News

Our Fall 2019 Groups Calendar is Now Online

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 16:09:00 EDT

Happy New School Year!

We're excited to share our Fall 2019 Groups calendar with you. You can download the PDF on this page for more detailed information about what's happening each weeknight at the Nexus Youth Centre.

The Nexus Youth Centre is open Monday - Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Volunteer hours and bus tickets are provided for all youth who attend Nexus groups. For more information, please call 905-566-1883 or drop by and talk to one of our friendly Youth Engagement Workers.

You can also follow Nexus on social media! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagam!

Check Out Our Summer Programs!

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 10:34:00 EDT

The Nexus Youth Centre will be open all summer! Come by and check out all the programs we're offering, including Nexercise: Sports Edition, the #beforeiletgo Dance Challenge, Brush Up, Girls' Night In and more.

Download the calendar on this page or call 905-566-1883 for more information.

Follow Nexus Youth Services on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for regular updates.

Our 2018-19 Annual Report is Now Online

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 14:32:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our 2018-19 Annual Report!

Highlights from the past year included:

learning how to better support youth impacted by trauma;
offering new workshops to support youth at school and at work;
partnering with Peel S.W.A.G. and UNITY Charity; and
supporting youth-led initiatives during Child and Youth Mental Health Week!

We hope you enjoy reading this year's report, which you can download on this page.

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events throughout the year. You can also check out our videos on the Nexus YouTube channel. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655. To learn more about the Nexus Youth Centre, click here or call 905-566-1883.

Free Weekly Dance Drop-In Program for Youth

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:44:00 EDT

Nexus is partnering with Unity Charity to offer a free dance drop-in program for youth every Friday night until May 24th at Kindred Culture in Mississauga.

Come learn some new moves and meet new friends. All youth ages 14 - 24 are welcome!

If you have any questions, please email Keisha at [email protected] ">[email protected]

What: A free dance drop-in program for youth
When: Friday nights from 5pm - 7pm
Where: Kindred Culture (780 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, Unit #10)
Cost: FREE!
Contact: [email protected] ">[email protected]

Winter 2019 Groups at the Nexus Youth Centre

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:15:00 EST

Happy New Year! We're excited to share our Winter 2019 Groups calendar with you. The Nexus Youth Centre is open Monday - Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. We also offer group programs in the evenings and volunteer hours and bus tickets* are provided for all youth who attend Nexus groups. Keep reading to learn more.

Nexercise (Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

The focus on health and fitness continues at Nexus. After a brief hiatus, Nexercise is back in full force! We have once again partnered with the City of Mississauga to help you get inspired and strengthen your mind and body through exercise programs developed by a certified personal trainer. PLEASE NOTE: This group meets at the Nexus Youth Centre and heads over to the Mississauga Civic Centre gym at 6:15 p.m. sharp.

Talk That Talk (Triple T) (Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) -- ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

In this group, youth will learn concrete skills related to managing stress and anxiety; developing healthy relationships; and supporting their physical wellness through healthy eating and living habits. Youth will learn how to create healthy meals, discuss life planning/goals, and learn strategies to manage stressful situations at home, at school and with their peers.

Project Leadership Group (Nexus Youth Council) (Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

The Nexus Youth Council is a collective movement that promotes leadership skills and civic engagement. Members of the Nexus Youth Council will:

Discover ways to promote civic engagement, mental health awareness and positive peer relationships
Build new and existing leadership skills by creating and engaging in community events
Create opportunities for youth projects and workshops that will support the needs of youth in their school, as well as in the community

Girls Night In (Wednesays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Girls Night In is a 13-week program that aims to empower young women to become community and world changers. Participants will be encouraged to make new friends, have fun, attend cool events and build self-confidence in a positive, accepting and open-minded environment that fosters conversations that all girls can relate to. Through one-on-one mentorship, interactive and fun workshops and other opportunities, this group empowers young women to reach their full potential while developing skills for their future.

Posi-Talks (by appointment)

Sometimes we all need someone to speak to about the ups and downs of life. Posi-Talks is a 30 to 45 minute mentoring session with one of our Youth Engagement Workers at Nexus. Whether you need help finding a job, figuring out the next steps for your life, or just talking through everyday stress and concerns, we’re here to be a source of support, without judgement. To set up an appointment, please speak to a member of the Nexus Youth Centre team or call 905-566-1883.

* Bus tickets are made available upon request, while quantities last.

Nexus Youth Centre Holiday Hours - UPDATE

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 14:54:24 EST

Our Community Counselling program will be closed between Christmas and New Year's Day, but the Nexus Youth Centre will be open.

Our hours during the holiday break will be:

Monday, December 24th – 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tuesday, December 25th – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 26th – CLOSED
Thursday, December 27th – 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday, December 28th – 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday, December 31st – 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 1st – CLOSED

Regular hours of operation will resume on Wednesday, January 2nd.

If you need help while we are closed, please visit this page for information about crisis services.

From all of us at Nexus Youth Services, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season! See you next year!

Nexus Holiday Schedule

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 12:35:00 EST

We're switching it up at the Nexus Youth Centre this month with a special holiday schedule!

Instead of our regular groups. this month we will be offering:

Mondays: Flix & Chill @ 6pm
Tuesdays: Apprentice Chef @ 6pm
Wedesdays: Video Games @ 6pm
Thursdays: Board Game Cafe @ 4pm

You can also stop by any time for free hot chocolate and holiday treats.

On Wednesday, December 19th we will be hosting our annual Nexus Holiday Party at the Glass Pavilion on the first floor of the Mississauga Central Library. Stop by between 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm for games, delicious food, karaoke and some awesome giveaways!

Questions? Please contact Jemmelia at [email protected]">[email protected] or call the Youth Centre at 905-566-1883.

Speed Mentoring: College and Careers Night

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 13:54:00 EST

On Tuesday, December 4th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, the Nexus Youth Centre will be hosting a speed mentoring event for youth ages 14 - 24 years old. This is a free event and a great opportunity for youth to connect with working professionals to ask questions related to post-secondary education/training and future career paths.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet multiple mentors in a "speed-dating" set-up. In small groups of 2-3 people, youth will spend 10-15 minutes with each mentor at a time, allowing for opportunities to personally connect and network with local leaders in a variety of fields, including:

Medicine
Law
Engineering
Finance
Entrepreneurship
Politics
Event management
Customer service
And more!

Opportunities for internships and ongoing mentorship will also be available to those who are interested.

To register for this event, please email Jemmelia at [email protected]">[email protected] or visit
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/speed-mentoring-college-careers-night-tickets-52844989787

Youth Scholarship Workshop

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:59:00 EST

Did you know that more than $11 million dollars in scholarships is left unclaimed every year?

This if often the case because youth don’t know what scholarships are available or how to apply for them. Come to the Nexus Youth Centre and learn about accessing OSAP, bursaries and scholarships to help you finance your education.

Not all scholarships are academically focused. In fact, there are tonnes of scholarships available to meet your unique strengths and needs, and in this workshop we will teach you how to stand out so that you can increase your chances of getting them!

Refreshments will be served and bus tickets are available. Please contact [email protected]">Jemmelia Morgan for more information.

What: Scholarship Workshop for Youth
Who: Youth ages 14 - 24, Nexus staff
When: Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Nexus Youth Centre. 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library (301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga)

FREE RBC Financial Literacy Workshop for Youth

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:50:00 EST

On Tuesday, November 20th RBC will be hosting a FREE financial literacy workshop for youth ages 14 - 24 at the Nexus Youth Centre. Youth will learn about earning, saving and responsible spending, as well as how to come up with creative ideas for earning money. Light refreshments will be served and youth can access bus tickets to get to/from the event. Contact [email protected]">Jemmelia Morgan at the Youth Centre to sign up today.

What: Financial Literacy Workshop for Youth
Who: Youth ages 14 - 24, RBC Royal Bank of Canada
When: Tuesday, November 20th, 2018
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00pm
Where: Nexus Youth Centre. 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library (301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga)

New Youth Centre Groups

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 16:33:00 EST

The Nexus Youth Centre is a great space to hang out, meet new people and learn about new skills and hobbies. You can even earn volunteer hours by participating in groups. This fall, we have some awesome new groups running each night of the week, including:

Nexercise (Mondays at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)

Want to stay fit and active while having fun? Are you interested in personal fitness and/or sports and recreation? Consider joining Nexercise on Monday nights, where you can meet new friends and have fun while learning tips to help improve your physical health and wellness.

Talk That Talk (Triple T) (Tuesdays at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)

Triple T is a peer-to-peer support group that provides an open and safe space to learn skills related to stress and anxiety management; healthy relationships; healthy eating; and positive communication. Youth will learn how to create healthy meals, discuss personal wellness tips, and learn strategies to work through stress and anxiety (at home, at school, with peers, etc.).

Project Leadership Group (Nexus Youth Council) (Wednesdays at 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)

Nexus Youth Council is a collective movement that promotes youth leadership skills and civic engagement. Participants will:

Discover ways to promote civic engagement and mental health awareness
Develop positive peer relationships
Build new and existing leadership skills by creating and engaging in community events
Create opportunities for youth projects and workshops that will support the needs of youth in their school, as well as in the community

Between Us Girls/Girls' Night In (Wednesdays at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)

Girls' Night In is a 13-week program that aims to empower young women to become community and world changers. Girls will be supported to form positive peer relationships and build their self-confidence in a positive and open-minded environment. Through one-on-one mentorship opportunities, open and honest dialogue, and interactive and fun workshops, this group will empower young women to reach their full potential while also developing skills for their future.

SWAG (Success with Age and Guidance) (Thursdays at 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)

The Success With Age and Guidance (SWAG) program equips young men with the skills to achieve personal and professional success. SWAG empowers young men to define success for themselves and build on their unique talents, skills and strengths to reach their full potential.

For more information about any of these groups, please contact Jemmelia at the Youth Centre by calling 905-566-1883 or emailing [email protected]?subject=Nexus%20groups">[email protected].

Nexus Presents: Halloween House of Tournaments

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:07:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is hosting a free event for youth at the Nexus Youth Centre on Halloween night, Wednesday, October 31st, called Halloween House of Tournaments. All youth between the ages of 14-24 are invited to attend.

Come out and meet new people, play games and compete for prizes in our ping pong and NBA 2K tournaments. We'll also be giving away FREE STUFF from Nike, Adidas, Subway, Chipotle and more.

If you're looking for a more low-key Halloween experience, we'll be also be screening Marvel's Venom and Black Panther.

Questions? Contact Jemmelia at [email protected]?subject=Nexus%20Halloween">[email protected] or drop by the Nexus Youth Centre. See you there!

Hang Out at the Nexus Youth Centre This Fall!

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 12:05:00 EDT

Come out hang out with us at the Nexus Youth Centre this fall! Our weeknight groups this season include:

Between Us Girls
Phys Ed
Nexercise
S.W.A.G.
Fun Friday

Download the calendar on this page for more information about each group. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating in groups!

Questions? You can call the Youth Centre directly at 905-566-1883 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

You can also follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for regular updates, resources and news.

2017-18 Nexus Youth Services Annual Report Now Available

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 16:12:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our 2017-18 Annual Report. Highlights from the past year included:

achieving 100% of the Canadian Centre for Accreditation's mandatory and leading practice standards;
championing Youth Engagement as one of Peel's six Core Service Providers;
launching Nexercise, a program specifically designed to support the physical and mental well-being of youth; and
running a series of engaging wellness activities at the Nexus Youth Centre during Child and Youth Mental Health Week!

We hope you enjoy reading this year's report, which you can download on this page.

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events throughout the year. You can also check out our videos on the Nexus YouTube channel. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655. To learn more about the Nexus Youth Centre, click here or call 905-566-1883.

Check out our Spring/Summer 2018 Groups Calendar!

Wed, 02 May 2018 17:57:00 EDT

Come out hang out with us at the Nexus Youth Centre this spring and summer! Our weeknight groups this season include:

Between Us Girls
Phys Ed
Nexercise
S.W.A.G.
Fun Friday

Download the calendar on this page for more information about each group. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating in groups!

Questions? Contact Jesse or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can also follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for regular updates, resources and news.

Special Guest Speaker: Katarina MacLeod of Rising Angels

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 10:48:12 EDT

On Monday, March 26th the Between Us Girls group will welcome Katarina MacLeod to the Nexus Youth Centre for a presentation on commercial sexual exploitation. Katarina is the founder of Rising Angels, an organization that provides supportive services to women and girls exploited by the sex trade. Rising Angels also works to bring sex trade education to professionals and the public.

On Monday Katarina will share her personal story of exploitation, sexual and physical abuse and addiction. She will also talk about how she escaped the sex trade and important protective factors to ensure personal safety.

Girls between the ages of 14 - 24 are invited to attend this event. Food and beverages will be provided and girls can earn community service hours for attending.

For more information, please contact Melissa at the Nexus Youth Centre at 905-566-1883.

Celebrate Black History Month with Nexus

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:41:44 EST

Nexus is holding its annual Black History Month celebration on Tuesday, February 27th from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Come out and learn about the amazing contributions of black Canadians throughout history. There will be lots of good food to eat and Nexus youth will also be unveiling their latest Black History Month book!

For more information, contact Jesse or Melissa at the Nexus Youth Centre at 905-566-1883.

Nexus Youth Services Awarded 4-Year Accreditation by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:44:00 EST

For immediate release

Mississauga – Nexus Youth Services (NYS) is proud to announce that it has been re-accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA) for an additional four-year term. NYS successfully met 100% of CCA’s mandatory and leading practice standards, including CCA’s Youth Engagement standards. NYS staff and supporters celebrated the achievement with sister agency Peel Children’s Centre on Thursday, February 8th.

Those who are familiar with NYS appreciate that Youth Engagement is at the very heart of its mission. Through its Community Counselling and Youth Centre programs, NYS strives to provide high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth. The NYS tagline, “For you. With you.”, communicates the agency’s commitment to youth-adult partnerships that allow for both groups to contribute, teach and learn from each other.
Humbled, affirmed and motivated by CCA’s final report, NYS is grateful for the opportunity to highlight its strengths and learn about areas for continuous improvement through the accreditation process.

“To be accredited by CCA is a significant accomplishment for NYS,” says Manager, Karen Anslow. “It speaks volumes about the dedication of our staff and the strength of our partnerships with the youth we serve.”

Accreditation with CCA supports organizations to continually improve the quality and efficiency of the programs and services they provide. Following the submission of extensive documentation and an on-site review, a four-member team from the social service sector evaluated NYS’ operations, governance, service delivery and Youth Centre.

Nexus Youth Services is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel Region. NYS helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling program and Youth Centre, located on the second floor of the Mississauga Central Library. For more information on NYS programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Check out our 2018 Groups Calendar!

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:36:00 EST

Looking for fun things to do this winter? Drop in at the Nexus Youth Centre every week night for a variety of different groups and activities. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! These groups are free and do not require registration in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people.

Our 2018 groups include:

Between Us Girls
Phys Ed
Nexercise
The Hub
Fun Friday

Questions? Contact Jesse and Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can also follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for regular updates, resources and news.

You're invited to a Winter Wonderland!

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 11:34:00 EST

You're invited to Nexus Youth Services's annual holiday party!

Please join us on Wednesday, December 20th from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for some yummy food and festive activities like giant JENGA and a Winter Wonderland photobooth!

Questions? Contact Jesse or Melissa at the Nexus Youth Centre: 905-566-1883 or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter. Hope to see you there!

What: Nexus's annual holiday party
Where: Mississauga Central Library - Glass Pavilion
When: Wednesday, December 20th from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
What: Delicious food, games, a photobooth and more!
Who: All youth ages 14-24 are invited to attend

Engaged young leaders raise funds, awareness for Nexus Youth Services

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:44:00 EDT

For immediate release

MISSISSAUGA – The PosVibes Project (PVP), a group of youth volunteers on a mission to support their peers’ mental health, has made a $20,000 donation to Nexus Youth Services (Nexus). The funds were raised at PVP’s third annual Gala in June. Since 2015 PVP has contributed more than $47,000 to Nexus.

What began as a single fundraising event in the summer of 2015 quickly gained momentum and grew into a larger movement of youth working together to help other youth. Today, PVP hosts a variety of dynamic community events to raise funds and awareness in support of youth mental health initiatives across Ontario. PVP’s consistently sold out events attract supporters of every age, brought together by a common connection to mental health, and the passion and high energy of the PVP team guarantees fun and meaningful experiences for their guests.

“What started out as a group of friends who felt compelled to make a change has turned into something much bigger,” says PVP Founder and Executive Director JJ Harland. “As a young person, I witnessed many friends, colleagues, and friends of friends, of all ages, face their mental health challenges alone. As an individual, my ability to help them felt limited, but I knew that if I could bring these people to an event, together with other supporters, we could provide them with the tools and resources to help them overcome their challenges.”

With three consecutive gala fundraisers under their belt, PVP is currently developing a strategy to host charity sports tournaments, an outdoor family festival, and a networking conference in the future. “Our motto at PVP is to spread positive vibes all ways, always,” says Harland. “We’re proud of the impact we’ve had amongst our peers and in our broader community in just a few short years. We hope it inspires other youth to reach out and help others, too.”

“As a youth-serving agency, Nexus values the diverse voices of youth and young adults, and our strongest initiatives are led by youth who want to help their peers,” says Nexus Supervisor John Choi. “PVP is a real-life example of Nexus’s commitment to working ‘for youth, with youth’ and we are proud to partner with them to make a difference for young people in the Peel community.”

Nexus creates opportunities for youth by providing high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth ages 14 to 24 who live in Peel Region. As an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency, Nexus helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required. For more information on Nexus programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Nexus Youth Services Awarded $103,812 Provincial Sport and Recreation Grant

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 12:02:00 EDT

For immediate release
September 2017

MISSISSAUGA – Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) has received a $103,812 grant from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund (OSRCF) to support the implementation of “Nexercise”, a program that will promote the physical health and well-being of 200 Peel youth. The program will run out of the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is a fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required.

The OSRCF provides Ontarians with more opportunities to become physically active, including groups who experience barriers to participating, and those who are traditionally less active. Funded by the OSRCF, the Nexercise program will provide youth ages 14 to 24 with opportunities to participate in sport, cardiovascular and strength training activities. Fourteen Peer Youth Workers and program volunteers will also receive training in physical literacy, principles of youth engagement and positive youth development.

“We’re aiming to expose youth to a range of physical activity options based on their interests,” says Nexus Supervisor John Choi. “For example, some youth have expressed an interest in learning to swim but don’t have access to a pool or lessons, so the team is working on a plan to bridge that gap with the hope that Nexercise will give youth the opportunity to learn how to swim in an accessible and inclusive environment.” Choi adds that the benefits of exercise on mental health are well-known and that Nexercise will also support participants’ mental well-being.

Nexus Youth Services is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel Region. Nexus helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre. For more information on Nexus programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Media Release: Community Foundation of Mississauga invests in youth through Nexus Youth Services

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:18:00 EDT

For immediate release
August 2017

MISSISSAUGA – A $20,000 donation from the Community Foundation of Mississauga will support essential services at the Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) Youth Centre. Located on the second floor of the Mississauga Central Library, the Nexus Youth Centre is a fully accessible drop-in centre that provides mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required. Since 2013, the Community Foundation of Mississauga has contributed more than $77,000 in support of Nexus’s programs and services.

Nexus gratefully acknowledges the financial support provided by The Pendle Fund at the Community Foundation of Mississauga, a registered charitable public foundation serving the people of Mississauga. The Foundation has been matching acts of caring with community needs since 2001. Working with donors and the broader community, the Community Foundation of Mississauga invests in building strong and resilient places to live, work and play. By providing effective and efficient endowment options for donors, the Community Foundation of Mississauga creates a lasting legacy of community vitality.

Nexus creates opportunities for youth by providing high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth. As a youth-serving agency, Nexus is committed to youth engagement and dedicated to creating a community that values the diverse voices of youth and young adults through action, partnership and growth. The Community Foundation of Mississauga’s generous donation will support youth engagement opportunities at the Nexus Youth Centre.

Nexus is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel region. Nexus helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre. For more information on Nexus programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Media Release: 4K4Youth Raises $4K (and Then Some!) for Youth

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 11:41:00 EDT

For immediate release
August 2017

MISSISSAUGA – On Saturday, August 5, more than 75 youth and adults participated in the first ever 4K4Youth walk/run in support of Nexus Youth Services (Nexus). The event was hosted by Nexus’s Pro-Ject Leadership Group (PLG), a dynamic group of young people on a mission to raise awareness about the persistently high rates of youth suicide in Peel. The PLG surpassed their fundraising goal, raising $4,700 in support of Nexus’s free and confidential mental health services for youth ages 14 to 24.

The PLG decided to host 4K4Youth after learning about the positive effects of physical activity, like running, on mental health. “It is very important for us to try to raise awareness about the issues and challenges youth face,” says PLG member Madison, adding that one of her favourite aspects of 4K4Youth was that “the event was welcoming to people of all ages.”

The walk/run started at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre and traced a 4-kilometre route in the surrounding neighbourhood. Volunteers from St. John’s Ambulance, the Mississauga Firefighters, Team Unbreakable and Cameron Helps were on-hand to help along the way, and after crossing the finish line, participants were treated to pizza donated by Pizza Pizza. DJ Aaron Diaz and the youth band “Wait What!” provided the entertainment, along with games from the Mississauga Steelheads and Brampton Beast OHL teams. Other supporters included Cadillac Fairview, the City of Mississauga, GoodLife Fitness and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport through its Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund.

As a youth-serving agency, Nexus is committed to youth engagement and creating a community that values the diverse voices of youth and young adults through action, partnership and growth. Nexus Supervisor John Choi cites the 4K4Youth event as one example of youth engagement in action. “The strength of the youth community at Nexus was on full display on Saturday,” he says. “The PLG worked hard to plan the event, recruit volunteers, book entertainment and solicit donations. The end result was a major success!” The PLG looks forward to making 4K4Youth an annual event.

Nexus Youth Services is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded mental health agency serving youth in Peel. Nexus helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required. For more information on Nexus programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

MEDIA ALERT: First ever 4K4Youth walk/run raises funds, awareness for youth suicide prevention

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 12:11:00 EDT

For immediate release
August 2017

WHO:

Nexus Youth Services youth and staff

Community supporters, including Cadillac Fairview, Cameron Helps, City of Mississauga, Brampton Beast, Pizza Pizza, Mississauga Firefighters, Mississauga Steelheads and Team Unbreakable

Supporters of all ages and abilities are invited to attend!

WHAT:

A 4-kilometre walk/run in support of Nexus Youth Services with free food, giveaways and live entertainment. The event is hosted by the Pro-Ject Leadership Group, youth who want to increase awareness about the persistently high rates of youth suicidality in Peel. The event is supported in part by the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund.

WHEN:

Saturday, August 5, 2017

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Mississauga Valley Community Centre

1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd., Mississauga, ON

About Nexus Youth Services: Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), a fully accessible drop-in centre that provides mental health counselling services and group programs to youth with no referral required. For more information about Nexus, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

# # #

Media contact:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist

(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Coming Soon: 2017 Nexus Basketball Tournament

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 16:08:33 EDT

Save the date! The 2017 Nexus Youth Services basketball tournament will take place on Tuesday, August 29th in Celebration Square.

Players can register at 4 p.m. and the friendly competition will kick off at 4:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy free food and have the opportunity to win awesome prizes. This event is open to all youth between the ages of 14 and 24.

For more information, please contact Jesse Murray at the Nexus Youth Centre: 905-566-1883 or [email protected]

Nexus Youth Engagement Worker Recognized by United Way

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 11:49:00 EDT

For the third consecutive year, a Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) staff member is a recipient of the Bhayana Family Foundation’s Dedication Award!

The 2017 Dedication Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made by frontline staff working at United Way of Peel Region funded agencies, has been awarded to Nexus Youth Engagement Worker (YEW) Jesse Murray. The award is made possible thanks to generous support from Madan and Raksha M. Bhayana and the Bhayana Family Foundation.

Jesse has been one of the Nexus Youth Centre’s YEWs for almost two years. A calm and welcoming presence in the Youth Centre, Jesse delivers creative and capacity-building programming and tirelessly seeks opportunities to benefit youth. "Jesse embodies the concepts of youth engagement and positive youth development," says Nexus supervisor John Choi. "He has a knack for building strong working relationships with other members of the community, and he's always up for a thought-provoking conversation."

Jesse was nominated for the Dedication Award by his YEW colleague, and past Dedication Award recipient, Melissa Louka. "Jesse not only serves as a model, but as an inspiration to youth and colleagues alike," says Melissa. "He's changing the world, one interaction at a time."

Congratulations, Jesse! Thank you for all that you do for Nexus and youth in our community!

2016-17 Nexus Youth Services Annual Report Now Available

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 15:28:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our 2016-17 Annual Report. Highlights from the past year included partnerships with GoodLife Fitness and Cameron Helps, providing leadership to the Peel Youth Engagement Working Group, creating murals for the Toronto Transit Commission, and more. A message from the Pro-Ject Leadership Group and letters from three Nexus youth affirm our committment to working "for youth, with youth." You can download and read the report in full right here on our website.

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events throughout the year. You can also check out our videos on the Nexus YouTube channel. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655. To learn more about the Nexus Youth Centre, click here or call 905-566-1883.

The PLG Needs Your Help!

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 17:00:00 EDT

The Project Leadership Group (PLG) at Nexus Youth Centre is a youth-led, staff-supported group that engages in activities ranging from outreach, to planning/facilitating social events for youth, to anti-stigma or awareness-raising projects in the Nexus community.

We are currently busy planning our first fundraising walk/run, 4K4Youth, scheduled for August 5th, 2017. We are looking for community volunteers to support the day-of coordination of this event, and to join the current planning committee for this fundraiser. Planning meetings occur from 4:30pm - 6:00pm each Wednesday at the Nexus Youth Centre, located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library (301 Burnhamthorpe Road West in Mississauga).

We currently have (40) volunteer positions that we are looking to fill:

Food Management Volunteers (5)
• Collecting tickets and serving food to participants

Registration Volunteers (5)
• Checking in runners (registration)
• Distributing swag bags with t-shirts and souvenirs
• Collecting pledges and registration forms

Information/Direction Volunteers (5)
• Engaging with guests and runners
• Handing out site maps and providing directions to bathrooms, parking, registration desks, etc.

Raffle Ticket Sales Volunteers (5)
• Encouraging registration and explaining 4K4Youth 50/50 raffle
• Selling raffle tickets

Checkpoint Volunteers (20)
• Assigned to checkpoints to support runners with water and directions

Without the support of committed and dedicated volunteers, 4K4Youth would not be possible. To recognize their significant contribution, each volunteer will receive an event t-shirt and community service hours which can be used towards high school graduation requirements and/or an employment profile.

We welcome all volunteers, however anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian permission to volunter.

For more information, please contact Jesse Murray at [email protected]?subject=4K4Youth%20">[email protected]

You can also register for this event as a participant on our CanadaHelps registration page.

Run/Walk 4K4Youth on August 5th!

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 23:48:00 EDT

On Saturday, August 5th join Nexus Youth Services, Cameron Helps, Team Unbreakable and the City of Mississauga as together we run/walk 4K for youth mental health services in Peel Region! The event will be hosted by the Nexus Pro-Ject Leadership Group (PLG) with support from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, which funds group programming aimed as physical activity and physical literacy.

4K4Youth is Nexus's first charity run and all proceeds raised from the event will support the high quality services Nexus provides to youth (ages 14-24) in our community. New to running? 4K4Youth is open to people of all ages and experience levels.You can also choose to walk the route instead. The minimum pledge amount for youth (ages 14-24) is $10 and for adults (25+) it's $25. Children under the age of 14 can participate for free!

Sign up online or contact Stephanie Barbosa ([email protected] ?subject=4K4Youth">[email protected]) to learn more!

What: 4K4Youth, a 4km run/walk to support youth mental health services in Peel

When: Saturday, August 5th
- 1:00 p.m. - Registration
- 2:00 p.m. - Run/walk begins
- 3:30 p.m. - Food and entertainment

Who: Youth, local businesses and other community supporters

Where: Mississauga Valley Park, 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd., Mississauga, ON

Contact: [email protected]?subject=4K4Youth">Stephanie Barbosa (click to email or call 905-795-3500 ext. 2280)

Winter Groups Now Running at the Nexus Youth Centre

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 14:27:00 EST

Winter groups are now underway at the Nexus Youth Centre!

Groups run every weeknight and offer something for everyone, and you can earn volunteer hours for participating. It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some new people.

Questions? Call Jesse or Melissa at 905-566-1883 or download the Winter 2017 calendar on this page for more information.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too. Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also watch our videos on YouTube. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655.

The Pro-Ject Leadership Group Presents: NEXMAS!

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:36:14 EST

T'is the season of joy, peace, and community, and it's our pleasure to invite you to the Nexus Youth Services annual holiday party.

Please join us Wednesday, December 14th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for some yummy food, festive activities, and Nexmas KARAOKE!

Questions? Contact Jesse or Melissa at the Nexus Youth Centre: 905-566-1883 or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter. Hope to see you there!

What: Nexus's annual holiday party
Where: Mississauga Central Library - Glass Pavilion
When: Wednesday, December 14th from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
What: Delicious food, games, karaoke and more!
Who: All youth ages 14-24 are invited to attend

New Groups Start September 5th

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:08:00 EDT

A new season of programming at the Nexus Youth Centre begins on September 5th, 2016.

Groups run every weeknight and offer something for everyone. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating. It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some new people.

Questions? Call Jesse or Melissa at 905-566-1883 or download the Fall 2016 calendar on this page for more information.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too. Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also watch our videos on YouTube. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655.

Media Release: Youth and Community Leaders Unite for 5th Annual Basketball Tournament

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:30:00 EDT

For immediate release
August 22, 2016

MISSISSAUGA – Nexus Youth Services (NYS) will host its 5th annual 5-on-5 basketball tournament on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016 at Celebration Square in Mississauga. Peel youth will play alongside community leaders from Peel Regional Police, Mississauga Security/Transit Enforcement and the Peel S.W.A.G. program. Beginning at 4 p.m. with a 3-point shootout, the event runs until 8 p.m. and includes a dunk-off contest, prizes and free barbeque.

Since its inception in 2012, the annual basketball tournament has continued to gain community support. “Mississauga Security/Transit Enforcement and Peel Regional Police have consistently supported this event and participated in the tournament alongside our youth and community partners,” says NYS Youth Engagement Worker and event organizer Jesse Murray.

Youth volunteers and local business also play an important role in supporting the tournament, which continues to attract a diverse group of players and spectators to celebrate the end of a great summer. Says Murray, “This event has become highly requested every year by many youth who access the Nexus Youth Centre. It has been an amazing way for us to give back to the community and forge meaningful relationships between our youth and community leaders. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”

NYS creates opportunities for youth by providing high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth ages 14 to 24. It is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel region. As a youth-serving agency, NYS is committed to youth engagement practice and is dedicated to creating a community that values the diverse voices of youth and young adults through action, partnership and growth.

NYS helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required. For more information on NYS programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor-Amde, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

PosVibes Project Raises $20,000 for Nexus and Youth Mental Health

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:48:00 EDT

Earlier this year, on June 17th, more than 200 people gathered at the Oasis Convention Centre in Mississauga for the 2nd Annual PosVibes Project (PVP). Hosted by a group of local youth intent on making a difference, the formal evening included dinner, live music and dancing, and special guest speakers. The event also raised $20,000 in support of Nexus Youth Services and youth mental health.

PVP is an incredible example of youth working together to support youth and you can learn more on the event's official website. Be sure to keep an eye out for news about next year's event as it will surely sell out fast. Thank you to JJ and the entire PVP for their hard work, dedication and support!

What's Your Favourite Flavour? Marble Slab & Nexus Youth Fundraiser 2016

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 14:52:00 EDT

There is no doubt #summer16 in #the6ix has been record-breaking hot. Heat warnings aside, Nexus Youth Services and Marble Slab Mississauga are once again teaming up to raise awareness about youth mental health, all while indulging in the most mouth-watering sweets and a variety of flavourful ice creams. Stop by Marble Slab Mississauga on Sunday, August 21^st and 20% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to Nexus, a youth-serving mental health agency that helps more than 2,000 youth each year.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nexus youth volunteers will be on-site at Marble Slab’s Heartland location (5655 Latimer Drive) to raise awareness about Nexus’ services for youth in Peel Region. 1 in 5 young people will face a serious emotional and/or mental health challenge, and it is thanks to the support and dedication from generous local businesses like Marble Slab Creamery that Nexus is able to respond to the mental health needs of Peel’s growing youth community.

On August 21^st beat the heat with a tasty treat, all while supporting youth mental health in our community!

"I’d Rather be Playing Basketball" - 5th Annual Nexus Basketball Tournament

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 02:37:00 EDT

Word on the street is that Nexus Youth Services’ annual basketball tournament is back again this August! Now in its fifth year, the tournament continues to have a positive impact on the community, bringing together youth, Mississauga Security/Transit Enforcement, Peel Regional Police, the Peel S.W.A.G. program and Raptors 905. By bridging the gap between youth and community leaders like the police through basketball, the tournament creates a safe, relaxed environment that brings everyone together, all while having fun.

Taking place once again in Celebration Square, the tournament will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Players can register at 4 p.m. and the friendly competition will kick off at 4:30 p.m. Court time will include a dunk-off contest and a 5-on-5 tournament, and players will enjoy complimentary food, drinks and prizes throughout the evening. Special thanks to Maple Lodge Farms for their generous donation to this event.

Who: Nexus Youth Services, Mississauga Security/Transit Enforcement, Peel Regional Police, Peel S.W.A.G., Raptors 905, and youth
What: 5th Annual 5-on-5 Nexus Basketball Tournament
Where: Celebration Square in Mississauga
When: Tuesday, August 23 - registration at 4 p.m., competition starts at 4:30 p.m.
Why: Building positive relationships between youth, Peel Regional Police and other community leaders

Library Strike Ended, Youth Centre Re-Opened

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:45:00 EDT

Job action by Mississauga Library staff has ended and youth will have access to the Nexus Youth Centre as of 1 p.m. today, July 27th.

The Nexus Youth Centre is located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library and is open Monday-Thursday, noon until 9 p.m., and Fridays, noon until 6 p.m.

More information about what is offered at the Youth Centre, including groups and volunteer opportunities, is available here.

Nexus Youth Centre Temporarily Relocated

Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:46:00 EDT

Due to job action by library staff, the Youth Centre has been temporarily relocated to the classrooms located above the Auditorium in the Mississauga Central Library. The elevator and stairs to access the classrooms are directly across from the library entrance in the foyer.

Groups and other programming will continue as usual throughout July.

Please check our website, Facebook and Twitter pages for updates as they become available.

To view the complete location schedule for July, please download the July Youth Centre Location Schedule (PDF) located on the right-hand side of this page.

Summer Groups Underway

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:48:29 EDT

Summer group programs at the Nexus Youth Centre are now underway. If you're looking to beat the heat and meet some new people, check out our Summer Groups Calendar.

Groups run every weeknight and offer something for everyone. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating. It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people. Questions? Call Jesse or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

This year Summer Groups will be running indefinitely (no official start/end dates). Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also watch our videos on YouTube. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655.

Nexus Youth Engagement Worker Receives Dedication Award

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:00:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) is proud to share that for the second year in a row, a Nexus staff member has been awarded the Bhayana Family Foundation’s Dedication Award. The 2016 Dedication Award, which recognizes extraordinary contributions made by frontline staff working at United Way of Peel Region funded agencies, was awarded to Youth Engagement Worker Melissa Louka.

The peer-nominated Dedication Award celebrates the remarkable dedication, creativity and team spirit that is essential to creating a better community for everyone. The award is supported by a generous donation from Madan and Raksha M. Bhayana and the Bhayana Family Foundation.

If you've ever visited the Nexus Youth Centre, you will know that Melissa has been working there full-time for a number of years. All of her colleagues and the many youth she works with would agree that Melissa is truly deserving of this recognition. In the words of her nominator and colleague Nancy Hood:

“Melissa’s commitment to excellence sets her apart as a dedicated colleague and ally to the Nexus staff and youth she serves. She instills both optimism and possibility in everything she does. Compassionate, enthusiastic and kind-hearted, Melissa approaches her work with integrity, welcoming challenging/difficult activities, and consistently ensuring success for every project.

"In the Fall of 2015, Melissa supported volunteers to organize a Thanksgiving dinner for youth who might otherwise miss celebrating with friends and family. Obstacles encountered during the planning only encouraged her to work harder. Rallying support from colleagues, friends and family, Melissa realized the youths’ desire for a true Thanksgiving, bringing together 60+ youth for a delicious feast in a community-fostering environment.

"As a Youth Engagement Worker, Melissa personifies Nexus’ mission by creating opportunities that are inclusive/responsive to the needs/voices of youth. As the adult-ally for Nexus’ Pro-ject Leadership Group (PLG), she supports youth in assuming leadership roles, mentoring these volunteers in organizing community activities. Together, they developed NexTalks, a mental health event where youth shared their personal journey overcoming challenges. Under Melissa’s guidance, youth received support with logistics, each young speaker was mentored, and all participants were ensured a safe/enriching experience.

"Melissa is both the familiar face of NYC and the heart of its influence on the lives of youth, often going above and beyond the call of duty. To colleagues, Melissa projects as warm, caring and supportive with limitless generosity. She is the first to offer a helping hand or listening ear. She greets you with a smile, and her humour keeps you laughing! Melissa always has something to share and her enthusiasm is infectious. Melissa’s community-fostering nature is cherished by colleagues and youth alike.”

Congratulations, Melissa, and thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to working for and with youth.

2015-16 Nexus Youth Services Annual Report Now Available

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:38:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our 2015-16 Annual Report. Highlights from the past year included partnerships with Bell Let's Talk and UNITY Charity, co-hosting the 3rd Annual Peel Youth Leaders Conference, completing the NexRace youth homelessness and mental health documentary, and more. A message from the Pro-Ject Leadership Group and letters from two Nexus counselling clients affirm Nexus's committment to working "for youth, with youth." You can download and read the report in full right here on our website.

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events throughout the year. You can also check out our videos on the Nexus YouTube channel. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655. To learn more about the Nexus Youth Centre, click here or call 905-566-1883.

Nexus Partners with Fasting 5K

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:54:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is excited to announce a new fundraising and awareness partnership with Fasting 5K Toronto!

Fasting 5K is an organization that raises money for child and youth charities in the spirit of Ramadan, a special month when Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset and take extra time to pray, reflect and give to charity.

Whatever your age or athletic ability, we invite you to walk, jog or run with us on June 25th from Dunton Athletic Fields (6180 Kennedy Road) and Sayeda Khadija Centre (7150 Edwards Blvd.) in Mississauga and help us raise money and awareness for Nexus and youth mental health. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and more information is available on the Fasting 5K Toronto website here.

Share Your Story at NexTalks on March 9th

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:59:00 EST

Nexus Youth Services is looking for youth 14-24 years old who would like to share about their experiences with mental health and mental health services at an event taking place on March 9th.

Sponsored by Bell Let's Talk, NexTalks aims to create awareness and normalize mental health challenges, end stigma, and show others that there is hope.

Youth who are interested in participating or attending should contact Melissa Louka at [email protected] or by phone at 905-566-1883.

Who: Nexus staff, youth and Bell Let's Talk
What: NexTalks, a forum for youth to talk about their experiences with mental health and mental health services
When: Wednesday, March 9th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Nexus Youth Centre (Mississauga Central Library, 2nd floor)
Why: To end stigma around mental health and give those who are struggling with mental health challenges hope for the future

Winter Groups Start January 18th

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 14:50:39 EST

A new season of programming at the Nexus Youth Centre begins on January 18th, 2016!

Groups run every weeknight and offer something for everyone. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people. Questions? Call Jesse or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also watch our videos on YouTube. To connect with Nexus's Community Counselling program call 905-451-4655.

Nexus wants to hear from you(th)!

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:53:00 EST

Nexus Youth Services is developing a fundraising strategy, and we want to hear from you!

What does Nexus mean to youth?
Why should people donate to Nexus?
How can youth and the community work together to raise money for Nexus?

Join us on Wednesday, December 16th from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the Nexus Youth Centre for a Fundraising Focus Group. Food will be served at the focus group and youth participants will also receive an honorarium.

Questions? Contact Melissa at the Youth Centre at 905-566-1883 or by email at [email protected]

Who: Nexus youth and staff
What: Fundraising Focus Group for Nexus Youth Services
When: Wednesday, December 16th from 4:30pm-6:30pm
Where: Nexus Youth Centre (Mississauga Central Library, 2nd floor)

Whose Gift Is It Anyway?!

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 16:15:00 EST

T'is the season for Nexus's annual holiday party!

Join us on Wednesday, December 9th at the Glass Pavilion inside the Mississauga Central Library for Whose Gift Is It Anyway? There'll be free food, games, gifts and an ugly sweater contest. This is a free event, open to all youth between the ages of 14-24.

Questions? Contact Jesse or Melissa at the Nexus Youth Centre: 905-566-1883 or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter. Hope to see you there!

What: Nexus's annual holiday party
Where: Mississauga Central Library - Glass Pavilion
When: Wednesday, December 9th from 5:30pm-8:30pm
What: Free food, games, music, ugly sweater contest and more!
Who: All youth ages 14-24 are invited to attend

Nexus Youth Explore Homelessness & Mental Health in Peel

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 11:19:00 EDT

Last fall, Nexus youth received a $2,000 Youth in Action grant from United Way Peel Region to create a short documentary about youth homelessness and mental health in Peel. Over the course of the last year, youth worked together to plan and execute this ground-breaking project, dubbed Nexrace because of its Amazing Race theme. The Nexrace team recruited six local organizations to profile in the documentary: AYSP’s RAIN program, Rapport Youth & Family Services, Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Branch, Our Place Peel, Peel Youth Village, and Nexus Youth Services.

Through interviews and meetings with service providers, the team gained greater awareness of support services available in Peel for transitional aged youth (ages 14-24). The youth involved in the project also gained a greater understanding of mental health stigma, and were surprised to learn that the need for youth housing support is so great that service providers often can’t meet demand. On September 19th, the Nexrace team shared their experience with over 60 youth at the Peel Youth Leaders Conference, and on October 7th they shared the final cut with the community partners who participated in the Nexrace project.

Nexrace team member Stephen had this to say about the project at its conclusion:

“What I have learned about my time on the NexRace project is the need for safety and affirmation for youth who are struggling with homelessness and poverty. As youth, we need to play our part in providing awareness of services and resources available in order to make sure youth feel safe and included. We also need to advocate for more services so no youth has to be turned away in a time of need.”

The Nexrace team extends its thanks to United Way Peel Region for supporting this project.

Finding Kind Screening

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:33:00 EDT

On Monday, October 19th Nexus Youth Services welcomes Kind Campaign Ambassador and Mississauga high school student Simrat Heer to present Finding Kind, a documentary that tackles the impact of girl-on-girl bullying. In the documentary, Kind Campaign founders Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson travel across America, interviewing hundreds of girls and women about the “mean girl” phenomenon and, in the process, creating a national school program for girls that promotes kindness over hate and bullying. After screening Finding Kind, Simrat will share her personal journey overcoming bullying and how she came to be a Kind Campaign Ambassador.

What: Finding Kind documentary screening and Kind Campaign Ambassador presentation
When: Monday, October 19, 2015 – 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Noel Ryan Auditorium (Mississauga Central Library)

This is a free event and all youth ages 14-24 are welcome to attend. Snacks and beverages will be provided and youth can earn volunteer hours for participating.

Click here to watch the Finding Kind trailer.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:11:00 EDT

On Sunday August 30th, we invite you to join us at the Marble Slab Creamery in Mississauga from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Hope Floats, a fundraiser in support of Nexus Youth Services!

Our legendary hosts the Marble Slab Creamery will be donating 20% of sales at the counter and 100% of sales of floats to Nexus.

What’s A Float?
ICYMI, a float is an incredible, unbelievable, life-altering food/drink that combines your favourite ice cream with your favourite fizzy beverage. The result is a magically cold and sweetly refreshing nectar of the gods type treat. After you buy some ice cream, you can make an donation of $2 or more and one of our Beverage Ambassador volunteers will provide you with a can of pop to make your float come alive. If you choose to forgo the float experience, Marble Slab offers UNLIMITED toppings with the purchase of any ice cream, and 20% of ice cream sales will be donated to Nexus.

Get Involved
Hope Floats is more than just a sugar rush on a Sunday afternoon, it’s also an opportunity to give back. We’re looking for volunteers to help us sell floats and promote Nexus Youth Services to the public. Volunteering as a “Beverage Ambassador” for the afternoon is an opportunity to hone your sales chops and have fun while helping to promote Nexus to the community. For those of you still in high school, this is a great way to earn volunteer hours, too.

If you’re interested in a great day of floats and fun, meet the Nexus team at Marble Slab Creamery (5955 Latimer Drive) on Sunday August 30th at 1:45 p.m. All you need to bring is a smile.

What: Hope Floats, a fundraiser for Nexus Youth Services
When: Sunday August 30th, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Volunteers should arrive just before 2 p.m. and report to Samantha or Wali)
Where: Marble Slab Creamery, 5955 Latimer Drive, Mississauga (Heartland)

Media Release - 4th Annual Basketball Tournament Brings Together Youth and Police

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:39:00 EDT

For immediate release
August 2015

MISSISSAUGA – Nexus Youth Services (NYS) is hosting its 4th annual basketball tournament on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Celebration Square in Mississauga. Beginning at 3 p.m. with a 3-point shootout, the event will run until 8 p.m. and includes a dunk-off contest, 5-on-5 tournament, free Halal food and prizes.

Launched in 2012, the basketball tournament quickly gained community support. The City of Mississauga coordinated space for the tournament and its Corporate Security personnel were among the first participants. Since then, the event has grown to include players from Peel Regional Police and Mississauga Transit.

“Our goal is help reduce some of the tension that may exist between youth, police and security,” says NYS Youth Engagement Worker and event organizer Darren Dennie. “By mixing up the players on all teams, we build a sense of community.” Dennie says that since the tournament’s inception, he’s seen the impact of improved relations between youth and authority figures. “There’s less stigma attached to reaching out to the police or security for help when you’ve interacted with them in a safe, fun space like a basketball tournament.”

Most of the volunteers charged with running the event are youth who access NYS’ services and see the basketball tournament as an opportunity to have fun and give back. The tournament also relies on community support, including local businesses and NYS partner organizations. Now in its fourth year, the tournament has proven to be a popular event, bringing together a diverse group of players, spectators and community partners to celebrate the end of a great summer, and the commencement of a fresh, strong new school year.

NYS creates opportunities for youth by providing high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth ages 14 to 24. It is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel region. As a youth-serving agency, NYS is committed to youth engagement practice and is dedicated to creating a community that values the diverse voices of youth and young adults through action, partnership and growth.

NYS helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is a fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required.

For more information on NYS programs and services, call 905-795-3518 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Alexandra Macgregor, Communications Specialist – Social Media
(905) 795-3500 ext. 2297

Summer Groups Begin July 2nd

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:56:23 EDT

Looking for fun things to do for free over the summer months? Drop in at the Nexus Youth Centre every week night from July 2nd - August 28th for a variety of different groups and activities. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! These groups are free and do not require registration in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people this summer.

This summer, Nexus is proud to partner with Unity Charity to offer The Hub on Thursday nights. At The Hub, youth can share stories of overcoming adversity through creative expression, including urban art, beatboxing, spoken word and break dancing.

Questions? Contact Darren and Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can also follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook for regular updates, resources and news.

NYS Counsellor Wins Dedication Award

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:45:21 EDT

Nexus Youth Services (NYS) congratulates Bozena Tutaj, who was awarded Peel Region’s very first Dedication Award from the Bhayana Family Foundation. This award recognizes front-line staff working within United Way funded agencies who are dedicated to the mission and values of their agency and demonstrate unwavering loyalty and commitment to its success.

In the words of her colleague Nancy Hood, who nominated Bozena on behalf of the NYS team, Bozena is “brilliant, yet humble; empathetic, yet firm; inquisitive and knowledgeable; and a tenacious advocate. Despite her wealth of knowledge and years of experience, she continues to strive to improve her work. She is always open to feedback and consistently seeks opportunities to add to her repertoire of skills. She is selfless in her giving, never expecting anything in return. Without realizing it she has served as a mentor for many clinicians who have been fortunate enough to work alongside her. Bozena’s appreciation for others is only rivalled by the respect that all of us on the Nexus team have for her”.

Congratulations, Bozena, on an award well-deserved. You are a strong ambassador and advocate for youth mental health in Peel.

2014-15 Nexus Youth Services Annual Report Now Available

Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:36:00 EDT

2014-15 marked another memorable year for Nexus Youth Services (NYS), and we are proud to share a few highlights with you in our latest Annual Report.

In this year's Annual Report, you will find news about NYS' partnerships with the Peel Youth Suicide Prevention Committee and Peel Service Collaborative to faciliate Mental Health First Aid and SAFETalk Certified training in the Peel community; NYS' role in promoting youth engagement as part of Moving On Mental Health; the NexRace youth homelessness documentary project, and more. The 2014-15 Annual Report also features Josh's Journey, which chronicles how NYS has supported one youth in achieving his goals.

You can read the report in full right here on our website.

For regular updates from NYS, be sure to follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook.

Nexus Youth Speak Out Against Mental Health Stigma

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 15:21:00 EDT

On Thursday, June 11th, Nexus Youth Services invites you to join us for NexTalks at the Nexus Youth Centre.

NexTalks will feature youth speakers from the NYS and Peel communities who will be sharing their struggles and successes in dealing with mental health challenges and mental health support services.

The goal of this event is to help destigmatize mental health challenges by normalizing the experiences of so many youth in our community.

We'd love for you to come out and support our amazing young people. Our staff have been personally impacted by their stories and we know you will be, too!

What: NexTalks
When: Thursday, June 11, 2015 - 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: Nexus Youth Centre (Mississauga Central Library, 2nd floor)

We invite you to share this event information with your networks. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend. Free snacks and beverages will be provided.

To learn more about our Community Counselling program, click here.

Spring Groups Start April 27th

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 16:29:00 EDT

Spring is finally here, and that means a new line-up of groups at the Nexus Youth Centre! Spring groups will run from April 27th to June 19th.

Groups run every weeknight at the Nexus Youth Centre and offer something for everyone. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people. Questions? Call Darren or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also find us on YouTube.

Attention Youth! Want to be in a film?

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:54:07 EDT

Attention youth! You are invited to participate in an upcoming film. Themed around The Amazing Race, this documentary will feature youth stories and experiences in the Peel community. There are many ways you can get involved, so come on down to our informational meeting on Wednesday, April 1st at 5:30pm to be a part of something big. Food and beverages will be provided. The meeting will take place at the Nexus Youth Centre, located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library.

We're looking for youth who:

Are 14-24 years old
Have stories/experiences around youth homelessness or mental health
Want to learn about the services around them
Have questions about the project
Want to stop the stigma around youth homelessness

What YOU get from participating:

Become part of the action by playing the role of contestant or sharing your experiences
Meet amazing people planning the event as you learn and grow with Nexus
Honorariums will be given to the chosen participants

This project is made possible by the United Way of Peel Region's Youth in Action grant program.

Nexus Youth Services Featured in Peel Think Share Newsletter

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:14:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services (NYS) is proud to share that our committment to evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) is featured in the Winter 2015 edition of the Peel Think Share newsletter.

An initiative of the Region of Peel, Peel Think Share is dedicated to working with community agencies and service providers to reduce and prevent youth violence. Peel Think Share also believes that EIDM, or the process of involving the best available research evidence in the decision-making process, is the best and most efficient model for decision-making, and that it results in better health and social outcomes for the individuals and communities served. Similarly, NYS embraces EIDM in order to make the best use of limited resources to have the greatest impact for youth in Peel.

You can read the newsletter online here or by downloading it from the menu on the right-hand side of this page. Thank you to Peel Think Share for profiling NYS as its Feaured Agency for Winter 2015!

Celebrate Black History Month at the Nexus Youth Centre

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 15:41:48 EST

February is Black History Month, and that means a full calendar of events all month long to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black men and women in Canada and around the world. We'll be celebrating Black History Month at the Nexus Youth Centre with many different events, including movie nights, a Day of Legends event, and of course, our annual Black History Month wrap-up party, I Have Roots. Stop by the Youth Centre to take part or give us a call at 905-566-1883 for more information. You can also connect with Nexus on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Bell Let's Talk Day at Nexus

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:38:00 EST

On Wednesday, January 28th - also known as Bell Let's Talk Day in Canada - we invite you to join us at the Nexus Youth Centre for a discussion about mental health. This event is free to attend and snacks will be served. Meet us at the Nexus Youth Centre (located on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library) from 6-7 p.m. Questions? Call Darren or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can also connect with Nexus on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Winter 2015 Groups Begin February 2nd

Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:32:00 EST

Happy New Year! A new year means new groups at the Nexus Youth Centre. Our Winter 2015 groups run from February 2nd until April 10th.

Groups run every weeknight at the Nexus Youth Centre and offer something for everyone. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! It's free to join groups and you don't even need to register in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people. Questions? Call Darren or Melissa at 905-566-1883.

You can connect with Nexus on social media, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news. You can also find us on YouTube.

5 Days of Nexmas

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:06:00 EST

We're celebrating the winter holidays with 5 days of Nexmas from December 15th-19th! Join us at the Nexus Youth Centre every night from 5-7 p.m. for holiday movies, gift wrapping, hot chocolate and more.

We're also holding our Nexmas holiday party at the Glass Pavilion in the Mississauga Central Library on Friday, December 19th. Join us from 5-8 p.m. for free food, games, music and more. All youth ages 14-24 are welcome. We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions about about the Nexmas events, drop by the Youth Centre or give us a call at 905-566-1883. You can also connect with Nexus on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Media Release - United Way Peel Region Supports Youth-Led Homelessness Project with $2,000 Youth in Action Grant

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:43:00 EST

For immediate release
December 2014

MISSISSAUGA – Nexus Youth Services’ Pro-Ject Leadership Group (PLG) is a recipient of a 2014-15 Youth in Action grant from United Way Peel Region. With this $2,000 grant, the PLG will create a short Amazing Race-themed documentary that aims to raise awareness about youth homelessness and mental health in Peel.

The documentary, called NexRace, will profile existing youth resources in the Peel community, as well as youth stories so that audiences can learn about how homelessness and mental health impact youth directly. The project will also address issues of youth unemployment, poverty, and transitions to independence and adulthood.

“The youth leading this project are a very committed and team-oriented group,” says Nexus Youth Services (NYS) Supervisor John Choi. “They are excited to be working on a project that reflects the lived experiences of many young people who access the Nexus Youth Centre. This project was inspired in part by friendships with youth who are coping with homelessness.”

Youth in Action Grants are a one-time grant opportunity focused on youth-led projects that offer creative youth-initiated ideas to address community issues in Peel Region. Youth and/or groups of youth between the ages of 14 and 24 are eligible to apply for this grant, and requests can be made for up to $2,000 per project.

NYS creates opportunities for youth by providing high quality services that are inclusive and responsive to the needs and voices of youth ages 14 to 24. It is an accredited, community-based, publicly funded, mental health agency serving youth living in Peel region. As a youth-serving agency, NYS is committed to youth engagement practice and is dedicated to creating a community that values the diverse voices of youth and young adults through action, partnership and growth.

NYS helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is a fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required.

For more information on NYS programs and services, call the Nexus Youth Centre at 905-566-1883 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquires:
Alexandra Macgregor, Communications Specialist - Social Media
905-795-3500 ext. 2297

Fall for Music with Nexus on November 5th!

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:22:00 EDT

On November 5th, we're hosting Fall for Music at the Glass Pavillion at the Mississauga Central Library from 5-8pm. We'll be serving free food and there will be lots of entertainment in the form of spoken word performances, games and karaoke. This event is FREE and open to all youth ages 14-24. We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions about this event, drop by the Youth Centre or give us a call at 905-566-1883. You can also connect with Nexus on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Media Release - The Community Foundation of Mississauga Supports At-Risk Youth in Peel with $32,000 Grant Benefiting Nexus Youth Centre

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:55:00 EDT

For immediate release
September 2014

MISSISSAUGA – Nexus Youth Services (Nexus) is thrilled to share the good news of its recent grant success! On September 9th, Eileen MacKenzie, Executive Director at The Community Foundation of Mississauga, visited Nexus Youth Centre (NYC) to present a $32,000 cheque to staff and youth.

The Foundation’s grant will ensure that NYC’s important drop-in programs will continue to be available, free of charge, to at-risk youth in the Mississauga community. These programs engage local youth in creative ways that reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges and asking for help, while providing coping skills and information about community resources.

“The Community Foundation of Mississauga is committed to helping donors create a lasting legacy of support for high impact charitable programs in Mississauga,” said Eileen MacKenzie. “We are proud to support Nexus who has a well-earned reputation for helping youth who are experiencing emotional, social and/or behavioural difficulties to achieve their potential. Through community philanthropy, we can work together to strengthen outcomes for young people.”

“Nexus is grateful to the Community Foundation of Mississauga for their incredible commitment to our community, and the generous support of our Nexus Youth Centre,” said Humphrey Mitchell, C.E.O. of Nexus Youth Services. “We look forward to building this exciting new partnership.”

The Community Foundation of Mississauga is one of the fastest growing charitable movements that builds community vitality by supporting the people of Mississauga. As a charitable organization, the Foundation works with donors to provide monetary grants to local charities that focus on improving the quality of life in our community.

Nexus is a fully accredited mental health agency that offers support services, free of charge, to youth (age 14-24) in the Region of Peel. Nexus helps more than 2,000 youth annually through its Community Counselling Program and the Nexus Youth Centre (NYC), located in the Mississauga Central Library. NYC is a fully accessible drop-in centre, providing mental health counselling services, daily activities and group programs to youth with no referral required.

For more information on Nexus programs and services, call the Nexus Youth Centre at 905-566-1883 or visit www.nexusyouth.ca.

Media enquiries:
Mora Thompson, Communications Specialist
(905) 795-3507

Fall 2014 Groups Calendar Now Available

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 11:27:15 EDT

The summer is drawing to a close, and that means a new season of group programming at the Nexus Youth Centre!

Drop in at the Nexus Youth Centre every week night from September 15th to December 12th for a variety of different groups and activities. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! These groups are free and do not require registration in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people this summer!

You can connect with Nexus online, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news.

Are you a Black youth between 16-24? We want to hear from you!

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:42:00 EDT

The FACES Collaborative is currently conducting research on the Black community in Peel, with a specialized focus on youth. The Collaborative is currently conducting focus group sessions and interviews with social services workers, youth, and those individuals working with the Black community.

On Friday, August 29th at 2 p.m., Nexus Youth Services is hosting a focus group for youth to better understand the issues and barriers that face Black youth in our community. To participate, please contact Darren Dennie at ddennie (at) nexusyouth (dot) ca or call 905-566-1883.

This research is being conducted according to the Youth Participatory Action Research methodology, which means that interviews and focus groups will be conducted by youth from the community who are trained in fieldwork, anti-oppression and community engagement strategies.

Lead organizations for this Collaborative include the United Way of Peel Region, Social Planning Council of Peel and Peel Children's Aid Society. Dr. Grace-Edward Galabuzi from Ryerson University as well as Dr. Carl James of York University are also part of this project.

FREE Co-Ed Basketball Tournament August 19th

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 12:32:00 EDT

On Tuesday, August 19th Nexus is hosting a basketball tournament in Celebration Square! The event will kick off with a 3 point shoot out and dunk off at 3pm, followed by a tournament featuring youth players and players from Mississauga Security and Peel Regional Police.

This is a free, co-ed event. Email Darren at ddennie (at) nexusyouth (dot) ca or call 905-566-1883 to sign up!

Saturday, August 9th: Celebrity Scoop Night for Nexus!

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:00:00 EDT

On Saturday, August 9th staff and youth will be at Marble Slab Creamery in Mississauga, scooping ice cream and mixin's in support of Nexus Youth Services! Drop by between 3pm and 7pm, enjoy a cool treat, and 30% of the proceeds will be donated directly to Nexus. We hope to see you there!

Check Out the 2014 Summer Calendar!

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:30:00 EDT

Looking for fun things to do over the summer months? Drop in at the Nexus Youth Centre every week night from June 30th-August 29th for a variety of different groups and activities. You can even earn volunteer hours for participating! These groups are free and do not require registration in advance -- just drop in, hang out and get to know some awesome people this summer!

You can connect with Nexus online, too! Follow Nexus on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for daily updates, resources and news.

2013/14 Nexus Annual Report Now Available!

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:14:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our 2013/14 Annual Report. It's been a defining year and we've achieved a lot, most notably in terms of our Commitment to Youth Engagement. Highlights from our Annual Report include our Accreditiation by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, our presentation on Youth Engagement at the 2013 Children's Mental Health Ontario Conference, as well as messages shared by some of our youth partners.

You can read the report in full right here on our website.

Don't forget to follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events!

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament May 7th!

Fri, 02 May 2014 11:51:00 EDT

On Wednesday, May 7th from 4pm-7pm Nexus is co-hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with the Mississauga Youth Advisory Committee and the Mississauga Power. Registration is open to youth between the ages of 14-24 and all players must register online before Wednesday. For more information or if you have any questions, contact Darren at 905-556-1883 or Jeremie at [email protected]. This event is part of REBEL14, a week of free events for youth, by youth. Check out the complete calendar of events on the official REBEL14 website.

Spring Groups Start April 21st!

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 10:40:00 EDT

The Nexus Youth Centre hosts regular groups for youth each week. Our Spring 2014 groups begin on April 21st and will run until June 13th. There is no cost to join and no need to register - just show up! You can even earn volunteer hours for participating in Nexus groups. If you have questions or want to suggest a group theme, stop by the Youth Centre or give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Celebrate Black History Month with Nexus

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 12:00:00 EST

It's that time of year again! Each year in Canada we set aside the month of February to commemorate the important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. We call this month Black History Month.

Black History Month was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February 1969, and the first celebration of Black History Month in the US took place one year later in February 1970. In Canada, Black History Month was first officially recognized in 1995.

This month at Nexus we're hosting a tonne of events and activities to celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of Black Canadians in our community. For example, every Tuesday night this month we're screening a movie celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans, like Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play professional baseball. On Saturday, February 8th we're heading over the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga to see the play Aneemah's Spot, which features a stylistic mix of stealthy dialogue, rhyme and spoken word, and at the end of the month we'll wrap up the #BHM festivities with a party at the Glass Pavilion in the Mississauga Central Library.

You can download the complete calendar of events on this page, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest #BlackHistoryMonth news, events and trivia. If you have any questions about anything going on at the Nexus Youth Centre, just drop by or give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Happy Black History Month from all of us at Nexus!

Winter 2014 Groups Calendar Now Available

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 15:06:00 EST

The Nexus Youth Centre hosts regular groups for youth each week. Our Winter 2014 groups begin on February 3rd and will run until April 4th. There is no cost to join and no need to register - just show up! You can even earn volunteer hours for participating in Nexus groups. If you have questions or want to suggest a group theme, stop by the Youth Centre or give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Nexus Youth Services Successfully Re-Accredited!

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 14:30:00 EST

Previously accredited by Children’s Mental Health Ontario, Nexus Youth Services is very pleased to announce the results of our first accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, an independent, not-for-profit organization offering accreditation to community-based health service organizations in Canada.

Achieving 100% of both Mandatory and Leading Practice Standards, Nexus was humbled by the Review Team’s written feedback about Nexus staff and how they build “a very strong positive and trusting relationship with youth that makes them feel comfortable approaching staff when they need support.” The Review Team also shared that at Nexus the youth feel “physically and emotionally safe and respected” and that they were “very impressed with the work done in the area of Youth Engagement. The team felt it was a model for other organizations to learn from.”

The Accreditation process includes the submission of hundreds of supporting documents as well as a site visit and interviews with staff, board members, and clients. For the first time, our Accreditation Review included a Youth Engagement Module, and as part of the evaluation process for this Module our Review Team included a Youth Reviewer who conducted interviews with youth at the Nexus Youth Centre.

Nexus would like to thank everyone involved in achieving these incredible results. It is on a very positive note that we kick off the New Year and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2014 will bring for Nexus Youth Services!

Get Festive with Nexus!

Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:00:00 EST

On Friday, December 13th Nexus Youth Services is hosting a Jolly Gingerbread Night at the Glass Pavilion in the Mississauga Central Library. Join us at 5pm for games, prizes, a DJ, free food and open mic performances. This is a FREE event for young people ages 14-24. Questions? Contact us at the Youth Centre by calling 905-566-1883 or by using the Contact Us form on our website. You can also reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook. See you on Friday!

Youth Engagement: From Theory to Practice [Presentation Slides]

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 13:21:00 EST

Yesterday Nexus had the pleasure of presenting Youth Engagement: From Theory to Practice at the 2013 Children's Mental Health Ontario conference in Toronto. The workshop sparked a lot of great discussion and we were thrilled to share our work on engaging young people with such a vibrant group of participants. Today we're sharing the slides from the presentation on our website. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to get in touch with any of our presenters, please drop us a line on our Contact Us page. Thanks again to everyone who attended the workshop!

Nightmare On Nexus Street

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:55:00 EDT

On Wednesday, October 30th we're hosting Nightmare on Nexus Street! Join us from 5-8.30pm at the Youth Centre for monstrous movies, terrifying treats and ghoulish games, including a very scary scavenger hunt.

Brave enough to show up? Tweet us using the hashtag #NightmareOnNexusStreet.... if you dare....

Image via paparutzi

First Contact Group at Nexus Youth Centre

Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:32:00 EDT

Beginning on Tuesday, October 22nd, Nexus Youth Services, in partnership with Peel Children's Centre, will be offering First Contact, a four-week group to help youth increase their awareness of substance use, understand how it impacts them, and develop strategies to begin replacing it with healthier options. Participation in this group is completely free but individuals do need to pre-register.

For more information, to make a potential referral or to register for this group, please contact Garth Buckley, Clinical Coordinator, Concurrent Disorders Program at (905) 795-3500 ext. 2200 or Darren Dennie at (905) 566-1883.

Thanksgiving Celebration 2013 Pictures Now Online!

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 19:00:00 EDT

On Wednesday, Nexus Youth Services hosted a Thanksgiving Celebration in the Glass Pavilion at Mississauga Central Library. You can view photos from the event on our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who came to the event and special thanks to The Real Canadian Superstore on Mavis and Dundas and Metro Grocery for their generous donations!

Speed Networking Event: September 12th

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 11:22:00 EDT

Are you looking for a job? Want to improve your resume? Interested in talking to professionals working in the field? Visit us at the Nexus Youth Centre on September 12th from 4.30-6.30pm for our Speed Networking event! Learn interview skills, get help with your resume and network with professionals in our community. No need to register and the event is completely free to attend. Questions? Give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Our Fall 2013 Calendar is Now Available!

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 16:20:00 EDT

The Nexus Youth Centre hosts regular groups for youth each week. Our Fall 2013 groups begin on September 16th and run until November 22nd. There is no cost to join and no need to register - just show up! If you have questions or want to suggest a group theme, stop by the Youth Centre or give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Join us for #Sportsfest 2013!

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 09:36:52 EDT

On Thursday, August 29th from 3.30-7pm join us at Civic Centre Skate Park in Mississauga for Sportsfest! There will be free refreshments, games, prizes and cool soccer demos. No need to register ahead of time and it's free to attend and participate. See you there!

For more information, call Darren or Aliyah at the Youth Centre: 905-566-1883.

We're hosting a 5-on-5 basketball tournament!

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:15:00 EDT

On Tuesday, August 20th join Nexus Youth Services for a friendly game of basketball against the City of Mississauga's Security team. Contact Darren or Aaliyah at 905-566-1883 to sign up.

Nexus has a new video!

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 15:53:00 EDT

In our latest video, we talk about why Nexus is a great place to hang out with old friends and meet new ones. Special thanks to our youth voices for sharing why they enjoy spending time at Nexus Youth Centre!

Stay tuned for more videos in the coming months and don't forget to share them with your friends.

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news, events and resources.

Earn Volunteer Hours at Nexus Youth Centre!

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:10:00 EDT

Did you know you can earn community service hours by participating in groups at the Nexus Youth Centre? Fill out the Participant Application Form available on our website and drop it off at the Youth Centre to let us know what kinds of activities you'd like to be involved in. Remember: you can earn community service hours during the summer too!

Penny Drive for Nexus Youth Services!

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:55:00 EDT

Canada has discontinued using the penny, but that doesn't mean it isn't still a useful coin! Bring your pennies to Nexus Youth Centre and you can be entered into a draw to pie a member of our staff in the face! Each 25 pennies you bring in will earn you an entry into the draw, and there is no limit as to how many pennies you can donate. Give us a call at 905-566-1883 or stop by the Youth Centre for more information.

Nexus Youth Services Annual Report Now Available Online

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 18:00:00 EDT

Nexus Youth Services is proud to celebrate another great year with our first Annual Report with our new look. It's been a defining year and we've achieved a lot, including the launch of our new brand look, our awesome video series about youth mental health, and our presence on social media. You can read the report in full right here on our website.

Don't forget to follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news and events!

Check out our new video!

Tue, 02 Jul 2013 17:15:00 EDT

In our latest video, youth who come to our drop-in space talk about what an awesome, fun and friendly place it is to hang out in. Newcomers are always welcome! Come visit us on the 2nd floor of the Mississauga Central Library. Our hours are 11am-9pm on Mondays, 10am-9pm Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-6pm Fridays, and 11am-5pm on Saturdays.

We'll be releasing more videos over the coming months featuring more youth and our counselling staff. Stay tuned and please share our videos with your friends!

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest youth mental health news, events and resources.

Nexus Youth Centre Summer 2013 Calendar Now Available

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:15:00 EDT

Summer is finally here! Join us at the Youth Centre for basketball, personal training and groups just for girls and just for guys. Check out our new summer calendar for more information or give us a call at 905-566-1883.

Nexus celebrates Child & Youth Mental Health Week with a new video!

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 EDT

May 5th-11th, 2013 is Children's Mental Health Week, and to support this event Nexus Youth Services has released a new video called It's Okay to Ask for Help featuring youth who use our counselling and drop-in services. In this video, our youth talk about the importance of seeking help for mental health issues, and how much better they felt after accessing Nexus's services. The main message in this video is that even though it might be scary at first, asking for help will make you feel a lot better. We are so proud and happy to have such awesome youth mental health advocates speak on behalf of Nexus.

We'll be releasing a series of short videos over the coming months featuring more youth and our counselling staff. Stay tuned and please share this video with your friends!

Follow @YouthNexus on Twitter and Like Nexus Youth Services on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest youth mental health news, events and resources.

Nexus Celebrates National Youth Week & National Youth Arts Week 2013!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:25:00 EDT

Did you know…

May 1st-7th is National Youth Week and National Youth Arts Week! Several community centres across Mississauga are hosting for youth-by-youth events as part of Rebel 13 (a City of Mississauga initiative) and Nexus Youth Centre is in on the action! Join us for Open Mic and Guitar Hero on May 1st, and on May 7th for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a live DJ and free food! Please see the flyer for more information or call us at the Youth Centre for more information: 905-566-1883.

Nexus looks forward to celebrating the talents, skills and genuine awesomeness of all our youth!

NYC Spring 2013 Calendar now available!

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Put some "spring in your step" and come to Nexus Youth Centre. Check out our spring activities!

Nexus Youth Services Launches New Brand

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:02:00 EDT

March 21, 2013

For Immediate Release

(Mississauga, Ontario) – Today Nexus Youth Services, a social service agency specializing in youth mental health, hosted a community celebration to launch its new and refreshed brand.

The celebration, which featured youth who played an active role in developing the new brand, demonstrated Nexus’ commitment to youth engagement.

Nexus’ new tagline, For You. With You. speaks to how Nexus works with youth to develop its services. “Nexus involves youth in meaningful ways in all major decisions that impact them,” said Humphrey Mitchell, Nexus’ Executive Director.

“We work with youth to create a safe, relaxing and respectful environment that celebrates youth culture in all its diversity. Youth’s energy and expertise help us develop services that are right for them,” Mitchell said.

Nexus’ new logo, with clean, modern lines, includes a stylized “n” icon that resembles a person, demonstrating the agency’s youth services mission.

Nexus also launched its new website (www.nexusyouth.ca) and video at the celebration. The video, which Nexus youth helped to design, features several youth who participate in Nexus’ services.

In keeping with youth’s use of social media, Nexus made its first foray into the world of social media, livetweeting throughout the event (#nexuslaunch). Nexus has also established its presence on Facebook and YouTube, with a blog coming in the near future.

At the celebration, Mitchell thanked the many people who have contributed to the brand launch, including Nexus’ Youth Engagement Working Group, a group of youth who participate in Nexus’ Community Counselling program or the Nexus Youth Centre.

He also thanked Fingerprint Communications, the company that created the brand, and Logograph, the company that created the website and video, as well as staff who supported the rebranding process.

- 30 -

Information:

Mora Thompson, Communications Specialist

905-795-3507

Karen Anslow, Clinical Manager

905-795-3500 ext. 2299

Join us March 21 when we launch our new look!

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Join our Party as we launch our new look! Enjoy our new website, see our new video, follow us on Twitter

March Break at Nexus Youth Centre

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:50:00 EST

Enjoy your March Break with us. Lots of activities for youth ages 14 to 24!

Come celebrate Black History Month on Feb 26

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Come celebrate Black History Month with Nexus! Everyone is welcome at our open mic, 5:30 - 8:00 pm in the Glass Pavilion, Mississauga Central Library.

Join us at Nexus Youth Centre!

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:51:00 EST

Looking for ways to beat the winter blahs? Try our drop-in activities or groups at Nexus Youth Centre!