The LifeEdge Program provides individualized support to youth who have experienced sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in York Region through a day program and one-on-one support. The program occurs at BridgeNorth’s office in Newmarket. Youth in the LifeEdge program have access to our day program where they learn important life skills and engage in new and fun activities. Participants also met with two workers who provide them with support which is tailored to their unique situation, experiences, and needs. Youth in the LifeEdge program are offered a safe and stable place where they can begin to heal from their trafficking experience, meet their needs, learn new skills, and thrive.

Transportation is one of the greatest barriers to accessing the LifeEdge Program. Due to the nature of sex trafficking, many participants are experiencing precarious housing, low income, and don’t have access to reliable transportation. To reduce this barrier, we provide participants with transportation whenever possible. This most often takes the form of vouchers for Uber or staff driving to meet them in their community.

By funding transportation to our office in Newmarket, you will increase the accessibility of the LifeEdge Program for the youth who need it most. The youth who move frequently, who don’t have a stable and reliable home, and who count on our support as one of the only consistent resources in their lives. It will allow us to bring more youth to the program and for staff to drive to meet youth in their communities. This will increase their connectedness, engagement, and ultimately their safety.