CACD Canada

CACD Canada Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) that is dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth between the ages of 10-25.

Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) is a Black-led youth focus Registered Charitable Organization dedicated to to transforming the lives of BIPOC Youth between the ages of 10 - 24. Since 2002, CACD has worked with the communities to transfer the lives of youth through programming that serves their unique needs, develops leadership capabilities, and fosters civic participat

ion. Our mandate is to offer positive life strategies and interventions to children and youth in order to enhance resiliency and decrease risk by providing additional socio emotional support, academic development, skill building and community outreach in a safe and supportive environment with caring adults. Our Vision is that youth in the community are empowered to develop their potential, live healthy lives, becoming safe, self-reliant, spiritual, and active in their community as citizens and leaders. Our Mission is to ensure that CACD Provides effective programs and services to to youth for character and skills development, leadership, and active citizenship. Target Group: We are non-culture but place special emphasis on BIPOC youth, particularly African, Caribbean and Black ( ABC) due to numerous researches that show this community as having an extremely high needs rate. Geographic Focus: BIPOC youth in the Peel Region, particularly the Mississauga neighbourhoods of Cooksville, Dixie and Hurontario. CACD’s typical activities Includes: • life/social Skills workshops, • leadership and empowerment seminars, • mentoring, parenting workshops, • youth justice workshops, • settlement & integration, diversity & inclusiveness, and community connectivity • sports, arts & culture • health promotion, • music dance video • and other as-necessary social services

It is our desire to engage these youth with these creative measures to turn their energies from gang, guns and Drugs and be empowered by offering them a safe place to express themselves. CACD has approximately 40 members, 50 volunteers and a board of 7 members supporting the overall management of the organization as well as program delivery. Our primary demographic is youth ages 10 – 24 with an average of 20 participants in our daily sessions. CACD actively promote its web-site and advertises in community newspapers and local television; and utilizes the social media: My Space, Face Book, and Twitter to engage youth. CACD works collaboratively with several organizations in the community including Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board; Peel District School Board; City of Mississauga; Mississauga YMCA; Achev, Trios College, Black Committee Action Network (BCAN), Black Community Advisory Council(BCAC), Peel Youth Village; Toronto Police Service; Region of Peel Police; King-Bay Kids; the African Canadian Legal Clinic, United Way, the Region of Peel, Mississauga Valley Community Centre and Library etc. We work with many of the above organizations to refer our participants who have needs that are outside of our mandate. This ensures that we use a holistic approach in our work with clients. We opened our permanent facility at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre on September 3rd for operations management and programme delivery to meet the need of the community.

We at CACD recognize the importance of mental health and encourage improving one’s overall well-being. We urge anyone wh...
05/04/2026

We at CACD recognize the importance of mental health and encourage improving one’s overall well-being. We urge anyone who is struggling to contact CACD or speak with a trusted person.

We at CACD recognize Music Monday and celebrate the powerful role music plays in bringing people together across Canada....
05/04/2026

We at CACD recognize Music Monday and celebrate the powerful role music plays in bringing people together across Canada. Music fosters creativity, expression, and a sense of community, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
May this day inspire continued appreciation for the arts and the positive impact music has on our lives.

We at CACD recognize youth week and value their creativity. We admire the bright energy they bring to our world as we lo...
05/03/2026

We at CACD recognize youth week and value their creativity. We admire the bright energy they bring to our world as we look to them as the future of our community.

We at CACD recognize International Workers’ Memorial Day and take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace saf...
04/29/2026

We at CACD recognize International Workers’ Memorial Day and take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace safety and well-being. We remember those who have lost their lives and reaffirm the value of creating safer, healthier communities for all.

We at CACD recognize Earth Day and hope you are taking a moment to appreciate and protect our planet. May this day inspi...
04/22/2026

We at CACD recognize Earth Day and hope you are taking a moment to appreciate and protect our planet. May this day inspire small actions that lead to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

We at CACD recognize National Volunteer Week and celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers in our community. Their t...
04/20/2026

We at CACD recognize National Volunteer Week and celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers in our community. Their time, dedication, and compassion make a meaningful difference every day.
Thank you to all who give back and help build a stronger, more connected community.

We at CACD recognizeInternational Day of Pink and hope you are joining in to stand against bullying, discrimination, and...
04/08/2026

We at CACD recognize
International Day of Pink and hope you are joining in to stand against bullying, discrimination, and hate. This day is a reminder of the importance of kindness, acceptance, and respect for all individuals. May it inspire us to build a more inclusive,
supportive, and compassionate community together.


We at CACD wish everyone a happy St. Patrick's day. Today we celebrate Irish heritage, culture and the traditions that b...
03/18/2026

We at CACD wish everyone a happy St. Patrick's day. Today we celebrate Irish heritage, culture and the traditions that bring communities together.

☘️

03/18/2026

You’re invited to a meaningful community conversation on March 23rd:
Beyond Division: Building Belonging and Repair in Our Communities
Following our Black History Month celebration, many shared powerful hopes for unity, opportunity, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Now we ask: how do we bring those hopes to life?
Join us for an evening exploring:�• What it really means to belong—not just be included, but truly valued�• How we begin the work of repair in our communities�• How we move forward together with purpose and understanding
Featuring guest speaker Felicia Murrell (USA), whose work centres on compassion, connection, and community healing.
📍 Mississauga Valley Community Centre�🕒 6:30–8:30 PM
This is an intimate gathering with limited seating, so early interest is encouraged.

You’re invited to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala on Saturday, 8 November 2025, 6.00–10.00 p.m. at the Mississauga Conven...
10/10/2025

You’re invited to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala on Saturday, 8 November 2025, 6.00–10.00 p.m. at the Mississauga Convention Centre. Theme: Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Culture, Advancing Equity. This is more than a dinner—it’s a strategic convening that honours Black excellence, celebrates culture, and mobilises partnerships for year-round youth outcomes aligned with the UN’s Second International Decade for People of African Descent. Enjoy a red-carpet welcome, cultural showcases (including an Afrocentric fashion presentation), live jazz, keynote reflections, multimedia tributes, and the IDPAD Excellence Honours. Proceeds support CACD’s programmes in leadership, STEM/digital literacy, financial literacy, mental health, and environmental stewardship. Tickets $125; tables of ten $1,250. Consider hosting a table and bringing two emerging leaders. Get tickets on Eventbrite.�

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala 2025, to be held on Saturday, November 8, ...
10/02/2025

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala 2025, to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Mississauga Convention Centre (75 Derry Rd W, Mississauga).

This year’s Gala marks a historic occasion: the launch of the Second United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) under the theme:
“Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Culture, Advancing Equity.”

Your leadership and presence would add great significance to this evening as we bring together community leaders, professionals, youth, and allies to recognize the contributions of people of African descent while advancing CACD’s mission of youth empowerment, education, leadership development, and anti-racism initiatives.

Evening Highlights:
• Red carpet welcome with steel pan music and media
• Cocktail reception and African-inspired dinner
• Afrocentric fashion showcase: Threads of Identity
• Live jazz performance
• Multimedia tributes and keynote reflections
• IDPAD Excellence Honours in youth, justice, education, and entrepreneurship
• Silent auction and raffle opportunities

🎟️ Tickets are $125 each | Table of 10: $1,250
Seating is limited, so I encourage you to reserve early to secure your place at this distinguished celebration.

👉 Reserve here: CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala Tickets

We would be honoured to have you join us in this moment of recognition and renewal.

With respect,
Ron Cunningham
Founder & CEO
Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD)

🎉 You’re Invited to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala 2025! 🎉📅 Saturday, 8 November 2025�🕕 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.�📍 Mississ...
10/01/2025

🎉 You’re Invited to the CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala 2025! 🎉
📅 Saturday, 8 November 2025�🕕 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.�📍 Mississauga Convention Centre – 75 Derry Rd W, Mississauga
Join us for an inspiring evening as we launch the Second UN International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034)under the theme:�Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Culture, Advancing Equity.
Expect an evening filled with elegance, inspiration, and purpose:�✨ Red carpet & photo ops�✨ Live steel pan music & cocktail reception�✨ Afrocentric fashion show: Threads of Identity�✨ Exquisite dinner inspired by African flavours�✨ Jazz performance & multimedia tributes�✨ Honours recognising leaders in education, justice, youth, and more�✨ Silent auction & raffle in support of youth empowerment
🎟️ Tickets: $125 | Table of 10: $1,250�Secure your seat today:�👉 https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cacd-international-decade-for-people-of-african-descent-excellence-gala-tickets-1532994510849
Be part of this cultural milestone!

CACD IDPAD Excellence Gala 2025: Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Culture, Advancing Equity

Address

1275 Mississauga Valley Boulevard
Mississauga, ON
L5A3R8

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+19052778455

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