Learning that inspires change

When you are given the opportunity to explore your strengths in a supportive, non judgmental environment and given the tools and support necessary, you can provide a home where diverse children can thrive. Read the Full Story

“I try to help people realize that verbal miscues and misunderstandings are inevitable potholes in the road to better cultural understanding. If we are to continue learning about each other, we can’t expect a bumpless ride. We have to grit our teeth and drive over a few potholes, despite our fears.” Read the Full Story

“[Cultural competency is] having the capacity to work/serve/manage effectively in situations involving people of different cultural backgrounds; being able to integrate and transform knowledge, information and data about culture into new ways of thinking about and doing things.” Read the Full Story

"…listening…requires not only open eyes and ears, but open hearts and minds. We do not really see through our eyes or hear through our ears, but through our beliefs…it is not easy, but it is the only way to learn what it might feel like to be someone else and the only way to start the dialogue." - Lisa Delpit Read the Full Story

Executive Director and founder, Susan Crawford, MSW, RSW, has specialized in the areas of anti-discrimination, mixed-race identity development and transracial adoption for over 7 years utilizing her personal, academic and professional expertise. Read the Full Story

The first of its kind in Ontario, this initiative is a Canadian based pre-assessment education and training tool for families adopting and fostering children from a race or culture different from their own. Read the Full Story

“Transracial Adoption is an issue, not a problem. A problem may be unsolvable – at the least, perplexing and difficult. An issue, on the other hand, is a starting point: a matter that results from a cause, can be anticipated, has no blame attached and can provoke growth and expansion to new consciousness.” Read the Full Story

Blend Education & Training Inc.

A Message from Executive Director and founder, Susan Crawford, MSW, RSW

Susan_Crawford Welcome to Blend Education & Training Inc. where I have the privilege of sharing with you my passion for inspiring change. I strive to raise awareness by having open, honest conversations about sometimes difficult issues that are sensitive, but necessary to have. Over the past 7 years I have drawn on my personal, academic and professional expertise in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and parenting to support children, families and service providers.

I am frequently asked how and why I started this work, and the answer is simple. Growing up in a multiracial, multicultural family, the fabric of my identity was interwoven with Black American, Choctaw Indian, Eastern European and German influences. This not only gave me a firsthand glimpse of the rich experiences diverse families provide, but more so, a foundation on which to create my own unique identity. My journey of self discovery coupled with an interest in the dynamics of multiracial families created biologically and through transracial adoption has led me on a career path that has enabled me to advocate, raise awareness and support issues I believe in. I encourage you to explore the site and become familiar with the programs, workshops and services we provide.

Thank you for taking the time to visit the site. If you have any questions or would like more information about programs or services, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Susan Crawford, MSW, RSW
North American Council on Adoptable Children’s (NACAC) Adoption Activist award recipient (2009).

Our Mission

To provide programs and services to support multiracial children and families and the professionals who serve them.

Company Profile

Blend Education & Training Inc. provides training, consultation, coaching and resources in the areas of transracial adoption, multicultural family programming, professional development, youth and adult workshops.