Stories, events, and announcements from across the ABAW community.
Our largest cohort of youth mentees to date started their program year this spring, matched with 62 new and returning mentors across Oakville and Mississauga. Over the coming months, mentors and mentees will meet weekly for study support, life-skills workshops, and community outings.
We are grateful to every mentor who has answered the call — and to the schools and families whose partnership makes this program possible.
Nearly 300 community members gathered at our winter Cultural Exchange Night for food, music, and storytelling from seven cultural traditions. The evening featured elder-led story circles, youth performances, and a shared dinner prepared by volunteer families.
Thank you to every family, cook, performer, and volunteer who brought their heart to the room.
In response to growing community need, our Newcomer Family Support program launched a new weekly session in Burlington this autumn, hosted in partnership with a local library. The first sessions welcomed 22 families from more than a dozen countries.
Interested in bringing the program to your community? Get in touch.
Over 45 volunteers joined our fall training weekend for sessions on cultural humility, safeguarding, and mentoring practice. The weekend closed with a community dinner and a heartfelt welcome for our newest volunteers.
Ready to join us? Visit the volunteer page to learn more.
Our annual community picnic drew more than 500 neighbours to a local park for games, live music, and shared meals. The day also included a community-services fair with local partners offering information on health, education, and settlement supports.
Our intergenerational Story Circle — pairing elders from multiple cultural communities with local high-school students — was recognised by a regional community-service award for its contribution to intercultural understanding.
The recognition belongs to every elder, student, and volunteer who has shown up with an open ear and an open heart.
