WHACSS is a specified African/Black community Support agency with a mix of integration and transitional services and supports that represent the community in welcoming and safe spaces in London.
OUR SERVICES
Newcomer Settlement Support
- Support in obtaining relevant documents & IDs, and support to navigate through challenging systems
- Temporary for newly arrived refugee claimant
Matching clients with the right refugee application supports
- Ontario Works application
- Registering for applicable English as a Second Language programs
- Finding suitable, permanent housing – Average length of stay typically 3 months ( Rent is based on Ontario Worksrate, Application/Eligibility: Call
Housing Support
Supportive Counselling
Support groups and supportive individual counselling
Empowering Women for Employment
Program Offers:
- 8 weeks full-time training in Employability, Basic Computer skills, Public Speaking, WHMIS, CPR/First Aid, and Networking opportunities with local employers & Professionals.
- Work placement
- Transportation assistance (for eligible participants)
Employment Services
- Resume building
- Interview preparation
- Assist in the COHB (Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit) program and other housing benefits
- Assist in finding rental accommodations
Application & System Navigation Support
- Completing applications (e.g. OW, ODSP, and housing hunting, job application)
- Income Tax filing, CRA benefits application support, and school enrollment support
Information Sessions & Community Referrals
- Information session and referral to appropriate community resources such as Legal Aid, clinical counselling, or shelters
- Information and referral to appropriate community resources such as Legal Aid, clinical counselling, violence prevention and public education
Culturally Sensitive Women’s Services
Culturally sensitive and language-specific services for women within the African-Canadian community
Eligibility
Open to all newcomers, immigrants and their families; focus on the African/Black Community
Languages
Arabic, English, French, Somali, Swahili, Twi, Ino, Yoruba, Edo, Fanti, and others – as well as other African languages and dialects
ABOUT US
Welcome Home African Community Support Services (WHACSS): Empowerment in Unity
Welcome Home African Community Support Services is a population-group specific non-profit organization in London, Ontario. This organization was established by a Black woman due to the lack of representation in agencies that provide services from an Afro-centric lens in London to people within the African/Black Community.
Our goal is to ease the stress and anxiety associated with integrating/transitioning to the Canadian lifestyle.
To inspire, facilitate empowerment and resilience that yields sustainable action and leads to economic growth of African/Black communities.
Receiving services and support from community members who represent us is not only a privilege; however, necessary. As it offers an opportunity to access services in confidence, develop open, healthy connections and engagement with people who have similar identities with compassion.
Our team provided services from an Afro-centric lens and a holistic approach, with the understanding of the challenges faced when navigating through the complex systems that do not make it accessible for marginalized groups to be able to gain access to needed resources.
Our Mission
- Compassion
- Shared Experiences
- Empowerment
- Resilience
Our Vision
- Advocating for positive social change through shared experiences and representation.
Our Values
- Community-Respect
- United in Growth
OUR TEAM
Vida Acheampong
Founder and owner
Experience and training: M.S.W., B.S.W., R.S.W., R.S.S.W.
Vida Acheampong graduated from MCMASTER University in the SOCIAL WORK CRITICAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM in Hamilton, ON. She has HONOURS SOCIAL WORK in Bachelor of GENERAL SOCIAL WORKUniversity of Windsor – Windsor, ON, A DIPLOMA in SOCIAL SERVICE WORK and
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORK Both from Sheridan College – Oakville, ON.
Vida is a registered Social Worker and A Social Services Worker. Has had the opportunity to contribute as a researcher for the Calgary Police Force Anti- racism Strategy Promising Project under Dr. Duhaney.
With this extensive academic background and knowledge came the opportunity to work at the frontlines with diverse population groups in various settings.
In her current management role, Vida oversees day-to-day operations and decision-making of residential services which includes our children’s program. Ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of day-to-day programs, mentoring/initiating and completing Annual Performance Review/coaching and clinical informed supervision.
Facilitating empowerment /allocation/monitoring of financial budget, Strategy planning, and implementation
Advocating/Policy Review & Reform/Collaborating and community partners when necessary to ensure successful integration of services for users in our Community; While fostering a cohesive culture and compassionate relationships internally and externally.
Vida is passionate and a strong advocate for representation, equity, and positive change.
Kindu Selemani, MSW, RSW
Board of Director
Aituaje Aizenobie
Board of Director
Aituaje Aizenobie is a legal professional with a diverse background and a strong commitment to the legal field, post-secondary education, and community service. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University) in Nigeria in 1999. Following this, she enrolled at the Nigerian Law School, becoming a qualified lawyer and a member of the Nigerian Bar in 2001.
Aituaje furthered her education by obtaining two master’s degrees, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Obafemi
Awolowo University and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Windsor. Aituaje is also a certified instructor at the post-secondary educational level.
Her legal career in Nigeria was marked by robust practice and a unique role as a Refugee Status Determination Officer for a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) project. This experience highlights her commitment to humanitarian causes and international law.
Transitioning to Canada, Aituaje displayed her adaptability and determination by navigating the accreditation process. She successfully registered with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s National Committee on Accreditation and obtained her Certificate of Qualification in 2020. This achievement led to her becoming a licensed Barrister and Solicitor in the Province of Ontario in August 2021, and later transferring her membership to the Law Society of Alberta in January 2022.
Aituaje is a practising lawyer in the firm of EO Law, Calgary. Her involvement extends beyond her legal practice. She is a part-time Appeals Commissioner with the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation, where her expertise contributes to ensuring fair outcomes. Additionally, her membership in Rotary International and passion for volunteering demonstrate her dedication to community service.
Aituaje Aizenobie’s journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact both within the legal profession, education, and the community at large.
Patrick Mills Asare St
Board of Director
Patrick Mills Asare St. from Ghana West of Africa. He relocated to Toronto, Canada mainly for a better life. Patrick obtained a degree in Pharmacy at Humber College and landed a job at Shopper Drug Mart as a Pharmacy Technician. In the 1990s’ he started working for Dynamex a trucking company and he is currently self-employed running his own private company.