FUNDING FOR FAMILY FUSE
Black support group receives grant
A recently formed local group designed to support Black youth and their parents better navigate the education system and achieve their life goals has secured full funding for the next three years.
Family Fuse, launched last August, received $253,500 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Youth Opportunities Fund. The non-profit group is also backed by W.E.S.T. ( Women's Enterprise Skills Training Inc.) of Windsor.
The goal is to assist, over the next few years, at least 75 local families of Black youth through a combination of community partnerships, workshops and one-one-one support as they advance through the school system starting in junior kindergarten right up to working through university or college.
“The domino effect of systemic racism, lack of education and poverty requires a wraparound approach that involves collaboration and dedication to the Black community,” said Christie Nelson, the group's co-founder and program co-ordinator.
“As parents we know the impact that lack of support, lack of cultural competency and lack of understanding has had in our own households and in the homes of other parents. It is our goal to encourage parenting with education and purpose to overcome obstacles and to change the system.”
Nelson cited Statistics Canada numbers which show up to 59 per cent of Black youth between the ages of 15 to 25 don't believe that a university or community college degree is attainable.
A majority also believe they are more likely to be unemployed than other visible minorities.
Efforts to address such issues often need to start with parents so that they can encourage their children in a positive and helpful manner, Nelson said.
Family Fuse will help families make connections with schools, teachers and business or employment opportunities so their children can rise up to achieve their lifetime goals, she said.
“The focus will be on the parents or caregivers in the Black community, and they will in turn support their own children,” Nelson said.
“The goal is helping children maintain a scholar mindset. That begins in JK right up to deciding on what courses to take in university or college.”
Early partnerships with Family Fuse have already been formed with Border City Athletics, Sandwich Teen Action Group, Windsor Police Service, Youth Connection Association, Greater Essex County District School Board, the Windsor-essex Catholic District School Board and Reseau-femmes Southwestern Ontario.
“We want to give parents help so they understand they play a key role in reversing many systemic issues,” Nelson said. “That comes in working together. Our goal is to encourage parents and children how to overcome any obstacles so they can become who they want to be.”
Local MPP Lisa Gretzky (NDP — Windsor-west) offered her support to the group on Wednesday.
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Family Fuse on receiving this well-deserved Ontario Trillium Foundation grant,” she said.
“This new organization promises to be a vital resource which will help the Black community in Windsor and Essex County have improved access to the education system and overcome the continuing destructive effects of racism and poverty.”
All services offered by the group are free. For more information visit online at familyfuse.ca or call 226-506-5872.