Culture, Research & Community Engagement
We are honored to be serving the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Region & surrounding area.
Joined by 200+ families in our community
Transformation
Starts Here
Our Core Foundations
Comprehensive culturally-grounded support tailored to the unique needs of our community.
About Our Mission
To transform the personal narratives of Black individuals by supporting their navigation of systems and fostering holistic wellness and self-actualization.
ExploreOur Values
Respect. Equity. Inclusivity. Openness. Diversity. Dignity and the Self-determination of our service users and their social and cultural networks.
ExploreMindful Wellness, Deeply Rooted.
We go beyond traditional therapy, incorporating mindfulness practices that resonate with our community's cultural background and spiritual traditions.
Our Commitment
We are committed to delivering equitable, culturally responsive programs and services grounded in evidence based practices. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment that values and respects the voices, perspectives, and feedback of those we serve.
Why do we have to work differently at KMFW?
Below, we share a growing diversity of Black-identified persons in our region based on the recent census by Statistics Canada (2022). Analyzing our region's municipal, provincial, and federal data, we compared numbers between 2016 and 2021, and the increase of more than 5% of new residents to the region being Black-identifying means that the support and services we provide have become more critical as the demand for customized and culturally inclusive support for Black persons grows locally.
"Recognizing their experiences of systemic/structural barriers and disenfranchisement in existing (Eurocentric) services, we address the health and social needs of Black-identifying persons who must use a culturally grounded approach. Our approach promises better outcomes as it also targets and addresses the layers of culture and identity within service provision. Also, the data and growth can only validate the need for all Black-serving organizations to intentionally ensure equitable practices, procedures, and protocols inform their services and support to Black-identifying recipients.."
Source: Statistics Canada, 2022
Waterloo Region by the Numbers
Black-identifying population growth (2016–2021)
~15,000
Black Population in 2016
~26,500
Black Population in 2021
75%+ increase in Black-identifying new residents to the region within the last 5 years.
WATERLOO REGION BY THE NUMBERS
One of our Research Coordinators has captured the growing diversity of Black-identified persons in our region. They analyzed the Waterloo Region's municipal, provincial, and federal data and compared numbers between 2016 and 2021.
16.7%
In Waterloo Region, Blacks (16.7%) were the 2nd most commonly reported visible minority group between 2016 and 2019. This is an increase from 15.1% in 2016. The number of people identifying as Black increased by about 11,455 (Region of Waterloo, 2019, Census Canada, 2023).
2.9%
In 2016, 15,110 persons (2.9% of the population) identified as Black in the Waterloo Region (Statistics Canada, 2017).
6.8%
Blacks are the 2nd most significant minority group in Kitchener, Ontario, according to the 2017 Census. This is a percentage increase from 4.1% in 2016. The total visible minority population in Kitchener is 80,485, and the Black population is 17,510 (21.8%). (Statistics Canada, 2017)
5.0%
In Hamilton, Ontario, Black persons are the second largest visible minority group. According to the Census, 28,415 (20.2%) were Black-identifying persons, thus making them the 2nd most visible population in 2021. This is an increase from 20,245 persons in Hamilton who identify as Black in 2017. (Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton, 2017; Statistics Canada, 2017)
22.4%
There are 585 (22.4%) Black persons in Stratford, Ontario. Blacks are the 2nd most prominent minority group in Stratford. This is an increase from 335 (18.4%) in 2016. (Statistics Canada, 2017)
14.9%
In Cambridge, Ontario, the second largest group is the Black, making up 4,880 (14.9%), an increase from 3,255 people in 2016 (Statistics Canada, 2021)
16.5%
In Guelph, Ontario, Black persons are 5,940 (16.5%) – 2nd most in 2021. This moves them up to 2nd most minority group from the 3rd most prominent minority group in Guelph as of 2017 (Statistics Canada, 2017).
4.1%
There are 17,450 Black persons in London, Ontario, the 3rd most prominent minority group. This is an increase of about 5,505 persons identifying as Black. (Statistics Canada, 2021).
Our Community in Action
Your Path to Wellness
We make it simple and safe to get the support your family needs to thrive.
Initial Connection
Reach out via phone or our secure contact form for a brief, compassionate orientation.
Culturally-Informed Matching
We match your family with the right counselor or support program based on your unique needs.
Guided Wellness Path
Begin your journey with consistent support, advocacy, and a community that understands you.
Stories from our families
Real experiences from people who have walked this path before you.
"Finding Kind Minds felt like exhaling after holding my breath for months. They truly listened to our family."
Sarah
Parent of two