Winner: Outstanding Agency 2023 by the United Way Waterloo Region Communities (Spirit Awards)!
Nominated: Outstanding Agency 2022 by the United Way Waterloo Region Communities (Spirit Awards)!
Welcome to Kind Minds Family Wellness. We are honored to be serving the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Region & surrounding area.
City of Cambridge, City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich.
Here at Kind Minds Family Wellness (KMFW), we acknowledge diversity and cultural identities in our provision of short and long-term culturally informed support to our Black clientele. Our specialty is in Afrocentric/culturally grounded counseling, education, employment, and research advocacy that addresses anti-Black racism and systemic oppression that: fosters Black community empowerment/resilience, supports community services navigation and guides the design and delivery of culturally suitable educational programs and groups for children, youth, caregivers/adults and seniors.
“Kindness is choosing to acknowledge and celebrate the beauty in others, regardless of whether or not they can find it in themselves.”
— RAKtivist
When “I” is replaced with “We” even Illness becomes Wellness - Malcolm X
Photo Credit: August de Richelieu
Vision
Equity, inclusiveness, and community engagement.
Mission
To transform the personal narratives of Black persons and support them as they navigate systems to attain positive Self-actualization and Holistic wellness.
Values:
Respect. Equity. Inclusivity. Openness. Diversity. Dignity and the Self-determination of our service users and their social and cultural networks.
Commitment
We are committed to providing equitable and culturally sensitive programs and services within the context of evidence-based practice. We are determined to foster a safe and positive space that encourages and respects our client’s perspectives and feedback.
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..”
Waterloo Region by the numbers
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).
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
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)
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)
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.
Please take a look at the images below.
Statistics in Surrounding Areas:
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
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)
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).
“Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people’s lives regardless of the weather.”
Happiness is the Highest form of Health- Dalai Lama
Photo Credit: Nappy
As a non-profit organization, we appreciate when community members reach out and extend their support in all forms, including financial support.
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As a non-profit organization, we appreciate when community members reach out and extend their support in all forms, including financial support. 〰️
“My hope is that we develop enough courage to develop courage . To try to have, try to learn to treat each other fairly, with generosity and kindness. ”