Kujenga Family Wellness Project is sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Carea Community Health Center. The project is geared to providing support services to Black individuals: caregivers, parents, children, youth, families, and adults. The support services include: support groups for parents, youth, and adults. A resource navigation system to support parents and individuals seeking guidance on information. A series of educational workshops and webinars that guide parents, caregivers, and adults in multiple aspects of their life.

Our first step:

Join one of our focus groups and listening circles called, Let's Talk Cafe to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas to build our project, respond to needs, and advocate for the needs of our community.

Open Dates:

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 7: 30- 9:00 pm

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 7: 30- 9: 00 pm

Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 7: 30- 9:00 pm

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7: 30 pm- 9: 00 pm

Enroll at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watch, Download or Stream:

Subscribe to "Kujenga Wellness Project" website for updated information. Watch our online webinars and workshops. Consult with one of our wellness therapists or Project Coordinator for support, guidance and knowledge.

Consider joining our support groups:

Join one of our support groups designed for women, men, caregivers, children and youth. The support groups will begin online to provide greater accessibility and will address for specific challenges and concerns. Our groups are facilitated by psychotherapists and graduate students. Typically groups run for 6 to 10 weeks depending on the topic and focus of the group.

Join our initiative! Become a Partner. Share your skills with your community. Support our members.

As a Black-led organization, we strive to build pillars rooted in our history, the culture, and the people.

Family

Our family may consist of our birth family, or the family we adopted in our lives. Our family unit may often serve as the foundation of our identity and our home. Black families incorporate family to include kin, neighbor, friend, and relative. We have a duty and responsibility to our community to care for our family unit, and respons to their need, even when it means sacrificing ourselves. At Kujenga, we understand family, and we promote and support you to build a healthy family foundation.

Building Community

The Black community has endured centuries of racism, slavery segregation, inequality, and systemic racism. But still we rise. Our story never started with hatred and brutality, our story began with creation of the world. Our community is strong, resourceful, resilient and purposeful. We acknowledge the impact of anti-Black racism upon our lives. We actively seek and advocate for equity. We work towards reducing barriers in our own practice, and seek inclusive and equitable outcomes for our community members.

Social Justice

Three words: #Black Lives Matter Our Lives Matter. We will relentlessly advocate for equities in health, income, education, social systems, mental health, employment, food, and working conditions.

Education

There are many ways our education system creates inequity for our children, leading to poorer outcomes in school. We hope to support parents and children navigate systemic oppression, and advocate for their needs within the classroom, the school and the Board. We will offer educational options that enhances representation and cultural knowledge.

Advocacy

A community that comes together, marches together, and builds changes together. Advocacy is a collaborative process to achieve the best outcomes for the family, the community and our nation.

Health

The social determinants of health impact the quality of an individual's life, their outcomes, any barriers to their success, and life expectancy. According to the Canadian for Mental Health Association (CMHA), the social determinants of health include:

• Aboriginal status
• Disability
• Early life
• Education
• Employment and working conditions
• Food insecurity
• Health services
• Gender and gender identity
• Housing
• Income and income distribution
• Race
• Sexual orientation
• Social exclusion
• Social safety net
• Unemployment and job security

Black individuals and families have a higher risk and experience barriers in achieving many of these determinants of health. Through navigation services and information, Kujenga will support families and individuals to access the support they require and improve their overall outcomes.

Mental Health

Our mental health matters! We were told that Black people are strong because we have endured so much, and are still standing. We were told that crazy defined people who were weak. Those people just needed Jesus and allowed Satan to win. Let. Us. Unpack. Let's redefine mental health, normalize mental unwellness, and reduce the stigma. Through Kujenga, we will provide supports that will address healing mental health and raising consideration for how we can incorporate mental wellness into our lives, our families, and communities.

Ways to become involved!

Join our Advisory Council! Help shape our content & curriculum for support groups and webinars. Contribute your perspective on building healthy Black communities and families.

Join our Board of Directors! We are seeking youth and adult Board members to join our team. You can volunteer actively or oversea our operations.

Advocate with us and join our initiatives to provide mental health counselling and programming for youth. Visit: Ifarada: Center for Excellence for more information.

Our young people bring so much promise and passion to our world. It is such a time of life for all of us, and emerging youth. But it is also a precious time. With statistics such as 1 in 5 youth struggle with mental health difficulties, and more than 30 % of youth use or have used substance use. It is definitely a promising time and a scary time. For Black youth, they can also experience systemic oppression and anti-Black racism which can derail their outcomes and create significant barriers to their success. Thus, the need to both empower our youth and to create systemic change is imperative to bring success.

Organizations and service providers who service youth have developed strategies to support and empower youth. These all vary for youth. We know that youth respond well when key areas of their life are well supported.

Strategies for Supporting Youth

Engaging youth is about establishing and maintaining relationships, building resiliency, and creating space for advocacy. Learn more

Nicole Perryman and Anada Treleven are social workers who collaborated on projects stemming from 2008. In 2013, Nicole started a private practice psychotherapy organization Aset Group Consulting and Counselling Services which serviced Scarborough, Durham Region and Bowmanville. In less than 7 years, Aset Group has serviced hundreds of adults, children, families, and couples, hosted many graduate students, and made significant contributions to the community. In 2018, Nicole started Ifarada: Centre for Excellence, a non for profit organization designed to provide community-based programs and services. Through Ifarada, Anada started Empowered Queens, a support group for girls aged 8 to 11 years old designed to build their self-confidence, their self-esteem, connections with other youth, and identity. In 2019, Anada and Nicole collaborated on Kujenga Renewed Family Services, now coined: Kujenga Wellness Project.

Our story:

" I never grew up in the 'system', but I worked in the system for most of my life. It was difficult to be apart of this system. I saw many young people struggle with their family relationships, with racism and systemic oppression, with experiences of trauma, with repeated brutality and over criminalization by the police, and within their homes. It was hard to observe, advocate, and be apart of. Through the pain, I had an idea to create services for Black youth, Indigenous youth and racialized youth who were not always best served in our community. That was over 15 years ago. So much has changed. So much has not. I am guided by hope that we will continue to part of the change we wish to see and become"

Nicole Perryman

Anti-Black Racism is not a new term...

however, in May 2020 the concept of Anti-Black Racism became a central concept in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and throughout the world. Many Black individuals of African -descent have experienced some sort of anti-Black Racism. According to the anti-Racism strategy produced by the Ontario Government, anti-Black racism can be defined as the policies and practices rooted in Canadian institutions that reinforce prejudice, beliefs, attitudes, and discrimination towards Black people. These forms of practices have included experiences such as:

• Over-policing, carding and surveillance by the police
• More frequent suspensions and expulsions in the education system
• Disproportionate Black youth involved in child welfare
• Disproportionate Black males and females involved with the criminal justice system
• Microaggressions and biases by others
• Income and hiring inequity
• Strategic hiring practices that avoids qualified Black applicants for hire or refusal to hiring Black applicants for leadership positions

Studies show that the impact of these experiences have led to generations of inequitable treatment of Black people, and the development of a culture of "whiteness" and superiority.

Anti-Black Racism focuses on how policies in organizations reinforces the concept of whiteness. It highlights how the concept of whiteness as, superior and is further adapted in policies that negatively impact Black people. Anti-Black racism highlights the unique history and experiences of slavery, colonization, maltreatment towards Black people, and inequities inherent within procedures. Racism shapes thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of those who are "subjected" to racism, those who "perpetuate" racism, and those who "benefit" from racism.

#BlackLivesMatter is a movement that focuses on highlighting the inequities that occur against Black people in Canada and throughout the world. The movement advocates for social justice measures that can address inequity.

“One of the reasons that racism persists in Canada is because our commitment to the

perception of racial tolerance & harmony seems to be prized above the actual lived

experiences of people.”

Robin Maynard- Author of Policing Black Lives

How does Anti-Black Racism Impact Health?

There are multiple ways that the experience of racism can impact Black individuals, families and communities. Such impact is intergenerational, and has led to lasting social- emotional and physical impact over the past centuries. Racism can cause frequent physical stress on the body. Many times, medical science focuses on physical health and behaviors associated with healthy living, and ignore systemic factors that influence health and race trauma.

Studies have supported that Black individuals often face a lack of safe, inexpensive, and effective healthcare services within their communities. Another study investigated the correlation between discrimination and risk for diseases, and found that Black people are twice as likely to have lower-self rated health and higher risk for obesity. Furthermore, Black youth in Toronto indicated that racism and discrimination is one of the primary reasons preventing them from using sexual health clinics.

Healing from Race Trauma

What can you do to confront anti-Black racism? As a Black person, you are not responsible to change or teach others about anti-Black racism. It is up to the "oppressor", and those who benefit from anti-Black racism, to acknowledge that racism exists and negatively impacts the well-being of Black people. You are responsible for ensuring that you obtain the support you need from your "family and community supports", and professional resources to manage your ability to stay well and healthy.

Some tips and strategies include: when you experience racism or bias talk about it. At work, document your experiences of racism, bias, discrimination and microaggression. Keep records of your experiences, and when you are ready, talk about it. As a parent, you may become involved with professionals in your child's school, child welfare or children's aid society, or with the police. If these situations occur, seek support. Access resources from community agencies that specializes with working with these systems to ensure children and youth are treated equitably. If you recognize changes to your mood and behavior, consider counselling, psychotherapy, or group programs to help you develop healthy coping strategies, experience validation for your experiences, and connect with other individuals who have the same experiences.

Alternate Resources

There are many resources available to support Black people and families who are impacted by racism. The following resources are listed below.

How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism

Anti-Racism for Kids

Black Youth Helpline

How to Be An Ally

Self-Care Tips for Black People Struggling from This Painful Week

Healing Racial Trauma Book

The Safe Place App

References taken from the following sources:

Supporting Dads: 

https://www.albertafamilywellness.org/what-we-do/supporting-father-involvement
https://childandfamilyresearch.utexas.edu/supporting-fathers-and-strengthening-families
https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/the-art-of-being-a-father
https://johnhoward.on.ca/durham/community-justice-services/active-parenting/
https://my.jhsd.ca/dads/
http://www.dfcc.org/links-and-resources.php
https://roseofdurham.com/program-services/what-a-difference-a-dad-makes/

Anti-Black Racism:

https://canadianwomen.org/blog/ending-anti-black-racism/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwo6D4BRDgARIsAA6uN1_0XX3P88h9WnULSy-AcU8MmSo9qxBb1d-B3JciSsKVVqJ5k2qkjbcaAveoEALw_wcB
https://blackhealthalliance.ca/home/antiblack-racism/
https://www.centennialcollege.ca/centres-institutes/centre-for-global-citizenship-education-and-inclusion/social-action-cards/anti-black-racism/
https://canadianwomen.org/blog/ending-anti-black-racism/ 
https://www.mcgill.ca/equity/resources/anti-black-racism-resources/anti-racism

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has funded the Kujenga Wellness Project. We are actively seeking to help families facing conflict and trauma to heal and strengthen their relationships. If you are seeking support in your life or in your family, we are here to help! Learn more about what we offer and contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.

We are developing a navigation line specifically to support Black families in the Durham Region. Are you seeking to know more about resources to support you? Contact us for more information and we would love to support you!

Our growth depends on your support, your advocacy, and your involvement. Join our team!

Ways to become involved!

Join our Advisory Council! Help shape our content & curriculum for support groups and webinars. Contribute your perspective on building healthy Black communities and families.

Join our Board of Directors! We are seeking youth and adult Board members to join our team. You can volunteer actively or oversea our operations.

Become an ambassador! Youth ambassadors can volunteer in our initiatives and programs, they advocate for Black mental health, and they participate in our 2021 Wellness Fair. Earn volunteer hours & mentorship!

Write for us! We are always seeking writers, artists, poets, and other expressive arts to talk about and share perspectives on Black Mental Health.

Youth Services

It came from history....

Historically, Black fathers played a central role to provide and protect their family, and their community. Black Fathers actively participated the nurturing of children which included their own as well as others. They held gatherings for men and boys to discuss hardships. Fatherhood was seen as a community responsibility. The inequality, and diminishing circumstances that Black families have endured as a result of racism, systemic oppression which aimed to dismantle the family and community unit.

As many Black fathers due not fit the mold created by westernized culture, they are often stigmatized as being absent, uninvolved fathers in mainstream media and society. As there is this stigma of fathers being absent there is a lack of representation in research surrounding parenting interventions. However, research that is conducted shows that a fathers positive presence in a child’s life is highly beneficial to the child’s development and well-being. As such, many Black community resources support the involvement of Black fathers and support the community as they navigate anti-Black racism. As a result of systemic racism, it may often be difficult as a Black parent to navigate anti-Black racism that exists among systems including schools and child welfare systems. In addition, it may be even more difficult for Black fathers to navigate these systems as there is often a stigma of Black fathers being absent.

Redefining Fatherhood

Identifying how systemic racism impacts Black fathering will help to improve and highlight their ability to navigate the system in a healthy way. By addressing the experience of police brutality, lack of mentorship, education inequity, poverty, health inequities and more, Black fathers can collaborate with resources to: address the mental health trauma, advocate for themselves within this system effectively, develop the skills and strengths to parent their children successfully, and navigate healthy interpersonal relationships.

Seeking Resources and Support

Accessing resources and support is essential to strengthening the role of Black Fathers.

Included is a list of articles and website links.

Tips on navigating the school system:

Jean Augustine Resources

Tips on navigating the child welfare system:

Navigating the Child Welfare System

Community Organizations:

Macaulay Child Development Centre (Toronto) 
More Than a Haircut engages Black fathers or father figures in conversations about their
role. The program is carried out in partnership with local barbers. The groups are held in
barbershops in order to make the services more accessible

Young and Potential Fathers (Toronto) 
The Young and Potential Fathers Initiative lack of resources, and lack of visible role models for
young racialized fathers in Toronto’s priority neighborhoods, with a specific focus on Black
families.

Ujima House
Located in Toronto, Ujima House is the only father-focused centre in Canada. Serving
primarily African Canadians, it providing one-on-one mentorship, parenting courses,
supervised visitation areas, cooking lessons, and help with legal matters.

Related Articles

Honouring Fatherhood

Healing Race Trauma

References:

• Wilson, K. R., & Prior, M. R. (2011). Father involvement and child well‐being. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 47(7), 405-407.
• Turner, T. & Debrah, M. (2020). Review of Promising Practices: Supports for Black Parents. Toronto, ON: Turner Consulting Group Inc.
• Connor, M. E., & White, J. (Eds.). (2006). Black fathers: An invisible presence in America.Routledge.
• Ratele, K., Shefer, T., & Clowes, L. (2012). Talking South African fathers: a critical examinationof men's constructions and experiences of fatherhood and fatherlessness. South African journal of psychology, 42(4), 553-563.

Written by: Jordanna, MSW Student

Black people in Canada have diverse backgrounds and experiences. While some can trace their roots in Canada for many generations, others have immigrated in recent decades. They have contributed in many ways to the growth, diversity and development of Canada. Over 20 years, the black population of Canada has doubled in size, going from 573 860 persons in 1996 to 1 198 540 persons in 2016 (Statistics Canada, 2019)

The first recorded Black person to set foot on the land now known as Canada was a free man named Mathieu da Costa. Travelling with navigator Samuel de Champlain, de Costa arrived in Nova Scotia sometime between 1603 and 1608 as a translator for the French explorer Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Monts. Long after slavery, in the early twentieth century, the Canadian government had an unofficial policy of restricting immigration by black people. The huge influx of immigrants from Europe and the United States in the period before World War One included few black people, as most immigrants were coming from Eastern and Southern Europe. Canada maintained its restrictions of immigration until 1962, when racial rules were eliminated from the immigration laws. 

Black Canadian immigrants settled in provinces matching the language of their home countries. In 2001, 90% of Canadians of Haitian origin lived in Quebec, while 85% of Canadians of Jamaican backgrounds lived in Ontario. Immigrants from the West Indies almost always settled in the cities, and the Canadian historian James Walker called the black Canadian community one of the "most urbanized of all Canada's ethnic groups"

In 2016, 94.3% of Black people lived in Canada’s metropolitan areas, compared with 71.2% of the country’s total population. Nearly 80% of Black people in Ontario reported English as their mother tongue, and close to 6% reported French. Ontario was home to slightly more than half (52.4%) of the total Black population in Canada. The number of visible minorities in Durham Region, Canada has grown almost 4% from 2006 to 2011. There is a greater percentage of visible minorities in Ontario than in Durham and significantly more in the GTA (Durham Region Health Department, 2019).

In Ontario, Black populations still experience issues regarding systemic racism and overrepresentation in the child welfare and criminal justice system. Government, community organizations and individuals can work together address concerns as they arise. People and partnerships can advance well-being and foster change while working towards equity (One vision one voice, 2016).

The information provided in this document was gathered through an online scan of available services in Durham Region and surrounding areas. This document is meant to help as a guide black children, youth and their families to appropriate services within their region.

Online Resources for Black Individuals

Immigration Services

Mental Health Resources

Addiction Services

Youth Services

Further Resources on Black Mental Health and Cultural Services

Learn More about Private and Public Services

References

Government of Ontario.  (2017).  A Better Way Forward: Ontario’s 3-Year Anti-Racism

Durham Region Health Department. (2019). Population at a glance. Ontario ministry of health

Statistics Canada. (2019). Durham, RM [Census division], Ontario and Ontario One Vision One Voice. (2016). Changing the Ontario child welfare system to better serve African Canadians

Completed by: Mitra, MSW Student