06/10/2026
While many young people in Toronto face barriers related to poverty, access to employment or post-secondary education, and challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues, SoCirC : Social Circus Circle is expanding its programming to better support them, building trust and confidence along the way.
With a $218,200 Grow grant, SoCirC helped more Toronto youth build stronger connections and a sense of belonging by expanding their program from two schools to five schools, and providing twice as many hours in each school. Grounded in the Cirque-du-Monde model, the program begins with participation, social games and play, trust-building, teamwork, and creative exercises, then progresses into circus arts alongside group reflection and check-ins that reinforce respect and consent. SoCirC created a space where young people can tap into their inner entertainers, while building social skills that will help them thrive as they transition out of school.
Over 600 youth aged 14-29 participated in the project, targeting youth with intersectional identities including 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized, Indigenous, disabled, and youth with mental-health challenges.
Be inspired by the impact of other OTF grantees:
https://otf.ca/our-grants/impact-stories