New Leaf Foundation | Reflecting on a Year of Rebuilding and Connection

Reflecting on a Year of Rebuilding & Connection

As we approach the close of this transformative year, we are excited to share the incredible strides we’ve taken in rebuilding and reconnecting with our community. Despite the challenges, the past twelve months have been a pivotal phase of growth and renewal for us.

Rebuilding In-Person Programming

After three years of navigating the virtual landscape, we dedicated this year to rebuilding our in-person programming. The joy of reconnecting face-to-face and fostering genuine connections has been at the heart of our efforts.

To enhance our impact, we focused on expanding our facilitation team. The addition of passionate individuals has brought fresh perspectives and energy to our programs, enriching the experiences we offer.

Integrating Lessons & Resources

We diligently worked on integrating the invaluable lessons and resources developed during the pandemic with our pre-pandemic in-person offerings. This holistic approach ensures that our programs are adaptive, responsive, and truly comprehensive.

We are thrilled to share that our programs are once again flourishing within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The re-establishment of these vital initiatives is a testament to our commitment to education and community engagement.

Expanded Collaborations

This year, we had the privilege of collaborating with over 30 program partners. Each partnership has allowed us to broaden our reach and make a meaningful impact on diverse communities. We also:

  • Successfully returned to in-person programming with two youth custody partners
  • Conducted our workshops 13 times, including a session with 120 Child and Youth Workers at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
In our dedication to mindfulness education, we developed an 8-week program curriculum based on our Mindfulness Toolkit. This innovative curriculum is currently being piloted within our school programs, with promising results.

Empowering Educators

We scheduled several Professional Development (PD) Day sessions for educators and shared our Mindfulness Toolkit with classroom teachers. Empowering educators is central to our mission, and these sessions have been a beacon of inspiration.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support. Together, we have made a significant impact, and we look forward to the continued journey of growth and connection in the coming year.

On behalf of everyone on our team, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of community.

With gratitude,

Shewit Kalaty
Executive Directer