Community Safety
New Narrative
Peace Core New Narrative (PCNN) is YAAACE's multi-year, community-driven strategy to prevent and interrupt gun and gang violence in the Humber River–Black Creek community, including Jane and Finch. Launched in 2022 with funding from Public Safety Canada's Crime Prevention Action Fund, PCNN takes a public health approach to violence — looking beyond the incidents themselves to their root causes: chronic underinvestment, systemic barriers, and the lack of fair access to opportunity in Northwest Toronto.
PCNN supports children and youth ages 6 to 29 and their families, delivered by a team with lived experience and deep roots in the community. It builds on YAAACE's work in Jane and Finch since 2007, and on a central belief: our young people and families deserve to be defined by their strengths, not by stigma.
PCNN also operationalizes the pillars of the Black Justice Strategy: the social determinants of justice (employment and income, housing, education, health and mental health, child welfare, and immigration and settlement), policing, courts and legislation, corrections, and parole, re-entry and reintegration.
What It Offers
Six connected streams
Learning, Education & Expanded Opportunities
After-school tutoring, Numeracy and Literacy Enrichment (NALE), March Break and Summer Institute programs, STEAM learning, the “Hire Learning” education-to-employment strategy, and a post-secondary bursary program.
Athletics, Sports & Wellness
Sports and athletic programming accessible to all children and youth irrespective of cost, including our small-ball programming, in-school sports, and structured recreation.
Employment & Training
Career pathway training, the “Hire Learning” education-to-employment strategy, mentorship, apprenticeships, and job placements, including supports for youth reintegrating into the community.
Family Support
One-on-one and family assistance with housing, food security, finances, and counselling, plus help navigating the education, health, and legal systems.
Case Management & Public Safety
Wraparound support, safety plans, and reintegration plans for youth affected by violence, along with community-based work to de-escalate conflict before it turns violent.
Advocacy Through Research & Knowledge Mobilization
Research, publications, documentary and digital media, and public education that bring community voices and evidence-based approaches into Canada's conversation about violence prevention.
Our Goal
The change we are working towards
We are working towards a Northwest Toronto where young people are safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential. In the short term, that means stronger skills, a greater sense of belonging, and better access to services that reflect who our families are. Over time, we aim to see:
- Improved school performance and meaningful careers for Black children and youth
- Greater stability and support within families
- Fewer youth involved in the justice system
- Reduced gun violence and safer communities in Northwest Toronto and surrounding areas
PCNN is also built to learn. Through ongoing evaluation, we are generating Canadian evidence on what works — so this community-led model can strengthen safety not only in Jane and Finch, but in communities across the country.