The Dollar Detectives

The Dollar Detectives Society (TDD) is an innovative, youth focused, not-for-profit enhancing youth's financial confidence, leadership, and sense of self-determination. Our diverse, experienced and knowledgeable team has over 50 years of collective experience supporting vulnerable families. As a proud immigrant to Canada from the beautiful country of Haiti, founder Guirlene Joseph transformed her experiences with discrimination, social isolation, food insecurity and poverty as the catalyst for TDD!

As a social purpose driven organization and living wage employer, all revenue is reinvested into our organization and community providing free events, in-house financial mental health programs and by providing employment and volunteer opportunities for marginalized individuals.

Purpose - Delivering quality education in meaningful ways to help eliminate economic inequality.

Mission - To prepare and empower today's young people through quality programs with the relevant skills needed for financial stability.

Our Story
The spark for TDD began around the kitchen table during the pandemic. A group of socially purpose-driven youth and parents recognized a challenge: the knowledge gap in youth financial education and higher unemployment rates and precarious work among youth. Our conversations led us to identify a deeper issue—marginalized, racialized and at-risk youth who could benefit from additional support in not only enhancing their skills to manage money but also from opportunities to practice skills through earning money. This insight gave us our dual purpose: to revolutionize youth financial education and to create stable employment pathways.

TDD is not merely about financial education. We are about empowerment, inclusivity, and ensuring every young person, regardless of their origin or circumstances, can stand tall and be well-equipped to face the world. We are dedicated to ensuring young people gain the necessary skills and opportunities for financial stability. As we look ahead, we aim to expand our reach and magnify our impact continuously serving as a valuable resource and beacon of positive change.

Our Vision
TDD’s vision is three-fold:

•Create safe, supportive and inclusive spaces where youth from diverse backgrounds can have fun, learn about each other, foster empathy, unity and enhance social inclusion.
•Positively impact the success of youth by supporting their educational attainment, career aspirations, financial goals and overall economic achievement, promoting independence.
•Support youth to develop independence, strengthen coping and social-emotional skills and become more resistant to financial and economic crisis.