Black and 2SLGBTQI+ led not-for-profit Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion based in Simcoe County, Ontario

• works with community partners to UPlift the wellbeing of Black, 2SLGBTI+ people locally and educate nationally on combating anti-Black racism and discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation in Canada
• connects to community through education, professional development arts and advocacy
• the UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion is a hub for programs and services
• Programs include:
  • Accelerate Your Proud Business - collaborative program with the support of the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre at Georgian College
    • Business mentorship, marketing and communications, collaborations to boost businesses visibility using the UPlift Black network as a pathway to help businesses become Investment ready.
    • includes Entrepreneurship guidance, networking, resource sharing
    Next session begins Oct 27, 2025 - Deadline to apply: Oct 8, 2025
  • YOUth by UPlift Black - Leadership building, creating opportunities for Black youth to connect/ support each other, confidence and self esteem building engagements, business start UP support, wellness supports including mental health and physical health and artistic development.

  • Newcomer Nights - for newcomers from the LGBTQI community looking for networking opportunities, and cultural experiences including food and beverage, settlement counselling, and community resources, or if you are a front-line worker working with and supporting newcomers

  • You Belong Here - newcomer settlement program for LGBTQI+ individuals who are new to Barrie and surrounding area. Offer peer support, resource navigation, social events and creative expression
  • Wellness by UPlift Black - whole family wellness supports including resource sharing of wellness and social support organizations, food insecurities program, financial literacy programs, newcomers support program, advocacy, wellness classes and workshops
  • UPlift Black Artist Collective - Black Artists and Creatives working together with the support of UPlift Black to network, collaborate and share opportunities
    • Mentorship programs including arts programs to boost their creative business
    • Access to the UPbeat Box Creative Studio, a fully equipped recording facility. Studio is available to the broader community for events, classes, workshops, studio projects or simply for community and connection - Wednesdays from 5 pm-9 pm
    • Art and Culture opportunities offered to BAC members first, when they are marketed to UPlift Black through our stakeholders and clients
  • Proud by UPlift Black - all of UPlift Blacks pillars of support programs designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQI+ community with a focus on BIPOC individuals
• offers anti-Black racism training, safer spaces training, culturally competent allyship workshops, monthly Newcomer Nights, as well as other customized anti-oppression education for small, medium and large size businesses, organizations and governments with ongoing coaching, consulting and emergent issue support
• UPlift Black is a chapter of Black Lives Matter Canada and a member of the Enchante Network

CEO of UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion is Shelly Skinner, shelly@upliftblack.org