Level Receives LFO Grant
Level is exited to announce that it is a recipient of a Law Foundation of Ontario (LFO) grant in the amount of $71,250 through the LFO's three year Catalyst Grant Program. The funds will be used to further empower Indigenous youth across Ontario through Level's Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (IYOP).
Level’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program (“IYOP”, formerly "Dare to Dream") is an innovative justice education and mentorship program that engages First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth aged 11 - 14 in fun and collaborative activities that empower them to reach their full potential. Throughout the program, students work with our volunteers and participate in experiential learning opportunities like mock trials, sentencing circles, and field trips that expose them to the justice system in a positive and inspiring way. With its focus on building relationships, the program provides the youth participants with a positive experience with the justice system during a critical time of their development. IYOP is rooted in building trust, acknowledging colonial legacies, honouring Indigenous practices and customs, and promoting a two-way knowledge exchange between volunteers and Indigenous youth.
The LFO's Catalyst Program is a unique program with a focus on providing core funding to organizations, allowing for "improved ability to adapt, innovate, take advantage of opportunities, and respond to emerging needs...that will have a positive impact on access to justice in Ontario." The LFO chose 20 organizations as recipients of this prestigious opportunity, and Level is humbled to have been selected among this amazing group, who are leaders in advancing access to justice in Ontario.
The generous support of the LFO will enable Level to continue to deliver IYOP to stakeholders across Ontario, and will also enable further expansion of the program to new locations, engaging more Indigenous youth and justice sector volunteers across the province.
Level would like to thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members and program partners for their continued support of IYOP, and looks forward to engaging with new stakeholders for program expansions. For further information on IYOP, visit our website at www.leveljustice.org/youth-outreach, or reach out to Lisa Del Col, Level's Director of Programs at lisa@leveljustice.org
Level would like to thank the Law Foundation of Ontario for its support!
About Level
Established in 2004, Level a Canadian charitable organization that levels barriers to justice by disrupting prejudice, building empathy and advancing human rights. We envision a world where every person is treated with dignity, can exercise their fundamental human rights, and has the opportunity to thrive.
About The Law Foundation of Ontario
Established by statute in 1974, The Law Foundation of Ontario is the sole foundation in Ontario with the mandate of improving access to justice. Through granting and collaboration, the Foundation invests in knowledge and services that help people understand the law and use it to improve their lives.