2024
Impact Report
Creating a community where every young person has access to mental health support and safe housing.
A Year of Impact
Inspiring Youth, Transforming Communities
AMDF-supported programs
reaching more communities
Alyse
Bernbaum
Dear Friends,
2024 has been a transformational year of growth, innovation, and impact.
Returning as Executive Director in September after welcoming my son, I’m incredibly grateful for Tamara Haberman’s exceptional leadership as Acting Executive Director and Grants Director. Tamara’s commitment propelled us forward throughout 2024 in remarkable ways.
I’m proud to highlight some of AMDF’s defining 2024 achievements, which will be showcased throughout this report.
Transparent Granting
Launched our new granting framework, enabling growth, impact, and sustainability by establishing a clear funding pathway.
Deeper Partnerships
Fostered trust, collaboration, and capacity-building to meet the evolving needs of the communities we support.
Data-Driven Impact
Leveraged three years of insights and partnership with Impact Genome to evaluate the outcomes driving effective social change.
These milestones showcase the power of community and demonstrate our commitment to tackling systemic challenges and supporting long-term solutions for youth across Ontario.
To our Trustees, Charitable Partners, and Team, thank you for your unwavering dedication. The work we do shapes a better future for youth, and I look forward to continuing our journey in 2025.
With gratitude,
Alyse Bernbaum
Executive Director
Rooted in Impact,
Growing in Purpose
The need for youth mental health services and safe housing in Ontario is undeniable. AMDF remains steadfast in funding programs that eliminate barriers, empower youth, and uplift communities.
Our Vision:
- Nurture our Family of charitable partners
- Inspire youth across Ontario
- Transform our communities
Since 2002:
across Ontario and beyond
Our Impact
Special Gifts
Health Programs
Programs
Support
*Figures have been rounded to nearest whole amount.
Our Community
AMDF measures the social impact of our charitable partners annually and transparently shares the results. Our impact data is independently verified by our measurement and evaluation partner, Impact Genome.
identity development
long-term housing
AMDF Supported:
Former CEO of Blue Door
Mapping Our Impact
Investing in Hope,
Empowering Change
AMDF prioritizes Youth Mental Health and Youth Homelessness, with focus on early intervention and prevention.
AMDF Impacted:
AMDF Granting Framework
Stories of Change
StepStones for Youth
Youth Homelessness Prevention
Building Belonging, Creating Stability
StepStones empowers young people transitioning out of foster care with housing, education, and mental health support – ensuring they have the foundation to thrive.
Preventing Youth Homelessness
Their Youth Homelessness Prevention Program provides mentorship, housing aid, and critical support to at-risk, vulnerable youth.
- 300 youth supported
- 89% housed after six months
- Emergency aid for food, housing, and essentials
Empowering Through Connection
From community dinners to trauma-informed mentorship, StepStones foster resilience and belonging – helping youth navigate services and build brighter futures.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBS)
1:1 Community-Based Mentorship
Inspiring Lives Through Mentorship
BBBS’s 1:1 mentorship creates life-changing connections between youth ages 7-16 and their mentors that fosters resilience and growth.
- 50+ youth engaged
- Serving youth facing Adverse Childhood Experiences
- 8 hours/month of mentorship
Building Brighter Futures
The mentorship program has directly helped shape the mentees.
- Improve health and well-being
- Develop leadership skills
- Stay in school and out of the criminal justice system
Empowering Mentors for Greater Impact
BBBS invests in its mentors through the Mentors’ Corner, offering training and peer support to amplify their impact – creating a ripple effect of positive change.
A Lasting Bond
Jade & Karen’s
Mentorship Journey
Jade, Little and Karen, Big
Karen and Jade have spent 9 years building a beautiful friendship that has shaped both of their lives. Karen met Jade when she was just 6 years old. Together, they’ve shared countless adventures — from trips to the mall to cheering on their favourite sports teams. Their connection goes beyond mentorship, celebrating milestones together, including Jade attending Karen’s wedding!
“Introducing her to new experiences has been a privilege,” Karen reflects. “This journey has taught me patience, focus, and commitment—and together, we’re the perfect match!”
360°kids
Addiction Recovery Community (ARC)
Transforming Youth Recovery in York Region
360°kids is at the forefront in supporting unhoused, trafficked, and marginalized youth. With the launch of the Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) Program and building on the excellent work of 360°kids’ partners in addressing substance use amongst young people, they are closing critical gaps in addiction treatment by integrating mental health care, housing stability, and life skills training.
A Sector-Wide Solution to a Growing Crisis
- 173 youth supported through a three-phase recovery model
- Holistic, trauma-informed care tailored to youth experiencing homelessness
- Multi-agency partnerships for sustainable recovery
Three-Phase Recovery Approach
- Pre-Treatment Support: Address immediate needs and prepare youth for recovery
- In-Residence Treatment: Structured, trauma-informed care for long-term healing
- Post-Treatment Reintegration: Resources and community networks to prevent relapse
Building a Collaborative Recovery Community
Over the next three years, 360°kids and its partners will create a sustainable support network, reshaping youth recovery in York Region.
A Model for Lasting Change
ARC is more than an intervention – it’s a sustainable, replicable model for youth recovery. 360°kids aims to set a new standard for addiction treatment across the sector.
Connecting and
Engaging, Together
As part of our commitment to community-driven philanthropy, AMDF was featured in Canadian Family Offices, where Aubrey and Marla shared their vision for inclusive, impact-focused giving.
These connections strengthen partnerships, shape our approach to giving, and keep us at the forefront of sector-wide change, ensuring our support remains effective and responsive.
Capacity-Building In Action
Beyond traditional giving, AMDF seeks to equip charitable partners with the tools and strategies for long-term growth and sustainability, leading to the creation of innovative capacity-building initiatives.
Storytelling for Change
AMDF is sponsoring and producing compelling videos to elevate our charitable partner’s work. Bobby’s Story, with San Romanoway Revitalization Association, marks our first video and the start of this new initiative.
Strengthening Impact
Through our partnership with Impact Genome, we provided one-on-one capacity-building support to six charitable partners, enhancing their impact measurement and data collection to drive greater, evidence-based impact.
Our AMDF Family
Visit Where We Give to learn more about each program.
Looking Ahead
Strategic Philanthropy
for Meaningful Change
We remain committed to deepening our impact in youth mental health and youth homelessness.
Our Commitment
- Supporting critical programs
- Strengthening capacity and partnerships
- Amplifying sustainable change
The Faces Behind AMDF
and making a difference
