Recreation & Social Programming
At Mattias Residence for Children and Youth (MRTY), recreation is an important part of supporting each child’s overall well-being, social inclusion, and skill development. Our programs provide fun, engaging, and structured opportunities that align with each youth’s individualized care plan.
Children and youth can enjoy:
Swimming – year-round
Seasonal sports – soccer, ball hockey, and skating
Creative workshops – music, arts, drama, and crafts
Health and wellness activities – yoga, dance, fitness, and nature walks
Community outings – movies, parks, museums, and local events
Cultural and heritage activities – celebrating diverse traditions, storytelling, and food exploration
Life-skill based recreation – cooking, gardening, leadership, and teamwork activities
All activities are delivered in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where youth are encouraged to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections. Staff support participation according to each child’s needs, including a 2:1 ratio for youth with complex needs to ensure safety and individualized attention.
Physical Activity and Recreational Outings
At Mattias Residence for Children and Youth (MRTY), physical activities and recreational programs are tailored to each child’s or youth’s individual needs, abilities, and care plan goals.
MRTY organizes regular outings and activities to support social, physical, and emotional development, including visits to local parks, the Science Centre, Toronto Zoo, and amusement destinations like Wonderland and Wet and Wild Park. These activities encourage community engagement, skill development, and experiential learning.
Enhanced recreational experiences, such as annual March Break trips or summer excursions, are offered based on youth interest, needs, and safety considerations. All activities are supervised in a safe, inclusive environment, with staff support adjusted to meet the needs of youth, including those with complex care requirements.
Adult Education and Day Support
At Mattias Residence for Youth, we help adults learn, grow, and thrive. Participants engage in local schools, community programs, and arts activities, while our Moving Forward Day Program offers fun and meaningful Monday Friday activities like life skills, volunteer work, gardening, and outings designed to build independence, connection, and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
At Mattias Residence for Children and Youth, we provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive home for all children, youth, and adults in our care. We honor every individual’s cultural, racial, ethnic, and faith-based background and support diverse identities and sexual orientations.
Our staff ensure programs and daily routines are culturally responsive, from preparing traditional meals to celebrating important cultural events, helping each resident feel valued, respected, and connected.