Developing resilience among youth through Hip Hop.

We are a non-profit organization that builds resilience among youth through free Hip Hop programs.

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November 25, 2024

Puttin' in Work: Breaking Barriers panel

July 20, 2024

UNITY Fest '24

Hybrid

The Source - Halifax

"Breaking Barriers: Paving the Way for Canada's Future in Breaking” – A Game-Changing Research Report

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Who we are

Unity Charity is a national non-profit organization empowering youth aged 13-29 through free Hip Hop programs. We've positively impacted over half a million lives, building resilience and nurturing healthier communities.
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Why we exist

Youth mental health is in crisis

A comprehensive Stats Canada report, "Portrait of Youth in Canada," reveals a troubling trend: young Canadians are experiencing worse mental health outcomes compared to older generations. This is not just a recent phenomenon; the mental well-being of youth has been on a decline for the past two decades.

Barriers to Access for Mental Health Supports

The Canadian Institute for Health Information highlights a concerning gap: only 60% of children and youth with early mental health needs were able to access necessary services. Youth Mental Health Canada reveals that a staggering 70% of mental health issues start in childhood or adolescence. Urgent, ongoing interventions are crucial now more than ever.

Digital Divide

In a recent study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, youth revealed profound challenges amidst and post-pandemic: 48% feel isolated and lonely, and 9% lack access to vital mental and health support. For marginalized youth, restricted access to data plans and devices exacerbates these struggles exponentially.

Hip Hop’s Neglect in the Canadian Arts Sector

Despite its popularity, Hip-hop is often overlooked compared to traditionally white art forms like ballet and opera, which receive more funding and acclaim. Black art forms, including Graffiti, MCing, and Breaking, struggle to achieve similar status or investment. Even with global recognition, such as Breaking becoming an Olympic sport, Hip-hop artists and organizations still face significant funding barriers.

Unemployment and discrimination in creative industries

According to census data from 2016, racialized persons saw an unemployment rate of 7.7%, compared to an unemployment rate of 7.3% for non-racialized persons. 2SLGBTQ+ youth face additional barriers to educational access and are more likely to face mental health challenges. In a Canadian study, 30% of 2SLGBTQ+ youth reported skipping school because they felt unsafe.
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What we do

Unity's journey starts in schools with INSPIRE outreach, where Hip Hop artists introduce youth to the art forms as powerful tools for expression and overcoming challenges. From there, youth join ENGAGE initiatives, building resilience, social networks, and skills through weekly community programs led by peers and mentors. Finally, in EMPOWER opportunities, youth gain professional development, economic prospects, and leadership skills, exploring careers within and beyond Unity’s national network.

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Our Impact

From  2023-24

 inspire

Outreach and awareness building initiatives

engage

Community building initiatives

empower

Career development initiatives
events

5023

Youth served across 25 schools

81

%

Participants learned how Hip Hop helps manage stress, understand emotions, and resolve conflict.

79

%

Participants reported feeling represented, seen and heard

2957

Youth engaged across 34 programs

96

%

Gained resilience and social capital

97

%

Experienced sense of belonging

53

Youth empowered through rap, dance, poetry incubator programs

92

%

Of participants on average reported building employability skills, creative skills, and grit.

10,000

+

Attendees

100

+

Artists participated

270K

+

Accounts engaged on social media

96

%

Of survey respondents said Unity Fest boosted their awareness of Hip Hop culture and connection to the local community!

Testimonials

I will always remember that there are people who can help me if I feel stressed or anxious. I will talk to people if I ever feel these things and will try to express myself through music and other forms of art. This week I learned so much and now feel like I have people who are there for me. Unity Week helped me to discover things about me, like who I am and who I'm feeling at this moment and I will definitely apply that to my life.”
— Inspire Program Participant
Learning to express my emotions through dance and look on the brighter side of things, the people at Unity have such good vibes and you can feel how they radiate positivity through the screen.”
— Inspire Program Participant
1st time feeling SO safe and welcome in a dance class. Learned not only the foundations of the style but more importantly more about myself as a dancer. SO much love and gratitude for Unity and this experience.”
— Engage Program Participant
I know if I was ever going through something that the workshop would always touch base on mental health and nurturing our mental health so I always feel safe.”
— Engage Program Participant
Positive space to grow with learning instead of feeling intimidated. Felt confident and creative.”
— Engage Program Participant
I find myself to be a better mentor and leader with the required knowledge to help the community and approach specific topics with confidence. The skills I’ve obtained can be carried to my desired career allowing me to open doors for other youth and participants.”
— Empower Program Participant
Unity has always been a special element in my life since I joined the team and each time we are in a space together I am at peace and leave with a stronger motivation and confidence in my choice of pursuing community work."
— Empower Program Participant
Community is everything. The more you invest into your art and people in the community you built the more you will grow within and be accepted as the person you are.”
— Empower Program Participant
I learned a lot about the business that I had no idea about before, it’s motivating because I feel like I have more knowledge about what I’m trying to achieve.”
— Empower Program Participant
Hear more from Unity Youth

Book UNITY

Want to build stronger teams in your organization?

Want to inspire youth in your school?

Want to work with our artists and facilitators?

We have service offerings that can help you reach your goals.
Book UNITY

Our Partners

TD Ready Commitment
RBC Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Canada Council for the Arts
City of Toronto
Sun Life
Mackenzie Investments
Toronto Arts Council
Government of Canada
Catapult Canada
Ontario Arts Council
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
View All Our Partners in our Annual Report

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