Quick Action Grants

CENTRAL NEWMARKET COMMUNITY ACTION TABLE

MEDIA RELEASE

2025/2026 QUICK ACTION GRANT ROUND 1 & 2 RECIPIENTS

In partnership with United Way Greater Toronto, the Central Newmarket Community Action Table (CNCAT) is pleased to announce the recipients of 2025/2026 Round 1 & 2 Quick Action Grants. The purpose of the Quick Action Grants is to provide residents with resources to implement their ideas that address two critical issues – Mental Well-Being and Housing Stability in our community. Congratulations to our grant recipients!

RESIDENT LED GRANTS

Building Belonging ($3500)

A one-day gathering held August 9th 2025 that invites residents of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and act on local housing challenges. Through youth-led panels, hands-on workshops, and resource tables, the event will reduce stigma around housing insecurity and create opportunities for support and dialogue. Local organizations were on-site to offer tools and guidance. Gift cards and refreshments were provided to encourage participation.

Community Fall & Winter Programs ($4000)

Scheduled for Thursdays at Dr. Denison Secondary School between October and March 2026. This project will provide inclusive programming for community members between different age groups. With a mix of sports, art, hair care, games, and leadership opportunities, the project creates space for fun, connection, and learning. There will be opportunities for older students to serve as mentors and earn volunteer hours, while adults from the community will facilitate workshops and receive honorarium. The goal is to bring generations together, foster confidence and friendships, and help all participants feel a deeper sense of community.

Art, Healing, and Unity ($3000)

During the winter 25-26 calendar, this project looks to transform the impacts of war, prejudice and cultural division into opportunities for healing by offering immersive art experiences that rebuild safety, trust and belonging. This event serves as a reminder that we are all equal, that life itself is a shared gift and through art, music and mindful presence we can celebrate life together.

Flourish Circle ($4000)

A retreat-style workshop series designed to support the mental well-being of women over 40 will be taking place at the Women’s Centre of York Region between February and March 2026. It aims to reduce stress, build resilience, and empower women to thrive in their next chapter in life. While combining education, creative activities and peer support, the goal is to prioritize health, leading to greater confidence, fulfillment and long-term wellbeing.

International Night ($4000)

Taking place November 20^th at Dr. JM Denison Secondary School, with a goal to create a safe, welcoming, identity affirming space for all families in Newmarket with a focus being on newcomers. This is a youth-led initiative which was created to pave opportunities for at-risk youth, immigrants and those facing barriers to showcase their leadership skills and talents. While connecting families with local Newmarket organizations, we are hoping to connect newcomer families with each other so they can foster positive, supportive relationships as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new country. It will be an evening of education and celebration for Newmarket residents as we showcase and highlight the diverse cultures within our community.

Well Informed ($2,150)

This student led project aims to host youth-focused (primary school) health education seminars that introduce core topics like nutrition, exercise, and wellness in an engaging, accessible way. Project leaders focus is to inspire local youth with reliable, easy-to-understand health information that can support healthier choices and spark long-term interest in wellness. Post secondary students will serve as facilitators through interactive presentations, visual storytelling, and open discussion designed to keep youth engaged and learning.

AGENCY LED GRANTS

Nourish to Flouri$h – 360 Kids ($7500)

This project seeks to support at-risk and homeless youth in Newmarket and surrounding areas by offering a four-week, skill-building program focused on healthy eating, mental wellness, and financial empowerment. From August 4th to August 29th, participants will gather weekly at our industrial kitchen located at Yonge Street and Davis Drive to assemble 50 healthy meal kits per session, they will include shelf stable items as well as a $20 grocery gift card to support with the rest of the ingredients. While preparing these kits, youth will take part in guided conversations about the connection between nutrition and mental health, learning how nourishing the body can positively impact emotional well-being. The youth who participate in the assembling will take a kit home, and the remainder will be handed out at Newmarket Public Library. All participants also learned about what the York Region Pop-Up Team at 360° Kids does.

Soul Food Sundays – Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association ($5500)

Soul Food Sundays is a brunch series (First date – September 21^st) for Black women in Newmarket focused on nourishing mental wellbeing, building emotional resilience and strengthening peer connections. Inspired by a community member’s reflection after attending the Aurora Black Community Association Gala, the project recognizes the unique healing, solidarity and joy that comes when Black women gather in shared space. While many women in our community serve as caregivers, educators and social workers, they rarely get the chance to refill their own emotional cup. This initiative will provide a safe and affirming environment where Black women can connect, reflect and uplift one another through food, storytelling and facilitated conversations. Sessions will be co-hosted by a mental health facilitator and community volunteers and will include guided discussions on self-care, supporting Black children in schools and navigating systems of care and education.

Art Workshop Series – Doane Hospice ($3550)

Grief programs for children that will be structured as short workshops taking place on school PA Days/ during the December 2025 Winter break. The workshops will be themed “The Hero’s Journey: Navigating the Loss of a Loved One,” and will offer free grief support for the participants. The workshops will be offered at Doane House Hospice located in Central Newmarket (Yonge Street/Eagle Street). All activities will be tailored to participants’ ages. Regular check-ins will ensure a supportive environment, while volunteers will assist with logistics. Pre- and post-workshop surveys with parents/guardians will measure emotional well-being improvements.

For more information on any of the Quick Action Grants listed above or Central Newmarket Community Action Table initiatives, please visit linkingnewmarket.ca, @Linkingnewmarket on social media or contact, khalil@routescc.org (Community Engagement Lead) or sandra@routescc.org (Community Engagement Manager)

The Central Newmarket CAT is a community based round table comprised of residents and agencies that want to make a difference in Newmarket. Our primary focus is in the areas of Mental Well-Being and Housing Stability.

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