U of T alum Alphonse Daniel finds meaning and community through Hart House's Youth Access program

Alphonse Daniel pictured with Hart House's Youth Advisory Council

U of T alum Alphonse Daniel (BSc 2020) works with young people and community members in his role at Hart House and says they have just as much impact on him as he hopefully does on them.

As Program Associate, Community Access & Outreach, Daniel co-leads Hart House’s Youth Access programming, which gives high school students a chance to build connections, gain leadership skills and participate in everything from art to recreation in an inclusive way.

Daniel, who earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Population Health, Health Humanities and Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough and is now doing his Master of Social Work at U of T’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, says providing opportunities for all young people is important.

“I listen compassionately and act with intent in hopes of providing a genuine and ongoing effort for those who’ve been told they’re deserving of less,” he says.

Clearly, he’s in the right job. Hart House fosters a climate of inclusivity and belonging in its spaces and programs and encourages students to explore who they are and who they aspire to be. As well, Youth Access and Outreach initiatives are funded by the Hart House Innovation Fund, including direct subsidies to youth participants and related program costs. 

A program where trust and mutual respect are key

Daniel is active in two areas: Youth Access Programs and Community Access Programs. The first, for high school students, includes leadership-type sessions. The second encompasses large-scale events and Work Readiness Programs that connect youth to different areas of Hart House where they gain skills and accreditation. 

When discussing what he most enjoys about working with young people, Daniel says without hesitation, “Relationship building. I've met a lot of youth and community members who don't have someone in their life who checks up on them, laughs with them, has the hard conversations with them, even thinks about their safety.”

He finds it rewarding to watch these students grow, change and gain confidence. “I love when they send me messages or drop by to tell me updates on their lives. They show me so much about the importance of having fun,” he says, noting, “Every moment we have together, we're teaching each other about who we are and who we want to be.”

Trust is key. These relationships can be very personal and surprisingly life changing. “It’s not what they expect coming into the space, right? They say to themselves, ‘I’ll just pop in to see the U of T campus’ … but they end up leaving with lasting relationships.”

Funny and unexpected anecdotes

Over the past four years that he's been in his role, Daniel has plenty of stories to share. “The funniest was when I destroyed our co-op student, Ethan, in Mario Kart! I never go easy on them, you know? Then he went and spread misinformation, saying that he beat me! He was salty about it!”

Some stories are more emotional. “There was a Youth Advisory Council session that really struck me: A poetry workshop, two years ago, designed by our Work Study student, Janelle. One of her goals was to embrace vulnerability. People who I never would’ve expected to cry were weeping as they read and listened to each others’ stories and poems. I felt lucky to witness the trust between our youth and our students and how big an impact that can have.”

Remains close to former students

Some individuals leave a lasting impression. One former co-op student springs to mind: Sean Chen, with whom Daniel has stayed in touch for three years. “He sends me many messages on our youth server. He’s like my son. I love him.” 

Not long ago, when a friend passed away, Chen reached out to Daniel and the two chatted about grief. Later, Chen began volunteering with two youth mental health services. Daniel provided a reference for him and some guidance.

"None of this was through a particular Youth Access program,” Daniel clarifies, “but I think it speaks to the impact of the work. This was a moment where a youth sought community with us because he knew he could, and then was able to transmute that energy and that moment back into community.” Today, Chen has 60+ hours of volunteering at Kids Help Phone.

Some of these high school students have subsequently come to U of T, some work at Hart House. “That makes me very happy because it’s clear that they got a sense of belonging here. They're also taking ownership of the space and becoming a part of creating experiences for other youth.”

For example, Christopher came through the Native Youth Resource Centre and now works in the Production area for the Hospitality Services department; Omar (St. George campus) used to be a part of the Group Fitness Mentorship Program and is now employed in Work Study at Hart House; and Teya (Co-Chair of the Hart House Finance Committee), currently enrolled in the Rotman School of Management, was active in the Hart House Youth Advisory Council. 

Teya has held several positions at Hart House. “To work with her in very different roles across four years at Hart House is quite miraculous,” Daniel says. “Every few months, I find myself sending her sentimental messages because she is always expanding my world. I think I will continue to do that for the rest of my life. Even as we grow in and out of our roles at the House, a connection like this can last forever.”

Highlights of working at Hart House

When asked the best thing about working at Hart House, Daniel’s response is swift: “My instant, number one answer is Danielle Dinunzio, Manager, Access and Strategic Initiatives. “She’s one of the biggest gifts.”

Secondly, he appreciates the fact that there’s no need for an ending to a relationship at Hart House. “We try to connect with people in the limited time we have. I'd like to think that they would come back when they're ready,” he says, emphasizing, “I want students and youth to know that if they're stressed, tired or in need of a friend, they can come to a Youth Access program and visit us because there's always something happening. We create opportunities for U of T students and staff to be with our communities. 

“This can be a nice call to action: If you're interested, come and tell us!”

The significance of his work

It was through building relationships with students, community members and youth in this space ‒ learning and becoming connected at the same time as them ‒ that Daniel started to realize the deeper significance of working at Hart House. 

“Hart House is all about fun and community,” he states, adding, “In today’s society, I don't think there's a type of medicine more important than that.”

Originally published by Hart House