Empowering Individuals. Strengthening Communities.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
At African Community Services of Peel (ACS), we provide culturally responsive programs and services that support newcomers, individuals, families, youth, and seniors in our community.
NEWCOMER AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES
Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP)
The Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP) supports newcomers, refugees and asylum seekers as they build their lives in Canada. ACS provides individualized settlement support, information and referrals, housing guidance, employment assistance, and help navigating community and government services.
Clients can also access information sessions on topics such as health care, legal rights, financial literacy and community resources. Our goal is to help newcomers make informed decisions, strengthen independence and participate fully in their communities.
Pathways to Integration and Empowerment
Pathways to Integration and Empowerment
Pathways to Integration and Empowerment is a collaborative initiative supporting African asylum seekers in Peel Region.
ACS coordinates intake, navigation and connections to essential services while working with community partners to improve access to housing supports, employment preparation, health and social services, food resources, peer support and community connections.
The initiative emphasizes coordinated service delivery and practical pathways toward stability and integration.
YOUTH SERVICES
ACS provides a continuum of youth services ranging from community outreach and prevention to intensive individualized support and justice-focused intervention. Youth services are culturally responsive and designed to strengthen well-being, leadership, education, employment readiness, family relationships and community connection.
Youth Outreach Worker Program (YOW)
The Youth Outreach Worker Program (YOW) connects youth and families with supports that respond to their individual needs and circumstances. Services include outreach, one-to-one support, employment and pre-employment assistance, life-skills development, educational support, recreation, crisis response, referrals and connections to communi
The Youth Outreach Worker Program (YOW) connects youth and families with supports that respond to their individual needs and circumstances. Services include outreach, one-to-one support, employment and pre-employment assistance, life-skills development, educational support, recreation, crisis response, referrals and connections to community resources. Youth Outreach Workers meet young people where they are and help them identify practical goals and pathways forward.
Black Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker Program (BEYOW)
Black Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker Program (BEYOW)
The Black Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker Program (BYOW) provides intensive, culturally responsive support to Black youth who require a higher level of individualized assistance. The program offers one-to-one support, individualized planning, short-term counselling, family engagement, referrals and coordinated connections to other services
The Black Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker Program (BYOW) provides intensive, culturally responsive support to Black youth who require a higher level of individualized assistance. The program offers one-to-one support, individualized planning, short-term counselling, family engagement, referrals and coordinated connections to other services. Staff work with youth to identify goals, address barriers and strengthen stability, well-being and positive community connections.
Black Youth Re-engagement and Diversion Program
Black Youth Re-engagement and Diversion Program
Black Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker Program (BEYOW)
The Black Youth Re-engagement and Diversion Program supports Black youth who are at risk of involvement with the justice system or who are already justice involved. The program provides culturally responsive and trauma-informed one-to-one support, individualized plans, counselling, family engagement, education and reintegration support, c
The Black Youth Re-engagement and Diversion Program supports Black youth who are at risk of involvement with the justice system or who are already justice involved. The program provides culturally responsive and trauma-informed one-to-one support, individualized plans, counselling, family engagement, education and reintegration support, creative activities and referrals.
ACS works with community and justice-sector partners to help youth reconnect with education, family and positive community supports while reducing the factors that contribute to further justice involvement.
Youth Development Activities
Black Youth Re-engagement and Diversion Program
Youth Development Activities
Alongside specialized youth programs, ACS offers activities that promote personal growth, learning, leadership and social connection.
Activities may include after-school support, mentorship, life-skills workshops, career development, summer programming, recreation and community engagement opportunities.
LEGAL ACCESS & COMMUNITY JUSTICE
ACS helps community members understand their rights, obtain reliable legal information, navigate legal and community systems and connect with appropriate legal resources. The scope of assistance depends on the program and does not replace legal representation where representation is required
Legal Access and Community Empowerment Program
The Legal Access and Community Empowerment Program improves access to public legal education and information for African newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers and members of the Black community in Peel. The program provides legal information, community workshops, one-to-one navigation and referrals on issues that may include immigration and
The Legal Access and Community Empowerment Program improves access to public legal education and information for African newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers and members of the Black community in Peel. The program provides legal information, community workshops, one-to-one navigation and referrals on issues that may include immigration and refugee matters, youth rights, discrimination, housing, employment and family law. It also connects community members with legal and community resources when additional assistance is required
Black Legal Access and Advice Hub - Peel Region
Black Legal Access and Advice Hub - Peel Region
The Black Legal Access and Advice Hub expands access to legal advice and navigation for racialized communities in Peel, with a focus on Black newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers and the broader Black community. Services include legal advice clinics, one-to-one legal navigation, community legal education, outreach and referral pathways. Pr
The Black Legal Access and Advice Hub expands access to legal advice and navigation for racialized communities in Peel, with a focus on Black newcomers, refugees, asylum seekers and the broader Black community. Services include legal advice clinics, one-to-one legal navigation, community legal education, outreach and referral pathways. Priority areas include immigration, criminal justice and access to services and rights. The Hub works with lawyers and community partners to make legal assistance easier to understand and access.
WOMEN, FAMILIES & COMMUNITY WELLNESS
Women and Families Program
The Women and Families Program supports women and families through education, group activities, referrals and community connections. Programming may address parenting, healthy living, cultural sharing, self-empowerment, income security, family well-being and access to community resources. Activities create opportunities for mutual support, learning and stronger family and community connections.
Community Wellness and Development Program
Community Wellness and Development Program
The Community Wellness and Development Program supports the well-being of Black communities in Peel through health promotion, mental health awareness, community education, resource navigation and opportunities for engagement. Programming also addresses issues affecting community well-being, including family safety, social isolation, employment barriers and access to appropriate services.
COMMUNITY CARE INITIATIVE
Responding to Immediate Needs. Supporting Families. Strengthening Communities.
The Community Care Initiative is a community-driven program by African Community Services of Peel (ACS) that responds to the emerging and immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, and other socioeconomic challenges.
Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, corporations, and community partners, ACS collects and distributes essential items, including food, clothing, school supplies, feminine hygiene products, personal care items, and other basic necessities.
The initiative aims to ease financial pressures on vulnerable households, promote dignity and well-being, and ensure that individuals and families have access to essential resources when they need them most.
Guided by compassion, inclusion, and community solidarity, ACS distributes donated items based on identified needs, with particular attention to newcomers, refugees, low-income families, and other vulnerable community members.
Together, We Can Make a Difference.
We welcome donations and partnerships from individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our commitment to building a caring and supportive community. Every contribution, big or small, can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Request Support and Donate or Become a Community Partner.
Seniors & Digital Inclusion
Seniors Program
The ACS Seniors' Social Circle Program supports Black and African seniors aged 55 and older by reducing social isolation and creating opportunities for active participation. Activities may include wellness sessions, games, exercise, arts and crafts, technology support, social gatherings, community outings and celebrations. The program pro
The ACS Seniors' Social Circle Program supports Black and African seniors aged 55 and older by reducing social isolation and creating opportunities for active participation. Activities may include wellness sessions, games, exercise, arts and crafts, technology support, social gatherings, community outings and celebrations. The program promotes health, connection, inclusion and continued participation in community life.
Digital Literacy Program
Digital Literacy Program
The Digital Literacy Program helps participants build practical skills and confidence using computers, mobile devices and online tools. Training supports participants with everyday digital tasks, communication, accessing online services, job search activities and safer participation in the digital environment. Programming is designed to r
The Digital Literacy Program helps participants build practical skills and confidence using computers, mobile devices and online tools. Training supports participants with everyday digital tasks, communication, accessing online services, job search activities and safer participation in the digital environment. Programming is designed to reduce digital barriers and improve access to opportunities and essential services