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Prevention before crisis. Support before consequence.
R.I.T.E. of Way Youth Foundation is a registered Canadian nonprofit, that provides prevention-focused, culturally responsive support to youth ages 12–24.
We operate across the Greater Toronto Area through in-person programming and deliver virtual and phone-based services Canada-wide.
The Need
Many youth growing up in under-resourced and high-risk communities are exposed to violence, trauma, and instability at an early age. Despite this, they are often met with punishment rather than support—through suspensions, expulsions, or criminal charges—long before meaningful intervention occurs.
Youth served by R.I.T.E. of Way commonly face:
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Exposure to gun and community violence
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Limited access to culturally relevant mental health supports
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School disengagement and conflict with authority
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Lack of positive role models and mentorship
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Pressure to retaliate or seek validation through harmful behaviour
Without timely, trusted support, decisions made in minutes can result in consequences that last a lifetime.
Our Approach
R.I.T.E. of Way is built around a simple but powerful decision-making model inspired by street-crossing rules—the Right of Way. Just as crossing a busy intersection requires awareness and judgment, life requires clarity and restraint, especially when emotions are high.
Youth are taught to apply four steps in moments of pressure:
Stop — Pause when emotions are escalating
Yield — Consider consequences and who may be affected
Wait — Allow time for regulation and clarity to return
Proceed — Make a choice that protects their future
This framework transforms emotional regulation into practical, real-world decision-making skills youth can use in conflict, temptation, or crisis situations.
Who We Serve
R.I.T.E. of Way serves youth ages 12–24, particularly those who are:
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Transitioning into or out of high school
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Living in priority or under-resourced neighbourhoods
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Exposed to violence or justice system involvement
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Experiencing school disengagement or conflict with authority
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Lacking consistent mentorship or support systems
Our services are designed to support youth before crisis occurs, helping them navigate challenges with clarity, guidance, and dignity.
Impact & Outcomes
R.I.T.E. of Way is committed to measurable, prevention-focused outcomes, including:
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Reduced violent and retaliatory incidents
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Improved emotional regulation and decision-making
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Increased help-seeking behaviour
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Improved school and community engagement
Impact is measured through attendance, self-reports, referrals completed, and feedback from community partners—ensuring accountability alongside compassion.
Founder & Leadership
R.I.T.E. of Way was founded by Jermaine Prempeh, whose lived experience and professional background directly shape the organization’s mission and approach.
Raised in the priority neighbourhood of Jane and Finch, the founder experienced school disengagement, street influence, and the normalization of violence. A pivotal mentoring relationship with an educator became a turning point, leading to academic improvement, post-secondary education, and a belief in change.
After later being arrested on serious charges, he spent two years incarcerated before being acquitted. Rather than allowing this experience to define him, he returned to complete his university degree and went on to work extensively in frontline youth services, including residential group homes, youth mental health treatment settings, and community health outreach.
Today, as Executive Director, he brings credibility, relatability, and accountability—ensuring R.I.T.E. of Way is grounded in real-life experience, compassion, and proven practice.
After later being arrested on serious charges, he spent two years incarcerated before being acquitted. Rather than allowing this experience to define him, he returned to complete his university degree and went on to work extensively in frontline youth services, including residential group homes, youth mental health treatment settings, and community health outreach.
Today, as Executive Director, he brings credibility, relatability, and accountability—ensuring R.I.T.E. of Way is grounded in real-life experience, compassion, and proven practice.
