Developing resilience among youth through Hip Hop.

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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 2019-22

25000

+

Youth were inspired through Unity Weeks and the annual Unity Fest

72

%

Of youth learned positive ways to express their stress

63

%

Of youth gained an interest in exploring Hip Hop art forms, events and programs

67

%

Of youth became more aware of the community, mental health, arts-based and wellness resources available to them

6463

Youth accessed free, weekly Hip Hop meets mental health programming

87

%

Of participants on average gained protective factors and employability skills

96

%

Of youth on average reported that the programs fostered inclusive spaces

96

%

Of youth on average reported improved resilience

60

+

Artists annually gained creative, business, mentorship & facilitation skills

86

%

Of emerging hip hop artists on Unity’s Roster reported developing peer and industry networks

90

%

Of artists reported increased confidence and resilience

94

%

Of artists reported that Unity’s training opportunities were applicable to their work both within and beyond Unity

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

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

Get Involved

Want to build resilience in under-served youth and contribute towards building healthier communities?

Find out how