PPT Launches Renovated Office Space & Celebrates Youth Leadership Program

“We would like to extend a deep appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Funding infrastructure for nonprofit organizations is very challenging to secure and badly needed”, says Datta-Ray. “The OTF grants have helped us create a modern and safe multi-purpose space to deliver programs and services to some of Toronto’s most vulnerable youth. As community needs grow and change, this kind of funding allows us to grow and change as well. Responsiveness is especially crucial for youth programs.” 

PPT received two recent grants from the OTF. The first, a capital grant, modernized key portions of PPT’s aging programming spaces. The second grant funds a multi-year youth leadership program that seeks to build youth capacity to combat misinformation, transphobia, homophobia and racism and build networks of youth advocacy. This is particularly relevant at a time when it is becoming increasingly challenging for youth to access trusted information.   

“When it comes to sexual and reproductive care, mental health and designing a brighter future, youth know what they need.” says Datta-Ray. “Too often health and political decisions are made FOR young people. PPT enjoys a remarkable amount of trust and support from community because we see ourselves as resources and accomplices to, not authorities for youth. And inevitably, that leads to better health outcomes and nurtures youth leaders. That’s at the heart of building Youth Futures.” 

Founded in 1961 as an advocacy and lobby group to work towards changing legislation around birth control, PPT today is a community health centre where youth can access healthcare, participate and lead in programs, volunteer, find information, and support. PPT is rooted in the principles of Reproductive Justice. Above all else PPT is youth-driven, anti-racist, culturally-responsive, queer- and trans-affirming.