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My experience with Trust15 involved two sessions of a reading program, as part of my 'The Red Bench' project. I found the program very interactive in that the volunteers/helpers organized and mentored the kids in a respectful way. The kids were very well-behaved. There was a kindness and uplifting environment, a special care to 'down time' where the kids were encouraged to sit or lie down quietly. So important as this program follows a regular school day.
Marcia is passionate about Trust15 and has passed on this mission and vocation to young volunteers who are empathetic and enthusiastic. They are friends to the kids, yet discipline is kindly and gently maintained. I hope very much to participate in this program and hope that it receives the funding to continue this great work. Also, that this type of program be taken to other schools as after school programs. God bless Marcia. Cheryl Cheryl Antao-Xavier Publisher, In Our Words Marcia Brown, is Founder and Executive Director of an extraordinary youth community support program called Trust 15 Youth Community Support Organization (Trust 15).
As an Administrative Liaison to the Superintendent of Education with a School Board, I am aware not only of the schools that have been within the schools within my jurisdiction but also of the situation of schoolchildren and their families who use these schools. In North Etobicoke, a huge majority of the students belong to economically disadvantaged households. These are struggling families where single parents work at dead-end, double jobs, who live in high-rise apartment dwellings and where, all in all, meeting the essentials of living is a constant issue. I met Marcia in 2010 when I was asked to assist her in getting a bus for transporting 15 students for an excursion. She is the grassroots program founder and Executive Director of Trust 15 a not for profit organization whose primary focus is impacting the lives of youths and young adults to bring out their full potential. Trust 15 was founded in 2010 with 15 students. “Trust” means to build up and level of trust for one another and ‘15’ means family. I have watched Trust 15 grow steadily and attended various weekly programs that has grown to over 135 inner-city youths and teenagers namely Ladies on the Rise where mentoring sessions are held for female youths and teenagers 13-18 years of age. Men of Distinction (MOD), a program for males ages 14-20. Girls on the Rise, a reading and Robotics program for young girls and Boys of Excellence a Literacy and Robotics after school programs. An award-winning educator and executive director of the youth and community support group who is recognized as an assiduous counsellor, teacher and friend who is tireless in pursuing connections, role models and give the youth the voice they need and for the Rexdale community. While there are a significant number of organizations that do excellent work of helping children in need, I support and believe this one is an outstanding example in terms of its unique approach of supporting the child within the context of families, and families, within the context of the community. Bernie Daya –Administrative Liaison SOE – TDSB I first heard about the great work of Marcia Brown and Trust 15 on the radio in the lead up to the annual Gala. I connected with her immediately to learn more and to collaborate, and in doing so I learned about a woman on a mission. A woman who works tirelessly to ultimately fill a gap that changes and puts lives on a new and inspired course. A woman who leads with her heart and brings many with her to believe in the untapped potential of the youth of North Etobicoke. The results of T15’s youth programming are outstanding, and the alumni and their achievements in post secondary studies and other are proof of it.
Marcia and her team does relentless and tireless work, and there is no end to the positive outcomes it derives Erika Wright | Liaison Communications Coordinator University of Guelph-Humber Trust 15 are planting seeds to grow strong communities. Thru youth the garden of our future will grow and Trust 15 is tending to the garden of youth amazingly!!
Frank Ferragine aka Frankie Flowers -- Frank Ferragine AKA Frankie Flowers Garden Expert / Weather Specialist / Author The words I could use to describe my own experience and observations of Trust 15 cannot possibly do it justice. However, if one has the opportunity to sit down and hear directly from graduates of the Trust 15 program about what the organization means to them and how it has changed their lives, then that is the moment when you understand and appreciate that by supporting this organization and its goals, you are able to deliver a powerful, positive impact on the future of our society.
James J. Lawson Woodbine Entertainment, Chief Executive Officer " The TRUST 15 family is all about loving and supporting each other. I was so blessed to see Marcia and the kids in action. They truly are creating leaders of the future by creating an environment for the kids to have their own voice and see their true potential in life. "
-- Jay Williams Having the chance to interact with Girls on the Rise and Ladies on the Rise has been an uplifting experience. I have seen the self-confidence and self-belief that these young women possess, and it’s very inspiring. Marcia Brown is an incredible leader and mentor and has made a difference in the lives of so many young people.
Sincerely, Jessica Jessica Buckley Woodbine Entertainment, President – Woodbine, Mohawk Park The youth of today need guidance. In the digital age, it is easy for them to be overwhelmed by different influences, and in their inexperience, it may prove difficult to differentiate the positive from negative. Trust 15 seeks to provide that guidance by equipping our young people with tools of success that will help them achieve their desired goal. In my personal experience as a youth who has been both a participant and worker of the program, i can truly attest to the potency of this program. Men of distinction, ladies on the rise, boys of excellence and girls on the rise are all products of Trust 15 and are designed to tackle each young person at every stage of development throughout their most impressionable years. As being a student representative for men of distinction (at father Henry Carr CSS) in 2016, I have experienced grand events that i would otherwise only dream of. The trips that the men, girls and ladies at the time went on were nothing less than astonishing and edifying for the youth. From watching live plays in illustrious theaters to having high tea with the Prime Minister's wife in Ottawa, I have seen things that people decades older than me read about in newspapers.
Trust 15 has a strong support staff of mentors and community leaders that speak into the minds of the youth, and as they absorb the words of wisdom being imparted to them, they're recipients of exclusive content that will enrich their lives in ways they would never think possible. Toronto Mayor John Tory, Ontario premiere Doug Ford, 23 division superintend Ron Taverner, MP Kirsty Duncan and president of YMCA Medhat Mahdy are just a small fraction of the amazing speakers and friends of Trust15 that have invested in the lives of these beautiful children. When they see symbols of success come and speak about their lives, and how they became successful, it created optimism in an area where such a sentiment seems scarce; but as someone who has been on the receiving end of this program, i can say of for a fact that the work of Marcia Brown and her team has not gone to naught, but that the fruits of their labour contribute to grow and flourish. Boys of excellence are excelling in a growing robotics/reading program, ladies on the rise continue to instill the values of womanhood into The beautiful Queens of our city, girls on the rise prepares these blossoming girls for the struggles that they will face in highschool but also provides a foundation for what they will deal with in their distant future, as for men of distinction, the program dearest to my heart... If there is one thing that i have taken away from it, it is the importance of family. Families are the building blocks of the community, and if our families aren't strong, the community will suffer. For those who come from broken homes, Marcia Brown has erected a program that provides solace for those in need. Trust 15 is not just a program... But it is a network of hope, a hub of promise and a home of one family. Joshua Newby Leader of Men of Distinction –Father Henry Carr -2016 Marcia Brown and her support team are absolutely extraordinary. They put their hearts and souls into supporting trust 15. As members of the community, we instinctively support Marcia because she cares so much about the kids and is truly committed making a positive impact on their lives. Bravo Marcia!!
Sam Alaimo President Roy Foss chevrolet Buick GMC Woodbridge Trust 15 supports amazing mentorship programs, building character and helping young people choose the road which leads to success.
I have had the opportunity to attend and speak at Trust 15 meetings in North Etobicoke. I have seen first-hand the positive difference Marcia Brown and her dedicated team are making in the lives of Trust 15 participants." Ted Arnott,MPP Wellington-Halton Hills |
My name is Arianna Sayedy and I am an alumnus of an amazing organization called Trust 15- Ladies on the Rise, Men of Distinction, Girls on the Rise and Boys of Excellence. I started off as a participant then quickly became a student leader. Later, I volunteered my time to do the "behind the scenes" work.
This program helped me realize my true potential and that I was truly meant for greatness despite what I was taught all my life and despite what anyone has told me in the past. Marcia Brown, the woman who founded this organization saw something in me that I still hadn't discovered at the time. She does so for many of the young boys and girls in the Trust 15 programs. She brings in many presenters who share their stories with the youth and how they overcame obstacles in their life, making them stronger. She gave me and all the other participants opportunities beyond our wildest dreams. For example, I had the chance to speak in front of many people including Madame Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and MP Kirsty Duncan. Without Trust 15 and Marcia Brown, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Trust 15 is a program everyone needs to be apart of. It changes the lives of everyone involved and gives everyone a chance to grow. Thank you, Arianna Sayedy Leader of Ladies on the Rise -2016 My experience with the program’s that Marcia started. Marcia approached me a few years ago, she introduce herself and told me about her program. At first I was a little skeptical, but I when you see the product. I walked out with amazement. Today I will do whatever I can to make sure this this program continues.
I run a little grocery store in the North Etobicoke community, for the past 20 years. The kids that come to my store today have more respect for my employees ,customers, and themselves. “Thank you Marcia” Devon Sheriff Owner of No’Frills My name is Emily Queen and I was a co-op student with Trust 15 for 2 school terms during my time at Humber College. Right away from the description of the organization I knew that Trust 15 was the place I would like to do my placement with and after my first semester I knew I wanted to continue my time there which lead me to returning to Trust 15 in the fall.
I had the chance to work with all of the programs that were happening during my time with Trust 15. The programs I worked alongside with were Girls on the Rise, Boys of Excellence, Ladies on the Rise and Men of Distinction. Each program was formed to give every youth the opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams. From robotics or literacy all the way to learning about resumes, taxes and even credit checks; Trust 15 offers something for every youth. Within my time at Trust 15 I have seen youth grown confidence, achieve a higher reading level, meet their mentors, make friends, become a leader, get into colleges/universities when they never thought they would have and so much more. One of the important aspects I found about the programs is that it is run by the youth. The youth sit down with the adult supervisors which can range from teachers, mentors, co-op students and the Executive Director & Founder Marcia Brown to create a curriculum that will best fit the current need of the students. I had the opportunity to work with the youth, inside the schools and in the office alongside Marcia Brown, the Executive Director of the organization. Marcia Brown is one of the hardest working, selfless and determined person I have met. Marcia taught me everything and more that I could have expected a co-op supervisor to teach me. I owe my success in my schooling and my passion for working with youth to Marcia Brown, Trust 15, all of the youth and volunteers. Having my co-op with Trust 15 truly was the highlight of my college education and I see this organization continuing to successfully grow within the community it serves every year. I truly look up to Marcia brown as a mentor and hope to be able to make a difference like she does each and every day. All my best, Emily Queen Community Youth Worker – Humber College –Placement Student I am a great supporter of Trust 15.
Marcia is such an inspiring leader for the community. Young people are looking for opportunities to learn, contribute and to make a meaningful impact in their communities. This program is for youth to express their creativity, develop essential skills, and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own life and success. Inspector Dave Rydzik Toronto Police Service I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with some of the Ladies on the Rise—what a warm, good-humoured, and smart bunch of women!—and to attend Trust 15’s annual gala where I saw the faces of proud parents, family, and friends light up over their loved ones’ accomplishments. That the always affable and unflappable Marcia Brown gives these remarkable young people the space, literally and figuratively, to shine and to grow, and helps prepare them for challenges and triumphs ahead, makes the world feel a little smaller, and that much brighter.
Jessica Allen | Correspondent The Social I was introduced to Marcia Brown & the Trust 15 program (Girls on the Rise, Boys of Excellence, Ladies on the Rise and Men of Distinction) a little over 3 years ago and they both immediately became part of my conversation repertoire. This program under the leadership of Marcia, is incredibly unique and special. There is no ambiguity in regards to the results. This program is the real deal. When you spend time with the kids in the program, especially at the annual graduation gala, from the kids to their parents, you feel the spirit and sincere appreciation.
Without programs like Trust 15, the alternatives, complete negative outcomes, would be the reality and to say the outcomes and community would be unpleasant, would be a gross understatement. Trust 15’s success is a direct result of Marcia Browns tenacity and belief in the potential of the kids in the community. When it comes to the program and the kids, Marcia will not sit quietly or accept “no” as an answer. The International Standard of Excellence – IS0-9000, is based on the following criteria; “say what you do, do what you say & measure it continuously”. Marcia Brown and the Trust 15 program lives that mantra daily and it is for that reason, I continue to support Marcia and the program philosophically and both from the heart and through an annual donation. I encourage my friends and colleagues to do the same John Danson SVP – David Foster Foundation I work for a large humanitarian agency here in Canada. Several years ago Marcia and I crossed paths, I don’t even recall how it happened but I remember being so inspired by her passion and the great things that were happening because of that passion that a visit to our Head office was arranged for the Men of Distinction group.
Originally the young men were coming in to visit our facility and our CEO was going to speak to them. However, due to a calendar conflict Patrick Canagasingham the VP of International Programs at the time spoke instead. This visit will remain ingrained in my memory forever. Patrick is a visible minority, he spoke to a large group of young men about his challenges growing up in a society that sometimes makes it difficult at times to succeed because of color and culture but that despite the roadblocks, perceptions, assumptions and unfair behaviors he did not let himself be labelled or derailed from his goals. That hard work, strong will and his faith had brought him through difficult moments to keep rising above and literally rising up in his career. I stood at the back and watched as the young men took in his words, several connecting and relating to the challenges that this Vice President had faced himself. Hoping and praying that in their challenging moments they would remember Patrick’s words and be reminded of the message they were hearing that day. The boys then came by the President’s office, many taking the opportunity to sit in the Presidents chair. Each one having an opportunity to have a glimpse into the possibility of their future. Patrick has since moved on from World Vision and is now the President of another organization, the young men would now be finishing up college, university or perhaps even already out in the working world. Every once in a while, I think of them. I hope that if and when they were faced with a roadblock that they would recall Patrick’s words and rise above as a Man of Distinction. All of this and so much more is possible because of Marcia, who works tirelessly to provide opportunities, mentors, tools and resources for the woman and men of tomorrow. Nellie Jacob-Ramlall _____________________________________________________________________ Nellie Jacob-Ramlall | StrengthsFinder Coach | Executive Assistant to Charlie Fluit, Chief Financial Officer “Once you see these boys and girls in action, there’s no turning back. They’ll have your heart. The kids are intelligent, curious, enthusiastic and full of potential. Trust 15 let’s them know they can do anything in this world and the program puts the children in touch with people who can help guide them toward their goals. So many of young adults who grew up in the program come back to help the younger kids. That’s a true testament to the magic Marcia has created.”
Tammie Sutherland Reporter, CityNews Toronto Marcia Brown's passion and commitment has made Trust 15 program a successful and important platform within the Rexdale/North Etobicoke community. It inspires youth to continue to pursue their dreams even when faced with adversity. The relationships fostered in this program with mentors, professionals and community leaders is exceptional. Councillor Vincent Crisanti City Councillor, Ward 1 Etobicoke North |
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