Who we are

Our Core Values

Community

We strongly believe in the power of community. We all can contribute to make our world free of all forms of discrimination.

Collaboration

We strongly believe that collaboration is essential for building strong, empowered and thriving communities. With meaningful collaborations and partnerships, we will continue to achieve our organizational goals.

Empowerment

We strongly believe in the empowerment of racialized individuals with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to resist racism. By providing awareness and education on social justice issues, people are empowered to take positive actions.

Leadership

We strongly believe building leadership skills provides vision and direction and inspire individuals, groups and organizations to become better.

Our Services

Youth Games & Creative Night

This is a safe space for teenagers and youth ages 10 -16 who are registered AWYF members to connect with peers, play games and explore various DIY activities bi-weekly. Some of the available games are Snooker board, Air Hockey, Chess, Ludo, Board games etc. The DIY activities include Hairdressing, Basic Sewing, Crocheting, Knitting, Beading, Painting etc. All materials are provided and refreshments are served at every meeting.

Food Bank

Registered Black immigrant women can make appointments for Food Baskets and they will be contacted for pick-up when it is their turn. Pick-up is strictly by appointment. We are also accepting non-perishable food items donations. Drop-off is between 10 am – 3.30 pm, Tues – Fri.

Clothing Bank

Registered Black immigrant women and their families can make appointments for seasonal clothing pick-up weekly (Fridays ONLY). We are also accepting clothing donations. Drop-off is between Tues and Fri 10am – 3:30 pm.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

We offer workshops on Helpful Relationships and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) education to empower immigrants and refugees on how to make right choices, build self-confidence, self-advocate or seek help in difficult situations. 

We also offer individualised support, and counselling to Black immigrant women, girls and youth experiencing any form of violence. We meet individuals where they are in their journey and offer Prevention, Interventions, Safety Plans or Referrals as needed. Our GBV team is trained by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) to deliver workshops that focus on strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond to gender-based violence within immigrant and refugee communities.

DIY Classes

Our registered members are welcome at the AWYF Community Centre during our work hours to engage in any creative activities of their choice e.g Basic sewing, beading, Afro hairstyling, Painting, Vision Boarding, Creative Arts etc. All materials will be provided.

Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. Please complete the form below to indicate your areas on interest and expertise. We will be in touch with you soon. 

What People
Say About Us

I came to this program at a moment when I felt I was lost in Sudbury. I was so stressed, so I came to relieve stress and having someone to mind my baby in the program was very helpful. I came to relieve stress, but I can now make hair. After the first two lessons of hairdressing, I got home and started making hair. This program is like a Welcome to Sudbury for me and I now feel at home and more energised. I made this hairstyle on me

Deborah A,

AWYF provided great support to Newcomers in the Women’s Wellness & Vocational Circle program. The food and clothing bank shopping, hygiene products, bus-tickets, pick-up and drop-off that AWYF provided are very important needs of Newcomers like me who just came 4 months ago. Also, during the wellness workshop, I was reminded about the importance of self-awareness, self-care and work-life balance

Aminat,

When I came here, the confidence was not there but I got the confidence in the program, and I think I can now make different types of hairstyles. I also learned how to incorporate myself into the Canadian system from the financial literacy workshop. The WWVC program is very insightful and helpful. I came weekly with my two young children, and I could only concentrate in the workshops because they provided child minding throughout. Thanks to the AWYF team

Olayeni O,

In 6 weeks, we learned a lot from the workshops and the skills training. In the clay therapy session, I had a lot of reflections so it was emotional, but I also felt a great sense of relief. We also had a brainstorming session about the challenges and opportunities that immigrants face in a new country and we were encouraged to always use a “positive lens” no matter the obstacle we face

Bukola O,

AWYF has been incredibly supportive to me and my family in various ways, especially when we first arrived in Canada. They connected us with essential resources, making our settlement much smoother, all with the help of God.

Women’s Program Participant,

Being a Youth Presenter at AWYF Black History Month event  gave me motivation and confidence in public speaking and voicing my opinions

David .A.,

The AWYF has supported me in various ways, but the most significant way they have supported me is with their mental health program. I feel better about myself

Youth Participant,

AWYF does not only offer programs that enhance life skills and self-sufficiency, they also provide free food, clothing, bus tickets and hygiene products (for those in need) all for free. AWYF has supported me a lot

E.A.,

The AWYF has provided me with a supportive community and valuable resources that have empowered me to stand up against racism and prioritise my mental health

Samad .O.,

AWYF supported me in the area of food basket, and free clothing .They show love,care, and emotional support. They are always ready to assist, to mention a few

Oluwatosin,

AWYF Creates a fun environment for us youth to discuss any issues we face

Youth participant,

AWYF helps  my mental state a lot. I looked forward to the weekend for Women’s Wellness Circle to decompress and relax with good stories and lots of laughter with peers. Thank you AWYF

Women’s Program Participant,

Upcoming Events

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Spring-Summer 2024
Youth Games & DIY Craft Schedule (Ages 13-19)

Supported By

Subscribe.