Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS) is a community-rooted, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Black and racialized youth and families.  Those impacted by systemic inequities, violence, and justice involvement.  The organization founded by its Executive Director, Antonius Clarke has delivered culturally informed, restorative and healing-centered programming focused on, gang prevention, violence reduction, restorative justice and healing circles for 20 years.  FITCS offers youth mentorship, leadership development, family engagement, wraparound case management, re-entry and reintegration support.  The organization’s mandate is to strengthen and build safer, more connected communities across the Greater Toronto & the 2026 “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” is their initiative supports that mission.

“Keep Six Ambassadors” is a federally funded, five-year community safety and youth development program.  The program builds on over two decades of community engagement and restorative justice work led by FITCS.  The initiative is designed to empower youth and young adults, particularly those at risk of gang involvement or justice system contact through mentorship, leadership development, restorative justice practices, creative expression and art-based community engagement.  Rooted in principles of anti-racism, cultural identity, and community healing, the program aims to strengthen protective factors for youth and families while promoting safer and more resilient communities.  The “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” seeks to cultivate the next generation of community leaders and change-makers.  Youth Leadership & Ambassador Development participants will be trained as Keep Six Ambassadors, developing skills in community leadership, peer mentorship, conflict resolution, and civic engagement.

Antonius Clarke’s dedication to strengthen at risk communities, is not just a ‘day job’ for the FITCS founder.  Clarke’s resilience and passion is a way of life.  At seventeen he decided to start FITCS after witnessing the violence that plagued his Jane and Finch community.  Quickly realizing that other communities faced similar impossible challenges, he felt the responsibility for change.   Clarke’s reputation as a vigilant protector of at-risk youth, is well documented.   The founder receiving the Lincoln Alexander award and the Volunteer Toronto Legacy Award.

Clarke and FITCS’ Youth Ambassadors, Dwayne W., Dameon D., Keishawn, Seikou and dedicated volunteers, keep their eye on the ball every day. From reaching at-risk youth to forming young women’s and seniors’ groups, FITCS has brought a new sense of awareness and change to the community.  Like the Toronto Strong Neighborhood Strategy and the Jane and Finch Crisis Response Network, realizing that it takes many hands to get things done. FITCS put together the da6″ walk against violence in the Jane and Finch community, raising funds from local businesses and bringing together a host of different groups to bring attention to the need for collaboration, from the mayor’s office, MPs to the Police Chief, all stepping up for the cause.  And the “Circle of Change” program that draws on Native restorative justice fundamentals to help youth that have multiple interactions with the ccriminal justice system. By creating individual treatment plans and offering one-on-one counselling, mentorship and advocacy the program has helped more than 200 youth have their charges withdrawn or reduced.  It is clear why FITCS is in good hands of its care takers.

The launch of the 2026 “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” coincides with an important milestone for Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS) as the organization marks 20 years of community service and advocacy.  Over the past two decades, FITCS has supported thousands of individuals and families through programming focused on youth development, restorative justice, anti-racism advocacy, and community empowerment.  The “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” represents the next phase of the journey.  Join us in Building Safer Communities.

“Without volunteers nothing will get done out of love.”  Only as volunteers can we share in that priceless work of love.”

Antonius Clarke,

Executive Director/ Founder FITC

The success of the “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” depends on strong partnerships with community stakeholders.  We invite collaboration from, Community organizations, Schools and educational institutions, Youth workers and mentors, Arts and cultural organizations, Justice and public safety partners, Local businesses and philanthropic partners.

To learn more about the “Keep Six Ambassadors Program” please contact:
Keep Six Ambassadors Program
Friends in Toronto Community Services

Email: info@fitcs.ca
Phone: 647-915-3106
Website: https://www.fitcs.ca
© 2026 Friends in Toronto Community Services
Keep Six Ambassadors Program

Head Office
Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS)
40 Carl Hall rd. Unit D035
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M3K2C1
Phone: 416-661-0666 647-915-3106
Email: info@fitcs.ca
Website: https://www.fitcs.ca

How you can support…today

Online via the official FITCS website
Through e-transfer (if applicable)
By corporate sponsorship or partnership inquiry
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-in-toronto-community-services/