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Caring Beyond Reason

Guided by values of respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence we serve youth in and at risk of being in conflict with the law on a journey towards reintegration and purposeful living.

Fernie Today

Fernie Youth Services gives opportunities to young people that have been given up on, often based on their position in society. We provide residential, employment readiness, and community reintegration programming to at-risk youth across the Greater Toronto Area, transforming their lives and creating safer communities for a lifetime. To date, Fernie has put over 6,000 young men and women on new paths to become contributing, law-abiding citizens. By Caring Beyond Reason® and always going above and beyond, we give the next generation hope to become the best versions of themselves.

Our History

George Fernie has impacted thousands of young people and their families, starting with one boy in 1964.

TORONTO 1964- George Fernie began to walk home having just attended a fellowship meeting at his Presbyterian Church on the Danforth. He followed this same route every day, but this day was to be different. On his way, he observed a young man no older than 16, cold, alone, and afraid. George stopped and made his acquaintance and invited him to a local coffee shop. He learned that the youth was just released from the Don Jail after 14 days in custody for a petty crime. The youth was scorned by his family and friends because of his youthful lapse in judgement. George was moved to compassion. He took him back to the church and arranged for food, shelter, and a plan to get support for this youth. What George did not know was that his actions this night were the inspiration for the founding of Fernie Youth Services.

George saw in that youth what we at Fernie Youth see every day, young people trying to move past their wrongful choices and join society in a positive way. Youth need hope, self-esteem and a faith based journey to become successful. Fernie Youth continues the mission George Fernie started over 50 years ago. Through the decades, Fernie Youth continuously leads with innovation in our programs and services. We stay current with the social and developmental challenges that face youth as they move toward self-sufficiency. Ultimately, Fernie champions hope. Our success is defined by youth having the moral, social and life skills to establish a positive future.

It is our responsibility, in partnership with our community and government, to provide youth with a better menu of choices for success, especially for youth from families and communities with limited options.

Latest From our Blog

$25,000 OTF Grant for Imperative Youth Justice Enhancements

$25,000 OTF Grant for Imperative Youth Justice Enhancements

“With the new OTF funding, Fernie Youth Services is embracing the future. We’re excited to implement technology solutions that will enhance how we connect with and support the youth in our community,” said Jeff Johnson, CEO, Fernie Youth Services

Hope for Housing

Hope for Housing

On any given night, roughly 2,000 youth are unhoused in Toronto alone.[1] Statistically, more than half of them will have involvement with the justice system.[2] While every young client that comes to Fernie is unique, an unfortunately common trait is a need for safe...

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(416) 284-3711

437 Port Union Rd, Scarborough, ON M1C 2L6