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Department of Social Science Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Home » Criminology » Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

The Criminology program at York does not currently offer a placement or co-op program. However, many of our students pursue volunteer opportunities with a variety of non-profit organizations.

Each year, the Criminology Society at York organizes a volunteer fair during which students have the opportunity to speak with representatives from a range of social service agencies based in the Greater Toronto Area (including many of those listed above). The fair is normally held in October.

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Volunteer Testimonials

Growing up, many mentors volunteered their valuable time to pour their lives into me to make me the man I’ve become. Since then, I’ve learned it’s only right to do the same for others. I’ve been helping youth in the Rexdale community through the Rexdale Youth Movement organization. While mentoring others is rewarding, it’s even more rewarding learning from my mentees.

— Jeremiah Boateng, Class of 2020

During my undergrad, I dedicated much of my time to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). As a Big Sister, I met with my Little Sibling to hear her concerns. This encourages her to speak openly about her thoughts, as she develops the confidence to voice her opinion to others. I also volunteer with Home Suite Hope Shared Living which helps low-income and single-parent families attain financial stability. My volunteer experiences in marginalized communities have made me more empathetic and compassionate. Volunteering has instilled the spirit of giving in me and allowed me to make positive contributions.

— Simran Joshi, Class of 2020

I work with the Jane and Finch Community Centre in the Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving Department as part of my YorkU internship. During my internship, I developed a workshop to teach youth about financial literacy. I reached out to, and advocated on behalf of, J/F community members.

— Milena Pizzi, Class of 2020

Through York’s T.A.S.T.E. Program, I interned at a criminal law firm in Toronto. This taught me the importance of knowing one’s rights. My volunteer opportunities at Mackenzie Health Hospital, Humanity First and Human Endeavour also shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences taught me about the value of community, diversity, ethics and passion. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities York has given me and I want to use my education to assist those who have experienced trauma, abuse, injustice and sorrow.

— Enisse Cuevas Corona, Class of 2020

In my first year, I became actively involved in several campus clubs and organizations. I was elected president of the Jack.org mental health charity York chapter and became a lead organizer for the HEROES Hockey youth outreach program. I think HEROES was the best way to get involved in the Jane Finch community (where I grew up), as it provided me access to mentor the area’s youth, and a platform to speak with parents and other community members. I am happy with the conversations I have shared through these experiences. I will continue to strive to be a social change maker.

— Nigel Aziz, Class of 2020

I volunteer with the PACT Urban Peace Program which offers programs to low-income neighbourhoods. These programs include coaching, cooking classes, painting and gardening. I am also taking a certification through PACT to coach at-risk youth. As a coach, my role will be ensuring adolescents who desire positivity have a trusted adult for reassurance.

— Shaquille Mitchell, Class of 2020

Organizations

The Peer Project – Youth Assisting Youth

Youth Assisting Youth is dedicated to investing in the leaders of tomorrow and transforming the lives of at-risk and newcomer youth through the power of mentorship.

East Metro Youth Services (Strides)

Strides Toronto provides a wide range of programs and services to people from the pre-natal stage to age 29 and their families. Their work helps strengthen individuals’ social and emotional well-being, move forward through adversity and develop their abilities and skills to reach their full potential.

Elizabeth Fry Toronto

Elizabeth Fry Toronto delivers gender-based, trauma-informed services and advocates for justice and equity for women and non-binary people who are criminalized and their families.

Big Brothers & Big Sisters

In 2017 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto empowered over 2500 children and youth in Toronto.

Central Toronto Youth Services

Central Toronto Youth Services is a community-based, accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre serving many of Toronto’s most vulnerable youth.

When I was offered a position as a volunteer probation officer, I knew I could be a catalyst for positive change. In this role, I provided resources to help my clients successfully complete their probation terms. I try to be as welcoming as possible to assure them they can always rely on me. I learned that kindness and support are sometimes all it takes to restore someone’s standing and for them to remain on the right side of the law.

— Samantha Riley, Class of 2020

Pathways to Education

Pathways provides youth from low-income communities with the resources they need to graduate from high school and break the cycle of poverty.

JVS Toronto

JVS Toronto plays a vital role in Toronto and York Region ensuring that job seekers reach their potential at work, employers build the workforce they need to be successful and students perform at their best.

StepStones for Youth

StepStones for Youth was founded in 2004 in response to the critical need for preventative intervention programs for vulnerable young people.