Programs

Ewaka Housing Program

This program aims to cultivate intentional, Brave-safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers and refugees, culturally informed and rooted in an inclusive and diverse Afrocentric approach and the philosophy of UBUNTU, which means "I am because you are." It encourages individuals to connect, engage, and support one another.The main goal is to provide access to Brave-safe spaces where participants can openly share their narratives and experiences, obtain essential information, engage in training, and partake in culturally informed wellness activities while addressing mental health issues and feelings of isolation. EWAKA Housing offers affordable transitional housing ($550/month for 4-6 months) and culturally sensitive support for Black Trans, gender non-conforming 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and QTBIPOC refugees.

RESETTLEMENT SUPPORT

We provide essential assistance to LGBTIQ+ newcomers and refugees in Canada, particularly those fleeing countries where it is illegal to exist as an LGBTIQ+ person. This support includes housing assistance, referrals, inclusive language training, refugee claim assistance, support letters, bi-weekly 2SLGBTIQ+ meetings, employment support, community connection, cultural orientation, and access to healthcare and education. Our goal is to ease the challenges of adapting to a new environment by offering practical resources, emotional guidance, and support in navigating legal and bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring a smoother integration process. By fostering self-sufficiency and inclusivity, resettlement support helps individuals rebuild their lives, contribute to their new communities, and achieve long-term stability and wellness. Additionally, we assist with asylum application submissions and gathering supporting documents. Our educational and settlement support is integral to our advocacy efforts, helping refugees and newcomers adjust to their new communities.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

We offer a support group in partnership with Transmute, including cultural support, body-mind-spirit work, community circles, and swimming gatherings. Our focus is on addressing the mental health challenges of the Black Trans and gender non-conforming 2SLGBTQ+ community, alongside QTBIPOC refugees and newcomers, employing an intersectional approach through traditional Afrocentric methods such as drumming activities, storytelling, community speakers, and engagement with elders. We also provide counseling and referrals to mental health services to enhance overall well-being.

STONEWALL PROGRAMM

The Stonewall Program is a global initiative dedicated to protecting and empowering Black, Indigenous, Trans, and Queer communities. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we create universal solutions to defend transgender rights and strengthen the movement. Our annual symposium brings together activists, allies, and organizations to strategize and build a more inclusive future. The Stonewall Annual Awards honor outstanding activists, artists, healthcare providers, volunteers, and frontline leaders advocating for the rights of 2SLGBTQIIA+ individuals—especially Black Trans people, Two-Spirit, Indigenous, Non-Binary, and racialized communities. The Gender Diverse Medical Body Chart Program emphasizes training healthcare providers to enhance their ability to serve these communities effectively. By developing and distributing inclusive medical body charts representing Trans, Queer, and Non-Binary individuals, we aim to combat medical stigmatization and transphobia in healthcare facilities. Stonewall Magazine serves as a platform showcasing the voices and creative works of Black, Trans, and Queer artists, activists, and advocates worldwide. The 2SLGBTQ+ Refugees and Newcomers March is a peaceful rally dedicated to bringing visibility to the challenges faced by Queer refugees and newcomers. Stonewall stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and progress—driving meaningful change for the 2SLGBTQIIA+ community across the globe.

ADVOCACY & ANTI- RACISM EDUCATION

These dedicated initiatives focus on promoting the human rights of LGBTIQ+ refugees and newcomers, advancing equity, and combating discrimination, with a particular emphasis on addressing racial injustice and anti-Black racism. The program raises awareness of the harmful impacts of racism, educates individuals, professionals, and communities on the importance of anti-racism efforts, and advocates for policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering understanding and driving systemic change, our program aims to build more inclusive and just communities. This initiative also honors and celebrates diverse cultural backgrounds. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black Trans and gender non-conforming 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, as well as QTBIPOC refugees and newcomers, we strive to provide culturally relevant support tailored to their needs.

Multi-Cultural Community

Engagement / Social Events :

We organize significant multicultural community events such as the International Stonewall Convention and Awards, the Trans Day of Remembrance, the 2SLGBTQ+ Refugees March, and Pride celebrations. These events ignite passion and motivation among members, providing a space to share stories and learn from each other’s experiences. To ensure accessibility, we provide food, bus tickets, and refreshments at our events. Each gathering begins with a land acknowledgment and an Indigenous Two-Spirit blessing from our Elders. Additionally, during community gatherings, we support individuals navigating the immigration process, ensuring their rights and needs are upheld.

  • EWAKA housing program provide Black 2SLGBTIQ Refugees and gender diverse individuals sustainable housing that aims to address their unique needs using an inclusive diverse Afrocentric approach rooted in cultural competence creating an intentional Brave-safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers refugees and gender diverse folks to thrive.

  • We provide one on one counselling and through our extensive network, we offer valuable referrals and seamlessly connect individuals to essential healthcare services, including our newly partnership with the Rhodes Wellness College that providing probono counselling services for our community. Recognizing the challenges many of our members face without healthcare benefits, our program acts as a vital link, ensuring access to much-needed medical support.

  • EWAKA housing program provide Black 2SLGBTIQ Refugees and gender diverse individuals sustainable housing that aims to address their unique needs using an inclusive diverse Afrocentric approach rooted in cultural competence creating an intentional Brave-safe spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers refugees and gender diverse folks to thrive.

  • APPLY HERE

  • Stonewall Canada seeks to innovate new approaches and universal solutions to protect Black, Indigenous, Trans and Queer Communities and ensure that they have basic mental health access.

  • We provide cultural relevant support, legal assistance, social entrepreneurship, Health care services, referrals, Housing and settlement supports and connect individuals to services they need and assist them to navigate the asylum process.

  • Our Anatomical body charts program provides training for healthcare providers that play a crucial role in supporting transgender individuals. These training programs aim to educate healthcare professionals on the unique healthcare needs and experiences of transgender individuals, with a specific focus on understanding and addressing gender dysphoria.

  • We provide Employability skills training and job search support, resume writing and interview preparation training to the Black 2SLGBTIQ+ Refugees and Newcomers and gender diverse community members to assist them in their intergration

  • At the heart of RaricaNow's tireless advocacy lies the Settlement Support Program for refugees and newcomers who often face unique challenges in adapting to a new society. This innovative initiative stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, orientation, or gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive and flourish in their newfound home. Central to the program's success is RaricaNow's unyielding determination to provide essential support to Black Trans and LGBTIQ Newcomers and refugees as they navigate a complex system.

  • Our Advocacy and anti-racism programs are initiatives aimed at promoting equality and combating discrimination, particularly on the basis of race. These programs aim to raise awareness of the negative effects of racism, educate individuals and communities about the need to combat racism and promote policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion.

  • The Inclusive Education Training Program focuses on creating inclusive spaces for the gender-diverse community, 2SLGBTIQ refugees, and newcomers. This program aims to provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to cultivate environments that embrace diversity and promote inclusivity.

    Participants learn effective strategies to foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for individuals from gender-diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities. By enhancing awareness, understanding, and acceptance, this training program empowers participants to champion inclusivity and create brave-safe spaces for all.

  • Through our support program, we create a safe space for Improved mental health and well-being: Many newcomers and refugees experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression as they adjust to a new culture and language. Support groups, follow-ups, and check-ins can provide a sense of community, connection, and belonging, which help to improve mental health and well-being.

    Our Support groups and follow-up programs at RaricaNow provide BlackLGBTIQ+ newcomers and refugees with valuable information and resources to help them navigate Canada's various systems and services.

  • We provide 2SLGBTIQ+ Newcomers and Refugees with food, gloceries and bustickets to assist them in their intergration process