The "Rise & Thrive: A Career Development Initiative" is an event hosted by Eva's Initiatives for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. This initiative brings together industry professionals and young people for an evening of learning, networking, and empowerment.
Eva's Initiatives also offers specific, ongoing Employment and Training Programs to help youth achieve stable income and independent living, which is a core part of their mission.
I was able to add some fun to the evening with an interactive hands-on steelpan station.
What was the inspiration for the name Eva’s Phoenix?
Drawing of Eva Smith, artist unknown
Eva Smith was a Jamaican-born community activist, educator, and advocate in Toronto whose work helped bring attention to the overlooked issue of youth homelessness. After immigrating to Canada in 1956, she became deeply involved in supporting marginalized young people, recognizing that adult shelter systems often failed to meet their specific needs.
Her compassion, leadership, and advocacy laid the foundation for what would become Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, including programs such as Eva’s Phoenix. Though she passed away in 1993, Eva Smith’s legacy lives on through the organization that bears her name and continues to support young people in building safe, independent futures.