Our Story
Established in 2002 by Ron and Sonia Cunningham, Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development (CACD) works predominantly with youth (those aged 10-24) from critical areas in the region, offering them a wide range of innovative programs that serve their unique needs, develop leadership capabilities, and fosters civic participation. CACD first began to work in Jamaica to deal with the challenges that at-risk youth there were dealing with, such as inadequate social skills, teen pregnancy, delinquency, deficient health care knowledge, criminal activity, and negative peer pressure, to name a few. CACD believed that these issues were failing a generation of youth. They were disempowered, spiritually impoverished, and slipping through the cracks when they mattered!
The CACD developed Life Skills Workshops, Employment Training, Community Policing, Initiatives, Healthy School Initiative, Computers and Sewing for skills trade development, and Leadership Training.
Our founders, Ron and Sonia Cunningham declare, “it is our vision to develop. Community/Educational Centres in proximity to schools, police facilities, health clinics and other Fundamental structural organizations, which will provide close linkage and coordination of services and supports and addresses community-identified needs and goals.” Ron believed that such Centres would represent “an important new ‘sun’ on the Jamaican horizon, a ball of light and energy that enables the Jamaican people to grow, flourish and shine. This centre will symbolize the need for communities to grow from within, where ideas are shared, and challenges are turned into positive action.”
After nearly 20 + years in the Banking Sector, Ron left to establish an accounting practice allowing him more flexibility and the opportunity to dedicate more time to community work both here and in Jamaica. Three years later, in 2005, when Jane Creba was murdered in a crossfire gang shooting in Toronto, the tragedy stirred something in Ron. He proclaimed that “although devastating, this crime motivated me to focus on helping the people right here in my backyard, rather than frequently running off to Jamaica to work with inner-city children and youth.” He quickly closed his accounting practice and devoted his “time and effort to serve the cause of the children and youth in the GTA and Mississauga in particular, on a full-time basis.” He recognized the opportunity and the potential and believed that CACD could facilitate real change.
Current program offerings must expand their reach to meet changing and diverse needs and address the challenges of violence.
Statistically, “at-risk youth” are most likely to get into trouble between 3 and 6 pm and the end of the school day and when parents or care providers return home.
Absence of leadership and decision-making opportunities. The Roots of Youth Violence – CACD partners with provincial and municipal bodies to discourage risky behaviours by establishing sports and arts programs and supporting champions to ensure funding that provides safe programs and activities.
CACD partners with provincial and municipal bodies to discourage risky behaviours by establishing sports and arts programs and supporting champions to ensure funding that provides safe programs and activities.
Emphasis on crime prevention, employment, education, health, housing and urban planning, poverty, social marginalization, and exclusion.
Focus on effective ways to reduce crime and factors such as family, violence, school problems, and substance abuse issues.
Positive Experiences + Positive Relationships + Positive Environments
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Positive Youth Development
Ron Cunningham, Founder & CEO
Your support makes a difference! By donating today, you help us enhance our programs, host inspiring community events, and provide essential resources to those who need them most. Every contribution, big or small, strengthens our ability to create opportunities, foster growth, and make a lasting impact in our community. Join us in making a positive change—together, we can build a brighter future for everyone we serve.
Volunteering with CACD means becoming a direct force of change in a young person’s life. Your time, skills, and presence help create the positive relationships and environments our youth need to thrive. Show up, make an impact, and be the mentor that changes everything for a child in your community.
Help CACD ensure consistent and on-going community-based learning, social inclusion, safe and healthy communities with a strong focus on BIPOC youth. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please check out our sponsorship packages for more information.
Becoming a member of CACD means joining a movement dedicated to empowering the next generation. As a member, you play an active role in shaping programs, building community, and ensuring BIPOC youth have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Let’s start a conversation. If you want to reach out to learn more about who we are and what we do, feel free to email us
