Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada launched the Raise Resiliency Project with investment from TD Bank Group, to strengthen mental health and wellbeing for young people facing challenges at home. Grounded in research showing that youth exposed to mental health challenges within their household face increased health risks, this initiative focuses on early intervention through high-quality mentoring relationships.
Through the project, participating agencies deliver community-based one-to-one mentoring for youth aged 10–18 who have experienced household mental illness. Across participating sites, agencies connected young people with trained mentors who provide consistent support, encouragement, and guidance. Early data shows strong engagement among participating matches and positive gains in Developmental Relationships, with youth reporting increased feelings of support, belonging, and confidence.
Beyond individual outcomes, the project is strengthening the federation’s ability to respond to youth mental health needs. Participating agencies are also enhancing wraparound supports for mentees and families through stronger connections with community service providers, including referrals to local supports and partnerships with mental health organizations to provide specialized training and resources for staff, volunteers, and mentors. Each year, BBBSC tracks 13 of the adversities young people are consistently facing (see chart). In 2025, 2 in 5 young people reported that they or a member their household experienced mental illness. Three in 10 mentees report having seen or heard violence. Agencies are building deeper partnerships with community mental health providers, improving referral pathways for families, and strengthening data collection to better understand how mentoring can buffer adversity.
Thanks to TD’s generous five-year investment, the Raise Resiliency Project is helping young people build the relationships and resilience they need to navigate challenges and thrive—while advancing a more coordinated, evidenceinformed approach to youth mental health across the Big Brothers Big Sisters network.
Early data shows strong engagement among participating matches and positive gains in Developmental Relationships, with youth reporting increased feelings of support, belonging, and confidence.
We want to thank all our partners like TD who help reach youth who need us most.
