African & Caribbean Black Elders Leading the way

project summary

At Our Solid Roots Association, we believe in the power of community engagement and understanding, and this project aims to empower the Afro and Caribbean community to address substance use within their midst. Through open and meaningful conversations with community members, we sought to comprehend the impact of substance use on individuals and families. By listening to their experiences and insights, we gained valuable perspectives on the support systems available and identified areas where resources could be more effective for survivors.

project outcomes

The OSRA team were able to speak with  17 elders, 10 older adults and 11 young adults as part of community building. Insights included:

  • A need for safe spaces where individuals feel heard, seen, and supported in their struggles

  • Importance of peer connection and wanting to speak with others who share similar lived experiences

  • Resources are not openly available due to stigma

  • Cultural differences in upbringing were noted as part of the difficulties in seeking help

  • Afrocentric cultural practices are rich and unique

thank you to our sponsors