HISTORY AND MISSION OF DCA

DIVERSE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE OF HAMILTON & REGION INC. (DCA), formerly known as BLACK YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT OF HAMILTON & REGION INC., was founded and incorporated as a Registered Charity under the Business Corporations Act of Ontario on October 23, 1992. The Centre initially provided programs and services designed to meet specific needs of the African-Canadian Youth. It has since broadened its mandate to serve youth in need from all other communities, a development reflected in the changing of its corporate identity in April 1997. Its stated mission is: "To provide effective support to the young people of this Region, especially youth from disadvantaged, minority, and immigrant/refugee communities, and assist them in developing their full potential to become productive and respected members of their communities".

DCA MANAGEMENT TEAM

The DCA is managed by a Board of Directors, elected by its members whose services to the Centre is on a voluntary basis. These are all exemplary members of the Hamilton - Burlington community, working in a variety of fields, including Medicine, Science, Industry, Business, and Education. One director is elected to represent youth. An Executive Director carries out the decisions of the Board and manages the day-to-day operations with a supporting administrative staff-person. The DCA engages the services of an external Chartered Accountant to oversee and report regularly on the finances of the Centre. Its program support base depends largely on volunteers.

The 2001-02 Board of Directors consists of nine (9) members:

Officers:
Dr. John Coakley, Retired Research Scientist, President
Mr. Clyde Johnson, Retired School Principal, Vice President
Ms. Millie Bruno, Computer Analyst, Treasurer
Anita Isaac, Retired Executive, Secretary

Members-at-Large
Geoffrey Small, Supervisor, Dofasco
Andrew Ottay, Hamilton Policeman
Michelle Myrie, Entrepreneur, Art dealer
Harvey Lewis, Economist, retired Educator
Hermon Mayers, Educator, Guidance Counselor

Staff 2001
Temporarily vacant, Exec. Director / Program Coordinator
Stephen Jeremie, SW Dipl., Program Leader

DCA SPONSORS AND FUNDING SOURCES

DCA programs are funded by a variety of corporate, governmental, and community fund-raising sources:

United Way of Burlington and Hamilton-Wentworth
AIC Group of Funds
Dofasco Employees Fund
Mount Olive Lodge
Ontario Trillium Fund
Hamilton Community Foundation
Human Resources Development Canada
Status of Women Canada