Afro Canadian Development Inc. (Registered Charity # 75533 3424 RR0001) is a registered charity organization serving refugees, immigrants, and less privileged communities across Canada, with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario. As a member of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), we align our efforts with broader initiatives aimed at advocating for the rights and well-being of refugees and immigrants in Canada. Through our five core service pillars - skill-based training for children and youths, empowerplay, community outreach and essential aid, legal assistance and mental health referral, and employment services - we are dedicated to creating sustainable, transformative change for vulnerable populations across Ontario. Our work empowers newcomers, immigrants, refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and underserved communities to overcome barriers and build thriving futures.

Our Vision                                                              

We envision a future where refugees, immigrants, homeless individuals, and underprivileged families in Ontario find hope, stability, and a deep sense of belonging.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to refugees, immigrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, and underprivileged families in Ontario. Through our focus on resettlement, mental health, education, and community empowerment, we aim to create a nurturing environment that fosters resilience, inclusion, and opportunities for all.

Our Core Values

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships to amplify our impact and create sustainable change.
• Compassion: We approach every interaction with empathy, understanding the unique challenges faced by those we serve.
• Inclusivity: We welcome and serve individuals of all ages, genders, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations with dignity and respect.
• Innovation: We continuously adapt and improve our services to meet emerging needs in our communities.
• Transparency: We uphold integrity in all actions, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Empowerment: We equip individuals with the tools, knowledge and confidence to build independent, fulfilling lives in Canada.

Our Programs 

1. STEM Program for Children and Youths

With the aim to empower and increase the representation of the children and youth population from underserved and low-income communities in the STEM field, Afro Canadian Development initiated the STEM program. We have been running this program with some of the renowned Coding & Robotics service providers, such as MakerKids and Ultimate Coders, since January 2023. Our STEM program for Children and Youth consists of enriched and interactive weekly sessions on Coding & Robotics (6 – 10 years and 11 – 18 years).

2. EmpowerPlay (Where Every Youth Belongs, Moves, and Grows)

 EmpowerPlay is a community sports and wellness initiative by Afro Canadian Development Inc., created to empower underserved and racialized youth across the Greater Toronto Area through inclusive physical activity, health education, and leadership development. Guided by the belief that every young person deserves a space to belong, move, and grow, EmpowerPlay provides free access to structured sports training, recreational play, and wellness literacy.

The program offers opportunities for children and youth from low-income and marginalized communities - especially Black and people of color youth - to develop their athletic skills, build physical fitness, and learn about health, teamwork, and resilience. Through basketball, soccer, and other sport-based activities, EmpowerPlay promotes holistic wellbeing by connecting movement with mentorship, physical health literacy, and positive community engagement.

By reducing financial and systemic barriers to participation, EmpowerPlay levels the playing field and fosters inclusion, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Beyond the game, it cultivates leadership, discipline, and a sense of belonging - empowering youth to become active, inspired, and connected members of their communities.

3. Community Outreach and Essential Aid

We deliver vital, on-the-ground support to low-income and racialized communities across the Greater Toronto Area through initiatives addressing immediate needs and systemic barriers.

Our seasonal essential aid distributions include food and water drives during the scorching heat of summer, serving 200+ homeless individuals (partnering with Inside Lagos Kitchen and Tim Hortons), along with winter survival kits providing coats and hygiene items to families in underserved neighborhoods.

Through education and opportunity initiatives, we've equipped 500+ students (2022-2024) with backpacks and supplies via our Back-to-School Aid (2022-2024) while connecting 150+ job seekers with employers like TD Bank, Paragon Security, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Habitat for Humanity Canada, Bridge Check Canada, Vest Security Services, Kennedy House, and Rosalie Hall through our ACD Job Fair. Our commitment to inclusive community building shines through programs like Aurtistic Hues, where we hosted 50+ autistic youth/adults across 5 group homes in therapeutic tie-dye workshops to develop creativity and motor skills, and our annual Gift-a-Christmas event, providing toys and winter essentials to 400 children and their families. Through our festive initiatives, like the Thanksgiving Food Drive, we offered hot meals to 120+ food-insecure families, ensuring year-round support for those most in need.

4. Legal Assistance and Referral

We empower clients to navigate complex legal systems through our network of trusted legal professionals. In collaboration with Linda K. Law Professional Corporation, Rye Law Firm, and Arora Law Services, we provide specialized immigration guidance exploring all potential pathways to resettlement. Our partnerships ensure that low-income individuals receive culturally sensitive support to overcome systemic barriers.

5. Mental Health Services & Counselling

We provide culturally grounded mental health support through our partnership with ReNu Counselling & Psychotherapy, led by Renee Raymond, Clinical Director/Registered Psychotherapist (R.Kin, C.C.C., MS). For over two years, their specialized team has supported asylum seekers with:

• Culturally responsive therapy from practitioners of Jamaican, Somali, Ethiopian, Nigerian, and Chadian heritage
• Trauma-informed care for refugee and immigration-related stress

Our collaborative services include:

• Mental health workshops on coping strategies and resilience-building
• One-on-one psychotherapy referrals for survivors of persecution
• Community healing circles addressing intergenerational trauma.

6. Employment Services 

At Afro Canadian Development Inc., we bridge the gap between job seekers and meaningful employment opportunities through our community-driven initiatives. Our annual ACD Job Fairs connect over 150 candidates with a diverse range of employers committed to community growth and inclusion, including TD Bank, Paragon Security, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Habitat for Humanity Canada, Bridge Check Canada, Vest Security Services, Kennedy House, and Rosalie Hall. These partnerships demonstrate corporate dedication to nurturing local talent and driving economic equity.

Building on this foundation, we are proud to launch JobReady+ - Equipping BIPOC Youth Today. Empowering Communities Tomorrow. This new initiative is designed to prepare underserved Black and racialized youth (ages 16–30) across the Greater Toronto Area for meaningful employment through pre-employment workshops, resume and interview clinics, workplace etiquette training, and industry-recognized certifications such as Smart Serve, Food Handler, Forklift, CPR, and CPI. JobReady+ goes beyond training - it connects participants directly with employers and mentors who champion diversity in the workforce. Through this program, Afro Canadian Development continues to break barriers, strengthen career pathways, and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.