Toronto is one of the largest multicultural societies in the world, and it is known for the opportunities and supports it provides for people of various backgrounds. Toronto’s diversity is especially apparent in the Jane and Finch community, whose residents comprise of 80 ethno-cultural groups, speaking 112 different languages. For decades this community has been a welcoming home to new immigrants. As with all families, people seek happiness, peace, and prosperity, and they come here with the intention of providing the best for their children.

It has been said that, “children are our future”. However, for some children the future is strikingly bleak. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many children in the Jane and Finch community, which has a reputation for being a place of crime and poverty. Many children are exposed to social and financial impoverishment, gun violence, drugs, and teenage pregnancies. These environments increase children’s likelihood to drop out of school, and it limits their ability to achieve, excel, and be heard. 

Although this is not the wish for many parents, it is often a difficult reality that is a result of circumstance. It occurs especially when parents hold several jobs and are not able to care for their children after school or over the summer. Over the years, programs have been started to better support the children and families living in Jane and Finch. However more is still needed to instill in these children the confidence, motivation, and skills to succeed. 

In November 2007, under the leadership of Reverend Thomas Kim, the “Anti-Poverty Working Group” was formed at University Presbyterian Church and it ventured to develop relevant programs in which the church could better support members of the Jane and Finch community. The primary concern targeted by the group was the need to support children and enrich their literacy. The Reaching Up Ministry was created as a result of this vision. 

The objective of Reaching Up is to promote educational excellence as the ultimate solution to overcoming poverty and violence in the community. The Homework Club and Music School are two key sections to the threefold program that is determined to sever the cords of hopelessness among families seeking enriched experiences for their children.