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Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities to honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.”
This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Nowhere is that more apparent than at HSH.
HSH Program Manager Nikkian Hanson-Daley, Case Worker Temisha Jacques and Program Coordinator Jovelle Reid are accomplished Black women who give their time and talent to HSH.
The HSH staff work with the mentors and Industry Council representatives, as well as community agencies, volunteers and supporters to assist HSH single parents and their families as they journey from poverty to self-reliance – and many of all these people are accomplished Black individuals.
HSH Program Manager Nikkian Hanson-Daley
Nikkian Hanson-Daley is Home Suite Hope’s Program Manager.
Nikkian’s desire to break barriers and create equitable opportunity for marginalized and vulnerable individuals through policy put her on the path to being a leader of change.
A veteran case worker with a strong background in the social services, and working non-profit sector Nikkian has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights and Equity Studies, Law & Society, and a Diploma in Community and Justice Services.
HSH participants are quick to praise Nikkian, including many Black single parents, who Nikkian has not only supported on their own inspirational journeys, but done so as a Black woman helping other Black women.
Nikkian was raised with strong Caribbean roots and encouraged to pursue a career that would build generational wealth and create change for individuals of colour. Nikkian’s mom was an inspirational role model of a strong, independent, and hard-working woman, who raised her children as a single-mother working full-time in the health profession. Nikkian’s interest in politics and law was sparked by her dad’s work in immigration and the entertainment industry.
After working with at-risk youths and adults as an Autism Consultant, Nikkian joined HSH in 2018 as the lead Case Manager with outstanding service delivery outcomes. Nikkian says HSH is working on change now, in real-time, providing much-needed support to single parents.
HSH Case Worker Temisha Jacques
Temisha Jacques completed her eight-month practicum in Sheridan College’s Social Service Worker (SSW) program with Home Suite Hope – and then was hired full-time.
Temisha also has a Support Worker (PSW) Certificate and Child and Youth Care (CYC) Diploma. She has over five years of experience working with the vulnerable population, including children, youths, adults and seniors.
During the pandemic, Temisha, a mother of two, decided to change careers. With a strong-rooted passion for advocacy, her own lived experiences and an anti-oppressive lens, she fits the HSH team dynamic well and hopes to obtain a Bachelor's degree in social work.
I acknowledge and have overcome many of the struggles single mothers endure. I understand the importance of having a network of vital support services for single parents and their children. In her role at HSH, Temisha puts theories into practice and gains insight into how to best support clients transitioning from poverty to stability.
HSH Program Coordinator Jovelle Reid
Jovelle Reid holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Social Service Worker diploma from George Brown College. Jovelle is a registered Social Service Worker and joined the Home Suite Hope team as Program Coordinator in late 2023.
In her role, Jovelle assists the team with Life Skills program delivery and development, program intake, and case management support. Jovelle has experience in community outreach and supporting individuals experiencing mental health discord, homelessness as well as food insecurity.
As a Black woman and dedicated advocate, Jovelle realizes the importance of highlighting the ways in which intersectionality deeply influence the experiences and treatment of Black individuals in the social world. The effects of this intersectionality are highlighted daily at HSH for our Black single mothers who live far below the poverty line. Therefore, Jovelle is committed to creating space to amplify the voices of our participants and all Black people during Black History Month and every day.
With a strong dedication to establishing a safe and open environment for those she supports, Jovelle remains devoted to aiding in the empowerment of HSH participants and her community to achieve their goals and reach a place of stability in their lives.