Civic Ballroom North

Ujima Project is a one-stop model providing access to services for vulnerable and isolated young parents and their children. The ultimate goal: to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and isolated young parents and their children.

An initiative of the Ontario Association of Young Parent Agencies, the project has established Early Childhood Development Hubs in nine member agencies, all applying standardized, evidence-based screening tools and programs. Project teams include Early Literacy Specialists, Family Navigators, and an Advisory Committee. An implementation team supports staff development through training, coaching and mentorship; standardized implementation of project components; and evaluation of outcomes over time.

In addition to an overview of Ujima Project, this presentation will address the impact on participants and lessons learned to date.

3 Key Takeaways
1. Understand the specific needs that young parents and their children have related to mental health and development. 
2. Understand the role of the OAYPA in improving the outcomes for young families across the province.
3. Learn about the core, evidence-based components of the Ujima Project & Learn about some of the successes to date of the Ujima Project.
 

Tamar Meyer, Director, Abiona Centre (formerly Massey Centre and Humewood House)
Ekua Asabea Blair, President, Ontario Association of Young Parent Agencies, President & CEO, Abiona Centre
Gillian Thompson, Clinician, The Hospital for Sick Children
Nicola Gailits, Researcher, Taylor Newberry Consulting