Kuumba: Mental Health Support Rooted in Culture, Community and Care

When we talk about mental health, we often talk about access. We talk about stigma. We talk about barriers.

But what we don’t talk about enough is culture.

In 2020, York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families launched something different. Something intentional. Something built specifically for the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) community. That program is called Kuumba(pronounced koo-OOM-bah), and in 2025, it expanded — reaching even more families across York Region and Southern Simcoe County.

Kuumba isn’t just another counselling service. It is a culturally responsive mental health and wellness program designed for children and youth ages 0–25, along with their families and caregivers, from the Black and Black-identifying community.

At its core, Kuumba affirms identity. It embraces cultural pride. And it creates space for healing that feels safe, understood and empowering.

The program operates under a belief that I personally think is powerful in its simplicity:

“Wellness happens your way.”

That means there is no single formula for healing. No rigid mould. No expectation that families must adapt to a system that doesn’t reflect them. Instead, Kuumba adapts to the people it serves.

Access is one of the most important pieces. Families can self-refer directly, upholding the program’s commitment to reducing barriers and increasing access to care. No complicated gatekeeping. No unnecessary hoops.

If you’re interested in accessing or referring to the Kuumba Counselling and Therapy Program, you can call their intake department directly at 905-503-9560.

Services are flexible because life is not predictable. Support is available both in-person and virtually. There is rapid access and even self-booked therapy sessions. The program partners with schools so students can receive support right where they are. And there are specific offerings for parents, caregivers and families — because mental health is not an individual journey, it is a family one.

Within the last year, Kuumba expanded even further through a partnership with Southlake Health. This expansion introduced a dedicated Mobile Crisis Worker — a trained mental health professional from the Black community who specializes in trauma-informed crisis support for the ACB community.

That means culturally grounded crisis care, both within the hospital setting and in collaboration with community partners. In moments of urgency and vulnerability, having someone who understands not just the clinical side but the cultural side of care matters deeply.

And families are noticing.

Children, youth and caregivers have shared their appreciation for services described as “for us, by people who look like us.” That representation is not symbolic. It builds trust. It lowers walls. It makes conversations possible.

Kuumba’s impact goes beyond therapy sessions. It reflects the broader vision of York Hills:

To build hope and resiliency in children, youth and families.

And that vision is supported by clear, intentional values.

They are Inclusive — embedding equity, diversity and accessibility at every level, and actively working to break down barriers that prevent equal access to service.

They are People-Centred — recognizing the inherent strength in every individual and prioritizing relationships grounded in trust, authenticity, respect and compassion. Not just saying the right words, but matching actions to them.

They are Collaborative — understanding that care does not happen in isolation. Families, schools, service partners and community networks form circles of care that are stronger together than apart.

They are Knowledgeable — committed to continual learning, high professional standards, and evidence-based, client-centred practices that focus on real solutions.

And they are Courageous — willing to lean into complex challenges, push the sector forward, and approach difficult situations with both creativity and vulnerability.

Family engagement at York Hills means walking alongside families every step of the way. It means recognizing that parents and caregivers are experts in their own lived experiences. It means listening — truly listening — and building services that reflect what communities actually need.

Kuumba is a reminder that mental health care works best when it is rooted in culture, compassion and partnership. When families feel seen. When youth feel heard. When identity is not something to be explained — but something that is respected and celebrated.

And in today’s world, that kind of care isn’t just important. It’s necessary.

For families across York Region and Southern Simcoe County, Kuumba offers more than counselling. It offers connection, empowerment, and a pathway toward resilience — together.

To access the Kuumba Counselling and Therapy Program, call 905-503-9560.