Our Impact
We inspire and equip Black Women, youth, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada to reclaim their stories, nurture mental wellness, and advance collective care for stronger wellbeing through transformative, art-rooted programming.
Since 2018
53 storytellers have graduated from Transformation Stories and New Narrative programs.
Hosted 5 Black Joy Retreats, with 60 attendees.
Have reached 2.1k Black women and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through our annual #MYMINDMYMAGIC campaign.
Our Mission
Adornment Stories Collective cultivates space for Black intersectional mental wellness, we believe in uplifting the stories of Black women, femmes, queer, trans and non-binary communities; using a for us, by us, with us framework.
Our Values
At Adornment Stories Collective, we envision a world where Black individuals thrive in safe, nurturing spaces, with access to affordable and affirming mental health services. In this world, the Black community’s well being is celebrated, stories are uplifted, and each person feels empowered to heal, connect, and flourish. We are committed to fostering this world, where every Black life is honored and supported on the journey to holistic wellness and self-determination. We strive to be responsive to the needs of the community and develop intentional programs and services to support Black mental health, be a gathering space and a platform for storytelling.
Testimonials
Transformation Stories Participant
“When I see my hardships and triumphs in a work of art, it’s like seeing my reflection in the water. It brings a sense of solidarity and belonging”
Transformation Stories Participant
“I’m really glad I took a chance on it and allowed myself to like be open and share and you know, be vulnerable, yes in the sharing of like emotional stuff, but also like to learn a new skill, like to figure things out, it’s been a while since I’ve had to really start from the bottom.”
Adornment Stories
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Media and Features
Tanya Turton on healing through art and community
“There are tangible skills that come from our workshops (like learning photography, public speaking, etc.) that are confidence building, but this only happens because people can show up as themselves. There’s magic in allowing people to be who they truly are. I think that’s the foundation work that makes everything else possible. Folks can take up space in ways they didn’t feel comfortable before and feel more connected to who they are. Collective care spaces are super important because in a culture that has been yelling “self-care” at us, people may start feeling this pressure like the only way a person can experience wellness is if they figure it out and find a cheat code to do it on their own. I believe that self-care is best done and most effective in collective care environments.” Read More
It is a cold November night when I step into the warm and inviting space just off Trethewey Road, nestled in the community of Black Creek. Tanya notes that, “youth in the program have expressed that it has helped them find ways to care for themselves and become confident.”
'“I knew I was taking a risk creating such a niche program- Black women/ femme mental health, arts and beauty for folks in the west side of the city, does anyone really care? But everything from the grant writing stage (which required lots of research), to outreach and eventually running the program confirmed to me that the need is there. This group of youth, we deserve spaces for us to process and heal collectively” - Tanya Turton
How we heal: What art and self-care mean as acts of resistance for the Black community right now
"For Black women and femmes, success is to feel it is okay to stand in their full authenticity," she tells me. "Success is seeing folks enter Adornment Stories in a space of curiosity about themselves and seeing someone who moves from a place of not feeling affirmed to a place that they can be their whole self — grounded and confident in telling their stories and using their voices, but also offering that love, care, witnessing and healing to other people. That impact is far beyond myself." Read More
Creating Healing Spaces Through Digital Art
Tanya Turton, 30, vividly remembers the painful moment that birthed what is now the Adornment Stories, a 24-week digital arts education program. Throughout their walk around the city, they had encountered multiple black women breaking down on the street, seemingly ignored by people around them.
Adornment Stories is in its third year. When Turton reflects on her own journey with mental health, her past is layered. Turton hopes that she can use her experiences to create spaces for other Black women and femmes to feel heard, safe and creative…. Read More