2008-2009 A nnual Rep or tafricancommunityservices.com/themes/responsiv-flat/assets...Summer Student staff Co-op Placemen Students: Charles Jones Liz Antwi Adedosu Yetunde Ike Idornigie

2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t

Improving the quality of life of members of the newcomer community

Mission StatementThe Mission of African Community Services of Peel is to improve the quality of life of members of the newcomer community by providing them with the support, information and services necessary for healthy integration into Canadian society.

Organizational Philosophy The Agency’s organizational philosophy is to: Advocate powerfully Care passionately Lead courageously Facilitate objectively Counsel sensitively Improve continuously Educate progressively Collaborate extensively Network widely Perform professionally

African Community Services

Mission StatementThe Mission of African Community Services of Peel is to improve the quality of life of mem-bers of the newcomer community by provid-ing them with the support, information and services necessary for healthy integration into Canadian society.

Organizational Philosophy The Agency’s organizational philosophy is to:

Advocate powerfully Care passionately

Lead courageously Facilitate objectively

Counsel sensitively Improve continuously

Educate progressively Collaborate extensively

Network widely Perform professionally

ACS


Board of Directors 2007-2008

Evalyne Kibaara, Treasurer

James Nganga, Secretary

Bashiru Abiodun , Member

Nurta Haji Jama, Member

Leoni Bibomba, Member

Asha Harshi, Member

Anang Ofusu, Member

Shadel Archer, Member

Kamano Gashoka, President

Agency Staffing 2008/2009

Wambui Karanja, Executive Director

Zahra Salhan, Coordinator, Settlement and Seniors Programs Nicky Jahazi, Jobsearch/Employment CoordinatorJeff Msangi, Coordinator, HOST Program Ann Adams, Youth Programs CoordinatorShirley Marie, JSW/ISAP French FacilitatorKwaku Saka, Community Development/Settlement WorkerKate Eriamiantor, Volunteer Worker, HOST ProgramShola Ayoola, Seniors’ Support WorkerSekou Diallo, JobSearch Support Worker, FrenchPatricia Mensah, Jobsearch Support Worker, EnglishJustina Ogbonna,Violence Prevention Worker Seniors Support WorkerKobe Agyei, Youth Program Assistant Topi Seyi-Ajayi, Coop student, Sheridan CollegeOluwemimo Foluke, Summer Student staff

Co-op Placemen Students:Charles Jones Liz AntwiAdedosu YetundeIke IdornigieTope Seyi AjayiFagbemi Adeyinka MarySamuel BoadiSandra OpokuJennifer EnoyiogiereJessie Wi-addoSheila TshekecheJoke FredricksBerky KwartenLiz AntwiAdedosu Yetunde(Sheridan)

ACS

A f r i c a n

C o m m u n i t y

S e r v i c e s

A f r i c a n

C o m m u n i t y

S e r v i c e s

Message from Chair and Executive Director

2008/2009 has been an amazing year for African Commu-nity Services and it is our pleasure again, to report to you, our constituent community and stake holders, on what has transpired at ACS in the year under review. Our evaluation of the year tells us despite a few hiccups, ACS has managed and even surpassed some of the goals we set out to achieve. We have strengthened our office space and staffing infrastructure and solidified some of our core programs while at the same time, initiating new programs to respond to emerging service needs. Agency staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors have been extremely dedicated to the duties and responsibili-ties, making it possible for ACS to ensure program effective-ness, establish and strengthen networking relationships with new and previous service providers and stakeholders and as well, our staff have actively participated in professional devel-opment activities and training, engaged in extensive agency and program promotion and marketing and established viable networking and joint-programming initiatives with other agencies to ensure continuum of services to our target community. Our funding partners, volunteers, community members, local businesses also stepped up to the plate and supported our programs and services incrementally resulting in an increase in our funding base of approximately 30%. To all of you that believe in our vision and support our programs and services, on behalf of our Board, the staff, volunteers and the many consumers of our services, we are grateful for your support and will work even harder to continue to earn your

Message froM Chair and exeCutive direCtor


trust and support.The most exciting achievement in the year was the re-location of our main office from Brampton to new and more functional offices in Mississauga. This resulted in a very successful Open House attended by approximately 200 community members who signed our guest book. As well, in the year, staff attended 18 professional development sessions in the community and established 27 new networks with other service providers, lo-cal community partners, professional associations and area schools in addition to our already existing networks. ACS’ Ex-ecutive Director also participated in the OCASI initiated pro-vincial Organizational Standards Initiative (OSI) where ACS was one of the Pilot test agencies in South Western Ontario where the tool was tested. The knowledge gained on building organizational and programming capacity and the resources provided will go a long way in strengthening the governance, operations and programming capacity of ACS. While the core existing programs of the agency continued to grow, ACS acknowledged the financial support of Citizen-ship and Immigration Canada through additional funding to start ISAP French settlement services. This program provides ISAP settlement services to African/Black Francophone new-comers. Our core programs including the Newcomer Settle-ment, Job Search and Employment, Seniors’ Support, Youth, Violence and Abuse prevention, community engagement, vol-unteer development and Women and Families programs con-tinue to grow as the organizational capacity for governance

previously been underserved due to language barriers.In this report, you will find more detailed information about our programs and services, you will also find information on the vision, mission and philosophy that guides our work as well as get a glimpse of those many funders, donors, volun-teers and local community partners that support our work and enable us to do what we do. Our partnerships and collab-orative relationships with other service providers, government funding bodies, charitable foundations, local schools, colleges and universities, our volunteers and the community at large are our strongest allies and we thank you all for your support as we try to ease the settlement challenges of our newest Ca-nadians that choose to make Canada their home. With a com-mon vision, dedication, unity of purpose and lots of hard work, yes, we can transform our neighborhoods in Peel into more caring and welcoming communities with opportunities for all.

Thank you.

and programming continues to strengthen. We are proud to report that these programs have now entrenched themselves in the community and the target constituency has come to look upon the agency for services provided through these pro-grams. In addition, ACS continued to strengthen and enhance its networking and partnership relationships with other service providers with the number of requests to join coalitions and service planning initiatives in Peel continuing to increase. ACS currently is represented and actively participates in local ca-pacity building Initiatives such as the Peel Learning Institute, the Black Community Action Network, Black Community Ad-visory Council, The Executive Director’s Network, Peel Race against Racism Committee, Coalition of Agencies Serving Im-migrant Seniors etc. as well as in many inter-agency networks and collaborations. ACS staff in the year attended a total of 34 professional development training sessions in the community as well as in 6 conferences in the year. This ensured that staff were well trained to deliver required services and were well equipped with relevant current information that informs ob-servance and practice of best practices and identification of emerging service needs.This expertise of ACS staff in serving the community was rec-ognized and utilized by others in the year. Our staff was re-quested, for a second time, by Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) to assist in the narration of audio recording of new housing resources in the Somali Language while the large diversity of African languages spoken among our staff helped in providing interpretation services for other agencies in Peel and the GTA. As well the availability of French settlement and employment programs at ACS and the ability to provide those services in a culturally appropriate manner increased our cli-ent base and enabled us to provide services to clients that had


YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Summer Youth Employment Program.

Youth Arts and Heritage Program

Youth, Community Engagement & Leadership Development

Youth/Student Placement Program.

One for One Peer Youth Mentoring Program

Youth and Community Safety Education Program

Students’ Community Volunteer Placement Program

Active Living and Healthy Eating Program

ChumCity Christmas Wish Toy Donation Program

Seniors Support Services

Volunteer Training Development and Appreciation

Program

Community Engagement Program

SETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES

Newcomer Settlement Program

ISAP French Settlement Services

HOST Program Services

JOB SEARCH AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Job Search Workshop Program (JSW)

English JSW

French JSW

Programme d’Atelier de Recherche d’Emploi

Employment Support Services

WOMEN AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Violence and Abuse Prevention Program

Programs and Services


SETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES

Newcomer Settlement ProgramIn the year under review, ACS continued to provide the New-comer Settlement Program (NSP) funded by the Ontario Minis-try of Citizenship and Immigration. The goal of the Program is to facilitate the early settlement and integration of newcomers Peel by enhancing access to and support for the use of services that enable the transition to full settlement and integration into Canadian society. Although the program primarily targets new-comers that speak African languages, the program is open to all newcomers that require assistance irrespective of their coun-tries of origin The program provides direct settlement services, counseling and information including assessment, orientations, referrals, facilitation, housing support, health, immigration vol-unteering, legal services, and group and telephone services. Services are provided at the two office locations in Brampton and Mississauga while itinerant services are available at other lo-cations in Peel to enhance accessibility. Client attend individual and group supportive counseling sessions, group information services, internet and telephone services as well as accompani-ment services to government and local offices. In addition, the program provides referrals to community resources, advocacy, interpretation and informal translation services. In 2008/2009 a

total of 3684 newcomer clients received services through the delivery of 16,899 units of service.

ISAP French Settlement ServicesAs Peel continues to be a pre-ferred area of settlement by newcomers in the GTA, the need for language appropri-ate settlement services contin-ues to increase. Demograph-ics for internal and external migration to Peel demonstrate a huge need for availabil- i -ty of human services in French as well, apart from English. African Community Services, rises to the occasion in addressing this need through the provision of settlement services in French in order to meet the service needs of African Canadians settling in Peel whose second language is French and not English as well as those newcomers from the Caribbean that speak French as their mother tongue.

The inception of the CIC funded ISAP Settlement Services Pro-gram in the agency last year was a result of the acknowledge-ment that previously, there were no French settlement services


Agency Programs and Services

African Community Services provides a broad range of services and program to facilitate the settlement and integration of African Cana-dian newcomers into their communities. These are the programs and services we provided in 2008/2009.

JOB SEARCH AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICESApart from housing, accessing employment is the second most important need for a majority of newcomers who come willing to work and become self sufficient as quickly as possible in order to provide for themselves and their families. However, for most newcomers, on arrival, they soon discover that the road to employ-ment is riddled with all sorts of structural, institutional, cultural, language, personal and other barriers and all find themselves needing help to assist them in addressing these barriers and gaining employment. ACS helps newcomers access employ-ment through a variety of programs and services which in-clude:

Job Search Workshop Program (JSW) English JSWJSW is a program that is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Can-

for the emerging and increasing demographic of French speak-ing African and Caribbean newcomers as well as those that had settled in Peel through internal migration from Quebec. The program provides culturally sensitive settlement information and services to eligible French speaking newcomers. Services include reception, orientation, translation and interpretation, referral to community resources, solution-focused counseling, general information and employment-related services. This year a total of 487 clients received services exclusively in French and the number of clients had been increasing. Services are provided through discussion groups, workshops and one on one supportive counselling Sessions while itinerant services are provided at various locations in Brampton and Mississauga.

HOST Program ServicesACS has recently started to provide The HOST Program funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This is another settlement program that matches vetted com-munity volunteers with eligible newcomer families and individu-als in order to assist them in their adaptation, settlement and inte-gration. The friendship relation-ship between the volunteer and the newcomer creates opportu-nities for mutual learning, sharing and support with newcomers benefitting from the settlement experiences of previously arrived volunteers. Activities include program promotional activities, volunteer training and recog-nition sessions, orientation sessions and group activities that enhance the effectiveness of the matches and the relationship between the Host volunteer and the newcomer. Community members are invited to participate in this program as volunteer Hosts and to refer newly arrived newcomers to the program.

ada and provides comprehen-sive three-day job search training workshops in English and French languages to eligible newcomers. It addresses the employment and job search needs of newcomers by providing them with the in-formation and tools they need for effective job search with a goal to facilitating their integration into the labour market. In the workshops, participants learn about the Canadian labour force, needs and trends, hidden job markets, cultural, personal, language and institutional barriers to access to employment and how to address them, resume writing and interview techniques, cold calling, job maintenance skills etc. In the year, over 200 hundred newcomers participated in the JSW workshops with 70% getting jobs within 3 months of participating in the workshops.

French JSW Programme d’Atelier de Recherche d’Emploi Notre programme de Recherche d’Emploi fournit un stage de for-mation de trois jours complet pour faciliter l’emploi de nouveaux im-migrés Francophone en Ontario en les familiarisant avec des pratiques en matière et des techniques effi-caces de recherche d’un emploi au Canada d’une façon culturellement appropriée.

09 Annual Report


La majorité des participants sont récemment arrivés au Cana-da, et sont en diverses étapes de transition. Les sujets couverts pendant la session de formation sont : l’information sur le mar-ché du travail local, les barrières culturelles, l’évaluation de soi-même, les qualifications étrangères, l’accès au marché du tra-vail cachés, le développement de résumé(CV), et les techniques d’interview. Indépendamment du stage de formation de trois jours, nous continuons d’assister nos clients en leur fournissant du counselling personnalisé selon leurs besoins.

Le programme s’est montré efficace aux besoins d’emploi des nouveaux arrivants. Une centaine de participants ont été équi-pés de connaissances, d’appui et de qualifications qui sont cri-tiques à leur réussite dans le processus de recherche d’emploi au Canada. Pour l’année 2008-2009, Le programme d’Atelier de Recherche d’Emploi (ARE) a connu un succès car 80% des cli-ents servis ont trouvé un emploi. Ce succès nous prouve que l’information, et l’encouragement qu’ils ont reçu d’African Com-munity Services of Peel leurs a donné le courage et la confiance et de faire face aux employeurs.

Employment Support Services ACS has continued serve the em-ployment needs of our constitu-ent clients through a variety of programs and services that fa-cilitate access to employment. These services include supportive counseling to newcomers facing barriers to access to participation in the labor market, providing job search workshops, providing group sessions between employment agencies and prospec-

tive employees, referring clients to employment opportunities advertized in the local media, coaching for job interviews, using the Internet for job search, contacting prospective employers and in accessing educational and skills upgrading services in the community.

The agency also provides resource materials, fax, Internet ac-cess, photocopiers, resume preparation services, cold calling and advocacy services as well as access to a constantly updated job board. The one-on-one approach, the on-going referrals to prospective employers and to credentials assessment services for internationally trained individuals, assistance with mock interviews as well as confidence building training and infor-mation make this service extremely popular with clients. New-comers are also assisted in getting their academic credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency and referred to mentoring programs in the community. As well, ACS partners with Peel Social Services to provide volunteer work placement opportu-nities to social assistant recipients. This volunteer opportunity provides valuable work skills to participants that eventually enhance their employability. In the year, 219 internationally trained individuals received support and referrals to credentials assessment centers while 565 newcomers received other em-ployment assistance related services. Three Ontario Works vol-unteers completed their placements.

Youth Development Programs Approximately 1200 youth and children participated in various youth activities at ACS in the year. These services were provided through a variety of youth pro-gram and services that provided them with information, learning opportunities and support in their self development. Over the years, ACS has developed compe-tency and experience in youth programming that have helped the agency develop and implement programs that respond to challenges faced by black/African Canadian youth as they seek

June 1993 Started as a community project by a group of community members with an office in Missis-sauga Awarded first government grant under sponsorship by another Agency.

2009 Expanded its range of services and programs in-cluding acting as Lead Agency for local service partners and Networks.


to find their place in society.

The programs are intended to achieve the following goals: En-hance leadership skills and community engagement skills, pro-mote cultural sharing among the youth, seniors and their men-tors, build self-confidence and self-esteem, provide youth with employability skills and as well, provide summer employment opportunities, provide youth with an opportunity to enhance their verbal communication, writing and artistic skills and pro-vide youth with volunteer experiences.

In the year, the agency implemented and delivered the follow-ing youth programs:

The Youth Arts and Heritage Program, engages youth in vari-ous relevant issues through arts, cultural and heritage activities including youth theatre, photography and video production, poetry writing, dance and music. The goal of the program is to enhance youth leadership skills and community engagement through art and culture, promote cultural diversity and toler-ance and encourage youth to become proud of their heritage. Through poetry, mime, urban and cultural dance, theatre and music, youth acquire a forum for self expression of their life ex-periences and goals from out of target jurisdiction.

Summer Youth Employment Program.In partnership with Human Re-sources Skills Development (HRSD) the Agency provides a Youth Summer Employment Pro-gram to students to enable them acquire work experience and im-prove their employability skills. The program is open to high school, college and university stu-dents returning to school in Sep-tember. Each year, HRSD approves a number of positions that are then advertised in the community. In the year, three youth

were hired through the program.

Youth/Student Placement Program. This is a volunteer commu-nity development and engagement program that ACS provides to local educational institutions. The agency has established partnerships and networking relationships with local area schools, community colleges and universities to provide co-op placement opportunities for area youth and students. In the year, the agency provided six month placement opportunities to four students from York University and community colleges.

One for One Peer Youth Mentoring Program The program matches a youth with a positive role model adult or peer to assist the youth in meeting his/her personal, professional and educational development goals. Through the mentoring role, youth are able to benefit from support and guidance to enable them de-velop and set their goals, increase and improve their self confidence and self-esteem and well as provide opportunities for youth to develop leadership, communication and community develop-ment skills. The program also enables participating youth to gain initial insight into their prospective careers and fields of interest which ultimately helps them make meaningful career decisions. In the last year, 25 mentoring relationships were es-tablished and sustained.

Youth and Community Safety Education Program: In the year, the agency also initiated the “I need to know; A Community Safety Education Program for African Canadian Youth.” The pro-gram provides youth activities that seek to improve the under-standing of and participation of youth in community safety Ini-tiatives and to appreciate their role in promoting personal and community safety.

Youth, Community Engagement & Leadership Development Program is another youth program that provides community youth with leadership developmental opportunities. In partner-ship with the Agency’s youth group, Young African Achievers

ACS

ACS.... by far the most enjoyable part of my summer employment here at African Community Services was the time I spent listening to professionals come in and educate all the clients with their specialties. I believe what I have received here will stay with me all my life

K .Adusei, summer Student Employee

The warm reception and the confidence built into the client are commendable.

Feedback from a Client


other heart related diseases. Approximately 35families and 150 children between the age of 8 to 16 participated in various pro-gram related activities such as swimming, camps, field trips and workshops in the year.

Violence and Abuse Prevention ProgramThis United Way of Peel Region funded program is aimed at re-ducing woman abuse and vio-lence within the African Canadian community in Peel. The program promotes awareness of the is-sue as well as access to services, programs and information that helps victimized individuals break the cycle of abuse and access self development programs and services. The program provides supportive counseling, community based referrals to clinical counseling and other services, practical assistance for self sup-port and as well, trains women to be peer supporters of other abused women. During the year 440 women and families re-ceived support from the program in addressing the issue of abuse in their families.

Seniors Support ServicesThe goal of seniors’ services and programs at ACS is to meet the information and services needs of African Canadian seniors. These seniors face language, cultural, financial and institutional barriers that leave them isolated, lonely and dependent on their children. The program provides services and activities that are structured to reduce isolation, encourage healthy living, provide mutual support, enhance engagement and participation in social, cul-

Club, the program provides workshops, counseling and discus-sions on relevant youth issues such as teen sexuality, relation-ships, teenage pregnancy and adolescent fatherhood, educa-tion, peer pressure, crime and violence prevention, self care, community participation, capacity building etc. The program also works in partnership with the local justice system in pro-viding community placement Opportunities for youth required to perform community service activities.

Students’ Community Volunteer Placement Program provides an opportunity for high school youth required to do the 40 hours of volunteer work to complete this requirement in an environ-ment that equips them with work skills they use in their future job search. Students that successfully complete the placement also get letters of reference and certificates of completion and have an opportunity to participate in other youth programs in the agency. Twenty two students completed their placement in the course of the year.

Women and Family Support ProgramsThe Women and Families Pro-gram at ACS has various activities that include: community engage-ment, healthy and active living, parenting, cultural sharing and self empowerment/improvement activities. It provides an opportu-nity for cultural and information sharing, mutual support groups and encouragement as women and families come together in different activities. The services are provided through two programs including the Active Liv-ing and Healthy Eating Program and the Parenting Program.. These two programs primarily target parents and children to educate parents on parenting issues and to promote physical fitness and healthy eating among African Canadian children in Peel. It engages children in physical activities and workshops that educate them on the benefits of physical activity, nutrition and healthy eating on overall health in order to reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and


tural and recreational activities, enhance access to community resources and provide them with a sense of purpose, worth and belonging. The services also provide relevant information and resources that facilitate access through advocacy and sup-portive counselling and accompaniment. Information is pro-vided through one-on-one or group sessions on issues such as disease prevention, nutrition and safety, legal issues, elder abuse, housing, transportation, income security, self care, pen-sions, travel and recreation, volunteerism etc. Over 65 seniors actively participated in drop in and various program activities in 2008/2009.

Volunteer Training Development and Appreciation ProgramIn the year ACS continued to provide this informal non-fund-ed volunteer training program to community members looking for volunteer opportunities to gain some work experience or to contribute their skills to the community. ACS has developed a volunteer training manual with topics such as what volunteerism is, types of volunteer opportuni-ties, cross-cultural communica-tion, work and soft skills, rights and responsibilities of volunteers, value/benefit of volunteerism to self and community etc. ACS relies heavily on volunteer sup-port in its programs and services that provide valuable services in the areas of language interpretation, translation, adminis-trative support, networking and outreach as well as in promo-tion and program support. Trained volunteers either continue to provide their services to ACS or are referred to other service providers looking for volunteers. Every year, ACS also organizes a volunteer appreciation event to let our volunteers know their volunteer hours are valued and appreciated. Volunteer appre-ciation events include summer barbeques, field trips, dinner/dances etc. This year, a volunteer appreciation barbeque was held on August 8th, 2008 at the Mississauga Valley Community Park with over 250 community members participating.

ChumCity Christmas Wish Toy Donation Program This Christmas toy donation pro-gram has become a highlight for newcomer families at Christmas time as children get toys donat-ed by ChumCity Christmas Wish Foundation. The program has become especially crucial during this time of the economic down-turn for families facing financial challenges due to un/underem-ployment. The program also serves to bring the community together during the Toy distribution

party held just before Christmas. The program is particularly beneficial to newly arrived newcomers who get their first taste of a Canadian Christmas during the toy distribution party and also get introduced to such Canadian traditions such as curv-ing the turkey and other festivities for the first time. In Decem-ber 2008 approximately 89 families and 246 children received Christmas toys.

Community Engage-ment ProgramACS staff and volunteers par-ticipate in various community development and engagement activities in Peel. These activities not only provide an opportunity for the agency to give back to the community, but also promotes the agency’s profile as a major service provider in Peel. This year again, ACS was involved in the planning of the Race against Racism event and was an active participant with staff partici-pating in the promotion of the event, the run and setting up an Agency information booth. As well, ACS staff participated in the planning and development of community initiatives such as the Black Community Action Network (BCAN) of which ACS is the trustee of funding and participated in the Steering Commit-tee of the Peel Learning Institute. As well, agency staff partici-pated in various inter-agency networking initiatives. Through the youth development programs, agency youth clients were instrumental in organizing and participating in the Youth Can Move the World Symposium in February 2008. As part of the agency’s community engagement Initiative, the agency part-nered with the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority to or-ganize community tours to conservation areas in and around Toronto in order to raise environmental awareness among its target community. The agency also continued to provide com-munity information services, participate in needs assessment and social research surveys as well as respond to community information needs.

Very friendly atmosphere. Welcoming and easy ac-cess to use the computers, clean and quiet environ-ment

Feedback from client.


Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration

United Way of Peel Region

Human Resources Skills Development Canada

Region of Peel

Social Development Canada


CHUMCity Christmas Wish Foundation

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

General Safety Inc.

CG Consulting Services

Tri-Account Business Services

Penrite Consulting Services

MK Paper Productions

African Community Services gratefully acknowledges the financial and in-kind support from all levels of government, charitable foundations, individuals and community organizations whose support enabled us to provide high quality ser-vices to newcomers, youth, families, seniors, un/underemployed and family victims of violence and abuse. The following list represents those that supported us through grants, donations and in-kind support between April 1, 2008 and March 30, 2009.

Funding / Partners and Donors


Dear ZahraThank you and your colleagues for helping me . I am very Impressed with the support offered by the staff at African community services and I look forward seeing you guys again.

Faduma

Dear Director Wambui Karanja,

I am writing to thank you for providing me with such a great opportu-nity to work at African Community Services of Peel this summer. It has been a great pleasure and a learning experience working within Youth Programs.Over the course of the summer, I have learned a great deal. This job has given me confidence and skills with which to go forward. I have been able to apply my computer skills outside the school environment. I have learned how to pool together resources in planning activities and events. I have also learned a lot from interacting with kids and youth –an experience that I have never had before.I have enhanced my presentation skills while working on the Youth Leadership Training Program. Each week brought new challenges as we struggled to pique the interest of the teenagers. I was glad to attend the trip to Toronto to tour Queen’s Park and Toronto City Hall, which I had never done before and learned a lot from.Moreover, it has been a pleasure to work with Ann Adams, the Youth Program Co-ordinator. She has been very helpful, passionate and overall, great leader. I would also like to thank the other members of staff for being friendly and patient with me as I learned how the office works.Finally, it is with great thanks that I tell you that I will be leaving Afri-can Community Services on August/28/2009 at 3:00 p.m. to return in Ottawa September. I hope to work with you again in the future.

Sincerely,

Victoria Mochama

What We have heard froM soMe of our Co-op plaCeMent students, Youth suMMer eMploYMent staff, volunteers, staff and Clients....

Dear Zahra,

Thank you for meeting with me in a such short time, to help me to communicate with my Housing Management, regarding my Subsidy. I would have not being able to meet with her on my own and express to her my frustration and dilemma. The services and understanding your community(ACS of Peel) provides is what every newcomer to the country needs

Asha

Dear Ms. Ann Adams,

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to volunteer in the Youth Program. The experiences of mentoring young people in the Young African Achievers Club have given me the opportunity to make a dif-ference in someone’s life. Volunteering with youth helped me better understand youth and the some of the issues they face.

I have also had the opportunity to go on field trips which enhanced my social skills and knowledge of community activities. One of my most memorable trip that I have been on was the tour of the Ontario’s Legislative Building and The Toronto City Hall” under the Youth Lead-ership Development Program. The experience was very educational as it highlighted some of Ontario’s important political activities and how the provincial government is operated. Since being apart of your Youth Program at African Community Services of Peel, I have gained personal growth and enhance social skills that help me to better inter-act with others.

I appreciate the Programs and Services that you offer that have con-tributed to my overall development.

Yours truly,Dadrien Brown


...of Working or volunteering at aCs: soMe feedbaCk reCeived. ...Continued

the folloWing CoMMunitY MeMbers volunteered their valuable tiMe and expertise to afriCan CoMMunitY serviCes in 2008/2009the Year. We Would like to saY a big thank You to all of You for Your Contribution and support. You all assisted in helping us aChieve our goals.


Faduma Hassan

Chibuzor John Nwoye

Sheila Tshekech

Richmond Daker

Mohamed Jama

Run Ali

Abdi Salah

Khadija Mumin

Zeinab Amhar

Nasro Barro

Kinaya Ali

Anab Jama

Tope Seyi Ajayi

Kobe Agyei

Adeyinka Mary Fagbemi

Adedosu Yetunde

Asha Mohamud

Ismahan Osman

Ayan Osman

Suad Mohamud

Samuel Boadi

Sandra Opoku

Samira Yusuf

Hodman Murad

Grace Akrofi

Aicha Osman

Fadumo Salhan

Shukri Jama

Saharla Mohamud

Sagal Mohamud

Nurto Jama

Nasro Barro

Asha Hashi

Halimo Farah

Fuad Omar Mohamed

Mohamed Farah

Sadia Dahir

Amal Mohamud

Miriam Chiru

Abdulkadir Jama

Ambaro Muse

Ambaro Koshin

Ardo Koshin

Zahra Jama

Charity Arthur

Asli Said

Patricia Eyamaro

Monica Z. Chiwara

Emem Akpan

Owwaseun Adekunbi

Gathoni Mbugua

Mary-Ann Kamau

Service/community PartnerS & networkS 2008/2009


African Canadian Council

Canadian Federation of Students

Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)

COSTI

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Peel Newcomer Strategy Group

Organization of Black Tradesmen and Tradeswomen of Ontario

Peel Committee against Woman Abuse

Peel Learning Institute

Black Community Action Network

Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrant Seniors in Peel

Skills for Change

Healthy Living Peel

Brampton Neighborhood Resource Center

Ontario Immigrant Settlement Workers Association

Multicultural Inter-Agency Group of Peel

Peel Board of Education

York University Center for Refugee Studies

Sheridan College

Centennial College

ElderHelp-Peel

Malton Neighborhood Services

CNIB Ontario Division

Peel District Health Council

Peel Nutrition Network

United Way of Peel Region

Peel Heart Health Network

Region of Peel Social Services

Peel Health Department

Community Information Toronto

Chinese Canadian National Council

(Toronto Chapter)

Rexdale Micro skills

Ontario Civilian Commission of Police Services

Halton Multicultural Council

Peel Women’s Health Network

Brampton Multicultural Center

Peel Regional Police

Brampton and Mississauga Public Libraries

Community Legal Education Ontario York University Northwood Neighborhood Services Peel Halton Dufferin Training Board Center for Education and Training Peel Anti Racism Coalition Canadian Council for Refugees CERIS Peel Harm Reduction NetworkINTERCEDECenter for Information and Community ServicesSt. Gabriel Adult Learning CenterOur Place PeelAssaulted Women’s Helpline Family Services of Peel Learning Disabilities Association of North Peel C.A.S.T. Canada University of Guelph HumberTelecare Distress Centre Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness African Canadian Coalition on Racial Profiling Birthright Mississauga/Brampton Peel Regional PoliceYork UniversityInformation and Referral Centre Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peel The Arthritis Society Dufferin-Peel Adult Learning Network. Catholic Cross-Cultural Services ACCess Employment ServicesVolunteer CanadaHarold M. Braithwaite Secondary SchoolPeel Youth Violence Prevention NetworkSAVIS of HaltonECO CanadaBrampton GuardianCESOC Ottawa

Main Office:

20 Nelson Street, Suite LL102Brampton, OntarioL6X 2M5 Tel: 905-460-9514Fax: 905-460-9769

Branch Office:

3476 Glen Erin Drive, Suite 202Mississauga, ONL5L 3R4 Tel: 905-828-8787Fax: 905-828-8781

info@africancommunityservices.comwww.africancommunityservices.com

Documents

2008-2009 A nnual Rep or tafricancommunityservices.com/themes/responsiv-flat/assets...Summer Student staff Co-op Placemen Students: Charles Jones Liz Antwi Adedosu Yetunde Ike Idornigie