Whose story matters? Your Story Matters! Community groups in Ontario collaborate to design innovative youth program

BY PAUL JUNOR

Revitaled Reintegration Services has been making a positive difference in the Durham region since it was launched in 2021. It is a registered non-profit that is active in assisting youth who have contact with the justice system by addressing reintegration gaps.

Details about an innovative and creative program that it offers titled, “Your Story Matters” was described in a press release issued on Saturday, February 8^th, 2025. The press release mentioned that through the power of storytelling, BIPOC youth in Durham are able to develop holistic wellness as they address systematic and structural barriers.

The program was made possible through a collaboration with several partners such as: Black Sun Comics, Durham Community Health Center, BLEND Consulting and the Regional Municipality of Durham.

“The power of storytelling to change lives is important to BIPOC youth.”

The mission of Revitaled Reintegration Services involves empowering individuals and communities by promoting holistic wellness across various societal sectors, grounded in Afrocentric values. It does the following:

• Provides culturally resonant services that support emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being for all, focusing on systematically marginalized populations, especially Black communities
• Addressing the systemic barriers that hinder wellness, we aim to foster healing, resilience, and personal growth, creating space where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.”

I spoke to Shevani Patel, Project Lead on Friday, February 28^th, regarding this project. She told me that she has been involved with the program since it was launched in 2024 and she is excited about its relaunch in Ajax, Ontario in summer of 2025. The unique features of the program involve: the sharing of personal lived realities through creative comic stories, building of self-esteem, creativity, and healthy interpersonal skills. Patel states in the press release, “Your Story Matters allowed these youth to self-reflect and think about their own experiences. These youth were provided with an amazing opportunity to understand the anti-Black racism that permeates through all systems in society.” She elaborates further, “It was an eye-opening opportunity for me to see how entrenched these barriers are on a day-to-day basis for these young people. These barriers need to be addressed with wrap-around support, and ‘Your Story Matters’ allowed these youth to receive that support.”

One of the positive developments that resulted from the program, was a comprehensive commentary guide which provided helpful and practical information to help service providers design other programs, which focus on: inclusivity, practicality, and intentionality.

The commentary was developed through the utilization of a listening circles intertwined with modern workshop practices and was written by Jasmayne Julien and Shevani Patel. Three ways were listed that the project supports social development such as:

• Creating a positive environment where youth can boost their self-esteem through skills development
• Equipping participants with sustainable tools to prevent the development of harmful behaviours.
• Encourage the development of positive relationships with peers and mentors in the program.

The commentary is divided into four stories each with a synopsis, context and takeaways:

• Story 1: Maybelle’s New School by R.J
• Story 2: Xero in the Computer by I.T.D.L
• Story 3: De Rock Adventures of Rick by J.T
• Story 4: Shark Attack by I.G and his Dad

The commentary notes, “The experiences of each youth in this project offers insight into their values and priorities, and how we can assist them in maintaining these values and achieving their goals.”

Some of the services that Revitaled Reintegration services provide are:

Peer counselling

• Tailored goal-oriented peer support to help improve mental health and develop effective coping strategies.
• Participants conduct an assessment with a counsellor to determine needs, expand the circle of care and establish goals.
• Flexible participation: a recommended minimum of four sessions required, with no maximum-it’s your journey.
• Certificates of completion are provided upon completing a minimum of four sessions.

Advocacy

• Advocacy support complements counselling sessions
• Road-mapping conversations are dedicated discussions to explore your aspirations and map out actionable steps toward your goals.
• These discussions lead to the creation of Action Maps
• These are a comprehensive record of client progress, insights, and actionable strategies for continued success.
• Maps are usable for job applications, parole hearings, or other processes where validation of your efforts is needed.

Knowledge sharing

The creation of resources that support both clients and practitioners expand their knowledge and skills through formats such as:

• Recorded workshops
• Resource lists
• Guided toolkits

The range of topics covered include:

• Nutrition and healthy living
• Financial literacy
• Positive communication and relationship-building
• Parenting and reconnecting with family