LOVE gave me a chance to end the violence in my life and then showed me how to use my voice and my story to help other kids like me. Growing up, if I'd had someone in my life who dressed like me and acted like me and was there to support me and show me the negative side of my actions, I probably wouldn't have done many of the things I did. Many kids just need to be heard by someone they can relate to. They need someone to tell them, they're not alone and if they just turn right instead of left, they'll be ok.

Andrew, 17 years old

I was raised by a single parent in a tough Toronto neighbourhood. Violence, drugs and poverty was my reality. Now as a Youth Leader with LOVE, I go into schools, group homes and other youth facilities and speak with them about the violence in their lives and the changes and choices they can make. They are able to connect and relate to me because I have been there and been through it as well. LOVE goes beyond their mission to give youth a place of belonging. Before I felt I didn't have a voice. Being part of LOVE has not only given me a voice, it has given my neighbourhood a voice.

Youth Leader, 18 years old

I've experienced violence. I've stood there and watched violence. I've acted violent towards another person. I've had violence done unto me. For that I became this angry person. I was wrong. I made the mistake of shutting out the positive people in my life and making the negative my tool to survive. I made the mistake of rolling with the in crowd" joining gangs, carrying deadly weapons, disrespecting my body and getting into trouble with the law. But I have moved so far from that life that and I am never going down that path again. It took me too long to be where I am today and I am not giving that up for anything.

Anonymous, 16 years old

LOVE has helped me to change my outlook on life by showing me that there are other options in life that I can take and that I'm not stuck on a dead end path. LOVE has been a positive influence in my life. It's an escape from the everyday reality that we have to deal with.

Anonymous, 19 years old

LOVE has provided me with a safe, secure atmosphere and has helped sculpt my personality. LOVE allows you to be yourself; LOVE allows you to share your problems and also be provided with solutions. It's a perfect place to vent.

Male Youth Leader, 18 years old

LOVE is a life changing program. It gives you a chance to escape from a not so good atmosphere or environment. It provides you with a mentor and somebody who will fight in your corner no matter how big or small your problem.

Male Youth Leader, 18 years old

With the help of LOVE and the staff, I have done a lot of self discovery and self-replenishing. I've built lots of confidence and shared my opinions more freely and openly, ensuring that there's some constructive intent behind it. Love has helped me understand where I stand in this chaotic mess that is society in general.

Male Youth Leader, 18 years old

I grew up in a Government housing neighbourhood of St. James Town. My neighbourhood used to be a place I was proud to be a part of as I was always oblivious to any issues of violence or crime occurring there. As of recent years these issues are no longer concealed and have become a major problem within the community. Watching my community slowly transform into a place where people no longer feel safe is quite troubling. I want the young kids in my community to have an equal chance of success as others from more accomplished areas.

Female Youth Leader, 19 years old

I feel that I am a great asset to the L.O.V.E programs because I am a youth who comes from similar circumstances as the young people the programs reaches. The students see me as a role model who has been through what they're going through and come out a strong individual doing positive things.

Female Youth Leader, 19 years old

LOVE has helped me enhance valuable life skills such as communication and writing. Their programs have allowed me to meet many new people with diverse backgrounds and experiences which helped me broaden my perspective. At LOVE I have met a group of amazing staff members whose hearts are in the right place and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Most importantly, I have also met many people who I can now call my friends.

Female Youth Leader, 19 years old

I am 17 years old, and thanks to LOVE, I have turned my life around. I think I have a chance to make a difference and maybe Scarborough, Rexdale and other tough neighborhoods will be safer for other kids, because of me.

Growing up, if I'd had someone in my life who dressed like me and acted like me and was there to support me and show me the negative side of my actions, I probably wouldn't have done many of the things I did. That's why I stayed with LOVE.

Male Youth Leader, 17 yrs old

Many kids deserve a chance - or, as in my case, a second chance. Many kids just need to be heard by someone they can relate to. They need someone to tell them, they're not alone and if they just turn right instead of left, they'll be ok.

Male Youth Leader, 18 yrs old

Being apart of LOVE has allowed me to explore a creative outlet completely new to me. I've fallen in love with photography and writing has always been a passion of mine.

Female Youth Leader, 17 yrs old

I realize that the answer to changing the world is in all of us, if each and every voice of every youth was made heard it would be so loud no one could ignore us.

Female Youth Leader, 17 yrs old

Joining the Photojournalism program has helped me realize the potential and talents that I have. It has made me strive even more to express myself in ways that benefit not only me, but everyone around me

Female Youth Leader, 18 years old

LOVE gave me the gift of meeting people who have been through similar and painful experiences. It gave me the strength, courage and support to move on and help other youth. LOVE gave me a voice, and opportunities to express myself through writing, photography, dance, spoken word in positive ways to release the emotions I have. LOVE is a safe place from the danger of our corrupted streets.

Anonymous, 17 years old