the page!

  • We wish we could accept everyone that applies, but we can only accept 10.

  • All applicants can expect to hear back from us by Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025.

  • All good! Please send us a DM @kinandcare.co or email us at kinandcare.co@gmail.com. 

Due date: Wednesday, September 25th, 2025 at 11:59pm

Apply now

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Just Between Us was made possible with the support of ACSA.

Designed by Louise Abrena