CYFF is a Black-led nonprofit foundation based in St. James Town, Toronto — delivering free, professional programming for children and youth in communities that deserve it most. Beginning with the arts. Growing into sports, education, and beyond.
CYFF was founded in the heart of St. James Town — Canada's most densely populated neighbourhood — to fill the void left when our community lost its youth programming. For years, the Cabbagetown Youth Centre's performing arts program brought children from St. James Town and Regent Park together. When that program ended, the children it served were left without a home.
CYFF exists to restore what was taken and build something stronger — free, community-rooted programming that grows with the children and neighbourhoods we serve. We are not a top-down service. We are a community coming home.
"We are not asking anyone to take a chance on something unknown. We are asking our community to help us bring back something that worked — and make it better."
— Errol Brooks, Founder & Executive Director
A free, free performing arts day camp for 50 children ages 6–12 from St. James Town and Regent Park. Professional artists. Daily meals. Door-to-door transportation. Zero cost to families.
Character development, improvisation, and ensemble storytelling rooted in participants' own lived experiences and cultural narratives.
Hip hop, contemporary, and culturally rooted movement styles reflecting the diverse backgrounds of St. James Town and Regent Park.
Rhythm, vocal basics, and percussion — no prior experience required. Every child finds their voice.
Poetry, personal narrative, and oral storytelling traditions from multiple cultures — building confidence and self-expression.
"Founded in the heart of St. James Town, CYFF's mission is to empower the next generation to grow and thrive — cultivating resilience, embracing adversity with a positive mindset, and upholding a spirit of determination, kindness, and integrity in all they do. Rooted in the same tradition as the programs that once served our community, we exist to fill the void left behind — beginning with the arts, and growing into sports, education, and beyond."
St. James Town is Canada's most densely populated neighbourhood — home to over 17,000 residents, the majority newcomers and low-income families. Regent Park, our neighbouring community, has shared in our history and our future. Just as the programs before us welcomed children from both communities, so do we.
StageReady is just the beginning. Our vision is a full summer camp in 2027, sports programming to follow, and eventually a year-round model for youth development that gives every child in this community a place to belong.
Whether you want to sponsor a meal, partner with us, register your child, or simply learn more — we'd love to hear from you.
Or email us directly at info@cyfffoundation.ca