Lawrence Heights Parents Association
Grantee
Youth Opportunities Fund
Award amount
$255,000
Award timeline
2021–2024 (36 months)
Age group
Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
Catchment
Toronto
Community size
Urban
Population served
Newcomer, Black, Francophone
Opportunity
Gun violence has deeply impacted Lawrence Heights, leaving families grieving, disconnected, and struggling to find culturally relevant mental health supports. For many Somali and East African parents who have faced displacement, migration challenges, and the complexities of raising children in a new culture, mainstream services often fail to reflect their lived experiences, cultural values, or religious beliefs.
Approach
Selected Project Outcome: Creating safe spaces for Indigenous and/or Black parents, guardians and caregivers to strengthen relationships, build strong community and cultural connections, and heal from trauma.
The Lawrence Heights Parents Association, with support from its Organizational Mentor North York Community House, designed a Peer Advocate Community Healing training program for Somali and East African parents affected by gun violence. This culturally grounded model equips participants with the knowledge, resources, and language to navigate mental health services, address barriers such as literacy and language, and advocate for themselves and others. The program fosters trust, encourages vulnerability, and strengthens community ties.
Community impact
The program has created a safe and supportive environment where parents connect over shared experiences, build friendships, and learn practical strategies for mental health and wellbeing. Participants have reported greater confidence in supporting their families, navigating the health care system, and engaging in community safety discussions. By addressing trauma collectively, families are better equipped to support their children and strengthen the overall wellbeing of the community.
"This program is a positive environment for families because it connects different families who share similar experiences." – Program participant
In 2008, following a tragic incident of gun violence, two community leaders founded the Lawrence Heights Parents Association. Drawing from their own experiences as Somali immigrants navigating systemic barriers, they envisioned a safe space where parents could heal, learn, and lead.
With support from a $255,000 Family Innovations Test grant, the Association launched the Peer Advocate Community Healing program, which trained Somali and East African parents to become community advocates. Through culturally relevant approaches rooted in shared language, values, and traditions, participants gain skills to address trauma, cope with stress, and support others facing similar challenges.
The impact has been profound. Parents speak of feeling less isolated, more understood, and better equipped to guide their children through life’s challenges. They’ve built friendships, strengthened networks, and shared knowledge about mental health, wellness, and community resources.
By empowering parents, the program is creating a ripple effect, helping families heal and making the Lawrence Heights community safer, stronger, and more connected.