About US

The African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre (ACB) is a community-driven organization dedicated to uplifting, educating, and empowering Black and marginalized individuals in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. We provide a safe and supportive space where individuals and families can access vital resources, build meaningful connections, and gain the tools they need to thrive. By addressing key challenges such as mental health, food insecurity, housing instability, and social isolation, we help our community overcome systemic barriers and create pathways to success.

At ACB, we believe that true empowerment comes from knowledge, opportunity, and collective action. Our work is grounded in principles of unity, self-determination, and community collaboration, ensuring that every individual has a chance to flourish. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, youth development, economic support, or advocacy, we are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable change. More than just a resource centre, we are a pillar of strength and a catalyst for progress, working to build a future where equity, inclusion, and opportunity are accessible to all.

Our Team

Anthonette Jacob

Executive Director

Jacqueline Richards

Vice President

Nadia Reid

Treasurer

Jannel Nyamiaka

Secretary

Shurmin James

Board Member

Maria Atigan

Programs Lead

Sophia Jacob

Board Member

Deloris Grant

Head Volunteer

Beaulah Peters

Head Volunteer

Our Mission

At ACB Wellness Resource Centre, we exist to empower Black and marginalized communities by providing a safe and supportive space for leadership, mentorship, and personal growth.

Through essential services such as:

✓ Mental health support

✓ Youth training and mentorship

✓ A weekly food bank

✓ Housing assistance

✓ Programs to reduce social isolation among seniors

We strive to break down barriers created by racial and immigration-based discrimination, allowing individuals to flourish, thrive, and actively contribute to society.

By uplifting one person at a time, we strengthen the entire community—ensuring that no one is left behind.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving, inclusive, and empowered society where Black and marginalized individuals have equal opportunities, equitable rights, and the support they need to succeed.

Through education, community engagement, and resource development, we aim to:

✓ Build capacity through literacy and skill-building

✓ Support newcomers and marginalized individuals in their transition to stability

✓ Establish a sustainable, long-lasting pillar of support in the Ottawa/Gatineau region

Together, we are creating positive change—one connection at a time.

Core Values

We are driven by principles that shape our work and our impact:

Inclusiveness & Diversity – We celebrate and embrace different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Collaboration & Community – We believe in collective strength and the power of working together.

Compassion & Respect – Every individual deserves dignity, kindness, and understanding.

Transparency & Accountability – We operate with honesty, openness, and responsibility.

Ethics & Integrity – We uphold the highest moral standards in everything we do.

Excellence & Commitment – We are dedicated to making a meaningful, lasting impact.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Whether you’re looking for support, mentorship, or a way to give back, ACB Wellness Resource Centre welcomes you. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and empowered community for generations to come.

Our History

May 2021

Founding Year

The ACB Wellness Resource Centre was founded in May 2021 by Toni Jacob in Ottawa, inspired by her own journey with breast cancer and the lack of culturally relevant support for Black communities. What began as a small food cupboard serving about 20 families through the Ottawa Food Bank network quickly grew into a full community hub supporting nearly 1,000 families each month. Driven by the belief that “food is a right,” the centre now offers a wide range of services including food support, health care (like vaccinations and dental care), mental health programs, employment and housing assistance, youth mentorship, and social inclusion for seniors. The centre fosters a culturally safe space where African, Caribbean, and Black residents can access holistic support, with new initiatives.

May 2021

2023

Major Expansion of Services

As the Centre grew in reputation and demand, 2023 became a turning point when ACB moved beyond being just a food and health access point. They formally expanded into wraparound community care introducing employment services (like resume writing and job readiness), mental health support (with culturally sensitive counselors), housing navigation, and community outreach programs tailored specifically for the African, Caribbean, and Black population. This expansion marked the evolution of ACB from a relief organization into a comprehensive, culturally rooted wellness hub.

2023

2024

Ottawa City Council Declares “ACB Day”

On August 1, 2024, the City of Ottawa officially recognized ACB’s contribution by proclaiming “ACB Wellness Resource Centre Day.” This was a major milestone as it validated the centre’s impact on Overbrook and the broader Ottawa community, especially its role in improving the well-being of underserved seniors and youth. The city’s recognition helped raise awareness, boost community pride, and position ACB as a trusted voice in public health, racial equity, and community empowerment.

2024

2025

Launch of “Connections” Youth Program

In February 2025, ACB launched the “Connections” program, focused on supporting Black youth aged 12 to 29. The program was designed in response to rising mental health concerns and identity struggles faced by youth in the community. “Connections” offers workshops, peer mentorship, safe spaces, and culturally relevant discussions on mental health, identity, and substance use. It’s more than a program—it’s a movement aiming to equip young people with tools to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically in a world that often underrepresents or misunderstands them.

2025

Stories of Impact

Seniors events

Seniors Program supports older adults with social activities, chair exercises, and counseling. Held twice weekly, it fosters connection, mental well-being, and independence, helping seniors stay active, engaged, and supported within a culturally responsive community environment.

Feeding Families, Fueling Hope

The ACB Wellness & Resource Centre's food bank in Ottawa supports marginalized communities, especially Black individuals, by providing weekly groceries and essential services like healthcare, employment help, and youth programs, addressing food insecurity and promoting wellness through culturally sensitive, community-based initiatives.

Financial Literacy

The ACB Wellness Centre’s Financial Literacy Program empowers Ottawa’s Black community through workshops on budgeting, saving, credit, and planning. It promotes economic independence, helping individuals build essential skills for long-term stability and informed financial decision-making within a supportive environment.