Citizen for the Advancement of Community Development continues to make a positive difference in the lives of BIPOC youth

BY PAUL JUNOR

For over twenty years, the Citizen for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) has been instrumental in fostering positive experiences to build and uplift youth people.

This registered charitable organization is “Dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth between the ages of 10-24.” The community-based service organization’s mission is, “To ensure that CACD provides effective programs and services to youth for character and skills development, leadership and active citizenship.” The inclusive and expansive vision of CACD is to ensure, “That youth in the community are empowered to develop their potential, live healthy lives, becoming safe, self-reliant, spiritual and active in their community as citizens and leaders.”

The facilitation of CACD’s mission and vision is achieved through its mandate which is, “To offer life strategies and interventions to children and youth in order to enhance resiliency and decrease risk by providing additional socio-emotional support, academic development, skill-building and community outreach in a safe and supportive environment with caring adults.”

CACD has been involved with a wide range of community partners, school boards, service organizations, and groups. As a volunteer-run, culturally focused organization, a board of nine members deliver its diverse programs and services runs it. I interviewed Ron Cunningham, the founder along with his wife, who serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Ron worked for 25 years in the banking sector when he recognized the needs of at-risk and marginalized youths and decided to launch a community service organization. He told me that a nine-member board and his sons, Ryan and Reagan who play an active part in fulfilling its mission, run CACD. Ron states that while CACD is based in Mississauga and most of the work they do is in Peel. It has provided services across the Greater Toronto Area as well as in Jamaica.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on CACD by restricting access to physical space, funding, and in-person events, but the organization was still able to deliver many of its programs. Ron sent me an information sheet that summarizes the work of CACD.

CACD offers, “After School Program for High School children and youth, Leadership and Empowerment Program, Youth Justice and Crime Prevention, Targeted High School Outreach, Health Promotion, and Internship Opportunity for College and University Students.” CACD has access to a vibrant youth pool and provides community service hours for high school students. Rob told me that now that the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, he anticipates that it will take some time to resume regular programming.

Since 2008, CACD has been located at Mississauga Valley Community Centre (MVCC) where it has office space and access to program rooms to facilitate many of its regular services. CACD looks forward to exploring new territories as it engages in strategic visioning.

Ron shared with me a forum that CACD has on Thursday, April 7^th, 2022, titled, “Stop Hate Crime, Systemic Racism, and Distribution,” featuring speakers and presenters to be held virtually. Anyone interested in attending can register at https://cacdforum.eventbrite.ca

To learn about  the CACD, information can be seen on its social media platforms:

Website: www.cacdcanada.org

Twitter: @ CACDCanada

Instagram: Cacdyouth

LinkedIn: linkin.ee/CACDcanada

Facebook: CACDCanada