One Vision One Voice Advisory Group, in partnership with Child and Family Services of Grand Erie will host an event in the Community Room at the Brantford Public Library on Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Community Voices Matter: Amplifying Black Values in the Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk Region event is designed to foster an inclusive community environment and improve support and social service engagement for Black and African-Canadians living in the Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk area.
This free event aims to provide a platform for open dialogue where community members can share their insights and experiences, thereby shaping the future of community and social services. This special event is part of a comprehensive approach to enhance the success of working with children and families, emphasizing the importance of listening to and acting upon the voices of the Black/African Canadian community.
In 2015, the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services funded the African Canadian community, through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, to research issues affecting the overrepresentation of African Canadian children and youth in Ontario’s child welfare system. Ten years later, the organization responsible for child and family services in the Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk region wants to better understand if the issues discussed in 2015 are still relevant today. They are also wanting to hear from the Black community what they think is necessary to provide better services and supports for African Canadian children and families across this region.
The event is a crucial step in ensuring that voices within the Black community are heard.
“It is essential that we listen to and understand the unique perspectives of the Black community,” said Jean Samuel, Co-Chair of the OVOV Advisory Group. “This event is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue that will inform and guide our efforts to enhance the effectiveness of community services in our region that support children and their families.”
Through active participation, attendees will help guide efforts to engage in more culturally responsive and appropriate practices throughout Brant, and Norfolk. Please join us on Thursday May 29 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Brantford Public Library located at 173 Colborne Street to help shape the future of community and social services.
