ITAVCOA Media

The ITAVCOA Student Food Hamper at the Henry G. Bauld Centre. This initiative made a positive and lasting impact on the community by helping to address food insecurity among students and families. By providing food hampers to students from Kindergarten through University, the initiative offered meaningful support to individuals at different stages of their education.

We were grateful to support students from Kindergarten through University. The students expressed tremendous appreciation for the food hampers and the support they received through this initiative.

One of the most encouraging outcomes was the way the initiative expanded through word of mouth. Several students reached out to friends and families with children and encouraged them to access the support available. This helped extend the reach of the program and demonstrated how acts of kindness can create a ripple effect throughout a community.

This initiative demonstrated not only the importance of providing practical support to students and families, but also the power of community, compassion, and caring for one another. We are proud to have played a part in making a positive difference in the lives of so many students.

Thank You Community Cuture Tourism and Heritage Fund.

Our initiative to provide food to individuals experiencing homelessness was created out of a desire to meet an important and immediate need within our community. We recognize that access to healthy and nutritious food can be a significant challenge for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Through this initiative, we were able to provide fresh vegetables, fruits, and other nourishing foods to help support their physical well-being.

Providing fresh produce was particularly important because good nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining the body's health, energy, and ability to function. Many individuals facing homelessness may have limited opportunities to access fresh and healthy food. By making nutritious options available, we helped ensure that people could receive food that contributes to a healthier and more balanced diet.

Most importantly, the initiative demonstrated that nourishing the community is about more than providing food. It is about nourishing bodies, restoring dignity, building relationships, and giving hope. By providing fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals experiencing homelessness, we were able to make a meaningful contribution to their immediate needs while demonstrating our ongoing commitment to creating a healthier, more compassionate, and inclusive community.

One of the most powerful moments of ITAVCOA’s Mental Health SoulCare Sessions was our panel discussion, “Faith, the World, and Mental Health: How Does It Affect the Community?”

The panel brought together four powerful voices who shared their perspectives, experiences, and insights from the panalist.

The conversation was thoughtfully guided by Clara Coward, MSW, RSW, who asked a series of meaningful and thought-provoking questions that encouraged the panelists to look deeper into the relationship between faith, mental health, personal experiences, and the realities facing our communities.

The discussion explored how faith can influence the way people understand and respond to mental health, how the world around us can impact our emotional and psychological well-being, and why creating safe spaces for honest conversations is so important.

The panel also opened the door to conversations about the challenges that can sometimes prevent individuals from seeking support—including stigma, cultural expectations, fear of judgment, and the belief that we should simply “pray through” difficult experiences without additional support.

he message was clear: faith and mental health do not have to exist separately. There is room for faith, professional support, community connection, self-care, and open conversations to work together.

This was more than a panel discussion—it was an opportunity to listen, learn, challenge perspectives, and begin conversations that need to continue.

ITAVCOA extends our heartfelt appreciation to Jessie Holmes, Dr. Raphael F. Iluyomade, Yanick Seide, Katherine Iluyomade, and Clara Coward for contributing their voices and wisdom to this important conversation.

We would like to thank the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. 

As part of ITAVCOA’s Mental Health SoulCare Sessions, Yanick Seide of Chrysalis Women Empowerment guided participants through a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on Mindfulness and How to Heal.

Yanick challenged us to look beyond what we see on the surface and encouraged us to look through a different lens. Through a series of reflective questions, participants were invited to pause, think deeply, and consider how we view ourselves, our experiences, our relationships, and the challenges we face.

Sometimes healing begins when we are willing to ask ourselves different questions.

The session reminded us that mindfulness is more than simply being present—it is about becoming aware of our thoughts, emotions, responses, and patterns without judgment.

Yanick created an environment that encouraged reflection, self-awareness, openness, and healing. Her message reminded us that changing our perspective can sometimes be the first step toward seeing new possibilities and moving forward.

Sometimes we don't need to change the situation—we need to change the lens through which we see it.

Thank you to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. 

On September 5, 2026, ITAVCOA had the privilege of hosting SoulCare Reflections: Journaling & Grounding, facilitated by Clara Coward, MSW, RSW, as part of our Mental Health SoulCare Sessions.

The journaling exercises encouraged honest reflection, while the grounding activities helped participants become more present and connected to the moment. It was a beautiful opportunity to recognize that self-care is not always about doing more—it can also be about pausing, listening inward, and caring for our soul.

This session created a safe and welcoming space for participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, reflect on their emotions, and simply breathe. Through guided journaling and grounding practices, participants were encouraged to pause from the demands of everyday life and make room for healing, self-awareness, and emotional renewal.

Clara reminded us that sometimes healing begins when we give ourselves permission to be still, acknowledge what we are carrying, and put our thoughts into words.

SoulCare is about nurturing the whole person—mind, body, heart, and spirit.

We would like to thank the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Sciotia, 

As part of ITAVCOA’s Mental Health SoulCare Sessions, Katherine Iluyomade led a powerful and meaningful Healing Together Circle: Emotional Wellness session.

The session created a warm, supportive, and welcoming environment where participants could come together, share, listen, reflect, and connect without judgment. It reminded us that healing does not always have to happen alone. There is strength in community, and sometimes simply knowing that someone understands can make a difference.

Katherine encouraged participants to recognize the importance of emotional wellness, creating space to acknowledge our feelings, care for ourselves, and build healthy connections with others.

Katherine reminded us of something simple yet powerful: “We are special.” Each of us carries our own story, our own experiences, our own strengths, and our own journey. Sometimes, in the midst of life’s challenges, we forget just how valuable and special we truly are

Her message encouraged participants to recognize their worth, embrace who they are, and understand that their emotional well-being matters. The circle provided a safe space to connect, reflect, listen, and remind one another that we do not have to walk through life alone.

We would like to thank Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Our ITAVCOA Mental Health SoulCare Sessions began with a meaningful devotion led by Dr. Raphael F. Iluyomade, Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Ministries

Pastor Raphael’s devotion set a powerful tone for the day, reminding us that SoulCare is about intentional living, spiritual reflection, emotional wellness, and creating space for positive change.

Change can be uncomfortable. It can require us to step outside of what is familiar, examine what is no longer serving us, and make intentional choices that support our well-being. 

Pastor Raphael spoke about wellness through changing things—reminding us that sometimes, in order to experience growth, healing, and greater wellness, we must be willing to make changes in our lives.

His personal testimony brought the message of wellness to life. He encouraged us to recognize that positive change often begins with a decision—to change our mindset, change our habits, change our surroundings, or simply make a different choice that moves us toward healing and growth.

Sometimes the greatest testimony is not that we never faced challenges, but that we found the strength, faith, and courage to overcome them.

It was an amazing experience working alongside the  Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia. Nigerian community and association to support students through our Food Hamper Initiative.

We recognize that every community has different food preferences, cultural traditions, and dietary needs. As we prepared the food hampers, we took the time to listen, understand, and make adjustments to some of the food items to ensure that the hampers were more relevant and meaningful to the Nigerian students we were supporting.

This initiative was more than simply providing food—it was about respect, inclusion, collaboration, and meeting people where they are.

Working together with the Nigerian community and association made this a truly special experience. Their partnership, cooperation, and commitment helped make the initiative a success.

This was a great team initiative, demonstrating what can happen when organizations and communities come together with a shared purpose. Through collaboration, we were able to provide meaningful support to students while building stronger relationships and creating a greater sense of community.

Together, we nourish more than students—we nourish hope, belonging, and the belief that no student should have to face food insecurity alone.

Nourishing Our Neighbours: Feeding the Homeless and Vulnerable would provide nutritious meals, and food, to individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other difficult circumstances throughout the Dartmouth Encampment.

The initiative reflects ITAVCOA’s mission of extending a helping hand to people who need it most.

“We are not just serving meals—we are serving hope, dignity, compassion, and connection.” This is especially meaningful given the province's ongoing food-insecurity challenges.

“A Meal. A Moment. A Connection. A Community That Cares.”

Our roots may be tested by the storms we face, but resilience reminds us that we can bend without breaking, heal without hiding, and continue to grow.  

Rooted in Resilience is a powerful SoulCare session designed to create a safe, culturally responsive space for honest conversations about stress, emotional wellness, mental health, and healing within the Black community.

Facilitated by Kim Bernard, the session explores the strength and resilience that exist within individuals, families, and communities while acknowledging the emotional weight that can come with constantly having to be strong. Participants are encouraged to recognize stress, understand its impact on emotional and physical well-being, and explore healthy ways to cope.

The session emphasizes that resilience is not about carrying everything alone—it is also about knowing when to pause, seek

 support, set boundaries, and make space for healing

ITAVCOA would like to thank Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

This event was critical, powerful, and deeply needed. Suicide is often treated as a taboo subject within many communities, making it difficult for individuals and families to openly discuss emotional pain, mental health struggles, or thoughts of suicide.

ITAVCOA felt strongly that creating safe spaces for these conversations was not only relevant, but essential. We believe that breaking the silence can help reduce stigma, increase awareness, strengthen community support, and remind people that they do not have to face their struggles alone.

We were honoured to have Tyiesha Colley, Suicide Prevention Professional, lead this important discussion. Her presentation was truly an eye-opener, helping participants understand the importance of recognizing warning signs, listening without judgment, and knowing how to respond when someone may be struggling.

For many people, this conversation brought awareness to realities that are often overlooked or misunderstood. It reminded us that asking someone if they are okay, listening with compassion, and connecting them to support can make a difference.

ITAVCOA believes we need more conversations like this—more education, more openness, more compassion, and more opportunities for people to feel heard and supported.

Moving Beyond Survival to Healing, Renewal, and Emotional Wellness

What an incredibly meaningful and engaging SoulCare Session at New Horizons Baptist Church!

We were honoured to have Kyiaisha Benton, Owner of Ifunanya Wellness, guide participants through a powerful conversation about moving beyond simply surviving and creating space for healing, renewal, reflection, and emotional wellness.

There was a beautiful sense of calmness, openness, connection, and reflection throughout the session. Participants were encouraged to slow down, listen to themselves, recognize their emotional needs, and understand that caring for the soul is an important part of overall well-being.

Self-care is not selfish. Soul care is necessary. Healing begins when we give ourselves permission to pause, breathe, reflect, and renew.

A heartfelt thank you to New Horizons Baptist Church for providing a welcoming space for this important conversation.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Mental Health Foundation for supporting this event and helping us create opportunities for our community to prioritize mental health, emotional wellness, and healing.

Together, we are creating spaces where people can breathe, heal, connect, and grow

At ITAVCOA, we believe that when we come together, we are stronger. When we connect, we build. And when we care for one another, we create a community where everyone can thrive.

This was more than just a game of Bingo. It was about community. It was about belonging. It was about creating meaningful connections and reminding our seniors that they are valued, appreciated, and an important part of the village.

The laughter, smiles, conversations, friendly competition, and beautiful energy filled the room. These are the moments that strengthen our communities and create memories that last.

But the real celebration was seeing our communities SHOW UP! 

 East Preston
North Preston
Cherry Brook
Lake Loon
Halifax
Dartmouth

You showed up—and you showed out! 

Senior Bingo at the East Preston Seniors’ Citizens Club was nothing short of AMAZING! What a joy it was to see our seniors come together, laugh, cheer, compete, connect, and simply enjoy one another’s company.

THIS IS COMMUNITY. THIS IS CONNECTION. THIS IS THE VILLAGE

We were amazed to see how many students love fresh vegetables! 

The turnout was incredible, and it was wonderful to watch the children happily fill their own bags with fresh, healthy produce. Their excitement and appreciation reminded us just how important it is to provide access to nutritious food for our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. Together, we are making a difference—one family, one student, and one bag of fresh vegetables at a time.This  was amazing to see how many students love vegetables.  We were very impressed by the numbers.   The children really appreciated and fill ed there own bags.   

The smiles on their faces said it all. 

• We would like to thank Community Cuture Tourism and  Heritage  Fund for this initiative. 

Today, our Student Food Hamper Program at New Beginnings Ministries Church was truly a blessing.

We were honored to welcome students from Kindergarten through university and college, along with their families, who came to receive support during these challenging economic times. With the rising cost of groceries, many households are facing difficult choices, and we are grateful to help ease that burden.

There is something incredibly meaningful about providing food to those who need it most. Every hamper represents more than groceries—it represents hope, compassion, and a community that cares.

At It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy (ITAVCOA), we believe that no student should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from while pursuing their education. Together, we are helping students and families thrive, one hamper at a time.

Presenter was Bridget Williams Brown- Author and founder of ITAVCOA

Strengthening Our Team. Strengthening Our Impact.

This initiative was created specifically for our ITAVCOA team — a time to reflect, recognize, and celebrate all that we have accomplished while continuing to support our community one step at a time.

Together, we explored what it means to create positive change and how we continue to show up for the communities we serve with purpose, dedication, and commitment.

Our discussions focused on key areas that strengthen our organization, including:

• Strategic Operations
• Operational Management
• Governance Leadership
• Communications and Community Engagement
• Policies and Procedures
• And many other essential areas that support organizational growth and sustainability.

This session provided a deeper understanding of the importance of policies — not just as documents, but as tools that guide accountability, consistency, transparency, and effective decision-making.

We are moving from learning to action, from ideas to implementation, and from individual efforts to collective impact.

By strengthening our operations, building meaningful partnerships, and remaining focused on the needs of our community, ITAVCOA continues to grow as a trusted organization dedicated to:

 1. Empowering individuals
2. Strengthening families
3. Creating opportunities
4. Building stronger communities
5. Creating lasting change

Together, we continue to build a stronger foundation for the future of It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy Society (ITAVCOA).

Supporting our community. Creating positive change. One step at a time.

ITAVCOA successfully completed our Community Strategy Planning Session with facilitator Clara Coward.

This impactful session brought together voices, ideas, and lived experiences to strengthen our direction and deepen our commitment to the communities we serve. Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, we explored practical strategies to enhance engagement, build capacity, and create lasting change.

We are grateful for the knowledge shared and the collective energy in the space. This is another step forward in ensuring our work remains community-driven, responsive, and rooted in empowerment.

Our presenter for this event was Dashawn  Smith  Associate  McInnis Cooper - Law Firm. 

Legal compliance is not simply about following rules—it is about protecting the organization, strengthening governance, maintaining public trust, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mission. Organizations that prioritize compliance are better equipped to serve their communities effectively, responsibly, and ethically.

Legal compliance is essential for every nonprofit organization. It ensures that the organization operates responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with federal, provincial, and municipal laws. Compliance protects the organization, its board members, staff, volunteers, clients, and community stakeholders.

New Beginnings Church Mother's Day celebration was a beautiful gathering of women from our communities who came together to inspire, empower, and share their stories of overcoming hardship and adversity. Their testimonies were filled with courage, resilience, faith, and hope.

Mothers are the heart of our families and communities. They nurture, support, sacrifice, and continue to rise above life's challenges with strength and grace. This celebration reminded us that every mother's journey matters and that our stories have the power to encourage and uplift others.

Thank you to all the amazing women who shared their experiences and reminded us that even through difficult seasons, healing, growth, and triumph are possible.

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible mothers and mother figures. May you continue to walk in strength, love, and purpose.

Our Cancer Panelist were Albert Stevenson who is our first man to tell his story with Cancer. Margaret Laing, and Cathy Edwards, God bless them for being warriors. 

We were blessed to hear the powerful stories of three incredible individuals living with and surviving cancer. While some continue to battle cancer in their bodies, their journeys remind us of the uncertainty and challenges that so many face each day.

Yet, they continue to fight with faith, believing that God has kept them here for a reason and a purpose. Their stories are reaching hearts, encouraging those who feel vulnerable, afraid, or alone to keep believing and never give up.

These three individuals have shown the strength of a mustard seed—small, yet mighty enough to move mountains. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering faith are truly inspiring.

A special moment of the evening was hearing one of these amazing survivors sing—not once, but twice. Their beautiful voice filled the room with hope, joy, and strength, reminding us that even in the midst of life's greatest battles, there is still a song to be sung.

To these incredible warriors: thank you for sharing your stories, your faith, and your light. Your testimonies are touching lives and inspiring others to keep fighting with hope.

ITAVCOA was honored to host a meaningful Basket Weaving Connections session facilitated by Althea Tolliver and Pam Drummond.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of basket weaving within African Nova Scotian communities. The session highlighted the remarkable legacy of Edith Clayton and other respected community basket weavers whose craftsmanship helped preserve an important cultural tradition.

We learned how basket weaving was more than an art form—it was an essential source of income that helped support families and strengthen communities. Many skilled basket makers taught their children and grandchildren the craft, ensuring that the knowledge, techniques, and cultural traditions were passed from one generation to the next. Through their dedication, basket weaving became both a means of financial support and a powerful expression of heritage, resilience, and community pride.

The workshop featured an impressive display of handcrafted items that showcased the creativity and versatility of basket weaving. Participants had the opportunity to view a variety of traditional and decorative pieces, including a baby's rocker, woven bells, baskets of various sizes, wall decorations, card holders, and many other unique creations.

The new ITAVCOA logo was created by Paul Adams Jr., a tremendously talented graphic designer whose creativity and professionalism helped bring the organization's vision to life. His exceptional design work has given ITAVCOA a strong, modern visual identity that reflects its mission of serving and empowering the community.

We proudly recognizes Paul Adams Jr. for creating our new logo. His outstanding creativity, artistic talent, and attention to detail have provided our organization with a professional brand identity that truly reflects who we are and the impact we strive to make in our community. We sincerely thank Paul for his exceptional work and dedication.

He is also an amazing photographer working beside his father at Adam's Photography. 

We would like to thank Carmahn McCalla for the new transformation of our website. Carmahn played a key role in leading the redesign and development of the ITAVCOA website. Her work included a comprehensive user experience (UX) restructuring and a complete design refresh that enhanced the website's functionality, accessibility, and visual appeal. Through her expertise and creativity, she helped strengthen our organization's digital presence, making it easier for community members, partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to access information about our programs, services, and community initiatives.

As BBI celebrates 30 years of influencing growth for Black businesses, the organization continues to champion a vision that extends beyond local markets. Recognizing that scaling businesses is essential to long-term economic success, BBI has made leadership development, business expansion, and innovation central to its mission.

Through its leadership pipeline initiatives, BBI is cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders who will drive sustainable economic growth across Canada. With a network of organizations operating throughout Atlantic Canada, BBI has built a collaborative ecosystem that transforms ideas into measurable impact.

For three decades, BBI has guided organizations from aspiration to action, equipping Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs with the strategic support, resources, and partnerships needed to thrive. Its commitment is reflected in its work to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen leadership, foster economic inclusion, and deliver diversified strategic services that create lasting opportunities.

As BBI looks to the future, its focus remains clear: to influence growth, expand market opportunities, build resilient leaders, and advance a prosperous, inclusive economy where Black businesses across Canada can scale, compete, and succeed on a national and global stage.

The Painting Across Generations event was a meaningful and creative gathering that brought together participants of all ages in a shared space of artistic expression, learning, and community connection. Hosted by It Takes a Village Community Outreach and Advocacy Society (ITAVCOA), the event focused on bridging generations through the power of art and storytelling.

Renowned artist Carmahn McCalla led the session as the featured facilitator and live painting demonstrator. With a calm and engaging teaching style, Carmahn guided participants step-by-step through creative techniques while encouraging individuality and self-expression. His demonstration highlighted how art can be both therapeutic and unifying across age groups.

Children, youth, adults, and seniors worked side-by-side, sharing ideas, laughter, and encouragement throughout the session. The atmosphere was welcoming and inclusive, allowing participants to explore their creativity regardless of skill level. Many attendees expressed how refreshing it was to participate in an activity that connected families and community members in such a meaningful way.

We were pleased to host a valuable Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training Session facilitated by Clara Coward. This informative workshop provided participants with a deeper understanding of disabilities, accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of creating supportive environments for all members of our community.

Our first Student Food Hamper Event was successfully held at Cole Harbour Place in Cole Harbour. This special event was organized to support students by providing access to nutritious food and essential grocery items to help ease financial pressures and promote student well-being.

Students who attended were able to receive a variety of food items, including fresh vegetables, fruits, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, beans, juice, cookies, and other pantry staples. The event was designed to ensure that students had access to healthy food options while focusing on their education and personal success.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and many students expressed gratitude for the support they received. The event also provided an opportunity for students to connect with community members and learn about additional resources available through It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy Society (ITAVCOA).

An Inspiring and Impactful Learning ExperienceWe would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Marlene Ruck Simmonds for facilitating an amazing and informative session for nonprofit organizations.This event provided valuable knowledge, practical tools, and meaningful discussions that will help strengthen the capacity of nonprofit organizations to better serve their communities. Participants gained insights into organizational development, leadership, sustainability, governance, and strategies for creating lasting community impact.The workshop was engaging, informative, and highly beneficial for organizations seeking to enhance their programs, strengthen partnerships, and build long-term sustainability. Attendees left feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with new ideas and resources to support their important work.Thank you, Dr. Marlene Ruck Simmonds, for sharing your expertise, experience, and passion for community development. Your commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations is greatly appreciated, and the knowledge shared during this session will have a lasting impact on the organizations and communities we serve.

Together, we continue to build stronger organizations and stronger communities.

I was honored to be speaker for SBCCI at the BBI Holiday Event 2025. It was a privilege to how they helped ITAVCOA through supports. We are Truly grateful.

On behalf of Halifax Regional Municipality’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion/ African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office, we are pleased to formally notify you that It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy has been selected as a recipient of an Anti-Black Racism Grant

Constable Sinclair Williams Sr. was the first Black police officer in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, hired by the former Dartmouth Police Department in 1968.