Family Services York Region
Grantee
Grow Grant
Award amount
$610,400
Award timeline
2023–2024 (36 months)
Catchment
Simcoe-York
Community size
Urban
Population served
General population
Opportunity
Many low-income and newcomer families face isolation and barriers to engaging in their children’s education. FAST—Families and Schools Together—addresses these challenges by building trust between parents, schools, and communities.
Approach
Selected Project Outcome: More children and youth have emotional and social strengths.
With a $610,400 Grow grant, FSYR is replicating and expanding FAST to more schools, reaching over 1,500 people with programming that improves family relationships, boosts student success, and builds community connections.
Community impact
The program’s impact is clear: families report stronger relationships, better coping skills, increased confidence, and lasting friendships. Schools have seen improved attendance and engagement, creating benefits that extend far beyond the program itself.
“FAST changes lives by bringing families together, strengthening bonds, and creating a support network that lasts for years.” – FSYR Representative
For more than 15 years, Family Services York Region, situated in the Greater Toronto Area, has been delivering FAST, an award-winning, evidence-based program that strengthens families and supports children’s success in school. With the help of a Grow grant, FSYR was able to bring their program to more schools across York Region to meet an increase in demand.
The 8-week after-school program includes family meals, communication exercises, and activities for kids, all designed to build trust and connection. Parents participate in support groups, while follow-up sessions keep families engaged long after the initial program ends.
The results speak volumes. In recent evaluations, 99% of parents reported positive changes in their relationship with their child, 97% felt more confident in their parenting skills, and 93% saw improved family communication. Children themselves reported feeling happier and closer to their parents after completing the program.
“I felt like we were taken seriously and intake was done efficiently and with compassion. I really appreciated the compassion and care that FSYR provided.” - FSYR Client
Perhaps most importantly, families are forming lasting bonds with one another. FSYR has seen families step up to support each other in times of crisis, proving the program’s ripple effects go well beyond the classroom.
By empowering parents, FAST is building resilience that will strengthen families and communities for years to come.