CFL Toronto Argonauts

Argo youth mentorship program launched

Published on May 2, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto - The Toronto Argonauts have launched a Youth Mentorship Program that sees Argo players visit and interact with youth inside a youth centre as part of the club's ongoing efforts to stop the violence in the GTA. The Argonauts Youth Mentorship Program is designed to support male youth in custody at the Sprucedale Youth Centre.

The program is a six-week pilot project, funded by the Department of Justice Canada through the Youth Justice Renewal Fund. Argonauts players are part of a structured group program that focuses on a variety of real and relevant issues. Some of these issues include positive choices, attitudes and values, substance abuse, healthy relationships, and other appropriate discussions that assist the young people to achieve a responsible non-violent lifestyle and re-integrate successfully back into the community. Argonauts visit the Centre twice per week for approximately two hours per visit.

The project was created by The Argos Foundation and developed with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, with specific input from a young male currently serving a sentence at the Sprucedale Youth Centre. The six players involved in this program - defensive end Jonathan Brown, linebacker Michael Fletcher, defensive back Clifford Ivory, safety Orlondo Steinauer, linebacker Chuck Winters, and cornerback Jordan Younger - are serving as mentors and positive role models for the youth at Sprucedale. All six have gone through their own life lessons and are committed to sharing their experiences and insights with those who need it most.

Commented Michael Fletcher, "To me, this has been a gratifying experience and like a redemption in a sense. I've been in the situation these kids are in and to be able to share my experiences and help them turn their lives around has been very rewarding. Their journey is not over. We are committed to this and hope that time will tell the success of this program."

"Our Government is committed to tackling crime, in part by addressing the underlying reasons for why young people commit offences," said the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Vic Toews, Q.C. "We are pleased to be able to assist programs like the Argonauts Youth Mentorship Program, which provide hope and opportunity to young people, and teach them to end the cycle of violence that can lead to broken communities and broken lives."

This pilot project creates an opportunity for young males in secure custody to connect with adult males who are professional athletes. Through this mentorship, the group can work together to discuss their previous choices and behaviors that led them to being incarcerated, while working towards the end goal of encouraging a substantial lifestyle change once released from custody. The program will speak directly to reintegration and show the young males that there are other more positive alternatives to returning to their previous lifestyles.

Melanie Ferdinand, Deputy Superintendent at Sprucedale, notes, "In my 21 years of working with high risk youth in custody, I have never experienced such an intense and powerful program."

Launched in August 2005, Stop the Violence is a community-wide response to the violence that has rocked our city. Encouraging grassroots support, business sponsorship and the active participation of communities, schools and government, Stop the Violence focuses on a clear set of goals: to unify a shaken city, to respond to the violence with constructive actions and to strengthen the city's resolve. A multi-faceted plan, including a commitment to raise another $500,000 by the end of 2006, The Argos Foundation - Stop The Violence will focus on awareness, mentorship and education. In addition to the Argo Breakfast Club that was established at Monarch Park Collegiate, the Foundation awarded $100,000 in grants to four community-based organizations which are committed to ending gun and gang violence in the GTA. Leave Out ViolencE, the Ontario Gang Investigators Association, the Violence Intervention Project with East Metro Youth Services and Project Peace -The Students Commission all received $25,000 in funding.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For information on 2006 season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca.

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Canadian Football League Stories from May 2, 2006


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