Who we are
Transforming Toronto into a city where
people, and not poverty, thrive
Our guiding principles
As a local Christian social service provider, YSM is committed to creating an environment for community members, donors, partners and staff which upholds our core values and Articles of Faith.
YSM serves every neighbour who walks through our doors, guided by our values and belief that every person we meet has immense value and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
Our values
Transformation
We joyfully journey with people toward sustainable change.
Collaboration
We actively leverage and implement the best contributions of all.
Innovation
We continuously evolve our methods toward better outcomes.
Accountability
We honour the trust placed in us by meeting our commitments.
Communication
We use language to intentionally build understanding, unity and trust.
Celebration
We have much to celebrate, and so we do, often.
Our foundations
We are on a mission to break the cycle of long-term poverty in the lives of individuals and families.
We are an innovative and solution-oriented social service provider, grounded in more than 125 years of experience working directly with vulnerable individuals and families in Toronto. We address the immediate needs of those experiencing poverty and create sustainable pathways to end long-term poverty.
We value diversity of experience, ideas, and expertise, and we work collaboratively with partners, community members, supporters, and government to address the complexities of poverty.
We are led by our Christian faith. We believe that every person is created in the image of God, and care for those experiencing poverty as an expression of God’s love and hope for their lives. We serve all individuals equally, regardless of race, sex, religion, country of origin, or any other status.
Yonge Street Mission since 1896
1875
Yonge Street Mission was founded by John Coolidge Davis in 1896, and evolved from handing out food and clothing via the “Gospel Wagon” to a rented storefront on Yonge Street.
1904
A new, larger space at 381 Yonge Street is purchased in order to serve the increasing need in our city. YSM operated out of this location until 2018.
1968
YSM’s location at 270 Gerrard Street East opens with a focus on youth programming.
1979
381 Yonge Street becomes the Evergreen Centre for Street Youth.
90s
YSM opens Genesis Place transitional housing facility, the Evergreen Health and Dental Centre, Employment Resources Centre, Double Take thrift store, and the Computer Literacy Centre.
2018
YSM’s new Evergreen Centre for Vulnerable Youth opens its doors at 365 Spadina Avenue in the Kensington Market Area. 6 years later, the state-of-the-art Richard and Lorelei Jenkins & Family Health and Dental Centre.
Coming soon
ELEV8 by YSM—an 8 storey residential complex atop a 2 storey podium will replace YSM’s Gerrard St. campus at 306/308/310 Gerrard St. East, meeting the increasing need for deeply affordable housing in Toronto and essential community services.
Celebrating 125 years
Board of Directors
Passionately working to end long-term poverty
David McFadden, Chair
Corporate Director
Julia Robarts, Vice-Chair
Executive Search Consultant,
Odgers Berndston
Erik Parnoja, Treasurer
Portfolio Manager,
Sprucegrove Investment Management Ltd
Luckson Zireva, Secretary
Chief Financial Officer,
Habitat For Humanity GTA
Kin Chan
Senior Executive IT Consultant,
Cooperators Insurance
James (Jim) Chestnutt
Retired Retail Executive
Yolanda Dasselaar
Brand Strategy Consultant
Faithe Holder
Counsel, Gowling WLG;
Registered Psychotherapist
Heather Janes
CEO, Christie Gardens
Dan Nohdomi
SVP and CFO, Baylin Technologies, Inc.
David Stevenson
Retired; Former President of Polar Pak – North American packaging company
Angie Peters, Ex-officio
President & CEO, Yonge Street Mission
Virtual tour
Explore YSM virtually!
Want to see what YSM is all about? Take a virtual tour! While nothing beats experiencing our programs in person, this tour offers a glimpse into our vibrant spaces and services. Originally created during the pandemic, the video showcases our facilities as they were before returning to full capacity.
Click here to book an in person tour.