The Rotary Club of Barrie recently welcomed Shelly-Ann Skinner and Randy Saint from the UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion for an insightful presentation highlighting the organization’s growing impact across Simcoe County.
During the presentation, Shelly-Ann explained that while many of the Centre’s programs are designed to support Black communities, UPlift serves a broad and diverse membership made up of individuals from many backgrounds who may be navigating systemic exclusion, racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other barriers to opportunity and belonging.
A major focus of the Centre’s work is supporting older youth between the ages of 16 and 29, helping them work through important life transitions through mentorship, leadership development, and community connection.
Members learned about several key programs offered through the Centre, including the Artist Collective, which connects award-winning creatives with emerging artists, and YOUth by UPlift, which focuses on leadership building and self-esteem support for Black and intersectional youth. The Centre also operates “You Belong Here,” a settlement support initiative for LGBTQI+ newcomers, refugees, and asylum seekers throughout Simcoe County.
Weekly drop-in sessions provide members with safe and welcoming spaces to connect, access mentorship, and build supportive relationships through shared lived experiences. Shelly-Ann emphasized the importance of creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and included.
The presentation also highlighted partnerships focused on economic empowerment and long-term independence, including entrepreneurship initiatives with the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, Georgian College’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, and the Small Business Centre Barrie.
Rotarians appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the organization’s work and the positive impact being made throughout the region. Kate Venn thanked the speakers on behalf of the Club for an informative and meaningful presentation.
For more information about the UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, visit UPlift Black Centre’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/upliftblackorg/.