Community Showcase is a weekly VIDEO or article showcasing Black or community organization that may benefit Black parents, caregivers and guardians.

The Community Showcase will replace our SPRING 2021 Wellness Fair, and will provide both resources and information about organizations in the Durham Region.

The project will begin in January 2021.

To learn more, or to be featured in our Community Showcase, contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Organizations to Watch

Our founders have been trailblazers in the community creating programs and services that support the Black community. Learn more.

Young Queens is a six to eight week social skill development program for young girls aged 8 and up. Young Queens was developed by our founder, Anada Treleven. To learn more about her initiatives, visit: EMPOWERED QUEENS

IFARADA: CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE is an organization providing programs and services designed to support youth, children, families, and adults. The Centre offers therapeutic group programs, individual, family and couple counselling, education and tutoring support, equity training and development, and more. Learn more at: Ifarada Institute

In November 2020, the Ontario Trillium Foundation provided immediate support to parents, guardians and caregivers residing in Durham Region. The project provides gift cards for nearby grocery stores and food baskets from local community organization.

To learn more about the outcomes for this project, visit us in December 2020 for our collective summary.

Our Partners & Supporters

Courtyard Farmer's Market

In December 2020, Courtyard Farmer's Market provided fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein to 10 families on a bi-weekly basis. We are so appreciative of their support and partnerships.

Kujenga Wellness Project is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Family Innovations Grant. We are a grassroots organization aimed at developing a comprehensive system of support for Black families.

 

In March 2020, a global pandemic reached Canada, leading to massive closures across the country. It was anticipated that the closures will encourage people to stay home where they will be safe. However, for many people, home was not a safe place. Since the pandemic, the rates of intimate partner violence has increased. Another statistics found that the crisis helplines have increased 30 %. Violence against women and girls is considered the, "shadow pandemic" by the United Nations. Another staggering statistics, the Toronto Crisis Line reported they had received 55,000 crisis calls from March 2020 to September 2020, an increase from 4000 in 2019.

Lisa Ogbole, founder and operator of Imani's Place, a safe haven for women survivors of domestic abuse and trafficking, shared the startling experiences of many women within Canada and across the world. Girls as young as twelve years old are recruited into trafficking throughout the world. Their involvement in the "trade" is supported by drugs, secrecy, and coercion. In intimate partner violence, women often feel trapped in relationships where they can't seem to escape. Many women hold onto their love for their partner, and make excuses for their abusive behaviour.

As a psychotherapist, the stories of the courageous women who survived human trafficking, the sex trade, and intimate partner violence, speaks to intolerable situations. It is a difficult journey. But help is available. Help is always available. To watch Ms. Ogbole's workshop, follow our You Tube Page.

Shelters

in Durham Region

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If your home is not safe or you are not in a safe place, seek help. Contact 911. Ask to speak to a domestic violence officer or a human trafficking specialist officer skilled in assessing abuse and guiding you to safety.

Herizon House -Ajax

• Shelter for women and children who are fleeing an abusive environment.
• 314 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax, ON, L1S 7H2
• 24-hour support by calling 1-866-437-4066
• Outreach crisis counselling and transitional support available to women who are living in an abusive situation, inquiring about what options are available, or for women who have left an abusive situation. Counselling is available during the week, some evenings, and some weekends.

Durham Youth Services - Ajax

• Offers various shelters and housing program for youth ages 16-24.
• 82 Kings Crescent, Ajax, ON, L1S 2M6
• Joanne’s House: Emergency shelter available to youth ages 16-24. They are able to accommodate 13 youth at a time, and beds are given on a first come, first serve basis. Youth can stay for 30 days and will receive access to meals, laundry, life skills training, bus tickets for appointments and school, and food and clothing donations. Youth are encouraged to call and leave a message as soon as they need a bed. Please call 905-239-9477 for more information.
• Jacky’s Place: Transitional housing for youth. Youth can live there for one year. Please call or text 289-980-5557 for more information.
• Youth Reconnect: youth homelessness prevention program. The Youth Reconnect Counsellor works with youth and their families to help keep the youth at home. Such assistance includes helping the youth stay in school, linking the youth to specialized services, and more. Please call or text Kelly Jackson (the Youth Reconnect Counsellor) at 905-391-4845 for more information.

Denise House - Oshawa

• Provides support to women and children who are impacted by violence.
• Located in Oshawa, ON. Address is hidden for safety reasons, please call if you would like to access services.
• Secure emergency shelter for women and children fleeing abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, or financial)
• Emergency transportation to the shelter is available, and food, clothing, and necessities will be supplied.
• Community Child and Youth Worker is available to support children ages 5-18
• 24-hour crisis line available at: 905-728-7311 or 1-800-263-3725

YWCA Durham - Oshawa

• YWCA Administration: 33 McGrigor Street, Oshawa, ON, L1H 1X8
• Y’s WISH Shelter provides temporary shelter for women, youth, and children who are fleeing from abuse. 
• Staff and volunteers will connect women with community agencies, housing, social services, employment, legal aid, and more.
• Provides services to women in the community who have left or are leaving an abusive relationship.
• Interim housing is available for single women who are 18 and up and are experiencing homelessness.
• Supportive housing (rent geared to income housing) is available for single women and female-led families
• Crisis Line: 905-576-2997 or 1-888-596-2997

Bethesda House

• Address is unknown for safety precautions.
• Shelter and Community Outreach program for women, youth, and children who are dealing with gender-based violence, such as: domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, familial abuse, cultural violence, and human trafficking.
• Shelter and Community Outreach program clients have access to individual and group counselling, safety planning, Child and Youth Worker support, and help from a Transition and Housing Worker.
• Support Line: 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397

Cornerstone Community Association -Oshawa

• 133 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, ON, L1H 4G8
• Shelter for men aged 16 and up who are currently homeless.
• Can provide temporary housing for single father with dependent children, couples with dependent children, and more.
• All guests are allowed to stay up to 7 days of emergency stay, however, there are various service requirements the individual must agree to.
• Provides other various housing programs.
• Phone: 905-433-0254

Muslim Welfare Home- Whitby

• 425 Dundas Street East, Whitby, ON, L1N 2J2
• Shelter for Muslim women and their children who are in need of housing.
• The staff and volunteers can provide marriage and family counselling, legal and medical referrals, resume building workshops, job search support, life skills training, and more.
• Services available in English, Urdu, Farsi, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, and Spanish.
• Phone Number: 905-665-0424 or 1-866-666-1115

Community Resources List

The following list of Food programs in Durham Region. The meals and grocery items are free, but there may be eligibility and timing restrictions. Contact the organization first for more details.

Contact Kujenga at: 289-624-9431 if you need assistance accessing resources in the community. We are here to help.

The Salvation Army Hope – Ajax

• 122 Hunt Street, Ajax, ON
• Services residents of Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge.
• Offers emergency food, clothing, and furniture based on income and situation.
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Please call to make an appointment at 905-427-7123
• Community meals lunch program takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00pm-1:00pm on a bi-weekly basis. Currently this program is suspended due to Covid-19, however, staff and volunteers will place granola bars, juice boxes, and a sandwich into a bag and will distribute at the back entrance of the building.

Simcoe Hall Settlement House -Oshawa

• 387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, ON
• Phone: 905-728-7525
• Foodbank Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00am-11:30am and 1:00pm-3:00pm.
• Holiday hours vary, please look online before accessing foodbank.
• Virtual after school program for children in grades 1-8

Gate 3:16 – Oshawa

• 64 Albany Street, Oshawa, ON.
• Is a Christian drop-in centre for peoples ages 24 and up who are homeless.
• Hours: 8:00am – 2:00pm
• Provides breakfast and lunch: Monday to Friday, take-out only due to Covid-19.
• Provides counselling services, medical services, emergency dental work, foot care, emergency bus fare, hairdressing, laundry services, clothes, hygiene supplies, and showers.

The Back-Door Mission – Oshawa

• 66 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, ON, L1H 4G3
• Provides help to individuals living off a set old age or disability pension, unemployed individuals or those struggling to make ends meet, homeless individuals, individuals in low-income housing, and more.
• Provides meals (boxed lunches) everyday from 10:00am-1:00pm.
• Food pantry is open Monday to Friday from 10:00am-1:00pm.
• Clothing assistance is available Monday to Friday 10:00am-1:00pm.
• Monday to Friday from 10:00am-3:00pm they also provide help by providing medical help, crisis and mental health supports, a rest centre, harm reduction supplies, withdrawal management, and financial assistance.

The Refuge – Oshawa

• 300 Court Street, Oshawa, ON, L1H 4X4
• Religious drop-in centre for youth 26 and under who are homeless.
• Breakfast and lunch are served each weekday through the Second Chance drop-in program.
• Every Sunday evening, a family style dinner and discussions about the Bible take place through Levi’s Table.
• Showers, laundry, bus tickets, and more are available.

The Salvation Army -Oshawa

• 45 King Street East, Oshawa, ON.
• The food bank is available to anyone living in Oshawa or Port Perry who are in need of food.
• Clients are provided with a 3-4 day supply of food, as well as hygiene and infant supplies.
• Please call 905-723-7422 ext. 221 to make a food bank appointment, as they can only serve the first 25 households.
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:30am-12:00pm, please arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
• Please bring photo identification for adults, identification for each family member, proof of address, income and rent required, and grocery bags.
• Individuals can also access the thrift store to receive discounted or free clothing and furniture through a voucher program. Thrift store is open Monday- Friday 11:00am-4:00pm, and Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm.

Carea Community Health Centre – Oshawa

• Oshawa Location: 115 Grassmere Ave., Oshawa, ON, L1H 3X7
• Provides a fresh produce/dry goods box on a weekly basis. Must be a registered, active, and a qualified client who was referred by your provider. Oshawa site only.
• Call: 1-877-227-3217 for program information.
• Also provides free programs, workshops, and groups that focus on health issues and wellness.
• Carea CHC is staffed with family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Counsellors, and Administration Support staff. Oshawa, Ajax, and Pickering sites serve all ages.
• Due to Covid-19, Carea staff are only seeing clients by appointment only.

Adventist Community Services Centre- Oshawa

• Food and clothing blank available once a month to residents of Courtice and Oshawa.
• 1170 King Street East, Oshawa, ON, L1H 1H9
• Centre is currently closed due to Covid-19, however, if in desperate need of food please call on Wednesdays from 9:30am-3:00pm. Food should be delivered the following day (Thursday) between 9:00am-1:00pm.
• Must present photo ID, provide ID for each family member, and provide a proof of income.
• Proof of income can include: Government pension stub, Ontario Works information, Employment Insurance pay stub, Disability income pay stub, or bank statement showing income deposited directly into the bank account.
• Phone: 905-433-8800

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church -Whitby

• 209 Cochrane Street, Whitby, ON, L1N 5H9
• Provides fresh produce/perishable food items, baby supplies, incontinence products and personal hygiene items to clients.
• Available at all members of the Durham community who require assistance.
• Please call 905-668-4022 if you require assistance.

Learn more about resources in the community

Kujenga Wellness Project supports parents, caregivers and guardians as they provide for their families, their extended relatives and their community. The following list of employment services in Durham Region are available to guide you on your journey. Not sure what you need? Need help accessing these resources? Our Family Outreach Worker can guide you on your way and provide you resources you need. Seeking guidance on your path... Consider Life Coaching as a way to learn more about your goals, your interests, and the best type of employment that can support your success.

Agilec -Ajax, Courtice, and Oshawa

• Provides help with writing resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, job searches and more.
• 250 Bayly Street West, Unit 19, Ajax, ON, L1S 3V4
• 1403 King Street East, Unit 6, Courtice, ON, L1E 2J6
• 419 King Street West, #3560, Oshawa, ON, L1J 2K5

META Employment Services –Whitby

• 15 Thickson Road North #6, Whitby, ON, L1N 8W7
• Open by appointment only. Please call 613-966-9069 to book with an Employment Counsellor.
• Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
• Provides insight on what jobs are available within the Durham Region, will help create or edit resumes and cover letters, help with job applications, and can help with interview preparations through mock interviews.

YMCA Employment and Community Services – Whitby and Pickering

• Provides resources, employment services, career planning, and more.
• 3000 Garden Street, Unit 100A, Whitby, ON, L1R 2G6
• Phone Number: 1-905-668-0044
• Hours: Monday to Wednesday 8:30am-5:00pm, Thursday 8:30am-7:00pm, Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
• 1550 Kingston Road., Unit 16,  Pickering, ON, L1V 1C3
• Hours: Monday 8:30am-5:00pm, Tuesday 8:30am-7:00pm, Wednesday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Unemployed Help Centre -Oshawa and Pickering

• Provides help with resumes and cover letters, one-on-one employment counselling, and more. Services can be done in-person, online, or by telephone.
• Please call to make an appointment.
• Hours: 8:45am-4:00pm
• 272 King Street, Oshawa, ON,
• 1410 Bayly Street, Unit 4, Pickering, ON
• Pickering location can specifically help newcomers and immigrants.

John Howard Society of Durham Region -Oshawa and Whitby

• Provides assistance with resumes and cover letters, job searches, mock interviews, and more.
• All appointments with an Employment Advisor are virtual due to Covid-19, please book an appointment online.
• 75 Richmond Street West, Oshawa, ON, L1G 1E3
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm, Friday 8:30am-4:00pm
• #200-114 Dundas Street East, Whitby, ON, L1N 2H7

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Parenting Support 

Are you struggling with your child’s behavior in the classroom, at home, within recreational activities? Join our parenting programs that support creating change in their family. 

Our Program 

Kujenga Restoration Co-Parenting Program is a 10-12 week support group that focuses upon helping families heal after impacted by separation, divorce, child welfare, trauma, and family conflict.

The program focuses upon helping parents, guardians and caregivers how to create and support a healthy environment for children, and youth, as well as managing the conflict or trauma that the family may experience.