Freedom Is A Must Foundation

Breaking Cycles Through Mentorship, Rehabilitation & Advocacy

Freedom Is A Must Foundation supports justice-system impacted individuals, at-risk youth, and marginalized communities through mentorship, reintegration support, public education, and grassroots outreach.

Freedom Is A Must Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit (Corporation No: 1460895-0)

WHO WE SERVE

Communities We Support

We support individuals, families, and communities affected by systemic barriers, involvement with the justice system, poverty, and social exclusion through mentorship, advocacy, rehabilitation support, and grassroots initiatives that create pathways to healing, growth, and lasting success.

At-Risk Youth

Youth facing systemic barriers, limited opportunities, and community challenges.

Justice-System Impacted Individuals & Families

Supporting those impacted by incarceration and reintegration

Marginalized Communities

Communities experiencing social inequities, poverty, and limited access to support systems.

What we do

Through mentorship, rehabilitation support, advocacy, and grassroots initiatives, we work to create safer, stronger, and more supported communities.

Youth Mentorship & Prevention

Supporting youth through mentorship, prevention initiatives, and community engagement programs that encourage long-term growth and opportunity.

Rehabilitation & Reintegration

Helping justice-system impacted individuals rebuild stability, reconnect with community, and navigate successful reintegration.

Advocacy & Public Education

Using storytelling, workshops, and public engagement to challenge harmful narratives and promote systemic awareness.

Community Support Initiatives

Providing grassroots support through outreach programs, restorative initiatives, and community-centered resources.

How we create impact

We create meaningful change through mentorship, outreach, advocacy, education, and community-driven support systems focused on long-term growth and reintegration.

Mentorship Programs

Providing guidance, encouragement, and positive support systems for youth and individuals facing systemic barriers.

Workshops and Education

Facilitating educational conversations, workshops, and awareness initiatives that promote growth and understanding.

Community Outreach

Building direct relationships through grassroots outreach, engagement programs, and community-centered initiatives.

Support Resources

Connecting individuals and families with meaningful resources, restorative support, and community assistance.

Advocacy and Awareness

Using lived experience, storytelling, and public engagement to challenge harmful narratives and inspire change.

Long-Term Reintegration Support

Supporting sustainable personal growth, stability, and stronger community connection beyond immediate intervention.

Impact we created

Impact metrics are reviewed and updated every six months to reflect our ongoing community efforts.

Youth Engaged

0 +

Community Workshops

0 +

Families supported

0 +

Meals Distributed

0 +

Communities Cleaned Up

4 Communities

Montréal, Quebec (St Leonard area)

Surrey, BC (Surrey Central area)

Ottawa, Ontario (Wiggins Private area)

Toronto, Ontario (Regent Park & Moss Park areas)

Funds Raised for Charitable Causes

$6,700+ Raised

Autism Montreal: $1,200
Sick Kids Hospital – Great Cycle Challenge: $5500+

“The work the freedom is a must foundation is doing is unmatched”

“The freedom is a must employees and volunteers are hands-on and passionate about the work they do in the community. ”

"Thank you for your service to our community"

“Overworked, undermanned and still find a way to get the job done”

“Your foundations story and history is motivational and inspirational.”

"Constantly learning from @freedomisamustfoundation"

"You are doing such important work, Keep going!"

About Us

Freedom Is A Must Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit (Corporation No: 1460895-0)

Our History

The Freedom is a Must Foundation is a grassroots organization that takes a holistic approach to provide mentorship, opportunity and guidance to deter marginalized youth involved in criminal activity or at risk of being involved in a life of crime. Through advocacy, workshop activities and education, the Foundation provides at-risk youth and adults with a criminal past with hope, opportunity and a clear path to success. Our mentors offer support, guidance, and a positive outlook on life.

Mission

Our mission is to provide hope, opportunity, and a path to success through advocacy, action, and education.

Vision

Our vision is to create a safe space where at-risk youth can partner with mentors from the community who have overcome similar systemic barriers. Continuing this practice will break the stigma surrounding those that have made mistakes and ensure our societies that people can change.

“Making mistakes shouldn’t define a person’s character forever.”

Creating a positive impact in the lives of those in need

Click this link and figure out all the ways you can donate and help the Foundation’s initiatives.

OUR CAUSES

What we stand for

At our core we strive to create inclusive spaces for all to thrive, alleviate poverty, empower youth, combat climate change, advocating for social injustice, preventing crime, and supporting rehabilitation.

Crime Prevention

Preventing crime is about creating a safe and thriving community for all through education, engagement, and empowerment.

Climate Change

Climate change is a global crisis that demands immediate action from all of us to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Fundraising

Fundraising is not just about raising money; it's about building a community of support and making a positive impact together.

Tackling Poverty

Poverty is not just a lack of resources, but a systemic issue that requires collective action and social change to overcome.

Mental Health

Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. Join us in promoting mental well-being and creating a supportive society for all.

Statistics

Statistics are not just numbers, but powerful tools to understand trends, identify patterns, and make informed decisions that can improve people's lives.

Legal Representation

We understand the crucial role that legal representation plays in ensuring justice and protecting individuals' rights. That is why we have compiled a list of highly skilled lawyers who are hungry for justice and the righteous cause.

Youth Empowerment

Empowering youth is not just about giving them a voice, but also the tools, resources, and support they need to shape their own future and make a positive impact in their communities.

30-day Pen-Packs

We are dedicated to ensuring that our efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by incarceration. By offering the 30-Day Pen-Packs, we aim to foster a sense of connection, support, and dignity for both prisoners and their families.

Freedom Is A Must Podcast

Listen to our podcast over on YouTube where we discuss social injustice, tackling poverty, youth empowerment, mental health, legal representation, crime prevention, climate change, and fundraising.

Programs For Restoring Relationships

R & R Programs aim to rebuild relationships and communities by addressing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation after criminal activity. They offer specialized programs focusing on diversity, belonging, and inclusion, suitable for youth, adults, and seniors.

Join the Movement

Let's take action

“While one hand may wash the other, together we can straighten what has been bent.”

Real change starts with action. Whether you’re signing petitions, making donations, volunteering your time, or showing up at rallies, every step matters.

Visit our Take Action page to discover the causes and initiatives that resonate with you. Then take that first step and join a growing community committed to making a difference.

Together, we can build a more just and equitable world.

Our Products

Other ways you can help

Shop with a purpose and make a difference. All profits from merch will go to the Freedom is a Must Foundation’s causes.

Giving back in a meaningful way

Turning Lived Experience into Lasting Community Impact

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto’s Regent Park community, Christophe Lewis understands firsthand how systemic barriers, inequality, and limited access to opportunity can shape the course of a person’s life. His journey through adversity, accountability, and personal transformation has become the foundation of his commitment to creating meaningful change.

After spending more than 15 years incarcerated, Christophe emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to ensure that others have access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities that can change lives.

Today, as Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Is A Must Foundation, Christophe has transformed that commitment into action. Through youth mentorship, community outreach, restorative justice initiatives, education, and strategic partnerships, the foundation works to address systemic inequities while creating pathways toward empowerment, inclusion, and lasting opportunity.

His advocacy and community engagement have connected him with universities, correctional institutions, grassroots organizations, and community leaders across Canada, helping bridge the gap between lived experience, institutional understanding, and meaningful systemic change.

For Christophe, the foundation represents more than an organization. It is the culmination of a journey that has taught him the consequences of poor choices, the realities of systemic injustice, and the transformative power of accountability, compassion, and opportunity. Having experienced firsthand what it means to lose one’s freedom, he understands that true freedom extends beyond physical liberty. It includes the ability to belong, to be heard, to access opportunity, and to build a meaningful future.

Freedom Is A Must Foundation was born from that understanding: a belief that freedom, dignity, and opportunity should not be privileges reserved for a few, but possibilities accessible to all.

"It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones."

- Nelson Mandela

Testimonials