SYL is a recreational boxing program for women and trans people who self-identify as survivors of violence. This project is a partnership between The Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club, Opportunity for Advancement, Jessie's Centre for Teenagers and Brock University. SYL classes began in the fall of 2007 and so far approximately 60 women, young women and trans people have taken part. > Click here to read about Punch Card: Producing Total Knockouts, the recent fundraiser for Shape Your Life, in Inside Toronto. Physical exercise and sports can help our minds and bodies heal from the impact of violence and abuse. Being part of an empowering fitness environment can improve self-esteem and encourage positive changes in our lives. Exploring healthy aggression in a safe space can help us express ourselves and build confidence. Boxing can help us get in touch with how strong we already are and contribute to building futures that are free of violence. Many new participants ask if they will have to talk about their past experiences of violence or abuse in order to take part in SYL. The answer is no, you do not need to disclose any information about your history or your experiences of violence to join the project. However, if you want to talk about violence in your life there are lots of opportunities to share with the SYL staff and other participants. Some SYL participants have also shared their stories with researchers, journalists and film makers who are supportive of the project and have found these experiences really positive and empowering. However, if, when and to whom you tell your story is completely up to you. The classes take place at The Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club, which is proudly known as the first all-female boxing club in Canada. The club is located at 388 Carlaw St, which is just south of Gerrard on the west side of the road. To get there by TTC, go to Pape Station and take the Pape bus south. Get off at the Badgerow stop, which is the first stop after Gerrard St - you'll be let off right at the building. The Shape Your Life boxing classes take place once a week for three months. SYL participants can come to either the Tuesday class from 1:30pm-3:30pm or the Saturday class from 2:30-4:30. You must be registered in advance to attend SYL classes. Call 416.787.1481 x320 to register. Yes. SYL provides free childcare to participants in the Saturday classes. The childcare space is located at Jessie's Centre for Teenagers at 205 Parliament St. Before each class you can drop your child/children off and the project pays for parents to take a taxi from Jessie's to Newsgirls for the class and then back to Jessie's. If you need childcare, you must make arrangements beforehand with Maritza at Jessie's by calling 416.365.1888. Shape Your Life is a free program funded by the Ministery of the Attorney General: Ontario Victim Services Secretariat. At each class, snacks, water and TTC will be provided. In addition, each participant will get a set of hand wraps to keep. Participants should come with comfortable workout clothes and runners if you have them. If you don't, we will help you get used clothes and runners during the first few weeks of your classes. SYL understands that many women and trans people, particularly survivors of violence, face multiple barriers and challenges in their day to day lives. We aim to make the project as inclusive and accessible as possible so that even women/trans people with a lot on their plates can join. It's not a big deal if you sometimes have to miss a class because something else came up. SYL also wants to help connect participants with other neighbourhood services, programs and resources that will be of use to them. The SYL coordinator has experience working with survivors of violence in agency settings, and is always available to listen or to help participants connect to any other community resources they need- be it housing, income supports, counselling, parenting help, healthcare, community legal services etc. Also, the SYL coaches and partner agencies are always on hand to provide support and referrals to participants if they need them. Throughout the program, in addition to the boxing classes there will be occasional events, workshops and extra activities that participants can attend on topics such as health, self-esteem, goal setting etc. The SYL boxing classes are designed for beginners, so you don't need to be super fit or have any experience with sports in order to participate. That said, it's always a good idea to be promoting your overall health and wellbeing by eating a nutritious and balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and doing some form of exercise such as walking or biking. Feel free to call the coordinator, Jen Plyler, anytime at 416.787.1481 x320. You can also call our agency partners: Opportunity for Advancement (416.787.1481) and ask for Joanne or Jessie's Centre for Teenagers (416.365.1888) and ask for Maritza with any questions you have.