The newly launched Peel Police Foundation has announced its first major community investment, providing $445,000 in funding to six local organizations working to support vulnerable youth, prevent exploitation, and strengthen anti-human trafficking initiatives across Peel Region.
The inaugural round of grants marks a major milestone for the Foundation, which was created in 2025 as a registered charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Its mandate is to mobilize resources, build partnerships, and support community-based programs addressing some of the most urgent social challenges facing Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon.
The funding will focus on two critical priorities: empowering vulnerable young people and expanding prevention and support programs related to human trafficking.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos welcomed the announcement, saying the investment will help connect Brampton youth with programs that build confidence, mentorship, and community support.
“Investments like these help to connect the youth of Brampton with the critical resources they need to succeed in our city,” Santos said. “By investing in these programs, young people will be able to access programs that offer mentorship and community building, as well as easier access to prevention and support programs for students at risk for trafficking.”
The six organizations receiving funding include Boys & Girls Club of Peel, EveryMind Mental Health Services, Free For All Community Services, Our Place Peel, Roots Community Services, and Seva Food Bank, operated by Sikhs Serving Canada Association.
Boys & Girls Club of Peel will receive $60,000 for a community-based leadership and outreach program serving youth between the ages of 12 and 21. The program is designed to build confidence, life skills, resilience, physical wellness, career awareness, and stronger family and community connections.
EveryMind Mental Health Services will receive $50,000 to provide counselling and early intervention services for transitional-age youth between 17 and 25. The program will offer timely and targeted supports to stabilize young people, reduce risk factors, and prevent ongoing crises.
Free For All Community Services will receive $80,000 to develop and deliver a comprehensive human trafficking prevention and awareness initiative focused on protecting youth. The program will include education, mentorship, and early intervention supports.
Our Place Peel will receive $100,000 to support its iRise program, which provides prevention, intervention, and reintegration services for youth aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of or involved in gun violence, gang-related activity, and human trafficking.
Roots Community Services will receive $95,000 for its REAL Futures program, which engages youth both online and in their communities to disrupt pathways into exploitation by addressing root causes such as social disconnection, identity development, and lack of belonging.
Seva Food Bank, through Sikhs Serving Canada Association, will receive $60,000 to expand the GRIT program, which stands for Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Transformation. The program supports youth aged 12 to 19 who face multiple risk factors through a structured nine-week model and ongoing mentorship.
Peel Police Foundation Chair Catherine Murray said the funding represents much more than financial support.
“This investment represents more than funding. It’s a commitment to our community’s future,” Murray said. “These organizations are doing vital, life-changing work with young people who need support the most. By investing in prevention, opportunity, and hope, we are helping to build safer neighbourhoods and stronger futures across Peel Region.”
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah, who also serves as a Foundation Board Member, said the grants will help strengthen partnerships between police, social service agencies, and community groups.
“These investments will help connect young people with meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and supports that foster well-being, resilience, and positive community outcomes,” Duraiappah said.
The Foundation says its approach is rooted in prevention, early intervention, and long-term resilience, with the goal of supporting young people before they become trapped in cycles of violence, exploitation, or crisis.
The announcement also reflects a growing recognition that public safety cannot be achieved through policing alone. Community organizations, social services, schools, families, and frontline workers all play a critical role in helping young people make positive choices and access the support they need.
With this first round of funding, the Peel Police Foundation is positioning itself as a new community partner focused on investing in prevention and building safer, healthier, and more connected neighbourhoods across Peel Region.
Residents, businesses, and community partners interested in learning more or supporting the Foundation’s work can visit peelpolicefoundation.ca.