Discrimination and exclusion
Racism at school or elsewhere, stereotypes, and not feeling fully recognized.
Programs and initiatives
Relationships that open possibilities.
Hand of Emmanuel is developing initiatives with young people, families, and communities. Our first program is mentorship for people aged 13 and older, with particular attention to youth from racialized communities.
Get a mentorBecome a mentor
Our first program, in development
Youth mentorship · Ages 13 and older
A selected and prepared adult offers consistent presence, listening, and encouragement. Sessions are planned online; in-person meetings may be arranged based on mentor and mentee availability and, for minors, parent or guardian agreement. Submitting a form does not begin a mentorship match.
More initiatives may follow
Mentorship is our first building block. Future programs will be shaped with young people, families, and partners around real needs and available resources. We do not describe unlaunched programs as services already offered.
Challenges young people may face
Racialized young people are not one uniform group, and their strengths extend far beyond the barriers they encounter. Some nevertheless face challenges tied to their environment and access to support. These concerns can affect other young people as well.
Belonging and identity
Isolation, peer pressure, questions of identity, and gaps between generations or cultures.
Access to support
Mental health stigma, cost, and a lack of culturally responsive services.
School and future pathways
A need for listening and guidance around education, careers, and the transition to adulthood.
Substance use
Pressures and risks that affect young people of every background; trusted relationships can support informed choices.
Distress and suicidal thoughts
A situation requiring immediate, specialized help; mentorship is not a crisis intervention.
Our contribution: one steady relationship
A mentor can listen without judgment, help a young person recognize their strengths, encourage belonging, and connect them with appropriate resources when a need is beyond the mentor’s role. Mentorship alone cannot solve racism, inequality, addiction, or a mental health crisis. It adds a trusted relationship to the family and community network.
Support in a crisis
Need help now? If you or someone close to you is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 (24/7 in Canada). For immediate danger, call 9-1-1. This website and its mentorship forms are not emergency services.
988.caSources and inspiration
Our approach draws on the value of mentoring relationships practiced in Ottawa. The challenges above are grounded in public sources; they are not outcomes already achieved by Hand of Emmanuel.