Drop-In Services and Youth Centre Programming

Drop-In Programs

Grocery Day – Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 6:30 PM
Supplemental Groceries Update: Youth can now access groceries directly through the Drop-In—no appointment needed. Groceries are available Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. While our Drop-In Centre no longer serves ready-to-eat meals, we remain committed to supporting food access. If you need help navigating local food banks, please contact us at drop-in@friendsofruby.ca.

A huge thank you to @MazonCanada for supporting our Food Access programs!

E&E Co-working Cafe: Parallel Play Mondays – Sept 14, 21, & 28 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Looking for a chill space to work on your goals, art, or that one thing you keep putting off? Join us for Parallel Play — a quiet, low-pressure co-working space where you can focus, sip coffee or tea, and be around others doing their own thing.

Movie Mondays – from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Let’s turn Mondays into movie magic! Heat up some popcorn, dim the lights, and get comfy as we kick back with great films.   

Sept 14 – The Dinosaurs (2026): Part 1 & 2
Sept 21 –The Dinosaurs (2026): Part 3 & 4
July 27 – Our People Will Be Healed (2017)

Back Talk Poetry Program with Canvas – in person, on Tuesday and Thursday, starting Sept 17th, from 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Join Canvas Arts Action Programs and Friends of Ruby as we explore identity, resilience, and storytelling through poetry and spoken word in a supportive creative space.

Trans Talk – Sept 3rd, 1:00-3:00 PM, Sept 17th 3:00-5:00 PM
Join us for a program designed for trans, non-binary, genderqueer, and questioning individuals. Find a space where you can freely express yourself without the need to explain your experiences and identity. Let’s come together for meaningful discussions, engaging activities, and lasting connections. Join us for a welcoming space for trans, non-binary, genderqueer, and questioning individuals to connect, share, and express themselves freely.

Song Decoder – Sept 9^th & 24^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM 
Share your favourite songs, explore lyrics, and unpack the stories and emotions behind the music. Discover how music connects us all.

Dental Clinic with Danton Smiles – Sept 14^th from 11:45-5:00
Friends of Ruby is collaborating with Danton Smiles to provide no/low cost dental cleanings for participants! Please read carefully to see if you’re eligible, and for details on how to book an appointment. To qualify for a dental cleaning, you must:

Be registered as a current Friends of Ruby participant and

Be on ODSP or otherwise insured for dental care (Canadian Dental Plan is also accepted!)

If you are interested in booking an appointment, please email us at drop-in@friendsofruby.ca to schedule your appointment.

Games Night – Sept 18^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Relax with board games, card games, and friendly competition in a welcoming environment where community comes first.

Delicious in Drop-In: Cake Pops – Sept 10^th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn how to prepare classic tea sandwiches while experimenting with your own favourite flavours. Ingredients and supplies are provided, making this a welcoming opportunity to build kitchen confidence and enjoy a delicious afternoon together.

The Short & Sweet Story Club : Indigenous Authors– Sept 30th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Love stories but can’t find the time, energy or attention span to sit through a lengthy book or a full movie? Come out to the Short & Sweet Story club to explore and analyze various pieces of short literature and films without worrying about length commitments.

This week, we will be looking at several short works and collections from different Indigenous authors:

One Good Story, That One by Thomas King

A White Man’s Word by Debra Swallow

Love After The End edited by Joshua Whitehead

Buffalo is the New Buffalo by Chelsea Vowel

It’s World Emoji Day! Emoji Puzzle Solving – July 17^th from 1:00 – 53:00 PM

Celebrate World Emoji Day by solving fun puzzles built around the symbols we use every day. Test your creativity, collaborate with others, and enjoy a light-hearted afternoon.

Communication, Boundaries and the ABC’s of Self Defence  (De Santos & Planned Parenthood) – July 3^rd from 1:00 – 4:30 PM
A collaborative, trauma-informed physical movement and self-defence program designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. The program integrates consent education, socio-emotional learning, and confidence-building to support participants in developing a stronger sense of safety, self-awareness, and empowerment in their daily lives. 

Craft Corner: Painted Rock Necklaces– June 24^th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Create your own wearable art by transforming painted stones into one-of-a-kind necklaces using wire, beads, and cord. Materials are provided.

Toronto Gems: Ripley’s Aquarium Walking Trip – July 17^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Join us for an active walking trip to Ripley’s Aquarium. Participants will receive care kits before exploring the aquarium together. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Accommodation requests are welcome.

Love in Motion – July 21^st & 28^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Got an itch to make beautiful accessories just in time for Pride? Then look no further than our June 19^th Craft Corner! This session will have us stringing together beautiful beads, wrapping wires, and creating earrings that shimmer in the sunlight. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bits and bobs if you have anything you wish to turn into wearable art!

Harm Reduction 101 – July 22^nd from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Receive hands-on naloxone training, learn to recognize opioid poisoning, and gain practical harm reduction knowledge. Participants receive certification and a naloxone kit. Registration required.

Dino Bites – July 22^nd from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Explore real and replica fossils through an interactive workshop examining evolution, fossilization, and the Tree of Life. A fun educational experience for curious minds.

Materials will be provided. Just bring yourself and some good vibes!

Harm Reduction Kit Making – July 23^rd from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Help assemble safer smoking kits while learning about the history and importance of harm reduction in community care. Facilitated discussions, snacks, and supplies are provided.

Craft Corner: Painted Rock Necklaces – July 24^th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Create your own wearable art by transforming painted stones into one-of-a-kind necklaces using wire, beads, and cord. Materials are provided.

Expressing Yourself: Cropping & Hemming Summer Tees  – July 29^th from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Explore fashion as self-expression while learning simple no-sew techniques for cropping and hemming clothing. A hands-on workshop celebrating creativity and authentic style.

Climate Cafeé – July 29^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
A supportive discussion space for processing climate emotions through conversation and nature-inspired activities without pressure to find solutions.

Toronto Gems: Queer History Walking Tour– July 30^th from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Discover important landmarks in Toronto’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history during this guided walking tour highlighting stories, resilience, and community.

Super Sleepers – July 31^st from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn evidence-based strategies for improving sleep, including sleep hygiene, circadian rhythms, and practical techniques for better rest.

Toronto Gems: Understory Walking Tour– July 31^st from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Visit the trans-owned Understory Café as we explore another local community gem. Participants’ first beverage is covered by Friends of Ruby.

Thank you to @UWGreaterTO for al their support of our Youth Peer-Worker programs
Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN) 
Eligibility: 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults 16-29 years, particularly those who are unhoused, vulnerably housed, or at risk of homelessness