OTF Organizational Mentor

University Settlement serves as an Organizational Mentor through the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF), funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Currently, University Settlement mentors two grassroots organizations: South Sudanese Parents of South Western Ontario (SSPSWO) and Families First.

OTF Organizational Mentor

University Settlement serves as an Organizational Mentor through the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF), funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

Through this mentorship initiative, University Settlement provides tailored support in both operational and strategic areas and assists with grant compliance. We also ensure that project activities are aligned with funding goals and timelines.

This mentorship model exemplifies how established organizations can play a critical role in uplifting grassroots leaders, ensuring equity in access to funding, knowledge, and networks.

About Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)

The mission of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector.

To learn more, go to https://otf.ca/who-we-are (Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website).

About The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF)

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.

YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

Supporting grassroots groups and community-based collaboratives led by people who share identities, lived experiences and who face the same systemic barriers as those who will benefit from their projects is integral to YOF’s funding priorities. Projects led by and for these communities play a key role in developing solutions that are tailored to the needs of these communities and providing appropriate support for those with similar experiences.

To learn more, go to https://otf.ca/our-grants/youth-opportunities-fund (Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website).

What is an Organizational Mentor?

An Organizational Mentor provides support and mentorship to grassroots groups as they deliver essential projects through the OTF’s Youth Opportunities Fund to benefit youth and families.

An Organizational Mentor provides administrative support, project mentoring and financial accountability for projects carried out by grassroots groups. This creates opportunities for stronger supports and systems, helping grassroots groups to lead work in their communities. It creates a more diverse and participatory sector and offers new insights into what it takes to advance the well-being of youth and families facing systemic barriers.

Organizational Mentors play a crucial role in supporting grassroots groups by providing the necessary infrastructure, policies, and procedures. This role can be likened to that of a trustee, a platform, or a charitable home, but it requires a deep commitment to support project deliverables collaboratively throughout the life of the grant.

To learn more, go to https://otf.ca/our-grants/youth-opportunities-fund/about-organizational-mentors (Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website).

Our Mentees

University Settlement is the organizational mentor to two grassroots groups: South Sudanese Parents and Families First groups. Both organizations are youth and family-focused groups.

Being an organizational mentor to these two groups reflects our shared commitment to building sustainable community leadership and increasing access to culturally relevant support for newcomer and BIPOC families.

As we move into this multi-year initiative, our focus remains on empowering them to strengthen their governance structures, deepen community engagement, and increase their impact.

Our partnership extends into technical support and coaching to enhance the groups’ ability to implement impactful initiatives. Through regular consultations, resource-sharing, we help to build the internal capacity needed for long-term sustainability and growth.

South Sudanese Parents of South Western Ontario (SSPSWO)

The South Sudanese Parents of Southwestern Ontario (SSPSWO) is a parent support group for families of South Sudanese background. SSPSWO aims to address unmet needs in the South Sudanese community in navigating systemic barriers to education, meaningful and gainful employment, healthcare services, and the justice system.

This grassroots group supports newcomers of South Sudanese background residing in London and other areas of southwestern Ontario and has a target of engaging up to 150 parents and members of the community during the life span of the grant.

SSPSWO offers community engagement activities and workshops in areas of need including collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

Completing Their First Year in 2025

The SSPSWO has completed their first year of activity by the end of 2025 and is working on their second year of funding. The group held various community engagement activities throughout year 1 and continuing into this year: Community Engagement through Cultural Activities, Parent Chats, Parenting Skills Workshops, Law and Order Workshops, Career Day Sessions.

Workshops in Partnership with the London Police Service

SSPSWO has proudly secured a partnership with the London Police Service, Community Support Branch. Through this collaborative work, London police officers have facilitated several workshops on various topics of challenges for the community such as Gangs, Drugs and Cyber Safety. More workshops with the police officers are planned for the next couple of months.

University Settlement’s Organizational Mentorship and Support

University Settlement mentors the group on various areas of operation such as program activities and provides support with preparation of the required mandatory reports for OTF.

As a community grassroots group that has no financial management infrastructure, the SSPSWO benefits from University Settlement’s guidance and assistance with managing and facilitating the grant for the grassroots group.

Contact SSPSWO

Families First

Families First: Supporting Families. Protecting Children. Strengthening Community. Building stronger tomorrows, today.

Families First is a community-rooted organization grounded in the belief that when families are supported, children are protected, and communities are strengthened.

As a Black-led grassroots organization, they center lived experience, cultural understanding, and compassion in everything they do. Since 2021, their work has focused on walking alongside families, offering support that is affirming, accessible, and responsive to real-life challenges.

Supporting Black Families

Families First provides support to Black parents, guardians, and caregivers, with particular attention to families raising children and youth who experience disabilities, mental health challenges, addiction-related or substance-use concerns.

Facilitating Workshops in the Peel Region

Families First provides learning cycles of facilitated workshops on navigating education, healthcare, and social systems to families in the Peel Region.

Their workshops are led by experts such as disability advocates, mental health workers and legal advisors. These peer-to-peer sharing workshops and group reflection are designed to build community bonds and self-confidence.

Providing Culturally Responsive Support

Families First provides culturally responsive support through:

  • Safe community spaces for dialogue, learning, and connection
  • Parent and caregiver education and empowerment
  • Peer support grounded in shared lived experiences
  • Advocacy and resource navigation for families

Their approach is holistic, strengths-based, and deeply rooted in cultural understanding.

Univerisity Settlement’s Organizational Mentorship

Organizational mentorship from University Settlement will help Families First build strong structures, sustainable programs, and effective operations. University Settlement’s guidance will also strengthen their capacity to deliver culturally responsive services and expand our impact in supporting Black families and communities. This partnership ensures we grow with accountability, best practices, and lasting community impact.

Contact Families First

Program funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation

Ontario Trillium Foundation