At CAFE, community means more than just being present in the neighborhood—it means actively investing in people and programs that uplift and inspire. Currently, we are proud to announce our support for D-Way, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young people across Toronto.
Who They Are
D-Way is a youth program created for students in grades 7–12, designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can build leadership, life skills, and confidence. Based in the Dan Leckie community but open to youth citywide, D-Way was founded by Khalid, Hamza, and Ilyas—three passionate leaders with years of experience in mentorship and youth engagement. Drawing on their personal connections to the area, the founders recognized the lack of accessible, no-cost opportunities for young people and decided to take action. With trust built through authentic relationships with kids and parents, they launched a program that reflects the needs of the community while offering opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.
Why Their Work Matters
In just a few short months since launching in May 2025, D-Way has already made a remarkable impact. Through workshops, sports, creative projects, and excursions, the program gives youth more than just activities—it offers mentorship, guidance, and a chance to discover their potential. This past summer, D-Way hosted weekly sessions and organized large community events. Highlights included bringing more than 50 participants to Canada’s Wonderland, running group cooking classes that introduced practical life skills, and hosting a basketball tournament that united youth from eight different neighborhoods across the city.
These experiences aren’t just fun outings—they foster teamwork, belonging, and resilience. They help young people build skills that will serve them in school, work, and life, while also creating lasting memories and friendships. As the school year begins, D-Way is shifting to biweekly programming to support academic balance while continuing to provide valuable mentorship and opportunities. The program’s dedication to leadership, job preparation, and personal growth makes it a vital resource for youth who might otherwise lack access to these kinds of enriching experiences.
How We’re Helping
At CAFE, we believe in supporting the next generation of leaders. This fall, we are making a financial contribution to D-Way’s ongoing efforts, helping them expand their reach and continue building meaningful experiences for youth. Just as importantly, we are committed to amplifying their message by sharing their story with our wider community. By partnering with D-Way, we hope to play a small part in strengthening the foundation they’ve built and ensuring more young people have the chance to benefit from their work.
Continuing Our Commitment to Community
Our partnership with D-Way is part of a broader commitment to community care at CAFE. This fall, our team also participated in local cleanup events, supporting the Terry Fox Run by serving free coffee to participants, and distributed more than 800 turkeys citywide this Thanksgiving. Our Food Drive is now running through the month of November and our Toy Drive will begin December 1st – 17th. Giving back is a year-round effort—because when our communities thrive, we all thrive.
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