At Tropicana Community Services Organization (Tropicana) we offer culturally appropriate and supportive programs to those in need, including but not limited to counselling, settlement services, childcare, education, personal development, and employment services, with a predominant focus on the Black, African, and Caribbean communities of Toronto.
Tropicana was founded in 1980 as a non-profit community organization in Scarborough, Ontario by Jamaican-born Robert Brown and co-founder Derrick McLennon. Their goal was to serve disadvantaged youth and their families, particularly those from a Black, African, and Caribbean heritage. Each year Tropicana’s staff, with the assistance of its dedicated volunteers, is able to help thousands of people in need.
The first service offered by the organization was counselling aimed at teenage dropouts. Over the past 40 years, additional programs and services have been added to the organization, both through internal development and external partnerships. Current programs include but are not limited to counselling, settlement services, tutoring, youth leadership programs, aggression management, March break and summer camps, childcare, employment and counselling, activities.
In 1984 the organization became the first Caribbean, Black, and African community organization to become a United Way member agency. Since this time we have gained numerous partnership and supporters. For up to date information on partnerships and supporters please see our latest annual report.
