In a world where individualism has taken a center stage, the need for a unique and captivating intentional communities has emerged, driven by shared values and goals, providing a platform for individuals to come together and forge deep connections, creating alternative ways of living and relating to one another.
Intentional Family in Canada(IFC) also known as My Intentional African Family of Canada (My InAF of Canada) is a powerful way to connect . What sets us apart is our ability to encompass a multitude of perspectives, offering a rich tapestry of viewpoints that shape the very fabric of the unique social ecosystems that we are. We provide a diverse, culturally appropriate, safe and supportive environment to share our experiences and learn from one another. Through our programs, we create a platform where our community members can gather to just drink tea, listen to music, celebrate, or simply chat. Through these kind of interactions we help to address loneliness, isolation and other settlement related challenges.
Join us in fostering a sense of community, a home, a village, an intentional family, a sense of belonging and support. Our programs will connect, educate, inform, and equip you with the resources and support you need to successfully thrive in Canada. We believe that by fostering a sense of belonging and community, we break cultural barriers and divides that stall Black/African immigrants in Canada, and promote a harmonious and prosperous society. We will work collaboratively with other stake holders and service providers to ensure that our efforts are sustainable and have a lasting impact on the community we serve and the broader Canadian society.
When it comes to mental health matters, silence and internalized shame can be dangerous.
Our mental health program focus is on educating and creating awareness, understanding, and the acknowledgment of factors affecting the mental well-being of diversity of Canadians, especially Africans/ Black immigrants in Canada. This series of workshop program is specifically designed to educate, a non clinical culturally appropriate solution based approach. We will work with participants 12 years and over and their parents, guardians and other caregivers who are experiencing one or more of the following:
- Anxiety, stress, depression, indecision, fear, suicidal tendencies, lack of confidence
- Dilemma about future career path, guilt, self-doubt, constantly overwhelmed, angry.
- Low self-esteem, lack of motivation, poor time management skills.
- Relationship issues, family conflicts, indulging in self-harm.
We provide confidential services free of charge, to those needing assistance. Services include consultation, referral, groups and workshops, as well as brief, mental health counselling.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Information disclosed by individuals during individual appointments will be kept confidential. It will not be shared with family, staff, or others without written permission. For more information on privacy and confidentiality, please review our privacy and confidentiality page.
Accessibility
We are committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific accommodation requirements.
Key Aspects include:
- Mental Health Risk Assessment - Identifying potential culturally specific mental health vulnerabilities such as isolation, racism, homelessness, addictions, problems with justice systems etc.
- Preparedness - Developing strategies for preventing, mitigating, alleviating identified risks, including public awareness workshops, events, campaigns and drills.
- Response - Establishing action plan to address community emergencies such as community sicknesses requiring home visitation, hospital visitation, homelessness, mental health crisis, and loss of loved ones.
- Collaboration - Engaging with various stakeholders to share resources necessary to alleviate and/or prevent mental health challenges.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity - Ensuring that the program is inclusive of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Activities include;
- Having open culturally appropriate workshops, group conversations on mental health in a non judgmental space
- Inviting mental health professional guest speakers
- Offering connections and referrals to clinical mental health service providers.
- Individual and group counseling
If you require immediate assistance in a crisis, please call 911.
We also have many volunteer opportunities available. Sign up to find our more.
My Intentional Family of Canada creates a culturally appropriate group session based platform to support Black/African families. Our goal is to improve outcomes for Black/African immigrant families, with emphasis on parenting, integrating in schools, job search, dealing with schooling challenges, family conflicts, and overall family well-being. The program provides safe and confidential individual and group counseling services in a compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental environment, geared towards building and sustaining healthy and strong Black/African families in Canada.
Our Strong, Supportive and Healthy Program embodies the following strategic priorities:
- Reducing loneliness and isolation.
- Reducing poverty
- Community Capacity building
- Enhancing individual, family and community wellness and mental health
- Prioritizing programs focused on Black/African communities
- Enhancing programs for families, youth and seniors
- Enhancing organizational infrastructure and information management
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Activities will include:
- Family Support Group and Workshops - These are monthly workshops in a culturally appropriate environment.
- Some parts of our program are designed specifically for families who have experienced trauma or have been exposed to violence to address the unique challenges and stressors faced by such individuals. Such stressors include separation and divorces, including interracial marriages, separation and divorce.
- Summer Family Event
- Ongoing Support - Providing ongoing resources and support for families.
Become a part of our community and help us create lasting change. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our latest initiatives and events.
Women For Women is a program founded by a woman who saw a need for more accessible safe spaces for women the in our community.
Im/migrant women experience gender based violence (GBV) upon immigrating to Canada due to numerous barriers and challenges associated with their multiple marginalities at the intersection of race, gender, class, and place of origin. They also experience challenges disclosing and reporting abuse. Accessing culturally appropriate support services also makes navigating intersecting challenges and legal processes in the event of a separation and/or divorce even more complicated.
Through a solution based approach, Im/migrant Gender Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Program's goal is to raise awareness about gender based violence against im/migrant women, and educate communities to recognize the signs and risks , and equip them with the necessary tools to support those experiencing gender based violence. This program provides GBV information resources, supportive counselling, and referrals to women experiencing or at risk of abuse, as well as public education workshops on violence and abuse.
Learn More
Activities include:
- Group and individual supportive counselling.
- Information sessions.
- Referrals to other GBV community resources.
- Culturally appropriate promotion and targeted outreach to isolated im/migrant women.
- Monthly workshops and group sessions.
- Field trips and recreational activities
Participants' in the program include immigrant adult women, teenage girls, young adult women, and children who witness violence at home.
To find out more about our domestic abuse awareness program, please contact us.
To inquire about our Whatsapp group that supports women experiencing, at risk of experiencing, or who have experienced GBV, please email us with your inquiry.
This wellness program aims to create a safe and healing space to share daily lived experiences including navigating new school life environments. Together in sharing our common lived experiences, we draw a collective voice to:
- not feel alone
- process and learn from each other's wisdom
- create a community to uplift and support one another
- empower through collective healing, growth, and transformation
This group will be co-facilitated by guest speaker counsellors .
This program provides students of Black/African descent, including international and newcomer students with support and help they need to thrive and succeed in their educational and career journeys in Canada. The program targets high school, college and university students ages 12 to 35years old. The main goal of this program is to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and support system they need to reach their full potential. Our 'talk to me' support offers 24/7 access to mental health and wellness support via chat, video, phone, and the mobile app. We also offer confidential counseling and community referrals to all Black/African students in post-secondary institutions. We also provide connections to peer mentors, counselors, and resources for young adults with mental health concerns.
Some key highlights of what our Students Support Program offers include:
- Mentorship: The program connects participants with successful Black professionals who serve as mentors, providing guidance, support, and positive role models.
- Skill Development: The program focuses on developing essential life skills, including leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
- Educational Enrichment: Participants are exposed to various educational pathways and opportunities, including post-secondary education, STEM fields, and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural Awareness: The program fosters a strong sense of cultural identity, pride, and belonging, celebrating Black/African history and achievements.
- Community Building: The program creates a supportive and empowering environment where young Black/African students can connect with peers, build lasting relationships, and develop a sense of siblinghood.
- Experiential Learning: The program incorporates hands-on activities, workshops, and real-world experiences to make learning engaging and relevant.
- Focus on Excellence: The program emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in all areas of life, promoting a mindset of "Excellence without Excuses.
- Holistic Development: The program addresses the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of each participant.
- Career Exploration: Students get the chance to explore different career paths.
- Empowerment: The program aims to empower young Black students to become confident, resilient, and successful leaders in their communities.
International Student Support Services
We are here to support international and exchange students throughout your time in Canada, whether you are new to Canada or you’ve been here for a while. For many of you, this will be your first experience living apart from your families and friends and experiencing a new cultural, social, and academic environment.
As you transition to life in Canada, and as you journey through your schooling experience in Canada, come and join our intentional family.
2SLGBTQIA+
We also offer referral services for Mental Health Support of 2SLGBTQIA+ ** students requiring assisting with coming out, family matters, isolation, dealing with queer phobia, and many other concerns.
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Our approaches respond to individual student needs and offer targeted services beyond counselling, such as virtual appointments and referral 24/7 emergency lines, peer-to-peer support or therapy groups, a culturally relevant care and self-directed wellness programs.
Activities will include:
- Professional Development: Workshops on career planning, resume writing, and interview skills.
- Graduation ceremonies - Annual celebration of Black/African graduates
- Workshops - on topics such as managing finances and understanding budgeting.
- Cultural Events: Activities that celebrate Black/African culture, history, and heritage.
- Support Groups: Confidential discussion groups where students can share their experiences and find support.
- Ongoing Support - Providing ongoing resources and support students and their families.
At Intentional Family of Canada, we care about you and your wellbeing. We help deal with school, health, or other concerns. Become a part of our community and help us create lasting change. Find out more about our students support program.
Sessions run once a month during the Fall and Winter Terms. Students can register throughout.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our latest initiatives and events.
If you require immediate assistance in a crisis, please call 911.
Intentional Family of Canada - Supporting Education
Making the decision to return to school as a mature student can come with its own set of challenges. A mature student can be defined as someone who has been out of formal education for at least two years, has dependents, is at least 21-years-old, currently works full-time and/or has several years of experience in the workforce, or is a transfer or pathways student. This is a student-led effort to support the needs, issues and interests of mature students. Given the extra responsibilities many mature students often carry, it’s valuable to know what support is available to you that may help ease the burden of balancing everything on your plate.
This network is a platform for mature students to connect, share their experiences, find support through community, and receive updates on social and academic activities. Members are expected engage respectfully and promote an inclusive environment for all participants.
Led by a program coordinator, this support network is student's run, led by mature students, designed to help you make connections with other students, learn about available resources for mature students, and build lasting friendships.
What do we do?
- Mentorship Programs
- Social Events
- Advocacy
- Academic Support
- Service Referral
- Assisting them as they adjust into academic life
- Providing mentors and networking opportunities
Connect with us
If you are interested in becoming a member of our mature students support network, please connect with us. Signing up will provide you with email updates regarding social events involving other mature students. If you are looking to be connected with other mature students on campus, we encourage you to join our group by signing up first.
We will be meeting every other month starting in September 2025 to discuss various aspects of mature students life, including advocacy, event coordination, mentorship, and community building. As a volunteer and a member of this network, you'll serve as a student ambassador for our mature students, doing valuable work to meet the needs of fellow mature students.
Do you have any other questions, or want to connect with us, please connect with us. Contact us today to learn more about our program.
Our "Strong, Supportive and Healthy Couples Program" encompasses initiatives designed to improve the quality and well-being of Black/African couples in Canada.
Key Elements include:
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Emotional Support
- Trauma-Informed Approaches - Some parts of our program are designed specifically for couples who have experienced trauma or have been exposed to violence. Such stressors include separation and divorces, including interracial marriages, separation and divorce.
Activities Include
- Having open culturally appropriate education, workshops, group conversations on Black/African immigrant couples dynamics in a non judgmental space and environment.
- Black/African Couples Mentoring Couples group discussion
- Black/African Couple Retreat
- Individual and Couples Counseling
- Ongoing Support - Providing ongoing resources and support for couples.
Join Our Community
Become a part of our community and help us create lasting change. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our latest initiatives and events.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Intentional Family of Canada acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat Nations. These nations have stewarded this land since time immemorial. Intentional Family of Canada recognizes the Mississaugas of the Credit as the original rights holders and signatories of Treaty 19, and is committed to reconciliation through meaningful action.