Welcome to The Black Community Initiative Formerly known as The Yolo Foundation

Together for a Stronger Community

We believe in the power of unity, education, and action to create lasting change. As a community-driven organization, we are committed to fostering equity, uplifting lives, and championing inclusivity

people facing food insecurity

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people WFP aims to reach in 2022

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WFP's funding needs in 2022

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Meals Distributed Worldwide

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ABOUT US

Building a Thriving Community Through Empowerment and Equity

The Black Community Initiative is a community-driven organization rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with empowerment, education, and advocacy. Building on the strong foundation established as The Yolo Foundation, we’ve evolved with a renewed mission to promote equity, elevate quality of life, and foster a more inclusive and resilient society where Black communities across Canada can truly thrive.

Through culturally responsive programming, strategic partnerships, and grassroots engagement, The Black Community Initiative continues to lead with purpose—uplifting voices, dismantling systemic barriers, and investing in the future of Black individuals and families.

What We Do!

Black LGBTQ+ Empowerment
Circle

A monthly peer-support group that provides a safe, affirming space for Black LGBTQ+ individuals to share experiences, build connections, and receive mental wellness support. Facilitated by trained counselors with lived experience in the community.

2SLGBTQ+
Refugee & Newcomer
Support

In partnership with community organizations, we offer settlement assistance, legal navigation, and cultural orientation workshops for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers of African and Caribbean descent. This includes housing referrals, mental health resources, and support letters.

Rainbow Mentorship for Black Queer Youth

This mentorship program pairs Black queer youth (ages 16–29) with LGBTQ+ professionals for guidance on career development, education, wellness, and identity affirmation. Focused on building confidence and pathways to leadership.

Inclusive
Health & Wellness
Workshops

We host workshops addressing health disparities in Black LGBTQ+ communities, including topics such as HIV awareness, harm reduction, gender-affirming care, and mental health support. All sessions are led by culturally competent facilitators.

Advocacy &
Anti-Discrimination Initiatives

Our advocacy efforts focus on confronting anti-Black racism, homophobia, and transphobia within institutions and community systems. We amplify Black LGBTQ+ voices through policy dialogue, campaigns, and public education.

Cultural
Celebration &
Visibility Events

From Pride Month to Black History Month, we organize events that center Black LGBTQ+ excellence and celebrate intersectional identities through art, storytelling, and performance.

Supporting Black LGBTQ+ Communities in Toronto

The Black Community Initiative creates inclusive, empowering spaces for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Toronto, offering programs that reflect their unique lived experiences at the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and immigration.

Our Programs

Below are the pillars of our work:

Advocacy and Equity
Initiatives

Community Empowerment Programs

Health and Wellness
Support

Education and Youth
Development

Community Resource
Access

Volunteering
Program

We Can End Hunger Forever

Hunger is still one the biggest – and most solvable – problems in the world. We have already made incredible progress: there are 300 million fewer hungry people now than in the 90’s. WFP is working for that every second of the day, feeding over 95 million people in urgent need and implementing programmes that tackle the causes of hunger. But this work depends on the support of people like you.

Donate Now

100+

Languages Spoken by staff

38,500+

Volunteer Hours in the last Year

70+

Community Partnerships

What Is Causing the World Hunger Crisis?

That’s why we fight for the hope and happiness of young people when it’s threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect. We see the hope and courage in young people every day, and it inspires us to support them through their most serious life challenges.

Now we’re stepping up the fight for hope and happiness at a time when it’s under threat like never before. Our goal and vision are built around the hopes of young people, to achieve long-lasting change for this generation and the ones to come.

Ways to Help