About Us
Affiliation For Inspiring Youth Upliftment (A.F.I.Y.U.) Enterprise was born out of a deep desire to be a part of the solution to the immense issues that affect black youth in our communities.
These black youth, primarily boys, face many unique challenges that affect how they see themselves, how they interact with others and their overall mental health. Our bold step is to tackle these issues through a robust mentorship program where we partner the boys with men to help guide them and provide them with the support they need.
Our mentorship program embodies a holistic approach to nurturing young black boys age 9 to 16 years. Our overarching mission is to provide these boys with the essential life skills and mentorship required that will help them emerge as successful, contributing members of society.
Our vision is one of societal transformation. We envision a world where young boys of color no longer bear the burden of stigma unjustly placed upon them, affording them the opportunity to fully explore and realize their potential.
Our fundamental goal is the cultivation of values that foster self-love, self-worth, respect, and empathy towards others. Additionally, we aim to equip them with coping mechanisms to navigate life’s inevitable adversities. We believe that by imparting these life skills, and with unwavering support and guidance, we can mold these young minds into the successful men of the future who will lead their communities towards positive change.
Our Mission
To provide mentorship and other essential resources to black youth age 9 – 16 to equip them with life long skills that will enable them to be successful, contributing members in their communities and to society on a whole.
Our Vision
Have a society where young boys of colour no longer live under the stigma placed upon them by others therefore, enabling them the opportunity to live to their full potential.
Our Goal
Our goal is to teach them values that will produce in them love and acceptance of themselves, self worth, respect and empathy for others along with coping mechanisms that will get them through life’s adversities. We believe that training in these life skills along with support and guidance can produce successful men of the future.
Who We Serve:
We serve youth in the communities in Durham including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington and Uxbridge also communities in East Scarborough.
Core Values
Live Your Potential
Board
Andrea Thomas
(Chair)
Growing up in the inner city of Kingston, Jamaica has given her a passion for the plight of the “underprivileged.” She considers herself a social and community activist who has spent her time advocating for change to systems she sees as being unjust or unfair.
Being aware of the problems within the black community particularly with our youth, Andrea wanted to be a part of the solution and thus A.F.I.Y.U. Enterprise was conceptualized to fill some of the gaps that plague these youth. Passion and heart is what drives her and with her strong faith, she believes she is fulfilling a call.
Danielle Chang Gardner
R.S.W, B.S.W, M.S.W
Danielle is a Registered Social Worker and has acquired over 10 years of Social Work experience. During that time she has worked within the non-profit, education, and government sectors. Through this she has gained experience with mental health, child welfare, research, counselling, mediation, and consultation. Danielle has completed both a Bachelor and Masters of Social Work from York University and now specializes in Relationship and Couples' Counselling.
By practicing from an anti-oppressive framework committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and implementing a solutions focused approach her aim is to enable her clients to realize their strengths and empower them to take the necessary steps towards health, happiness and successful relationships. Danielle brings her experience in Child Welfare to AFIYU and with her background and education she adds a wealth of experience to the roster.
Phillip Nelson
(Finances)
Donna-Mae Griffiths
(Business Development)
Donna-Mae Griffiths and her family have been residents of the Durham Region for the past 32 years. She has a full-time career, loves to travel, spend time with her family, plan events and bring people together. Donna-Mae has been involved with youth outreach summer programs in past years. She brings to AFIYU lots of support and a great desire to serve in a capacity that builds up our community.
Natasha De Leon Kelly
(Communications & Management Consultant)
Natasha, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, has over 20 years experience in marketing, media and event management. She has assisted organizations with their marketing and branding efforts and provided consultation to many ministries. In 2009 she founded ShaDé Productions, a non-profit organization that hosts various community outreach programs and provides event management and video production services. Natasha is well known for her work ethics and demonstrates a high quality of servitude and compassion towards her fellowmen and the wider community. She is committed to producing excellence in all professional and ministry opportunities.
