The Mt Kenya Times 
Amanda Coombs
By: Anila Bukhari
Amanda Coombs has dedicated her career to strengthening communities through leadership, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to mental health and social equity. As the Executive Director of Back 2 Basickz Youth Support Services, she leads a non-profit organization focused on providing mental health, academic, employment, and justice-related support for youth. Alongside this role, she serves with the Toronto Community Crisis Team, a program that delivers essential support to individuals experiencing mental health crises, reflecting her ongoing commitment to serving those facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Driven by a passion for creating equitable systems and addressing systemic barriers, Amanda has also contributed her expertise as a member of the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Committee (AROA). Her work consistently reflects a belief that stronger communities are built through inclusion, fairness, and meaningful support for individuals from all backgrounds.
Amanda’s academic journey has played a significant role in shaping her professional path. Holding a degree in Psychology and pursuing a Master of Divinity in Clinical Counselling, she has combined education with practical community service to create lasting impact. Her dedication to mental health education led her to become a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor, through which she has certified more than 1,000 individuals across Toronto with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support people experiencing mental health crises. By equipping others with these critical tools, Amanda has helped strengthen community capacity to respond with compassion, confidence, and understanding.
Her commitment to community extends far beyond her professional responsibilities. For 13 years, Amanda served as a Tenant Representative in the Jane and Finch community, becoming a trusted advocate for residents and working closely with families to improve local neighbourhoods. Throughout her years of service, she worked tirelessly to help residents launch meaningful community initiatives while creating opportunities that brought people together and strengthened community connections.
Amanda played an active role in organising community events that celebrated togetherness and supported local families. From hosting back-to-school barbecues to coordinating holiday celebrations, her efforts created welcoming spaces where residents could connect and children could feel supported. She also helped provide essential supplies for children, ensuring that families had access to valuable resources during important times of the year. At the same time, she served as a Community Outreach Worker, further expanding her ability to connect individuals with support services and community opportunities.
Her advocacy produced tangible improvements within the Jane and Finch community. Amanda’s leadership contributed to the beautification of community spaces, helping create environments that residents could enjoy with greater pride. She also played a role in supporting the opening of a local gym for residents, providing additional opportunities for recreation, wellness, and community engagement. These initiatives reflected her practical approach to community development—one focused on creating accessible spaces and improving quality of life through collaborative action.
Amanda’s dedication to resident advocacy continued through her service on the Toronto Community Housing Board. As a member of both the Building Investment, Finance, and Audit Committee (BIFAC) and the Tenant Services Committee, she contributed to discussions and decisions that directly affected residents across the housing system. Through these leadership positions, she worked to amplify the voices of tenants while helping address community needs on a broader systemic level. Her involvement demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that resident perspectives remained central in conversations surrounding housing, investment, and tenant services.
Across every stage of her career, Amanda has consistently focused on breaking down systemic barriers while creating pathways that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Whether through youth support services, mental health education, community outreach, resident advocacy, or committee leadership, her work reflects a deep commitment to service and meaningful social impact.
Today, Amanda Coombs continues her journey of public service as a candidate in the 2026 municipal elections for City Councillor representing Humber River-Black Creek Riding. Her candidacy reflects years of experience working directly with communities and addressing issues affecting residents through practical leadership and sustained advocacy.
Drawing upon her experience as a community advocate, non-profit leader, mental health professional, volunteer, and public servant, Amanda remains committed to uplifting residents while promoting stronger, more connected communities. Her vision is rooted in creating equitable systems, breaking systemic barriers, and ensuring that every individual has access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Amanda Coombs’ leadership is defined by service, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to community well-being. From supporting youth and strengthening mental health awareness to advocating for residents and contributing to systemic change, her work continues to demonstrate the lasting impact that committed leadership can have on individuals and communities alike. As she continues to serve Humber River-Black Creek, her proven record of advocacy and dedication remains at the centre of her vision for positive and lasting community change.
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