Event Report Date of activity: Saturday, August 30, 2025 Location: Calypso Water Park Organized by: RAFIO 1. Context and Objectives of the Activity As part of its mission to promote integration, well-being, and personal development among youth, RAFIO organized a recreational outing to Calypso Water Park on Saturday, August 30, 2025. The main objectives of this activity were to: Provide young participants with a day of relaxation and entertainment Strengthen social bonds and t

Event Report Date: Friday, May 23, 2026 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: Understanding and managing anxiety Overview of the Activity On Friday, May 23, 2026, RAFIO organized a youth workshop focused on understanding and managing anxiety. The goal of the session was to help young participants better understand the causes and effects of anxiety while introducing practical tools to manage stress in daily life. The workshop took place in a warm, engaging

Event Report Date: November 2, 2024 Location: Cooperation Integration Canada (CICAN) – 404 McArthur Avenue, Suite 209, Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8 Theme: Awareness on family violence and domestic violence Target audience: Community members, social workers, and health professionals Introduction The event organized by CICAN aimed to raise awareness within the community about issues related to family and domestic violence. It sought to inform participants about warning signs, psychologic

Event Report Date: June 25, 2024 Locations: 310 Olmstead Street & 235 Montréal Road Theme: “Self-care as a single mother” Partner: SFC Ottawa Introduction On June 25, 2024, RAFIO organized a workshop titled “Self-care as a single mother” in partnership with SFC Ottawa. The event aimed to provide a safe space for reflection and sharing on the importance of personal well-being for single mothers. Workshop Overview The workshop brought together a group of single mothers in a war

Event Report Date: June 25, 2023 Location: 303 Kendall Avenue, Ottawa Theme: Understanding the link between mental health and financial health to strengthen well-being Key Concepts Mental health refers to a person’s overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It includes how we think, feel, and behave, as well as our ability to cope with stress, manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make decisions. Good mental health is reflected in positive self-este

RAFIO presents the interview conducted within the organization ABEPOG (Association of Black Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Ottawa and Gatineau). As part of the “Résilience” project, our Executive Director, Antoinette Irarera, was invited to participate in this meaningful initiative, and we are pleased to share it with you. For the full interview, please click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv44CCKYp1A

Event Report Date: July 16, 2024 Location: 310 Olmstead Street Organizer: RAFIO (Active Resilience of Immigrant Families in Ontario) Target Groups: Single-parent families, youth, seniors Introduction On July 16, 2024, RAFIO organized a consultation and exchange event bringing together members from three key groups: single-parent families, youth, and seniors. The main objective was to identify the emerging needs of these specific groups and develop appropriate response strateg

Event Report: Date: July 26, 2024 Location: 310 Olmstead Street Theme: “Strategic Planning” (Funded by TROPICANA) Partner: SFC Ottawa Introduction On July 26, 2024, RAFIO organized a key strategic planning event aimed at improving its interventions for the groups it serves. The event took place at the offices of SFC Ottawa (our partner) and brought together various participants to discuss and develop a strategic plan focused on service improvement and overall governance withi

Event Report: Date: August 26, 2023 Location: 303 Kendall Avenue, Ottawa Theme: Aging in Canada: How to Manage and Succeed in Your Social Life Introduction This report aims to outline the success of the event titled “Aging in Canada: How to Manage and Succeed in Your Social Life”, which took place on August 26, 2023, with a group of seniors. The main objective of this event was to explore strategies for maintaining a fulfilling social life while highlighting activities that p

Event Date: October 29, 2023 Location: 303 Kendall Avenue, Ottawa Hosting Organizations: CICAN (Cooperation Integration Canada) and RAFIO (Active Resilience of Immigrant Families in Ontario) Introduction The event titled “The Role of Seniors in Managing Their Mental Health” was organized by CICAN in collaboration with local partners. The objective of this event was to raise awareness within the community about the importance of seniors’ mental health and to highlight the acti

Event Report Date of the event: June 15, 2024 Location: 303 Kendall Ave Participants: Twenty immigrant seniors Main facilitators: Apollinaire Yengayenge, staff member at Collège La Cité Prosper Munezero, financial expert Partner: Desjardins Introduction On June 15, 2024, RAFIO organized an event focused on financial health and family conflict management among immigrant seniors. In partnership with Desjardins, the event aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in these essenti

Workshop Report Date and Time: September 11, 2024, 5:00 PM Location: Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa Facilitator: Reginald Alexis Target Audience: Seniors from the Burundian community Introduction This workshop was organized to raise awareness among Burundian community seniors about mental health and to provide them with tools to identify factors that may affect it. The session is part of a broader approach to support and prevention in mental health for older adults. Wo

Workshop Report Date and Time: September 18, 2024, 5:00 PM Location: Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa Facilitator: Reginald Alexis Target Audience: Seniors from the Burundian community Introduction This workshop was the second in a series organized to raise awareness among Burundian community seniors about mental health. The main objective of this session was to develop strategies to improve the mental well-being of immigrant seniors, taking into account the specific cha

Workshop Report Date and Time: October 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM Location: Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa Facilitator: Reginald Alexis Target Audience: Seniors from the Burundian community Introduction This workshop, the third in a series dedicated to the mental health of immigrant seniors, aimed to explore strategies to improve the mental well-being of older immigrants, particularly by reducing isolation and better managing stress. Workshop Overview The session began with a

Event Report Date and Time: August 20, 2024, 1:00 PM Location: Ottawa Inn Hotel Parking Lot Organizer: Vanier Community Centre Event Description The Vanier Community Centre organized a community BBQ in the parking lot of the Ottawa Inn Hotel. The event aimed to bring together community members and encourage meaningful interactions with the various organizations that serve them. Among these organizations, RAFIO was present to share its services and initiatives. Participants Lo

Event Report Date and Time: August 24, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Location: 689 St. Laurent Boulevard Organizer: Mona Fortier and her team Event Description On August 24, 2024, Mona Fortier and her team organized a community BBQ at 689 St. Laurent Boulevard. The goal of the event was to bring the local community together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, offering a great opportunity for residents to meet other families, neighbors, and local elected officials. More than a

Conference Report Date and Location: September 12–13, 2024 – Marriott Hotel, Toronto Organizer: Tropicana Community Services Target Audience: Organizations receiving funding for capacity building of Black-led organizations in Canada Introduction The conference “Initiating Change for Transformed Communities” brought together several organizations committed to the development and capacity building of Black-led organizations in Canada. Organized by Tropicana Community Services,

Event Report Date and Time: September 26, 2024 Location: Centre Pauline-Charron Facilitator: Mona Fortier Target Audience: Community members Introduction The “Spaghetti Dinner with Mona Fortier” workshop was organized to bring community members together for a friendly gathering and an exchange on topics of common interest. The event allowed participants to discuss various local issues while sharing a meal. Workshop Overview The event began with a warm welcome to participants,

Event Report Date and Location: September 28, 2024 – Vanier Hub Organizer: ABÉPOG Target Audience: Members of the Afro-Caribbean community and the general public Introduction The Afro-Caribbean Community Market Sales Day, organized by ABÉPOG at the Vanier Hub, was a vibrant event aimed at promoting local products, strengthening community ties, and supporting Afro-Caribbean entrepreneurs. This initiative allowed vendors to showcase their products while offering visitors a wide

Activity Report Date and Time: October 16, 2024 (Full Day) Location: RAFIO Office – 235 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario Facilitator: Nelson Jean‑François Target Audience: RAFIO beneficiaries (youth, single-parent families, and seniors) Introduction This consultation session was organized to gather feedback from RAFIO beneficiaries regarding the services provided by the organization and to identify ways to better meet the needs of Black and Francophone immigrant communities. Th

Forum Report Date: October 22–24, 2024 Location: 1 College Way, Frank Nighbor Street, Pembroke, ON K8A 0C8 Theme: “Beyond Differences: Strengthening the Foundations of an Inclusive Future” Introduction The RSIFEO organized the 12th edition of its Regional Forum from October 22 to 24, 2024, in Pembroke, Ontario. This event brought together key stakeholders in Francophone immigration across Eastern Ontario to discuss critical issues related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (E

Event Report Date and Time: November 13, 2024 Location: Centre Pauline-Charron Target Audience: Community members, representatives of local organizations, and invited guests Introduction The event organized at Centre Pauline-Charron aimed to bring together several community organizations to promote their services and better inform the public about available resources. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for community members to learn about local initiatives and bui

Event Report Date and Time: November 15, 2024 Location: 303 Kendall Avenue Organizer: RAFIO Partner: Desjardins Group Introduction RAFIO organized a special event to express its sincere appreciation to its funder, Desjardins, for its financial support of a key project within our organization. The event aimed to highlight the importance of this partnership and to thank Desjardins for its commitment to our mission and the communities we serve. Event Overview The event featured

We are an organization dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being among immigrant seniors, youth, and single-parent families. As part of our commitment to these populations, we have established an advocacy program aimed at supporting their needs and interests. Our advocacy program seeks to raise awareness among policymakers, government agencies, and community partners about the importance of mental health within these vulnerable groups. We strive to influence policie

Event Report Date: November 12, 2022 RAFIO, as a proud member of the Francophone Immigration Network (RIF), participated in the celebration of the network’s 15th anniversary. On November 12, 2022, the network celebrated 15 years of service to Francophone immigrant communities in collaboration with community organizations working with Francophone newcomers. The event was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and celebration. The theme of the celebration focused on achievements in F

Event report: Location : Virtual Theme: Interview with Rose Cathy Handy, President of Connecture Canada ​​ We invite you to watch this wonderful interview with an extraordinary woman involved in the development of the Francophone community. Ms. Rose Cathy Handy, president of Connecture Canada, is an example of female resilience, and it is a pleasure to have her with us and share our experiences.

Meeting Report Location: 404 McArthur Avenue, Suite 209, Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8 Date: February 9, 2024 As part of activities organized to celebrate Black History Month, we had the privilege of participating in an enriching event where we had the opportunity to meet Ms. Nabila Fathi and Ms. Mouna Iltireh. This warm and inspiring exchange allowed us to discuss various topics related to community engagement, the journeys of women from diverse backgrounds, and the lived realities of

Event Report Date and time: November 6, 2024 Location: Infinity Convention Centre Organizer: Community Development, Settlement and Orientation Centre (CESOC) Target audience: Community members, partners, local organizations, and special guests Introduction The event organized by CESOC aimed to celebrate 30 years of commitment and work dedicated to the settlement and support of immigrants. This celebration brought together several partner organizations, including RAFIO, and hi

Report on: Mental health program for Black Francophone communities Event Date: February 27, 2024 Location: 310 Olmstead Street Dear partners and online community members, On behalf of RAFIO, we are delighted to share with you the resounding success of our recent official launch event for the Mental Health Program for Black Francophone communities, held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. This event was a unique opportunity to bring our community together around a cause that is ver

Date: Friday, February 14, 2024 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Support and consultation for Black Francophone youth survivors of dating violence Activity Overview On Friday, February 14, 2024, RAFIO, in partnership with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized an inspiring meeting with Black Francophone adolescent girls and boys who are survivors of dating violence. The purpose of this activity was to present a new support pr

Date: Friday, February 21, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Second meeting of the support program for Black Francophone teenage girls and boys who are survivors of dating violence Activity Overview On Friday, February 21, 2025, RAFIO, in partnership with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized the second meeting of the support program for Black Francophone adolescents who are survivors of dating violence. The activity was

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Facilitating the socio-cultural integration of youth in Canada Activity Overview On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, RAFIO organized a meeting in partnership with Mosaïque interculturelle as part of a project aimed at facilitating the socio-cultural integration of youth in Canada. The activity was facilitated by Ms. Aïssatou, Mr. Apollinaire, and Ms. Antoinette Irarera, Executive Dire

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2024 Location: Canadian Senate – Ottawa, Ontario Theme: Discovering the Functioning of the Senate and Youth Integration in Canada Activity Overview On Thursday, February 27, 2024, youth from RAFIO, in collaboration with Mosaïque interculturelle, participated in an educational visit to the Canadian Senate in Ottawa. This activity was part of a broader integration project aimed at helping young people better understand how Canadian democratic instit

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Understanding healthy relationships and preventing violence in dating relationships Activity Overview On Friday, February 28, 2025, RAFIO, in partnership with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized the third meeting of the Support Program for Black Francophone adolescents who are survivors of dating violence. The activity, facilitated by Olivier and Annie Victoi

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Creation of a awareness campaign against violence in romantic and friendship relationships Activity Overview On Friday, March 7, 2025, RAFIO, in collaboration with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized the fourth meeting of the Support Program for Black Francophone teenagers who are survivors of dating violence. The activity was facilitated by Diana and Stéphane, m

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: Facilitating the Socio-Cultural Integration of Young Immigrants in Ottawa Activity Overview On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, RAFIO, in partnership with Mosaïque interculturelle, organized a youth meeting as part of a project aimed at facilitating the socio-cultural integration of young immigrants in Ottawa. The objective of this activity was to present various opportunities available to yo

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: Awareness of Violence in Romantic Relationships and Promotion of Healthy Relationships Activity Overview On Friday, March 14, 2025, RAFIO, in partnership with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized a youth meeting aimed at Black Francophone adolescents. The objective of this activity was to raise awareness among young people about different forms of violence in roman

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: The Art of Managing Time Effectively for Successful Integration in Canada Activity Overview On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth meeting as part of the project “Facilitating the Integration of Youth in Canada.” The objective of this activity was to raise awareness among youth about the importance of time management as an essential skill for successful integration in Can

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025 Location: MuseoParc Vanier Theme: Cultural Activity and Integration of Youth in Canada (Sugar Shack Festival) Activity Overview On Saturday, March 29, 2025, RAFIO, in partnership with Mosaïque interculturelle, organized an educational and cultural outing as part of the project “Facilitating the Integration of Youth in Canada.” The activity took place at MuseoParc Vanier and aimed to provide young participants with an immersive experience of a Ca

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025 Location: RAFIO Premises – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa, Ontario Theme: Understanding Emotions and Mental Health Awareness Activity Overview On Friday, May 9, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth workshop for adolescents aged 11 to 17 focused on mental health and emotional awareness. The objective of this activity was to help young people recognize, understand, and express their emotions while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. The session pro

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025 Location: RAFIO Premises – 235 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario Theme: Artistic Expression and Promotion of Youth Creativity Activity Overview On Friday, June 6, 2025, RAFIO organized a Youth Artistic Expression Contest aimed at encouraging creativity and personal expression through various forms of art. The objective of this activity was to provide young people with an opportunity to express their connection to the City of Ottawa and showcase their a

Date: Friday, June 20, 2025 Location: RAFIO Premises – 235 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario Theme: Social Cohesion, Educational Games, and Youth Well-Being Activity Overview On Friday, June 20, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth activity focused on sharing, relaxation, and strengthening social connections among participants. The objective of this activity was to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where young people could interact, have fun, and build self-confidence

Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 Location: RAFIO premises – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: Impact of social media on youth mental health Activity Overview On Friday, June 27, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth session focused on the impact of social media on mental health. The aim of this activity was to raise awareness among young people about both the positive and negative effects of social media, while encouraging critical reflection on their daily use of digital platforms. The se

Date: Friday, July 5, 2025 Location: RAFIO premises – 235 Montréal Road, Ottawa Theme: Prevention and awareness of sexual and gender-based violence Activity Overview On Friday, July 5, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth session focused on awareness of sexual and gender-based violence. The goal of this activity was to inform, raise awareness, and encourage young people to reflect on issues related to sexual and gender-based violence, while promoting a safe and respectful space for

Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Importance of sleep and healthy lifestyle among youth Activity Overview On Friday, July 11, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth workshop led by its team on sleep and healthy lifestyle habits. The objective of this activity was to raise awareness among young people about the importance of good sleep and a healthy lifestyle in supporting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The sessi

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Vanier, Ontario Theme: Strengthening social bonds and solidarity among youth Activity Overview On Friday, July 18, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth gathering aimed at promoting sharing, solidarity, and cohesion among participants. The objective of this activity was to create a safe and welcoming space where young people could socialize, exchange ideas, and strengthen their relationships through recreation

Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Inclusion, family responsibilities, and pursuing dreams through the film La Famille Bélier Activity Overview On Friday, July 25, 2025, RAFIO organized a cinema and pizza night for youth from the community. The objective of this activity was to encourage reflection and discussion on important social and family themes through the screening of the film La Famille Bélier, a French comedy-dram

Date: ---- Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa Theme: Awareness of multiculturalism through games and discussions Activity Overview RAFIO organized a youth activity combining interactive games, discussions, and learning around the theme of multiculturalism. The objective of this meeting was to raise awareness among young people about cultural diversity, promote community living, and encourage learning in a fun and participatory environment. The activity took

Date: Friday, August 16, 2025 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Unit 203, Vanier (Ottawa), Ontario Theme: Positive communication and community living Activity Overview On Friday, August 16, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth activity focused on positive communication and living together. The objective of this meeting was to raise awareness among young people about the importance of communicating well, listening to others, and fostering harmonious relationships in thei

Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Location: RAFIO offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Unit 203, Vanier, Ontario Theme: Preparation for back-to-school and stress management Activity Overview On Friday, August 22, 2025, RAFIO organized a youth activity focused on stress related to the back-to-school period. The objective of this meeting was to help young people better understand the sources of stress before returning to school and to explore positive strategies to manage their emotions