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FAITHLINES
4 September 2025
In this issue:
The Dam is back to school!
Visit faithworks.ca for more information
and to view our video library
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Donate today at faithworks.ca
or scan this QR code
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The following is the Report to Synod from The Dam,
a FaithWorks' ministry partner.
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"The generosity of our supporters and partners, like FaithWorks, has allowed us to meet growing needs with compassion and care."
By the end of this past school year, we connected with close to 8,000 youth — more than double the number from last year. This incredible growth reflects not just the need in our community, but the strength of our relationships, the trust we've built, and the commitment of our team and partners.
Our drop-ins have continued to be vibrant, welcoming spaces, full of life, laughter, and purpose. But more than ever, they have also become essential hubs of support — places where youth can not only find connection and belonging, but also tangible resources: hot meals, employment training, mentorship, and emotional care.
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Belonging starts
with a Name
At The Dam, we continue to treat each youth not as a number, but as a person with a story. Learning and remembering names remains one of our most powerful tools for affirming worth. It’s a small act that carries deep meaning — especially when a youth returns and hears their name spoken. That moment says, “You belong here.”
This year, 130 youth were mentored by our dedicated program staff, continuing our commitment to deep, meaningful relationships that help young people grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose.
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“The Dam is a second home to me after school. Sometimes it’s my first meal/snack of the day”
“I love The Dam because I have an amazing mentor. I have been going to The Dam for about 5 years and they have helped me and my family through some very difficult times and has made a positive impact in my life.”
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A Year of
Choosing Kindness
Our theme for the year was “Choose Kindness” — a value we modeled and called our youth too in every interaction, every shared meal, and every act of support. In a world that often feels fragmented and harsh, we choose to show up with kindness, compassion, and consistency.
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What Youth
Are Telling Us
Through our internal surveys, youth shared honestly about their struggles and hopes. The mental health challenges are real (1:4) — stress, anxiety, and a longing for safety and care came through loud and clear. But we also heard what they’re looking for: places to be seen, supported, and equipped.
With Food insecurity increasing by 80% across Mississauga last year (the fastest-growing rate of food bank usage in Ontario, with 1 in 3 clients being children or youth), Over 50% of our youth reported experiencing food insecurity.
These numbers are staggering — but they confirm what we see every day. The meals we serve are not just helpful, they’re vital.
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Looking Ahead with Hope
This past year has stretched us in every way — in capacity, funding, and emotion. But we remain grounded in hope. The generosity of our supporters and partners like Faithworks has allowed us to meet growing needs with compassion and care. Your financial support and prayers have been foundational, making this vital work possible.
Thank you for choosing kindness with us.
Together, we are building a community where every youth in Mississauga knows they matter.
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FaithWorks Sermon or Presentation
To assist and inspire, you can arrange for a sermon, presentation or visit by representatives of our ministry partners, the Director of Stewardship Development, Peter Misiaszek, or me, by contacting the FaithWorks Speakers Bureau at
fwspeakersbureau@toronto.anglican.ca
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If you wish to highlight your parish's events in support of FaithWorks, please forward the details to faithworks@toronto.anglican.ca
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FaithWorks Videos
The FaithWorks website, faithworks.ca has been updated with new videos to promote FaithWorks and our ministry partners. There are short, medium and long videos to include in your parish's online presence or in-person gatherings. They can be downloaded directly from the website.
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Followers of Jesus, inspired by the Holy Spirit, serve the world God loves!
I acknowledge that my office resides on the territory of sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat. I acknowledge especially the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Toronto Treaties.
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