ACAO is the largest African descent organization in Canada. We are umbrella organization serving over 75000 people through our 54 member associations.

Vision Statement: To empower low-income Black communities by providing access to resources and opportunities, promoting self-sufficiency, and building strong and inclusive communities.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of low-income Black individuals and families. We strive to meet their basic needs, support their personal and professional growth, and create a more equitable and just society.

Value Statements:
1. Empathy: We are committed to understanding and valuing the experiences of those we serve.
2. Inclusiveness: We believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all Black people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
3. Equity: We are dedicated to promoting fairness and justice for all, especially for those who have been marginalized and oppressed.
4. Sustainability: We strive to create programs and initiatives that are sustainable and have a long-lasting impact.
5. Collaboration: We believe in working together with partners and stakeholders to maximize our impact and bring about systemic change.

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of low-income Black individuals and families. We strive to meet their basic needs, support their personal and professional growth, and create a more equitable and just society.

Specifically,

To relieve poverty by providing basic necessities such as food and clothing to individuals and families of low income.

b. To relieve poverty by providing residential accommodation below market rate, support, and incidental facilities to individuals and families of low income.

c. To promote health by providing individuals with mental health conditions with access to mental health related counselling, information, and group support programs.

d. To advance education by providing employment-related training to individuals underemployed or experiencing poverty.

e. To advance education by providing tutoring and mentorship programs to youth.

f. To advance education by providing workshops, presentations, and events on the history, languages, arts, literature, religions, and customs of Africa to the public.

g. To do all such things that are incidental or ancillary to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.

ACTIVITIES
In furtherance of ACAO's purposes, the activities of ACAO shall include but not be limited to the following activities:

a. To provide housing services to African Canadians and newcomers who are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing situations, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support for affordable housing.

b. To provide food security to African Canadians and newcomers who are experiencing food insecurity or insufficient access to healthy food, including community kitchens, food banks, and meal programs.

c. To provide employment support to African Canadians and newcomers who are facing barriers to employment or unstable employment, including job search assistance, skills training, and mentorship programs.

d. To provide mental health services to African Canadians and newcomers who are experiencing mental health issues or trauma related to poverty, discrimination, or other factors, including counselling, peer support, and group therapy.

e. To organize public education and awareness campaigns on the issues and challenges facing African Canadians and newcomers in the Ottawa area, including poverty, discrimination, and systemic barriers.

f. To engage in advocacy and lobbying efforts to influence policies and programs that address the root causes of poverty and inequality among African Canadians and newcomers in the Ottawa area.

g. To organize social and cultural activities that promote the diversity and richness of African Canadian and newcomer communities in the Ottawa area.

h. To collaborate with other organizations and individuals working for the relief of poverty and the advancement of African Canadians and newcomers in the Ottawa area.