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OCDC Launches Creative Connect 2025 to Empower Brampton’s Diverse Artists 23 May 11:37 AM (5 months ago)

OCDC Launches Creative Connect 2025

to Empower Brampton’s Diverse Artists

Brampton, ON- Overcomer Community Development Centre (OCDC) is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 edition of Creative Connect, an immersive arts and culture program designed to uplift, empower, and showcase Brampton’s diverse creative talent.

Creative Connect is more than a program—it’s a movement. Developed in response to a growing need for accessible cultural spaces in Brampton, Creative Connect offers Black, African, Caribbean, and newcomer artists the opportunity to grow their craft through mentorship, workshops, and performance. With support from the City of Brampton’s Advance Brampton Fund, this initiative will spotlight the talents of local creatives while offering residents meaningful cultural experiences throughout the year.

“We’ve seen firsthand how many immigrants and young people arrive in Canada with deep artistic talent but lack the network or resources to continue their work,” says Charles Joseph, Founder of OCDC. “Creative Connect is our way of bridging that gap—giving artists not just space, but a platform.”

This year, the program will feature three immersive workshops from July through September, led by professional facilitators from Brampton’s vibrant creative community. These events will culminate in a public showcase in late 2025, where participants will debut original works in music, dance, visual art, and more.

Participants will receive mentorship, technical support, and access to industry-led sessions on entrepreneurship, digital production, and personal branding. All programming will take place at OCDC’s Social Hub on 18 Automatic Road and is open to adults aged 18+ with a passion for creativity.

Facilitator recruitment and volunteer registration is now open. Artists interested in participating can learn more about the program and apply online via the Creative Connect website.

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:

Charles Joseph, Founder, OCDC
Email: info@ocdc.ca
Phone: 647-891-9204

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Celebrating Excellence: A Certificate of Appreciation to Overcomer Community Development Centre 23 Mar 2024 8:15 AM (last year)

In the bustling landscape of community development, certain organizations shine brightly, not just for their dedication, but for their extraordinary proficiency and remarkable contributions. Today, we proudly celebrate one such beacon of hope and change – the Overcomer Community Development Centre. (OCDC). It is with great honor and admiration that we present this Certificate of Appreciation to them, recognizing their outstanding commitment to the Project Confidence program by Leonnova
At the heart of this recognition lies a partnership that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared goals. Leonnova, our esteemed partner, has been instrumental in fostering this collaboration, and through their Managing Partner, Sanjay Dhebar and Dr Haniyeh Yousofpour we extend our gratitude for their unwavering support and belief in the power of community initiatives.
The Executive Director of Overcomer Community Development Centre, Dr. Charles, stands as a symbol of leadership and vision. On behalf of the entire organization, he has embraced the ethos of Project Confidence, leading with passion and dedication that has inspired all who have worked alongside him.
The Project Confidence program by Leonnova much like its name suggests, Project Confidence is designed to support newcomers and underrepresented groups seeking professional jobs to “bridge” the gap between their international training, education, and experience and the expertise they need to work in Ontario in a progressive job; it strives to create lasting change by equipping individuals with the tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive. And it is through the tireless efforts of organizations like Overcomer Community Development Centre that this vision becomes a reality.
What sets OCDC apart is not just their commitment to the cause, but their unparalleled proficiency in executing it. Their programs are meticulously designed, their resources thoughtfully allocated, and their impact meticulously measured. Each initiative undertaken is a testament to their dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.
But perhaps, above all, it is their spirit of community that truly sets them apart. Overcomer Community Development Centre doesn’t just work for the community; they are of the community. They listen, they empathize, and they empower from within, fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility that is truly inspiring.
As we receive this Certificate of Appreciation, let it serve as more than just a token of their gratitude. Let it be a symbol of their unwavering support, deep respect, and firm belief in the power of community-driven change. Together, we celebrate our achievements, and together, we look forward to the countless lives we will continue to touch and transform.
To Overcomer Community Development Centre staffs and volunteers, we say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your proficiency, and your remarkable contributions. You are not just partners in our mission; you are the embodiment of it. And for that, we are forever grateful.

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OCDC Celebrates Local Volunteers and OTF grant 12 May 2023 10:00 AM (2 years ago)

OCDC Celebrates Local Volunteers and OTF grant

May 12, 2023

 

Brampton, ON – On Friday, local MPP Hardeep Singh Grewal met with the team at Overcomer Community Development Centre (OCDC) on the occasion of their first Volunteer Recognition Gala. The event was to acknowledge the invaluable work of volunteers who support the non-profit organization as they serve BIPOC immigrants in the Peel Region access a number of social and economic services. At the event, the team at OCDC also celebrated a $149,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received to help them rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our government has and will continue to support organizations like OCDC, who are dedicated to serving the community and value diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an elected official proudly serving a portion of the Peel Region, it’s great to know that every resident has access to the services they need when they need them. I thank the OCDC and their entire volunteer team for their commendable work,” said Hardeep Singh Grewal, MPP for Bampton East.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, OCDC was forced to lay off staff and reduce working hours, which impacted the Centre’s ability to deliver on its mission. Thanks to the OTF grant, awarded in 2022 over 12 months, OCDC was able to hire staff to implement strategic priorities to strengthen the organization’s capacity to meet the needs of African immigrants in the Peel region. This investment will help the Centre become more resilient and continue to serve its community for years to come.

“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Charles Joseph, Founder of the Overcomer Community Development Centre. “This grant has allowed us to rebuild from the pandemic and continue to serve our community.”

 

The Overcomer Community Development Centre is committed to the integration, education, health, housing, social security, culture, and economic needs of African Canadians & other immigrants in Canada through programs, and services, and advocacy. Since its establishment in 2007, OCDC has had thousands of volunteers support the organization’s mission, providing numerous programs including youth programs, educational support, career counselling, and much more. If you wish to enquire about using the space for your meeting or hosting an event, please visit the website www.ocdc.ca.

 

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

 

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:

Dr. Charles Joseph, Organization Founder

Overcomer Community Development Centre

(647) 891-9204

Info@ocdc.ca

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