NAVIGATE. BELONG. THRIVE.
Rooted in lived experience. Built with community.
We believe in the power of collective action
In 2022, during a housing and shelter crisis affecting Black refugees in Toronto, a small group of young refugees with social work experience came together around a simple idea fellow refugees supporting one another.
A GROUP BECAME A COMMUNITY; A COMMUNITY BECAME A NETWORK; THAT NETWORK BECAME NNIR-CANADA.
Fellow refugees supporting fellow refugees. That’s where we started. Community still leads the way.
Our Core Beliefs
Our work goes beyond accessing services. We create pathways to navigate systems, build community and access opportunities to thrive.
NAVIGATE
We connect. We connect Black refugees and newcomers to trusted information, referrals, services and opportunities across settlement, housing, health, employment, education and training.
BELONG
We create community. We create spaces through sport, culture, events and shared experiences where people can connect, build relationships and find belonging.
THRIVE
We create opportunities. We create pathways to health and wellbeing, learning, leadership and opportunities that support people to grow, participate and build what comes next.
Our Commitment
We share what we know. We stay connected. We move forward together.
SHARE RESOURCES
Housing, settlement, health and other useful community information.
SHARE OPPORTUNITIES
Jobs, education, training, entrepreneurship and career opportunities.
CREATE CONNECTIONS
Sports, cultural activities, events and spaces to meet, connect and belong.
GROW TOGETHER
Volunteering, peer leadership, mentorship and opportunities to participate and contribute.
IMPACT
WHAT COMMUNITY CAN BUILD.
Our impact starts with connection; connecting Black refugees and newcomers to trusted information, community, opportunities and spaces where they can participate, belong and grow.
ACCESS & CONNECTION
Through outreach, navigation and community engagement, we connect Black refugees and newcomers to trusted information, resources, services and opportunities.
BELONGING & PARTICIPATION
From community outreach to football, workshops and events, we create opportunities for people to meet, participate, build relationships and strengthen their sense of belonging.
KNOWLEDGE & LEADERSHIP
Through peer-led education, learning and leadership opportunities, community members strengthen knowledge, confidence and their capacity to participate and lead.
Updates
U=U Intergenerational Festival 2026: Beyond Zero with Communities
Call for soccer/football teams
Internship opportunities: apply today to make a difference
There are many ways to be part of it share your time and skills, volunteer with our community, partner with us or invest in our work. Together, we can create stronger pathways to navigate, belong and thrive.
Our Trusted Partners
