Program Empowers Young People
Police officers are getting the opportunity to mentor teenagers to be physically and mentally strong through a partnership with a local business.
Project Arrowhead brings police together with students from four different secondary schools to get physically fit and take part in mentorship sessions over 10 weeks.
“Honestly my favorite part about this program is the community, the police officers are just very empowering to the youth,” said student Divya Smith. “And I feel like being here makes me want to do better in my life to achieve my goals. To put more into myself. And I think it’s just a really positive community overall.”
The four-hour Sunday sessions see students take part in basketball,
41 Division Neighbourhood Community Officer Michael Sharpe, who helps coordinate the initiative, says the impact on participating youth is clear.
“Seeing students come into the program, I can see the personal growth, and I see how they are inspired by the program. And I know that us as an organization and our community partners are putting these youth off to the races to be successful,” he said.
Local entrepreneur and community leader Sam Ibrahim has opened the doors of his Red Owl Boxing gym and basketball and fitness facility for the ProAction Cops & Kids program that has reached over 60 young people annually. ProAction funds programs that connect youth with police officers.
“This community has been great to us, and we just really believe that this space is a beautiful space. I think everyone should be able to have access to it,” said Sam Ibrahim, who owns Arrow Workforce Solutions.
Inspector Roger Forde said the program provides students with a lot of tools for success.
“It not only provides the students with physical activity but we provide mentorship by police officers and through our local partners. Mentorship on financial literacy and giving them tools and resources they need to get jobs and be successful,” Forde said.
Ibrahim said having the students at his facility energizes everyone involved.
“They want to learn more about business. They want to learn more about how they can benefit from our experience. That’s the best part. That’s the best why. You know, I love running into these kids now and seeing how excited they are and how happy they are and how much more hope they have,” said Ibrahim.
Toronto Police Service members and community partners have worked collaboratively on the initiative for the past four years, with participation continuing to grow each year.
