WELCOME HOME
WELCOME HOME
ABOUT US
Intentional African Family of Canada (InAF of Canada) also known as Intentional Family of Canada is a registered charitable not-for-profit community-based organization dedicated to educating, informing, connecting, and equipping the racialized, Black, African, and Caribbean immigrants in Canada with the people and resources they need to foster a thriving community and strong families. Our Intentional Family of Canada (IFC) comprises individuals and families who are intentionally creating a supportive community to address loneliness and isolation.
Established in April 2025, Intentional Family of Canada aims to provide effective and culturally relevant programs while creating a safe, welcoming, and culturally appropriate environment that connects individuals, families, and children with African culture, effectively creating a home away from home—a village, an intentional community. We also offer services for women experiencing domestic violence, regardless of their background. Our programs, events, and activities are informed by an intersectional antidiscrimination approach and focus on solutions, involving initiatives like culturally relevant programs, support groups, and networking opportunities. We believe that by fostering a sense of belonging and community, we can break down cultural divides and barriers, promoting a harmonious and prosperous Canadian community for all.
At the heart of Intentional Family of Canada (IFC) is the desire to help racialized immigrants lead healthy and productive lives in Canada, overcoming challenges associated with settlement, including mental health challenges linked to homesickness, isolation, and loneliness. Our mission is clear: we are committed to supporting the Black community and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need.
Our vision
To provide culturally relevant programs and services that support the integration, education, mental health, and African community connections through mentorship, community engagement, support, and advocacy, to create a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive African community cultural ecosystem, where every member of the African society can thrive.
Our Mission
To instill a strong sense of community, cultural pride, resilience, and social responsibility through cultural education and practices, culturally relevant programs and services, and community engagement.
Our Core Values
Our core values are our fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our actions and decision-making, and define how we operate and the ethical standards we uphold.
- Respect - At My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC), respect is at the core of our program delivery and interactions with the community we serve. We recognize, value, and honor the different experiences, cultures, and perspectives of all, recognizing that each member of our intentional family contributes uniquely.
- Accountability – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) acknowledges and assumes responsibility for our attitude, actions, behaviors, and decisions. Our accountability applies at an individual level to our directors, staff, and volunteers, as well as the organization.
- Community Focused – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) ensures an understanding of ways to address the needs of the community we serve, ensuring that community members have a voice and contribute to the services offered by us, including how they receive them.
- Collaboration – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure willingness to collaborate with allies, partners, and community members to achieve better outcomes. We believe that collaboration yields a diversity and richness of ideas, thoughts, and perspectives.
- Compassion – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure a genuine desire to help others who are in need or distress, and provide a helping hand to lift them to a position of strength.
- Equity – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure to create a belief that everyone has the right to be treated fairly and justly and allowed to achieve, even if it means that they require more support and resources than others, to correct their imbalances or remove barriers they face.
- Inclusivity – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure creating and fostering a welcoming environment that embraces all that a person has to give, and respecting everyone by allowing them to bring their whole, authentic selves to our space or function.
- Integrity – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure acting with honesty and honor based on sound ethical practices, always striving to be truthful.
- Trust – My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure building trust with each other and the communities we serve, committing to authentic relationships and honest communication.
Our Goals and Objectives
To create a culturally appropriate environment where the Black/African community in Canada will function as an extended Black/African family/village. Through engaging in programs and activities that prioritize culturally appropriate cross-generational cohesiveness, and collaborations that value Black/African cultural heritage, My Intentional Family of Canada will prioritize helping Black/African community members overcome loneliness, isolation and tackle settlement and mental health challenges associated with the dualism of cultures. We recognize that starting a new life in a different country can be both exciting and challenging, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our ultimate goal is to empower individual Black/African immigrants and families to overcome settlement barriers, empower and support them to thrive in the Canadian society, and achieve lasting socio-economic success.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Intentional Family of Canada - A Home Away From Home
My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) is built on a deliberate and purposeful foundation, where individuals will actively nurture and cultivate their intentional connections with a clear understanding of the value each individual holds . This means paying attention to the unique needs of each of our community member and making a conscious effort to maintain the bond.
Our guiding principles are:
- Facilitate Objectively
- Educate Progressively
- Improve Continuously
- Perform Professionally
- Collaborate Extensively
- Network Widely
- Care Passionately
- Lead Courageously
- Counsel Sensitively
- Advocate Powerfully
My Intentional Family of Canada(IFC) will ensure setting aside time and space for meaningful conversations, recognizing that each community member has their unique dynamics. We aim to create a safe space for vulnerability and open communication where African/Black community members can be their authentic self; be present, support and be supported in times of need; encourage one another, recognize and celebrate each other's successes.
We recognize that starting a new life in a different country can be both exciting and challenging. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where you can feel a sense of belonging, family and be able to thrive, while you actively participate in shaping the vibrant and diverse community we are building together.
Welcome home!
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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.