Housing
Our IDEA Commitment
360°kids is committed to an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible (IDEA) environment in our workplace and in the services we provide.
We acknowledge systemic discrimination and oppression in society and within 360°kids that create disparate outcomes in housing, education, health and employment, and contribute to overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.
We are prioritizing Black and Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other structurally disadvantaged groups.
Guided by an intersectional lens, we are updating policies, practices and accountability to reduce inequities for staff and for the youth we serve.
Our programs operate on Indigenous lands covered by Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaties, and we will build respectful relationships with Indigenous Elders and Peoples to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth.
This is a sustained journey of learning and unlearning. We will create a space where identities can be expressed without fear, where systemic issues are openly discussed and addressed,
and where concerns are handled with swiftness, fairness and transparency to build a safer, more equitable environment for all.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)
This year, we made meaningful strides in advancing our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA).
Guided by our four-year Equity Strategic Implementation Plan and the leadership of our IDEA Committee,
we created spaces for connection, dialogue and belonging through cultural celebrations, staff training and new initiatives.
Listening, Learning & Taking Action
- Launched our first Staff and Board Demographics Survey to better understand who we are and ensure we reflect the diversity of the youth we serve.
- Received strong participation: ~60% of staff (including 75% of full-time) and 100% of Board members completed the survey.
- Staff appreciated the progress and commitment, while highlighting the need for continued training and stronger systems for trust and inclusion.
Building Skills & Accountability
- Introduced core IDEA training during onboarding.
- Expanded Microaggressions Training to help staff address discrimination in the workplace.
Result: Over 80% of staff now feel equipped to address microaggressions — a 30% increase from before training. - Implemented an Equity Self-Assessment Tool for Team Leads, Managers and Senior Leaders, followed by quarterly reflection meetings.
- Launched new tools to identify and address systemic oppression within our organization.
Community, Culture & Belonging
Under the leadership of our IDEA Committee, we celebrated and uplifted Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities through:
- Events for Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Partnering with York Pride through our Queer Agenda program to run a Low Sensory Zone.
- Black History Month celebrations featuring Randell Adjei, Conrad’s Barber Shop and youth hair braiders.
- Launching our first IDEA Book Club featuring works by racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ authors.
Demographics Survey Snapshot
Participation: ~60% of staff (75% of full-time) and 100% of Board members completed the survey.
| Identity Markers | Percentage of All Staff Respondents |
|---|---|
| Racialized | 47% |
| Disabled | 20% |
| 2SLGBTQ+ | 16% |
| Women | 77% |
| Multilingual | 32% |
| Born Outside Canada | 43% |
Looking Ahead
- Invest in staff and leadership growth through expanded training and coaching.
- Strengthen partnerships that uplift Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
- Continue building accessible and equitable systems for staff and youth at 360°kids.
Programs & Services at 360°kids
Given the nature of our work, we strive to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion to ensure that all youth have equal access to opportunities and resources. By promoting a safe and welcoming environment for all youth, regardless of their background, we build trust and foster a sense of community.
Initiatives, such as The Queer Agenda, Black Youth Housing, and inclusive holiday celebrations, exemplify our dedication to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion. Through these efforts we ensure our programs are culturally responsive and relevant to the needs of the youth we serve.
360°kids Staff
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that embraces inclusivity and support. We strive to empower our employees, encouraging them to freely express their thoughts and ideas, and valuing the diversity of perspectives they bring. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported, enabling each individual to thrive and contribute their unique talents and experiences.
How You Can Help
Get Involved360°kids works with individuals, corporate, school and community groups to provide both financial and in-kind donations to help support our work to assist at-risk and homeless youth.
In-kind donations from the community such as non-perishable food, clothing and hygiene items help keep our costs down so that more of your donation dollars can go towards direct programming, equipment needs and support to the youth.
Funds raised by 360°kids are invested back into our organization in improving and expanding the supports offered to vulnerable youth so that they can become stable, well-adjusted adults who contribute to the community.
