The Stop's Community Advocacy Office
Our Community Advocacy Office empowers people experiencing marginalization to navigate systems, access resources, and take action for themselves and their communities.
Through peer support, information, referrals, and financial empowerment programs, participants build skills, connect with others, and strengthen their community while addressing the broader challenges of poverty and food insecurity.
The Community Advocacy Office operates at two locations:
1884 Davenport Road
Monday, Thursday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Tuesday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Friday (10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
729 St. Clair Avenue West (Wychwood Open Door)
Wednesday (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
For more information, please contact (416) 652-7867 ext. 235 or email advocacy@thestop.org.
In 2025: Our Advocacy Impact at a Glance
referrals to community services for support with housing, employment, immigration, and more
visits to our Advocacy office
tax returns filed
in tax benefits delivered
Become Your Own Advocate (BYOA) program
Be(Come) Your Own Advocate (BYOA) is a free, in-person program that helps community members build confidence and develop practical advocacy skills.
Through the program, participants explore how personal challenges connect to broader community issues, while learning how to navigate systems, communicate effectively, and advocate for themselves and their community in real-life situations.
Topics include housing, mental health, digital literacy, and collective action, with a focus on building both individual skills and shared understanding.
BYOA also creates space for connection, where participants can share experiences, support one another, and expand their support networks.
Registration for the next BYOA session opens this fall. To learn more or express your interest in the course, please email advocacy@thestop.org.
"Being a Peer Advocate has been a formative experience. I learned how to be an active and useful participant in my community. I take great pride in helping community members navigate obscure systems of aid, as well as providing services to folks who, like myself, may experience barriers elsewhere."
Norhan
Program Participant
The Debbie Jenkins Tax Clinic
Accessing income supports often starts with filing a tax return, but many people face barriers in completing this process, which can mean missing out on important benefits and credits.
The Stop’s tax clinic helps make filing taxes more accessible by offering support to individuals who may need guidance navigating the process. Through this service, participants can access the income supports they are entitled to, helping to improve overall financial stability.
The clinic was established by the late Debbie Jenkins, a dedicated community member, to ensure more people can access the resources available to them.
For more information, contact us at taxclinic@thestop.org or 416-652-7867.
Upcoming Programs
Legal Clinic
(April–July 2026)
Starting in April, the Community Advocacy Program will be hosting a weekly legal clinic on Friday mornings for four months. This clinic will provide participants with access to legal information, guidance, and support related to issues such as housing, income, and other rights-based concerns.
Programs like this are offered throughout the year based on community needs, helping ensure participants have access to timely and relevant support.
For more information, contact us at advocacy@thestop.org or (416) 652-7867 ext. 235
Partner Programs
These partner programs are delivered on-site in collaboration with the Community Advocacy Program, making it easier for participants to access multiple services in one place.
ID Clinic
The ID Clinic supports participants in obtaining or replacing essential identification, such as health cards, birth certificates, and other government-issued ID. Staff provide guidance through the application process and help reduce barriers that can make accessing services difficult.
The clinic is delivered in partnership with The Neighbourhood Group Community Services’ Partners for Access and Identification (PAID) Project.
Open Doors
The Open Door Program supports residents in accessing health information, community resources, and social supports in familiar community settings. Led by Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services through the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Health Team and funded by Ontario Health, the program focuses on serving newcomers, seniors, people living on low incomes, and others who may face barriers accessing care and services.