Enhancing and expanding the capacity of families in high-needs neighbourhoods

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been over five years now that RB Community Support and Outreach Ministry Inc. has been making a big difference in the wider Canadian community. It was founded by Debbie Robb and is mainly involved in offering valuable social services to needy families in South Scarborough. Her academic background includes an Honours Degree in Mass Communications and a Masters of Education degree from York University.

In addition, she obtained a diploma in theology from Oral Roberts University located

In Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received her ministerial license with the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) in 2013, and has served in diverse areas of ministries with this denomination. She currently serves as the Lead Pastor at the Downsview Church of God of Prophecy in Toronto. She has ministered in various areas of Christian ministry for more than 20 years throughout Canada, the Caribbean, USA, England and Southern parts of Asia. Her years of practical experience in ministry prepared her well for philanthropic work.

RB Community Support and Outreach Ministry Inc’s  mission is to work towards enhancing and expanding the capacity of families in high-needs neighbourhoods, to act as effective change agents in the creation of a better future for families and neighbourhoods; to source and distribute resources in addressing: critical poverty issues, mental/spiritual well-being, employment barriers facing immigrants, marginalized and low-skilled individuals.

The overall vision of this non-profit community organization is to inspire people to discover their purpose and live authentic lives, through practical and spiritual care. Her outreach ministry invites youth and young adults to discover their God-given purpose; inspiring hope, purposeful living, and the opportunity to impact the lives of others where they live, work and play.

She believes strongly that once an individual identifies their purpose, it opens up a world of untapped potential. She notes, “When people recognize the purpose for which they were created, they begin to live life intentionally. Their lives are no longer controlled by doubt, or what others think about them; instead, they become secure in the knowledge of their God-given purpose and their rightful place in their communities.”

The motto “Where Community Meets Christ” is an apt description of their work. I met with Minister Robb, and she shared with me many details about her mission, ministry, and message. She overcame many setbacks in her life and used this as a platform to empower those who are bruised, broken and bewildered by life circumstances. Her spiritual roots were nurtured in the well-known church, Kingston Open Bible Church located in Kingston, Jamaica. However, it was at the House Upon the Rock Church in Toronto, that Minister Debbie honed her leadership skills and developed as a leader through her participation in a wide range of ministry areas. This was the basis for her selfless dedication to helping people.

Between 2015-2019, RB Community Support and Outreach Ministry Inc. organized weekly Saturday youth programs, yearly mother’s day breakfasts, back-to-school BBQs, Christmas toy drives and weekly fresh bread/pastries distributed to families. Events were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many are expected to resume in the future.