Get Involved
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”
— Helen Keller
Our sponsors make our work possible. With your support, we can continue providing meaningful programs and services that uplift our community.
Support Durham Family & Cultural Centre
Your generous donation to the Durham Family & Cultural Centre (DFCC) directly supports our mission to empower the Black community and other racialized and diverse groups in the Durham region.
Established in February 2019, DFCC is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the social and cultural needs of this growing population. We offer a range of culturally focused programs, including:
Counselling
Parenting Support
Education
Mentorship
Child and Youth Development
Our volunteer board, representing the diverse Black-Canadian community, ensures that our services are compassionate, respectful, and transparent. Your contribution helps us continue delivering these vital programs and services.
Join us in making a difference and empowering our community.
Donate Today
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Youth & adult volunteers are needed!
Get your Community Involvement Hours while gaining marketable skills, valuable experience, and building community!
Establish relationships and connections for the future!
Help empower lives & build community.
Roles at a Glance
| Program | Role | Minimum age | VSC required | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R(3) 4 Success Program | Youth Mentor | 18 | Yes | — |
| R(3) 4 Success Program | Workshop and Group Facilitation Support | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| R(3) 4 Success Program | Family Engagement | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Skills for Success | Job Readiness Coach | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | Parent Engagement | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | New Arrival Family Support | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | Family Event | 14 | If working with children | 3–10 hours a month |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | Child Minding | 14 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | Literacy Tutor | 16, with adult supervision | Yes | — |
| Together We Rise (TWR) | Senior Engagement | 14 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Student and Family Support | Student and Family Support | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Youth Department | Youth Facilitator | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Youth Department | Youth Program Support | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Youth Department | Youth Wellness | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Signature Events | Event | 14 | If working with children | One shift per event |
| Legal Program | Legal Education and Workshop Support | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Legal Program | Legal Clinic Support | 18 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Legal Program | Legal Research | 18 | If working with participants | 3–10 hours a month |
| Legal Program | Youth and Community Engagement | 16 | Yes | 3–10 hours a month |
| Board of Directors | Director | 18 | — | Monthly Board meeting, plus committee work |
Volunteers under 18 who cannot get a VSC may still volunteer in some roles, under constant staff supervision and never one-on-one with a participant.
Requirements for All Volunteers
Every DFCC volunteer must:
- Support DFCC’s mission and its focus on Black and racialized communities in Durham Region.
- Communicate clearly and treat people of all backgrounds and lived experiences with respect.
- Be dependable and follow through on commitments.
- Keep information confidential and keep professional boundaries with participants.
- Complete DFCC orientation, mandatory training and screening before starting.
- Provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) for any role that involves children, youth, seniors or vulnerable people.
- Follow the Child, Youth and Vulnerable Person Safety Policy in the binder, including the duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Volunteers under 18 always work under the direct supervision of a staff member, and need a parent or guardian’s signed consent.
How to apply
Complete the DFCC Volunteer Application online, or contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Sandra Ferrier, at sandra.f@durhamfcc.com or (905) 409-0299. You may apply for more than one role.
Volunteer Opportunity
Summary
Durham Family and Cultural Centre(DFCC) is a charitable organization established in 2019. We provide a space for members of the Black community, and other racialized and diverse groups to engage in programming that empowers their lives. DFCC has almost 20 staff members who are overseen by an Executive Director who reports to the Board of Directors.
Description
DFCC is currently seeking 2-4 persons, who are passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors oversees the organization's strategic direction and provides the Executive Director with operational support.
We are seeking directors with skills and expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Fundraising – You have experience in non-profit fundraising, developing strategies for new revenue generation, growing membership and sponsorship programs, and developing partnerships.
Law- You have experience and knowledge in non-profit law, corporate law. Experiences can be gained as a legal provider, paralegal, mediator, policy expert, academic or otherwise.
Grant Writer- You have experience and knowledge in grant writing for non-profit.
Information Technology – You have IT skills and experience, including developing long term strategic goals related to technology and service delivery to the public and members.
Desired Attributes
We are seeking persons who reflect the variety of the clients we serve. We seek those especially from the Black and racialized communities, indigenous persons members from the LGTBQ2+ community, and those with lived experience. A commitment to adhere to DFCC's obligation to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
About The Role Commitment
DFCC directors serve on staggered two-year terms, (renewable). Board members are expected to attend and participate fully in monthly meetings and be asked to serve on one or more committees. Meetings are currently virtual but may be hybrid or occasionally fully in-person in the future.
Other attributes which are not mandatory but would be an asset include::
Be a resident of Durham Region
Governance experience (i.e., having served on other boards)
French language proficiency
Background in social services, law, finance, business, marketing and/or fundraising
Be able to build consensus and constructively contribute to meetings and deliberations of the board.
All offers will be subject to a criminal record check satisfactory to DFCC..
Please submit CV to info@durhamfcc.com Attention: Executive Director Debbie Miles-Senior
We're not hiring right now, but we'd love to hear from you.
Send your resume to info@durhamfcc.com and we'll keep it on file for future openings.