ITAVCOA

Media

CELEBRATING
AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Congratulations to BCC African Heritage Month Gala. It was a tremendous evening. All the best on your expansion and keep up the great work.

Some of the ITAVCOA Board of Directors.

INTEGENERATIONAL
ENGAGEMENT WITH GLOBAL STUDENTS

It Takes A Village had and Opportunity navigate with students from USA George Washington Carver Academy, Highland Park, Michigan.

Today I had the opportunity to introduce myself to these amazing Grade 1 students and tell them what It Takes A Village COA and Adjusting Your Life Style does. This was a interactive session.

Thank you Aretha Borden - Davis - Class Teacher

SUPPORTING MOOSE HIDE CAMPAIGN NOVA SCOTIA - HALIFAX

On May 16, 2024

This event took place in Halifax. A march from peace park to the waterfront. There was a drumming and smudge ceremony which took place in memory of all the departed women who were victimized.

25 ANNIVERSARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

This was our first encounter to be present at the chambers event. This was a historical moment also for black businesses.

Congratulations to all the winners.

DELEGATES FOR AFRICAN CANADIAN DECENTS FOR CANADA

Bridget Williams was selected as a delegate on April 15-20, 2024, to represent Nova Scotia and Canada. This took place at United Nations in Geneva Switzerland. Great international experience and exposure. Team Work the Dream Work.

Thank you selection committee for this opportunity.

SBCCI BBI SUB-AGREEMENT HOLDERS
MEETING WITH THE MINSTER OF PARLIAMENT

The opportunity to speak the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada -Kamal Khera. This was a great opportunity to discuss our organizations and community impacts. What needs to be improved and how do we move forward.

GUEST SPEAKER FOR Community Cancer Event

Guest Speaker to bring awareness about cancer and that you are not alone. My experience as a stage 4 Cancer Survivor.

Thank you for this opportunity.

SUPPORTING
EMPOWERMENT FOR HOPE

On behalf It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy the Board of Directors we are pleased to present Empowerment for Hope with these Laptops for there future program. Continue to be the change through the change.

NEURODIVERSITY TRAINING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Neurodiversity is an important part of workplace culture or should be. This affects everyone. Your workplace culture should make everyone feel welcome.

Leslie E. Norton, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva

Sent an Invitation to Canadian Delegates and Civil Society Organizations to meet the Honorable Kamal Khera Minister of Diversity and Inclusion, and persons with Disabilities.

This was also a networking session to have a opportunity to meet delegates across the country.

SUPPORTING NORTH GROVE

ITAVCOA Supports North Grove with Various items throughout the years. It has been great supporting you.

SURPRISE QUILT

We received this surprise beautiful wall quilt from Community Quilt Maker. This say a lot about how the community and how she sees us through her lens.

Thank you Connie Glasgow-White (Quilt Maker) for your amazing work.

CHAMPION WOMENS SUMMIT

Thank you Bridget Williams for such a wonderful recap of the Champion Women's Summit! I felt so honored to be a witness to Shero the Hero! That is one powerful Inner Champion!

TRIBE LEADERSHIP EVENT

Building a business community is so that we all flourish in our thriving culture. It Takes a village community was present for this amazing event.

It was an honor that ITAVCOA was recognized as a community supporter and Tribe supporter.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE SUPPORTS HEALTHY MINDS COOPERATIVE

It Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy Supported the
Healthy Minds Cooperative Defeat Depression Walk. Board of Director Tyiesha Colley and Youth Volunteer Taya Harris support this cause.

MEETING WITH HON. JEAN AUGUSTINE

She is a Phenomenal Women who is a trail blazer. Jean Augustine is a notable figure in Canadian history, celebrated for her pioneering contributions to politics, education, and social justice.

To hear her life's success and challenges in the political field. She was elected in 1993 to the Liberal Party. During her time in office, Augustine served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women, and held other significant roles. She was instrumental in advocating for policies promoting multiculturalism and women's rights.

Black History Month: One of her most notable achievements was her successful motion in 1995 to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. This motion was unanimously passed in the House of Commons, acknowledging the contributions of Black Canadians to the country's history and culture.

Jean Augustine's legacy is one of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Her work has had a lasting impact on Canadian society, particularly in the areas of multiculturalism, education, and women's rights. She remains an inspirational figure, embodying the spirit of resilience, advocacy, and community service.

To hear Jean Augustine Legacy of Empowerment for Impacts.

CU
COMMUNITY UPDATE

A interview with Nicole Johnson on ITAVCOA impacting advocacy and community change. The impacts of supporting the Most Vulnerable in Nova Scotia.

The beginning of It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy and How and Why it started. The beginning was during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

NEW BLACK CULTURAL CENTRE MONTREAL CANADA

Congratulations to Allen Alexandre on this mile stone. Allen Alexandre, Executive Director and founder of Montreal's Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre has work diligently over the years to now have his plan come to the forefront. This will be a representation of the black culture and artist in Montreal and Canada. Through the art a sense of belonging. They will preserve the black culture and history of Black Canadians. The black richness is now being represented in the Fabric of Montreal. Under represented black artist in Montreal now have a place to hang their art. They will demonstrate the richness of the Black Culture and the history of Black Montreal.

2nd ANNUAL PRESTON AREA GALA 2024

Congratulations Preston Area Gala 2024.

This event recognized the patriarchs of the Community. The Legacy of Seniors and recognizing the most eldest in the communities who made a difference and the lives they have impacted.

Their achievements and honoring them with flowers while they are still present.

The seniors names from the Preston Township

Mr. Aubrey Brown

Ms. Audrey Grosse

Ms. Ethel Fraser

Mr. Spencer Sparks

Ms. Eliza Brooks

Mr. Chester Downey

Recognized 39 Years of Service by Bernadine Sparks.

Dr. Karen Hudson was the Guest Speaker.

SUPPORTING CANCER PATIENTS

Since January - June 2024 we have supported 7 Cancer patients.

In 2023 we supported 2 Cancer Patients.

ORAL HYGIENE PROJECT

ITAVCOA Supported a number of Seniors Care Facilities with Oral Hygiene Items.

This will help support the growing populations of seniors in the facilities.

An Email from Fina at the Glasgow Hall Facility.

Your oral hygiene kits are appreciated and have been distributed amongst the floors today.

Thank you for these! I'm sure our residents will appreciate them very much.

WONDER WOMAN CONFERENCE 2024
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

This was our first Wonder Woman Conference for our Board of Directors (missing Kyla). It was a tremendous opportunity to meet so many women businesses from different platforms.

The energy, keynote speakers, and panelist were amazing.

The networking was phenomenal.

Spoke to Anne Divine the current Chair of the Chamber of Commerce.

EMPOWERING YOUR ENTREPRENEUR JOURNEY

This workshop with Jessica Bowden was Super high energy and engaging. Looking at Cross Roads As Opportunities.

DBLI Hosted this event virtually.

It was a great opportunity to hear from a trail blazer and business owner over 35 years in business.

She is an award winner of many.

COMMUNITY SENIORS LAPTOPS ELDEST GETS A LAPTOP

The Laptops Programs for seniors continue to support out most vulnerable 65 years of age and up.

Mrs. Eliza Brook is 105 and just received her laptop from ITAVCOA. She is from the Preston Township in Nova Scotia and the oldest community member. Looking forward to hear how you interact with your device.

She looks amazing and is blessed and highly favored.

She passed away on August 2024.

COMMUNITY VISION CARE OUR YOUTH SUPPORT

Today our youth had an opportunity to support the community with vision care.

They worked hard and diligently providing glasses and essentials.

They are our future. They are dedicated and want to show up to support our initiatives no matter what they are.

They are community oriented.

They are community and they care.

ITAVCOA NEW MERCHANDISE LAUNCH

Today we launched our merchandise at the Black Vendors Market at the Black Cultural Centre.

The money will support our community events and individual initiatives.

FOUND HER LAB
Leading A Digital Green Economy

This was an amazing event to learn the importance of making digital a green economy.

Empowering Black Female Business Owners.

Black Not For Profit Business Panelist

Government Summer Students Black Youth Development Program

A opportunity to present to Students across the government. Discussing the importance of being a Not for Profit Organization and many steps to running It Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy.

They were told how we started and how we have evolved since the beginning. Also provided tips if want to start a business.

Also mentioned the importance of having volunteers who believe in the initiative. Volunteers are the ambassadors of the organization.

The Soul and Sip Holistic Healing Session for Black Women in Partnership.

This event was hosted by Empowerment for Hope. Healing through other methods. This was quite the eventful evening to share and use painting transformation. Using colors and what they represent. Music was used to energize or bring solitude. This initiative was to forge community connectivity.

ITAVCOA Through Our Eyes Supports
CHAMA

The eye glasses for Africa initiative will be distributed by CHAMA.

CHAMA

BREAKING NEWS.......
THERE ARE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: IT TAKES A VILLAGE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY DONATES 162 PAIRS OF GLASSES TO CHAMA FOR AFRICA!
Warrior Sister Bridget, the owner of IT TAKES A VILLAGE COA is a woman of few words but full of actions. She’s sold out to doing whatever she can to make a change in the community be it back to school supplies, Father’s Day draws, community eye care and community farming outreaches. What makes her distinctive in her community outreaches is her big smiles and inclusive framework. The world needs people like Warrior Bridget Williams who helps without boundaries. The 2023 African Heritage Month theme “Seeing Through Our Eyes” speaks to loud: She is seeing through the Eyes of the approximately 26.3 million people in the African Region have a form of visual impairment, but who lives below 1$USD/day. Eye care becomes a choice.
In a world where people are often busy thinking about themselves, the simple act of sharing holds the power to transform lives and build stronger communities. Sharing, whether it involves our time, resources, knowledge, or even a simple smile, is a great way to show compassion and care for others.
Let’s give to “IT TAKES A VILLAGE COA” for seeing “Through Our Eyes” of the 26 million Africans living in poor eye condition but without the means.

ITAVCOA Beautiful Wigs for You

Fall of 2024

Providing Cancer Patients with free Wigs. Restoring Confidence: Hair loss can be distressing, often affecting a person's self-esteem and body image. A wig can help patients feel more like themselves, maintaining their appearance during treatment and boosting their confidence.

We are in Partnership with

Unity Wigs and Hair Services

CHAMA Supports ITAVCOA at the Backpack and Computer Accessories Event.

They came and played for us during our

mission today for our community most

vulnerable. Drumming can set the mood for an event, whether it's a high-energy celebration or a more subdued gathering. The rhythm and intensity of the drumming can influence the atmosphere, making it feel lively, exciting, or even meditative.

Drumming of it takes a village and how we

support our students with school supplies. This was very engaging for our volunteers and families.

"Great job today Warrior Bridget Williams and great team of volunteers. Thank you for all you do in the community Indeed, it takes a village to send a child back to school with supplies. It takes a village to give struggling parents a break."

Congratulations!

BYDMP Government Students

It was a great summer for government students. This was a opportunity to mentor and be a panelist for these future scholars.

Engaging with students during the summer and hearing about how the experience impacted them can be very rewarding. It allows for reflection on what worked well and where improvements can be made for future programs.

The many panelist and campuses they visited as well as other venues. The Legislative Tour of the House to learn about the black Nova Scotians who made a difference and continues to make a difference in the political arena.

BBI Grant Writing Session

BBI hosted the grant writing session on August 28 and August 29. This grant writing workshop was facilitated by Vanessa Burns and Liz Struijf-Mandishora for this Educational Workshop Component to Grant Writing. Grant writing is an incredibly valuable skill because: It's always in demand. It helps nonprofits secure the diverse funding they need to thrive.

This was an engaging session with both Vanessa and Liz. Discussing the nonprofit and for-profit sector.

Securing funding and what that looks like. Business growth and expansion and how to get there.

Research and development with statistics in mind. Training and Technology to support your organization growth.

What is a grant and how it supports your organization. The different types of grants.

Filling out the needs assessments and problems statements Planning for the the future long-term planning. Discussing the SWOTS analysis.

The importance of Benchmarking.

African Canadian Business Chamber Business Summit
Aug. 30- 31, 2024

This event took place in Vancouver British Columbia at the Convention Centre. Shaping the Partnership between Africa and Canada. This was a opportunity to elevate your business at the forum. This was an the 2nd Annual Summit.

Many presentations for future exploration and partnerships.

Topics:

Global Affairs and International Trading
Innovating for a carbon-negative future
Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Transformative Technology
Legal Business Framework in Africa
Immigration Business
Black Wealth Matters
Power of Social Media
Banking and Financing

Panel Discussion

Technology
Finance and Entrepreneurship
International Business Mindset
Francophone Economic Forum
Doing Business in Africa

There was a lot to digest from this event. Many insights and of course an opportunity to network. This was a global event which included diversity and inclusion. Many high profile voices and there success stories.

ITAVCOA ECO-TECH PROGRAM BEGINS

Providing student with electronic devices. These students do not have to worry about borrowed devices. This will enhance learning and access to educational resources. Encourages development of digital literacy and technical skills.

Congratulations, using your Chromebooks and headset for educational purposes.

For more details: https://www.itavcoa.com/about-5-1

ITAVCOA PROVIDED LAPTOPS
TO THE MAIN STREET 902 MAN UP LOCATION

The Awaaba Campus located on Main Street in Dartmouth. These laptop devices will help support those who are housed to get online training as well as learn other programs through this accessibility.

Future training programs will be available to them. They will now be able to book appointments, pay bills, look at other Institutions that want to help them on their journey.

UNITED NATIONS FORUM RELEASE OF THE REPORT

It was great to be part of the global delegation for this platform. This report will be provided to the Human Rights Commission on October 2, 2024.

Your Excellency Dr. June Soomer, a distinguished diplomat from Saint Lucia, was appointed Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent in 2024. In this role, her primary mission is to address systemic racism and advocate for reparations for people of African descent. Broaden reparations across the globe.

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