On Saturday, September 14th, the Children’s Aid Society of Sudbury and Manitoulin (CASDSM) partnered with Dokun Nochirionye, Executive Director of Thriving African Families, to host a community engagement event with the African community in Sudbury. Held at St. Peter’s United Church, the event welcomed a couple dozen attendees from the African community, creating a space for open dialogue and cultural exchange.
CASDSM CEO Elaina Groves, Service Managers Julie Moore and Candace Poulin, and Service Supervisor Miranda Maunsell were on hand to provide clarity about the agency’s services and to explain what families can expect if they require assistance or involvement from the agency. The session offered guests the opportunity to ask questions about CASDSM’s role, including the duty to report, the agency’s involvement process, and family rights. Enlightening stories were shared, and several misconceptions were clarified. The event fostered fantastic engagement and openness, leaving everyone with a better understanding of each other’s perspectives, experiences, and cultural values.
The event was a tremendous success, building a deeper collective understanding of cultural perspectives and highlighting ways in which we can collaborate to better support the well-being of children and families in our community. CASDSM is incredibly grateful for the partnership with Thriving African Families. Their leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in creating a space for rich discussions, shared stories, and important questions.
Cultural awareness is vital in providing services and assistance that truly meet the needs of families, and this event served as a key step toward that goal. By understanding the unique experiences and cultural contexts of the African community, CASDSM can offer more informed and compassionate support.
We also extended our heartfelt thanks to all attendees for their openness, participation, and willingness to engage in these meaningful conversations. The thoughtful engagement from parents, the insightful questions, and the shared vision reflected the community’s strong commitment to collaboration and ensuring the well-being of children and families. Together, we are fostering a community built on connection, understanding, knowledge, and partnership.
We hope that this event marks the beginning of bridging gaps between our agency and the African community in Sudbury. By continuing to foster open communication and mutual understanding, we aim to strengthen trust and collaboration, ensuring that families feel supported and empowered.
