AURORA BLACK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION understands that the Black and other minority communities play an essential role in the economy, but in comparison to other cultures, many struggles with financial wellness. Aurora is considered an affluent and economically healthy community, still, we have many struggling to find opportunities to come out of their circumstances and get ahead. This grant is designed to eradicate financial gaps and offer an accessible support system to those in need. When you support ABC you make programs like this possible. 

I'm the president of ABC, and here is my story. I migrated to Canada in 1998 with little family support. I barely scraped to find enough money to pay my bus to get to my first job interview with St. Stephen's Employment Centre - Bathurst and St. Clair. The bus driver was kind to take what I had. After the interview, a lady from Stephen's Employment Centre (through George Brown College), whose name I only remember as Rita, gave me $100 and 10 TTC bus tickets to start my first job at BDP call Centre, until I get my first paycheque. That's where my journey of hope began. She believed in me and sow into my future. I continue to give others the same opportunity of hope that she gave me.

HOPEFORYOU I BELIEVE GRANT (HIBG), $1000 is awarded to 2 applicants every February.  It is designed to help marginalized newcomers or anyone 45 and under, who just need someone to believe in them, see their potential, and give them a yes. Successful recipients MUST agree to participate for three months, 2 sessions per month for a total of 6 sessions, of mentorship, training, and resources for economic development: (workplace readiness supports, goal setting, women who have experienced violence, address barriers to employment and housing, Self-employment training and business etc.) The participants will receive $500 upfront and be matched with a mentor. The remaining $500 is given after completion.

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To apply please email us your story, 400 words max.