We are thrilled to announce that Spark Employment Services will serve as the Organizational Mentor for Thriving African Families, following the approval of a $300,000 Youth Opportunities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The three-year grant, awarded last fall, is supporting the launch of the Village Square Program — a culturally responsive initiative focused on strengthening Black families in Greater Sudbury through education, connection, and trauma-informed care.

Launching on January 15, 2026, the Village Square Program will create welcoming spaces where Black parents, guardians, and caregivers can learn, connect, and heal together. Programming will include parenting workshops, culturally rooted cooking classes, and trauma-informed healing circles, all grounded in community strengths and cultural identity. Grant funding will support staffing, program development, marketing, and transportation to ensure families can fully participate.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at Thriving African Families,” said Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury. “This grant is not just an investment in an organization, but in our community and in our families of African heritage here in Greater Sudbury. Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of seeing the work Mrs. Noch and her team have done and the commitment they have to supporting parents and caregivers through education, connection, and trauma-based care. I look forward to seeing all the meaningful support and activities this new program will provide.”

“This grant represents a transformative opportunity for families in our community,” said Dokun Nochirionye, Founder and Executive Director, Thriving African Families. “With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and our organizational mentor, Spark Employment Services, we are able to build a program that honours culture, strengthens family bonds, and supports long-term wellbeing for Black families in Greater Sudbury.”

Thriving African Families is a community-based organization committed to providing equitable, culturally relevant programs and services that support the integration, education, mental health, and community connections of families of African heritage. Through training, mentorship, direct support, capacity building, community engagement, and advocacy, TAF works to strengthen families and build a more inclusive and connected community in Greater Sudbury.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Through the Youth Opportunities Fund, OTF invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways, and addressing issues faced by our communities.