It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve as Interim Executive Director of New Leaf during this season. As someone who has worked both on the frontlines of our programs and alongside our amazing program partners, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the question: How can we continue to serve the communities we work in? How can we continue to support educators, youth, and the youth justice sector?
I’m proud to say that, with your unwavering support, we have done just that. Despite the challenges, we have made a significant impact, and the work that New Leaf has been able to accomplish will always remain close to my heart.
Our success would not have been possible without the generous and steadfast support of our donors. Your belief in us and your trust in our mission have made this journey one to remember, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.
Though New Leaf is closing its doors, we are comforted knowing that our resources and efforts will continue to make a difference. We’ve carefully planned for many of the tools we developed—such as training guides, workshop materials and training templates—are being transferred to a group of incredible organizations that will implement them into the amazing work they’re already doing. Please take a moment to learn more about these partners and consider supporting them as they continue to uplift youth well-being:
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Circle Lab (Toronto, Ontario)
- Peacebuilders Canada (Toronto, Ontario)
- Nutrition for Learning (Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario)
- Centre for Children’s Rights (Jacksonville, FL, USA)
As well, in line with New Leaf’s long-standing commitment to accessibility, we’re thrilled to announce that many of our resources and tools will continue to be available publicly, through our partnership with YouthRex, an organization based at York University whose mandate is to support Ontario’s youth-serving sector through the distribution of research, knowledge and tools. Through their knowledge hub, you’ll have access to:
- Mindfulness Activity Sheets
- Mindfulness Journals and Kits
- The Mindfulness Toolkit
- Meditation and Movement Videos
We also want to remind you that you will have FREE access to our Reaching In Reaching Out Online Training until August 2026!
Last but not least, while New Leaf will soon be officially closed, we have created a legacy website that will remain active until 2027. There, you can explore our history, learn about the organizations receiving our resources, and find ways to continue accessing the materials through YouthRex.
Though our chapter has come to a close, our work will continue to live on—through the organizations we’ve partnered with and, most importantly, through you. As I reflect on our journey, my heart is filled with warmth and peace, knowing that the mission of New Leaf will live on.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this incredible experience.
With deepest gratitude,
Amanda Nicholls
Interim Executive Director, New Leaf Foundation
Toronto Metropolitan University, Circle Lab
Toronto Metropolitan University, Circle Lab is a tech hub based at TMU that shares resources with postsecondary students, teachers, community partners, other universities and more across the GTA and Ontario.
Peacebuilders Canada
Peacebuilders Canada is Toronto-based non-profit organization based in Toronto that seeks a future where youth facing barriers can access justice, reach their full potential and contribute to safer, healthier communities.
Nutrition for Learning
Nutrition for Learning is Kitchener-Waterloo-based organization focused on providing universal food access in schools and promoting optimal well-being and healthy relationships for students.
Centre for Children's Rights
Centre for Children's Rights is a Jacksonville, Florida-based organization building pathways to possibility for youth involved in the juvenile justice system and their families.
YouthREX
Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX) is a province-wide initiative based in the School of Social Work at York University. YouthREX’s vision is an Ontario where shared knowledge is transformed into positive impact for all youth, with a mission to make research evidence and evaluation practices accessible and relevant to Ontario’s grassroots youth sector through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and evaluation leadership.