Our Community Blogs share stories from across our work with equity-deserving communities, highlighting AHC programs, partnerships, and community-led initiatives in action. Through reflections, updates, and success stories, we showcase how culturally responsive programming and inclusive service delivery support individuals and groups to strengthen wellbeing and build capacity.
Alongside program insights, you’ll find community success stories and testimonials that reflect the impact of collaboration, participation, and grassroots leadership. Together, these blogs offer a practical and people-first look at how communities are advancing their own wellbeing and prosperity, with AHC walking alongside them as a partner.
Last August, the Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) proudly opened its new dedicated space at City Centre Mall, Edmonton, creating a vibrant hub for youth programs, cultural education, and community wellness. This milestone marks an exciting chapter in ACHA’s journey to connect youth and community members with African and Caribbean cultures while promoting health, creativity, and economic opportunity.
The opening builds on the success of ACHA’s spring initiative, CHAWTA (Community Health and Wellness Through Arts), which was supported by an AHC Seed Grant 2025. CHAWTA is designed to engage youth through a combination of arts, dance, and cultural heritage activities. By offering programs like traditional dance classes and workshops on creating cultural artifacts, CHAWTA encourages participants to explore their identity, develop new skills, and strengthen their mental and physical well-being.
Since its launch, the program has had a remarkable impact on the community. Approximately 40 participants in the dance classes reported improved social connections, enhanced confidence, and better mental health outcomes. These activities don’t just teach steps or craft techniques—they foster teamwork, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging. Youth participants often share how creating or performing arts inspired by their heritage boosts their self-esteem and helps them connect with peers who share similar experiences.
The new ACHA space also serves as a vibrant marketplace for Afro-Caribbean vendors and program participants. This unique aspect allows community members to showcase and sell traditional arts and crafts, turning creative skills into real-world economic opportunities. By combining cultural celebration with entrepreneurship, ACHA encourages youth and adults alike to explore new avenues for personal and professional growth.
The grand opening celebration was more than a festive gathering. It included targeted sessions on Financial Awareness, Business Development, and Intercultural Exchange, welcoming members from African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities. These workshops are part of ACHA’s ongoing effort to provide holistic support—nurturing cultural, economic, and personal development in one integrated program.
Looking ahead, ACHA is excited to launch a youth musical band. This initiative is designed to raise awareness and support for program sustainability, while also providing a creative outlet for youth to express themselves through music. Combined with existing dance and arts programs, the band is expected to further strengthen youth engagement, community participation, and fundraising efforts.
ACHA’s new space is more than just a physical location—it’s a dynamic hub for culture, wellness, and community growth. By bringing together youth programs, arts education, and small business opportunities, the organization is actively building a stronger, healthier, and more connected African and Caribbean community in Edmonton.
Community members, parents, and youth are encouraged to visit the ACHA space at City Centre Mall to experience the vibrant programs firsthand. Whether you’re interested in learning traditional dance, exploring cultural crafts, or participating in wellness and business workshops, ACHA offers a welcoming environment where heritage, health, and opportunity intersect.
Through initiatives like CHAWTA, ACHA demonstrates that arts and culture are powerful tools for community wellness, youth empowerment, and economic development. By investing in programs that nurture both personal growth and cultural pride, ACHA is creating a sustainable model for inclusive, arts-driven community engagement in Edmonton and beyond.
It all started with a simple goal — bringing people together to build a stronger and more connected Edmonton. What began as a small community gathering has now grown into something much bigger: a citywide movement for inclusion, collaboration, and shared purpose, uniting residents, organizations, and leaders across the city.
Hosted by the Community Development Unit at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), the Building Inclusive Communities Forum has become a key Edmonton community event where people come to learn, share, and take action together. Every year, it brings grassroots groups, nonprofits, and public institutions under one roof to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and strengthen collective efforts to make Edmonton a more inclusive and welcoming city. The forum also highlights best practices in community development, encouraging long-term collaboration and civic engagement.
The 2025 forum, held on October 8, focused on one key message — we are stronger together. When communities share goals, their impact grows. This year’s event gave participants the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and explore creative ways to build stronger community ties across Edmonton. Participants learned how collective action and coordinated efforts can amplify the work of grassroots organizations and improve outcomes for diverse populations, including immigrant and newcomer communities.
Over the years, AHC has noticed that many grassroots organizations work toward similar goals but often do so independently. This can make it more difficult to share resources or build long-term partnerships.
The forum addressed this challenge by encouraging organizations to collaborate, pool resources, and co-design solutions. Throughout the day, several examples of these partnerships were showcased, demonstrating how collaboration leads to more sustainable community impact. By sharing knowledge and experiences, participants learned practical strategies to strengthen programs, expand outreach, and engage more residents in civic participation and inclusion initiatives.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Bukola Salami from the University of Calgary, was titled “Building Belonging Through Inclusion and Civic Engagement.”
Dr. Salami shared that while immigrants make up 23% of Canada’s population, many still face barriers such as language challenges, lack of mentorship, and limited representation in civic spaces. She emphasized that belonging is essential to mental health, community well-being, and long-term social inclusion. Her message encouraged everyone to co-create programs with communities, promote civic education, and celebrate cultural identity as the foundation for inclusion and belonging in Edmonton’s diverse neighborhoods.
This year’s forum featured inspiring presentations from:
Their stories were organized around four key themes:
A major highlight of the day was the panel discussion, “Strengthening Civic Engagement Through Grassroots Capacity Building.” Panelists explored how empowering community leaders helps boost civic participation and makes decision-making more inclusive and representative of Edmonton’s diversity. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with other community development practitioners, sharing insights and strategies to improve engagement in local initiatives.
The 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum was more than just an event — it was a celebration of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
As Edmonton continues to grow and diversify, one message continues to shine through: When communities work together, everyone belongs.
Action for Healthy Communities thanks all participants, speakers, and community partners who made this year’s forum a success. By continuing to collaborate, share knowledge, and support grassroots organizations, Edmonton is building a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient city for everyone.
Community is all about building meaningful connections with past and future generations. For the Tunisian Women's Society of Alberta, it has made it its mission to bridge the intergenerational gap among community members, combating disconnection and isolation while fostering a sense of belonging among them.
In 2023, with seed grant support from AHC, the Tunisian Women Society of Alberta organized a series of events that brought together children, youth, and seniors. These gatherings celebrated the rich culture of Tunisian culture, including folklore story readings, literature and poetry sessions, traditional Tunisian music (Malouf), language and dialect lessons, and historical narratives delivered in the Tunisian dialect.
These initiatives help preserve Tunisian culture, providing children with experiences of common folklore stories, literature, poetry, and historical narratives in the Tunisian dialect. For the community, learning the value of oral storytelling, which is a hallmark of Tunisian culture, is especially important in this digital media era.
The expected outcome of this initiative was clear: to build community connections, strengthen bonds, and preserve Tunisian heritage for future generations through the knowledge and lived experiences shared by senior community members. While the Tunisian community embraces their home in Canada, they remain rooted in their cultural history and identity.
But this is only the first step in a longer journey to preserve their heritage. The next step is providing additional exciting activities to inspire the next generation, including:
These efforts have not only enhanced community connection and support but also sparked interest among youth and children to learn more about their culture and heritage.
While they navigate their lives in Canada, the community remains deeply rooted in their traditions, which has brought immense joy to our seniors and all community members, helping them feel a strong sense of belonging in their new homes. This holistic approach enhances the cohesion of the community, ensuring that the beautiful tapestry of Tunisian culture continues to flourish in Canada for years to come.
Action for Healthy Communities Entrepreneurship Supports Program, in collaboration with Explore Edmonton, proudly showcased 54 diverse, owned small businesses at the K‑Days 2025 Pop‑Up Marketplace on July 18-20, 2025.
Over three exciting days, our passionate entrepreneurs presented a diverse range of exclusive products and services, including delicious foods, handmade crafts, creative fashion, art, wellness items, toys, and professional services, each reflecting their unique culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. More than 764,000 attended KDays this year, helping our entrepreneurs showcase their products and services in front of many eager onlookers.
The marketplace presented a captivating selection of exclusive products and services, reflecting the culture and creativity of our local entrepreneurs. Attendees were delighted by:
Each vendor contributed to a rich and diverse tapestry, enhancing the marketplace with their unique offerings and backgrounds. We want to thank the following vendors for joining us at this year's Kday Pop up Market:
This year’s marketplace was a tremendous success! Our vendors were enthusiastic, achieved strong sales, gained valuable exposure, and proudly represented their communities.
This year’s event yielded numerous success stories that were both inspiring and encouraging:
Beyond business success, this experience reminded us that empowering newcomer entrepreneurs goes far beyond economic growth, it’s about embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful community connections.
Check out all our vendors who participated this year!
If you are a small business owner interested in learning more about the Entrepreneurship Supports Program, visit .Entrepreneurship Supports Program – Action for Healthy Communities
On July 26, the Community Development Unit (CDU) at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its second quarter Mini-Community of Practice (CoP)—a vibrant gathering of community leaders, grassroots organizers, and changemakers committed to advancing equity and inclusion across Edmonton. The event was filled with energy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations that brought people together around shared goals for collective actions.
The first segment of the session focused on the City of Edmonton’s Anti-Racism Grant, offering participants valuable insights into the program's five funding streams. Attendees learned about eligibility criteria, the role of a fiscal agent, and best practices for developing strong, outcome-focused applications.
Facilitators provided hands-on guidance on preparing realistic and relevant budgets, encouraging groups to align their proposals with community needs. The interactive format gave space for questions, idea-sharing, and peer learning—fostering a supportive environment where emerging and experienced community leaders could learn from one another.
As a result, several organizations left the session feeling confident and motivated to pursue funding through different streams. Many expressed interests in collaborating on joint proposals—an encouraging sign of the collective spirit the CoP aims to build.
The second part of the Mini CoP featured dynamic breakout sessions centered on three key themes:
1. Cultural Connections in Community Building
2. Empowering Voices for Social Change
3. Thriving Together Through Collaboration
Participants were grouped based on their organizational focus and areas of interest, which allowed for deeper dialogue and more targeted discussions. The sessions provided a safe and open space for sharing lived experiences, challenges, and strategies for building inclusive, equitable communities.
Through this collaborative process, groups explored how their work connects to broader systems of change. They shared stories of resilience, identified common barriers, and brainstormed ways to amplify impact through partnership and innovation.
These conversations not only deepened participants' understanding of community needs but also sparked ideas for future initiatives. As a next step, groups will reconvene to present their findings and recommendations during a collective session—creating a shared knowledge base that can inform planning for the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum.
The day concluded on a warm and joyful note with a multicultural potluck, where attendees bonded over traditional dishes from their home countries. The diverse menu included:
This culinary exchange was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of cultural richness, a way to honor each other’s heritage, and a delicious reminder of how food brings people together.
The second quarter Mini CoP was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to share knowledge, support one another, and take collective action. It provided a space not only for learning and capacity building, but also for forming connections that will carry forward into future collaborations.
As we continue to build momentum toward the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum, stay tuned for more updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Edmonton. For more information, please contact us at communitydevelopment@a4hc.ca
Written by Dickinsfield Amity House Executive Director Tracy Patience
Dickinsfield Amity House is a community support & family resource centre providing support services to the community and offer a wide range or programs and services to individuals and families.
The valuable partnership between Action for Healthy Communities and Amity House has existed for longer than I can even remember. Over a decade ago, we found that our community had a need for settlement services.
One of our core beliefs is that people should be able to access services in their community, so we decided to look for an agency with this expertise and ask if they could provide those services here. We knew there were a lot of colleagues providing this, but who would be the best fit for us?
It didn’t take us long to realize that Action for healthy Communities was the right partner for us. Their commitment to community, to providing responsive services in community, to changing quickly to meet emerging needs were all aligned with our values.
And, lucky for us, they agreed!
Nilton Romero was assigned to come to Amity House once/week to provide those specialized services. Nilton fit in right away, becoming one of us. His presence here is invaluable and has helped countless people navigate these complex systems. And he has helped us, too. Always willing to answer our questions, sneak in “just one more” person, and provide direction when we had trouble.
We are forever appreciative to AHC for this partnership-that is so natural it feels like family.
In August 2025, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted our annual Casino Fundraiser at Pure Casino Yellowhead. This unique and important opportunity was only made possible by the generosity of our volunteers. This wasn’t just a fun night out; it was a purposeful, well-coordinated effort to raise essential funds that help us keep delivering programs and services to the diverse communities we serve.
Casino fundraisers are a special opportunity in Alberta for nonprofits like ours. The proceeds from these events significantly contribute to our funding, help launch new initiatives, maintain ongoing programs, and reach even more individuals, families, and communities in need. While the atmosphere may feel like entertainment to casino guests, behind the scenes is the dedication, focus, and teamwork of volunteers that make the event a success.
Over two days, our volunteers filled every role needed—from handling chips and monitoring tables to greeting participants and ensuring accurate counts. Each shift required attention to detail, adherence to rules, and a high level of integrity. Volunteers arrived early, stayed late, adapted to schedule changes, and learned the ins and outs of the casino environment. They didn’t just “help out”—they took full ownership of their roles and made sure the event ran smoothly.
We were especially moved by the flexibility and dedication our volunteers showed. Some rearranged personal commitments to step in, while others took on long or late-night shifts without hesitation. Their willingness to work together, adapt on the spot, and maintain a positive spirit created an atmosphere of both professionalism and camaraderie. It’s this kind of commitment that truly reflects the heart of AHC’s mission.
The impact of the Casino Fundraiser reaches far beyond those two days. The funds raised go directly into our free programs—whether that’s helping newcomers settle into their new lives, offering youth and family activities, providing small business support, or creating spaces where people can connect and grow. Funds raised are turned into opportunities, resources, and tangible change in the lives of newcomer and equity-deserving individuals and communities.
Events like this remind us that an organization’s strength comes from its people—those who give their time, skills, and energy for something bigger than themselves. Without our volunteers, there would be no Casino Fundraiser, and without the fundraiser, many programs would lose vital support. Every single person who participated played a direct role in sustaining our programs and services.
We thank all our volunteers for their generosity and dedication to our mission in building healthy communities across Alberta. We look forward to working together and to continuing to build healthy communities across Alberta.
AHC offers many ways to get involved to help our communities. Whether you’re looking for a one-time commitment like the Casino Fundraiser or a regular role in ongoing programs, events, or administrative support. Volunteering with us means giving back, making a lasting difference, building new skills, and connecting with community-focused people. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page on our website to learn more and apply.
"Dimana ada kemauan, disitu ada jalan" — “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
This Indonesian proverb reflects the heart of entrepreneurship and food entrepreneurship alike. In cooking, as in business, success often depends on creativity, perseverance, and passion — the ability to make something exceptional from humble beginnings. For Nurul Komariyah, owner of Satay Madura, this saying perfectly captures her journey of turning a love for Indonesian cuisine into a thriving Halal restaurant and catering business in Edmonton.
With the guidance and support of Action for Healthy Communities' (AHC) Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP), Nurul completed comprehensive business training, interactive entrepreneurship workshops, personalized one-on-one counselling, and mentorship for small business owners. These programs helped her formalize her concept, register her business, and pilot catering services at AHC workshops and networking events. Her story is a true example of small business success — showing that with determination, guidance, and community support, anyone can build something meaningful.
What makes Satay Madura special is its authentic flavors and rich Indonesian heritage. From savory, marinated chicken satay grilled to perfection to the aromatic spices in Bali Delight, every dish is crafted with traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Signature items like RisolRisol, a classic Indonesian snack, highlight the creativity and cultural depth behind each plate. Through bold spices, authentic preparation, and attention to detail, Satay Madura delivers a genuine Indonesian dining experience that stands out in Edmonton’s vibrant culinary scene.
Through an AHC introduction to Explore Edmonton, Nurul secured a milestone placement as a certified Halal food vendor at KDays 2025. Her signature dishes drew strong customer interest, repeat sales, and glowing reviews. The milestone marked a breakthrough moment for her culinary startup, blending passion, perseverance, and opportunity.
Building on that momentum, Nurul showcased Satay Madura at Edmonton Food Taste 2025, increasing her brand visibility and achieving steady growth in both sales and profitability. Grateful for AHC’s support, she expressed her appreciation and offered to mentor other newcomer entrepreneurs interested in starting a food business.
With AHC’s ongoing mentoring, counselling, and business ecosystem connections, Satay Madura continues to expand its reach, securing new catering contracts and participating in more community events. Nurul’s journey exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial success — proving that, as the proverb says, where there’s a will, there’s a way — especially when that will is fueled by culture, community, and cuisine.
AHC’s ESP helps newcomers and local entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures through free business training, mentorship, and counselling. Participants gain practical skills in marketing, business registration, financial management, and operations while connecting with a supportive community of peers and mentors.
Programs like these empower small business owners — from culinary startups to social enterprises — to turn their ideas into thriving businesses that enrich Edmonton’s local economy and cultural diversity.
If you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, interested in launching a restaurant, or exploring ways to grow your small business, visit Action for Healthy Communities' Entrepreneurship Supports Program to learn how AHC can help you get started.
To support Nurul’s journey and taste authentic Indonesian flavors, follow Satay Madura on Facebook and Instagram.
Because when passion meets persistence, and community meets opportunity, there’s always a way forward — and sometimes, it tastes like home.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our recent Workforce Participation Program graduates. These motivated participants successfully completed introductory training in hospitality and customer service, gaining the essential skills needed to excel in two of Canada’s fastest-growing industries.
Hands-On Training for Job Readiness
Participants in the program received practical training in workplace expectations, industry terminology, customer service strategies, and effective communication. This job readiness program helps newcomers build confidence and develop the professional skills necessary to thrive in fast-paced, people-focused environments.
Real-World Experience Through Employer Partnerships
Our employer partners provide valuable work exposure opportunities, allowing participants to apply their training in real-world hospitality and customer service settings. These experiences give graduates insight into daily operations, help them practice new skills, and foster connections with potential employers.
Building Skills for Career Success
Beyond technical training, the Workforce Participation Program enhances teamwork, communication, and understanding of Canadian workplace culture. Graduates leave equipped to navigate the local job market, expand their professional networks, and pursue rewarding careers in hospitality and service industries across Canada.
Celebrating Achievement and Future Opportunities
We proudly recognize every client who completed the program. Their dedication represents a significant step forward on their career journey, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in Canada’s growing hospitality and service sectors.
Congratulations to all our Workforce Participation Program graduates—your success inspires the entire AHC community.
In May 2025, Action for Healthy Communities proudly participated in the Black Child and Youth Wellness Conference in Calgary—an inspiring national gathering under the theme “Transforming the Lives of Black Children and Youth Across Canada” championed by Dr. Bukola Salami from the University of Calgary. This pivotal conference brought together practitioners, community leaders, educators, and youth advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue and collective action around the well-being, empowerment, and systemic support of Black children and youth across Canada.
AHC was represented across three key service streams: Child & Youth Programs, Settlement & Integration Services, and Mental Health Services. Each team contributed uniquely to the discussions on equity, culturally grounded supports, while exploring cross-sectoral partnerships aligned with the national project vision.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the conference was the collective commitment to building a national network focused on transformative outcomes for Black youth. AHC’s presence served not only to share knowledge and celebrate achievements but also to deepen collaborations that cut across public health, education, settlement, and mental wellness. Together, we are working toward a future where every Black child and youth has access to the supports, opportunities, and systems that allow them to thrive.
As we continue to deliver inclusive and equity-based programs, AHC remains committed to championing youth empowerment, newcomer integration, and mental health for Black communities in Alberta and beyond.
Over the May long weekend (May 17–18, 2025), the Himalaya Rocky Sports Club (HRSC) hosted the highly anticipated Ai Gurung Memorial Gorkha Cup 2025, drawing more than 700 players and spectators from across Canada. Supported by the AHC Seed Grant 2025, the event was more than a soccer tournament—it was a powerful showcase of women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and community connection through the universal language of sport.
A landmark moment for HRSC, this year’s tournament proudly introduced a Women’s Category. Two dynamic teams—Machapuchare FC and HRSC Everest Girls FC—took the field, demonstrating remarkable skill, sportsmanship, and determination. Their participation marked a significant step forward for women’s sports in our community and laid a strong foundation for greater representation.
To honour their contributions, HRSC, in partnership with generous sponsors and supporters, awarded $500 cash prizes, trophies, medals, and various giveaways to both women’s teams.
The event's success was made possible by months of dedicated planning and the tireless efforts of community volunteers, whose passion and commitment brought the tournament to life. Their behind-the-scenes work ensured a seamless, vibrant experience for all.
This year’s Cup holds special meaning as it is named in memory of Mr. Ai Gurung, a beloved community leader and passionate advocate for youth and sport, who passed away in 2023. In a thrilling final, the Gurkha Warriors FC from Edmonton claimed the championship title, with Border Boys FC from Calgary finishing as runners-up.
The most inspiring outcome of this tournament was the milestone achievement of women’s inclusion. With 24 women athletes taking part, HRSC demonstrated that with vision, persistence, and community support, bold goals can become a reality.
Together, we celebrated not just the beautiful game, but also equity, unity, and the enduring power of sport to bring people together.
On May 22nd, the AHC Soccer Program proudly hosted a friendly but competitive U13 boys' soccer match between the Kitaskinaw School team and AHC’s own U13 boys’ team. Held on the vibrant indoor turf of Commonwealth Recreation Centre, the event brought together 14 Indigenous youth and 19 newcomer youth in a spirited afternoon of sport, connection, and community building.
Now in its second year, this unique match continues to grow in impact and importance. This year marked a special milestone as it was the first time Kitaskinaw’s Athletic Director attended the event. His presence added a new level of energy and support, and he expressed genuine excitement at seeing his students thrive in this environment of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Before the game even began, the players from both teams were buzzing with excitement—eager to meet their opponents, represent their teams, and demonstrate their skills. After the final whistle, that enthusiasm remained strong, as youth from both sides reflected on the fun and challenges of the game. It was more than just a match; it was a shared experience that fostered learning about teamwork, healthy competition, and striving for excellence.
During the event, AHC staff had the opportunity to meet with the Athletic Director to explore future collaborations. Among the exciting ideas discussed were co-hosting an Indigenous Traditional Games event and expanding our partnership into the next school year to include more opportunities for cross-cultural connection and engagement through sport.
Events like this are a powerful reminder that soccer is more than a game—it’s a tool for community building, learning, and bridging cultures. AHC is proud to support newcomer and Indigenous youth as they come together through the universal language of sport.
Back in the summer of 2016, a simple conversation between Taekwondo instructor Raju Gadtaula and community volunteer Homan Gautam sparked the beginning of a transformative journey for many immigrant children. They noticed that numerous kids from immigrant backgrounds often felt isolated and struggled to find their place in the community. Fueled by a desire to change this dynamic, Raju and Homan envisioned creating a welcoming space where these children could not only feel like they belonged but also stay active and build the confidence needed to navigate their new environment.
With the support of a $1,000 Seed Grant from Action for Healthy Communities, their dream slowly came to fruition. They launched Martial Arts for Cultural Connections, a program that offered Taekwondo classes specifically for Nepali children between the ages of 5 and 14. However, what began as a series of martial arts classes soon evolved into something much more meaningful and impactful. The benefits of the program extended far beyond just learning kicks and punches. The classes provided the children with invaluable opportunities to gain confidence, forge new friendships, and develop important life skills like discipline and respect.
In addition to the individual growth of the children, the program also catalyzed the formation of lasting connections among parents. These adults, who shared similar backgrounds and experiences, formed a tight-knit community where they could support one another, share resources, and celebrate their cultural heritage together.
As the children trained, the bonds they formed within the classroom blossomed into lifelong support networks, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that further enriched their lives. The atmosphere was one of encouragement and empowerment, allowing kids to thrive not just in martial arts but in life as well. Fast forward to today, and those once shy and uncertain kids are now thriving young adults, full of potential and purpose. They continue to cheer each other on as they navigate the challenges of school, university, and the various paths life has laid out for them.
Raju has evolved alongside them, now teaching over 70 kids per cohort, each one eager to learn not just martial arts but also the values of hard work, resilience, and community. He is dedicated to helping the next generation grow strong — physically, emotionally, and culturally.
The impact of Martial Arts for Cultural Connections has been profound, demonstrating how a small initiative can blossom into a vital lifeline for immigrant families. It stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of inclusivity, and the lasting effects of mentorship. Raju and Homan’s collaboration has not only changed the lives of many children but has also fostered a sense of pride and belonging that continues to flourish within the community.
At the heart of every thriving community are its elders—quietly resilient, deeply wise, and the living memory of culture, tradition, and history. For the Eritrean Canadian Multicultural Association (ECMA), this truth has always been a guiding force.
Building on the success of its youth and family initiative in 2023, ECMA has launched a second major effort—this time focused on uplifting, engaging, and reconnecting Eritrean Canadian seniors. With continued support from Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), and close collaboration with its Community Development Unit (CDU), ECMA introduced the “Forget Us Not” initiative: a program designed to promote connection, well-being, and dignity for elders within the community.
Last year, ECMA, in partnership with AHC, launched a vibrant youth and family initiative. Through weekly Saturday language classes held at AHC, children connected with their Eritrean heritage while learning valuable skills to navigate life in Canada. At the same time, parents were supported with tools and resources to better engage with their children's development. These sessions became more than just learning spaces—they fostered belonging, pride, and cultural continuity. The overwhelming community response demonstrated a clear demand for culturally grounded programming.
In 2024, ECMA turned its attention to the community’s elders. Through intimate coffee ceremonies and community conversations, a consistent message surfaced: many seniors were seeking meaningful ways to stay socially active, mentally engaged, and physically well—but lacked opportunities to do so.
The “Forget Us Not” initiative was born directly from these conversations. Weekly gatherings were designed around three core pillars:
With the support and guidance of AHC’s Community Development Unit, ECMA conducted a thorough needs and assets assessment rooted in community engagement. This collaborative process helped shape the initiative’s direction and identified new ways to create lasting impact.
Out of this emerged “Forget Us Not”—a heartfelt response to the voices of elders and a reflection of ECMA’s commitment to co-creating programs with the community, for the community.
ECMA views this initiative not as a standalone project, but as the foundation for a sustainable, long-term model of elder care and engagement. By partnering with local organizations, pursuing ongoing funding opportunities, and staying responsive to evolving community needs, ECMA is building an enduring structure that celebrates seniors as active, valued members of society.
Through this intergenerational lens, ECMA continues to show that when communities rally around shared values and mutual respect, real transformation becomes possible. From preserving cultural identity in young minds to restoring dignity in aging hearts, ECMA is nurturing a future where every generation is seen, supported, and celebrated.
On June 25th, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities celebrated its 30th anniversary. This milestone event was a heartfelt tribute to all the contributors, communities, clients, volunteers, and dedicated staff members who have passionately supported our mission to foster healthier communities across Alberta over the past three decades.
Despite the looming weather, over 400 enthusiastic attendees gathered together to commemorate not just the organization’s achievements but also the remarkable individuals and diverse communities that have been integral to our story for the last 30 years. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of unity as we reflected on the incredible strides we have made together.
Our anniversary was more than just a celebration; it was a festive gathering that brought together communities, families, and individuals of all ages. Attendees were treated to a free BBQ, a photo booth, and family-friendly activities. Our vendors from the Entrepreneurship Support Program (ESP) and our partners also showcased their services and offerings.
More than 30 dedicated volunteers came together to support our anniversary—and their presence made all the difference. From setting up early in the day to assisting guests, managing logistics, and even helping shelter others during unexpected rain, their efforts brought warmth, energy, and care to every corner of the celebration.
One of the highlights of our 30th anniversary was the incredible showcase of community talent through eight unique cultural performances. This year, we extended a special thank you to the groups who joined us in celebrating, sharing not only their artistry but also the rich tapestries of their cultures. Each performance was a reminder of the vibrant diversity that enriches our community.
We were also honoured to have the Legislative Assembly of Alberta MLA of Edmonton-City Centre David Shepherd and the City of Edmonton Counsellor Jennifer Rice representing the office of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to present us with celebratory scrolls.
After our 30th Anniversary Celebration programming concluded, we conducted our annual general meeting (AGM) for all board members. As members gathered, we at AHC reviewed our fiscal year and voted on our future strategic direction. Our AGM also introduced new board chair directors David Bourne, Faisal Shafiq, and John Alexander.
Additionally, our last annual report was also unveiled for the first time and can be found on our AHC website at Publications & Resources – Action for Healthy Communities.
From seedling to a now prospering tree, our 30th anniversary leaves much for us to reflect on and where we are headed. We want to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to all our guests, contributors, clients, community members, volunteers, and participants who made our 30th anniversary celebration a memorable event. Each of you played a crucial role in our journey, and your continued support inspires us to forge ahead with our mission.
Thank you for being part of our story and for standing with us as we strive to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Here’s to the next chapter of Action for Healthy Communities! We can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together in the years to come.
On June 25, 2025, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary by honouring our collaborators, partners, and supporters with the Partnership Award and the Excellence in Service Award. For 30 years, AHC has been fortunate to have dedicated and passionate individuals and organizations supporting us in our mission, helping us ensure that equity-deserving individuals and newcomers have the services and programs they need to thrive.
To honour our remarkable collaborators, we introduced these awards to acknowledge individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to serve our clients and communities. Their dedication has shaped AHC into the organization it is today, helping equity-deserving individuals and newcomers access the crucial services and programs they need to thrive.
These recipients truly exemplified the spirit of community service and commitment.
Partnership Award recipients include the following organizations and individuals:
Excellence in Service Award recipients include the following individuals:
Each of these awardees has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving our community and uplifting those around them. Their contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply thankful for their unwavering partnership. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone whose collaboration is essential to our organization.
We could not have achieved our 30-year milestone without your continued partnership. Your dedication fuels our mission, and we are excited to continue this journey together as we strive for a more equitable future.
The fourth quarterly Community of Practice session was held on November 30, 2024, with 15 community leaders in attendance. This interactive session provided an opportunity to reflect on the October 9 Building Inclusive Communities Forum. Participants shared valuable feedback about the forum's impact and engaged in in-depth discussions about the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from their community initiatives. A significant focus of the session was on identifying strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects.
The "Reflection and Experience Sharing" theme served as an excellent platform for community leaders to learn from one another, refine their approaches, and deepen their collective understanding. It highlighted the power of collaboration and shared knowledge in driving meaningful change.
Overall, the CoP has been instrumental in sustaining impactful community initiatives, ensuring they remain aligned with the broader community mission and vision. It continues to serve as a valuable resource for fostering growth, learning, and mutual support among community leaders.
In summary, we successfully completed four CoP sessions this year—three quarterly sessions and one large-scale Building Inclusive Communities event on October 9, 2024. We also saw a shift in leadership, as community leaders began taking ownership of the CoPs, including agenda-setting, topic selection, and session facilitation.
There’s much to look forward to in 2025 for us at Action for Healthy Communities. For starters, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. Since 1995, we’ve supported Albertans and helped communities. Fast forward 30 years and we’ve continued to ask ourselves how to best serve equity-deserving communities and individuals.
As we welcome the new year with renewed commitment, it’s only appropriate to reflect on our 2024 year and how we continue to make a difference.
Our recent Fall 2024 semester has been a remarkable success.
The Adult Literacy and Skills Development program saw an exceptional level of engagement from our adult learners in their education module learning and informative sessions, including topics like health literacy, winter preparation, and health screening conversations.
Over 70% of our students completed the semester and are now moving on to higher levels of English classes. In these classes, they learn to navigate daily life, seek employment opportunities, and engage more fully in their community.
Beyond language classes, we continue to offer a comprehensive range of settlement support services such as wellness health support, practical guidance on housing, employment, income, and a free tax clinic for low-income earners.
We are incredibly proud of our adult learners’ achievements and remain committed to supporting AHC clients with the tools and support they need to thrive in their new homes.
Transitioning to life in Canada can take an emotional and physical toll on newcomers – a fact that doesn’t get talked about enough.
Many of our clients face issues like anxiety, depression, past traumas, and family relationship struggles. The stress of moving can make these challenges even harder, and it can slow down their integration into Canadian life.
To better help our clients, the Settlement and Integration program spent 2024 on suicide prevention and caring for those who've experienced domestic violence. The team also reached out to local leaders to understand better the mental health challenges in the community, like depression and stress related to settling into Canada.
While navigating wellness is always challenging, our team remains dedicated to offering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed wellness health services.
Every newcomer’s journey is unique, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that our clients have the support they need.
Building strong and diverse communities starts at the grassroots level, and our Community Development Unit (CDU) has continued to prove its support.
In 2024, we launched four Communities of Practice with over 250 participants each and supported ten community initiatives through seed grants. We helped an additional twenty-eight initiatives with capacity-building support.
To encourage engagement among ethnocultural groups, we held eighty-five community dialogues and organized twenty-eight training sessions on grant applications. We also provided twenty-seven grant writing support sessions and assisted five groups with legal registration, connecting forty-five groups to various resources.
To wrap up the year, we hosted our 3rd Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum, bringing together nearly 120 attendees from grassroots organizations and community leaders. Together, we focused on dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity in the Greater Edmonton Area.
For our CDU team, it is about empowering and enhancing the voices of diverse communities, ensuring they have the tools and resources to self-determine their best interests.
This year has been challenging for Albertans, especially for newcomers. The unemployment rate for those in Alberta for five years or fewer is 9.8%, exceeding the provincial average.
Fortunately, our Employment Supports Program has helped over 400 clients, leading to more than 300 job placements.
Our Workforce Participation Programs (WPP) have been in high demand, with waitlists often exceeding 30 clients. Another popular WPP is our Hospitality program, developed in partnership with an Employer Partner.
We also hosted Spring and Fall Career Fairs to help job seekers connect with employers.
Throughout the year, we offered workshops to improve essential job-seeking skills, including:
Every job seeker is unique and that’s why our employment counselors created personalized, one-on-one support to meet individual needs.
The AHC Employment Supports Program's 2024 achievements demonstrate our commitment to empowering job seekers and bridging the gap between talent and employment opportunities, combining large-scale events with personalized guidance to navigate the job market effectively.
Many newcomers to Canada aspire to become entrepreneurs. According to the BDC, “2.9% of the immigrant population aged 15 and over are entrepreneurs in Canada, compared to 2.0% for non-immigrants.”
Despite Canada’s current economic challenges, our Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP) has been offering aspiring entrepreneurs free business training programs, learning sessions and workshops, and sale opportunities.
In the Spring and Fall 2024 semesters, we mentored over 60 participants in essential skills like customer identification and market research. Our Business Boot Camp trained 22 individuals in business planning and financial forecasting, while 50 participants benefited from networking during Small Business Week.
We’ve also provided opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, from handcrafted sweets to fashion. In July, over 40 of our entrepreneurs participated in the KDays Pop-Up Market. We also helped 18 entrepreneurs present at their first holiday market during our AHC Holiday Market.
AHC’s ESP has helped many entrepreneurs achieve their small business dreams, and will continue to do so by providing more opportunities to help small business owners grow.
Newcomers are increasingly choosing to settle in rural Alberta, and not just Edmonton and Calgary. While more newcomers add diversity to our community, it also presents its fair share of challenges for those adjusting to a new environment with fewer supports compared to major Alberta cities.
That’s why our Rural Small Centre (RSC) team is dedicated to helping newcomers settle in places like Leduc, Beaumont, Camrose, Cold Lake, and Bonnyville.
It’s been one of the many pleasures we had as an organization to help newcomers feel welcomed into the country. For example, we supported Ukrainian refugees by celebrating International Vyshyvanka Day, honoring their heritage and resilience.
Additionally, migrant families from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa enjoyed their first Canadian summer with outdoor events and activities, including summer camps and a ballet camp in Leduc.
Moving to a new country is never easy, especially for children and youth, and that’s why our programs help children discover themselves and integrate themselves into Canada.
Last year, 848 newcomer kids and youth participated in our Children and Family Empowerment programs. These programs support social integration, language learning, emotional well-being, and education. We also engaged 237 parents in Family Empowerment activities that included information sessions and field trips.
In our Gender Equity Leadership Lab (GELL) programs, we offered leadership opportunities for racialized and immigrant girls to help spark their interest in STEM fields. Our bilingual STEM summer camp for French-speaking newcomers had 40 participants, and 72% of the youth in the STEM Club members made new friends.
We also organized a summer camp for over 170 kids, featuring activities, sports, guest speakers, and field trips. This camp focused on their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Through our programs, we aim to create a supportive environment where children can build friendships, develop life skills, and succeed academically.
As we grow as an organization, we recognize that our main priority is and always has been the betterment of our equity-deserving communities and clients. As we continue to work with the communities and clients we serve, we find new and innovative ways to empower them to achieve their goals in the new year.
The Empowering Youths Reading Club and Aboriginal Awareness Initiative by Young Learn—a South Sudanese organization based in Edmonton—has made a significant impact in fostering understanding between ethnocultural community members and Indigenous communities.
Supported by the AHC seed grant, this initiative combined a passion for reading with a focus on Aboriginal culture, sparking meaningful conversations and mutual learning.
Through engaging activities such as book clubs, workshops, and interactive events, young participants not only improved their literacy skills but also deepened their understanding and respect for Indigenous traditions, history, and perspectives. The initiative provided a platform for youth to express themselves, share their stories, and actively engage in discussions about cultural diversity and social issues.
One of the most remarkable outcomes was the strengthened connections between Aboriginal elders and younger generations, both South Sudanese and Indigenous. These intergenerational interactions created a space for shared learning, fostering mutual respect and cultural exchange. The program also experienced a notable increase in youth participation, growing from 30 to 50 participants, highlighting its success and community impact.
This community-led initiative demonstrates how the power of reading and cultural awareness can unite and inspire people to build a more inclusive, informed, and connected future.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) provided clients an opportunity to partake in a valuable business field trip and then competed in a friendly business competition. The business field trip gave entrepreneurs the chance to observe real-world business operations, gain practical insights, and network with industry professionals.
AHC entrepreneurs had the opportunity to visit GC Custom Metal Fabrication Ltd, where they asked questions about various aspects of the business, including accounting, longevity in the market, financial management, and handling competition. This firsthand experience provided invaluable insights for our participants on their professional development.
Entrepreneurs then competed in a friendly business competition where they presented their businesses in a three-minute pitch, using slides, products from their businesses, and verbal presentations. Following their presentations, three judges, experts from different fields in business and a representative from ATB, provided feedback, offering insights on market establishment, target markets, business advancement strategies, and financial projections.
After all the speeches, the judges deliberated and decided on the winners of the prizes and the best pitches. The event concluded with entrepreneurs networking with peers and business mentors, exchanging innovative ideas, and receiving valuable feedback from experts, all while competing for recognition and resources.
Newcomer Coaching Mentorship Project (NCMP) is a collaborative initiative between the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), which aims to support newcomers to Canada trying to integrate into the Canadian sports system through the mentorship project.
The NCMP was piloted over six months, from February to July 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta. The project was based on CAC’s Mentorship model, which allowed newcomers to Canada to pair with experienced coaches in their sports. Established Canadian coaches guided mentees through achieving their coaching certifications and acclimating to the Canadian sports environment, culture, legislation, and norms. Six newcomers to Canada enrolled in the project, and four graduated. NCMP details how comprehensive research on barriers and facilitators for newcomer coaches is to be included in the Canadian sports system.
The outcomes of the NCMP were that the mentorship program considerably enhanced the participants’ comprehension of the Canadian sports scene, refined their coaching skills, and boosted their self-assurance in pursuing coaching roles. The implications of these discoveries are significant as they emphasize the importance of tailored mentorship programs in addressing the unique challenges newcomer coaches face. The report concludes with recommendations for scaling the program and implementing similar initiatives nationwide to promote diversity and inclusion in sports coaching.
On October 5, 2024, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) held its 9th Annual Celebration of Entrepreneurial Successes at Edmonton City Hall. This special event recognizes the dedication and commitment of entrepreneurs from the Entrepreneurship Supports Program, particularly newcomers who have effectively utilized AHC’s resources for SME support.
Each year, AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP) engages cohorts of aspiring entrepreneurs, offering expert guidance in business creation, planning, development, launching, and growth strategies. This initiative is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). More than 60 entrepreneurs from the Fall 2023 to Spring 2024 cohort were honored for their achievements. These graduates actively participated in various ESP events, such as farmers' markets, K-Days, online webinars, business boot camps, clubs, trips, coaching, and mentorship. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for SMEs to connect, network, and showcase their products and services to the community.
Inspiring testimonials shared during the event demonstrated how the ESP program has fueled the graduates’ entrepreneurial spirit, empowering them to navigate the Canadian business landscape with confidence. The gathering brought together local entrepreneurs, business mentors, community leaders, dignitaries from the City of Edmonton, MLAs, funders, partners, and stakeholders, all united in celebrating the successes of Edmonton’s local entrepreneurs. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the program graduates.
To learn more about our Entrepreneurship Supports Program, visit our webpage here.
On December 7, 2024, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) celebrated its Year-End Celebration by honouring clients, communities, and volunteers. Over 350 participants joined us Saturday afternoon to partake in our event program, kid's activities, and a free lunch.
During the event, we had the opportunity to debut our plans to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2025. Board member Catherine Armstrong had the honour to celebrate the announcement with the cutting of a cake that debuted our 30th-anniversary logo.
Director of Programs Suzana Dumo also announced plans for AHC's 30th anniversary in 2025, including a series of stories from different mediums exploring how we started in 1995, the challenges in community development, the communities we impacted, and the future of our organization. We will also be having a celebration event in the summer of 2025.
The event also speeches made by our Board Chair Colin Christensen, Executive Director Aftab Khan, and Director of Programs Suzana Dumo. Each speaker expressed their gratitude for the hardworking volunteers and staff and for the clients and communities we engage with, as well as reflecting on our past year.
The main attraction of the festivities included cultural performances from a variety of artists that included live music and dances.
This past Friday, October 27th, IRCC's PNT Regional Director and Ukrainian Support Group Director in Ottawa visited the AHC Edmonton office. The IRCC team had the opportunity to learn more about our supports and services for the Ukrainian evacuees since their arrival in Alberta, as well as the challenges they face and how to support them going forward. In addition, we were able to hear more about the work being done to support Ukrainian newcomers at a systemic level and within different Canadian communities.
Connecting with the IRCC team allowed us to walk away from the visit with a reinvigorated sense of pride in how we can provide innovative services and supports at the community level, collaboratively learning from each other’s experiences across Canada.
Earlier this October, AHC's Rural Small Centres' Team hosted their first Winter Badminton Tournament in Camrose.
Inclusion in sports has innumerable benefits for youth, but many newcomer youth face barriers to sports due to sports organizations and facilities not anticipating their background and accommodating to their different languages and cultures.
We are so happy to create more opportunities for newcomer youth to increase their health, their social ties, and build confidence as they try new sports.
Thank you to all that participated and congratulations to our winners, Nice, Reece, and Axle.
If you a newcomer living in Rural Alberta and would like support in accessing resources or organizations in your community, you can learn more about Rural Small Centre's or email us at communications@a4hc.ca!
Earlier this October, AHC staff met with Canada Post to receive a generous grant of $20,000 (and a lovely plaque) from the Canada Post Community Foundation to support a significant initiative in Edmonton – AHC's STEM-Literacy Club.
The after-school program provides a free and accessible space for marginalized children from low-income, indigenous, immigrant, refugee, and racialized backgrounds to learn more about STEM with engaging hands-on activities. This not only helps children from all backgrounds have more equitable exposure to STEM, it mitigates the likelihood of vulnerable children engaging in risky behaviors during the crucial period between the end of school and their parents return from work and none of this.
With Canada Post's support, AHC plans to enhance the program by launching a STEM Literacy Club for new immigrant children. This initiative combines STEM and Literacy in weekly sessions, aiming to ignite interest, offer inclusive learning, and promote social integration and English language skills.
Thank you, Canada Post, for your interest in making a difference in the lives of children and youth!
This November AHC had the pleasure of hosting a Celebration of Learning and Integration.
Many community members associated with AHC show admirable dedication to their education and growth with a willingness to embrace new challenges. Whether that means taking one of our many literacy classes and workshops or finding resources to learn new skills and prioritize education. AHC is incredibly proud of those who pursue learning and wanted to take this opportunity to honor and reward achievements of knowledge, skill, and growth by community members while recognizing teachers and supporters that make their journey possible.
Over 500 community members showed up for a night filled with inspiring words on the importance of education and perseverance from David Shepherd, MLA; Debbie Clark, Executive Director of ECALA; and Jennifer Rice, Edmonton City Councillor. Former students of AHC's literacy programs also shared speeches on the impact learning has had on their day-to-day life. This only complemented the joy and validation of those who have recently completed one of our literacy classes as they were honoured with certificates of completion to mark their achievements. The celebration continued with multicultural entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities to connect with other education-oriented service providers throughout Edmonton.
AHC's Executive Director, Aftab Khan, and Adult Literacy Program Manager, Yanyu Zhou were also pleased to accept an award from Edmonton City Councillor, Jennifer Rice in honour of the educational work we do and the positive impact it has on newcomers and community members throughout Edmonton and Alberta.
To pursue your own learning journey, learn more about our Adult Literacy and Skills Development Workshops today.
Winter is finally here and last month AHC had the pleasure of hosting a Family Ski Trip alongside Edmonton Ski Club for newcomer families to discover the beloved winter sport of skiing!
Winter sports are a beloved pass time in Alberta and helps community members get outdoors, get active, and feel a little more connected to the Albertan climate and community despite the cold weather. However, winter sports can be intimidating if you aren't used to the winters, don't know someone who participates, or if you don't want to invest in equipment and tickets trying to find the sport for you. That's why AHC wanted to remove the financial barriers of skiing and help families try out the sport on an accessible hill with a skilled skiing instructor to guide them along the way.
Newcomers from around the world were able to bundle up, waddle in their ski boots, and hit the slopes at Edmonton Ski Club with accessible, translated lessons and a sense of community amongst other newcomer families. Many of the families had a blast and we hope that they will continue this family pass time for winters to come!
Would you like to access similar integration opportunities? AHC's Settlement and Integration Program is always creating fun, educational events and programs that are responsive to newcomers greatest interests and needs. To learn more or sign up click here!
After three months of beginner and advanced streams of business training on essential topics like marketing and sales, business regulations and licensing, pricing and profit scaling, management methods and client relations, our Fall 2023 Business Development Training Program recently wrapped up with Business Pitching Workshop. Each entrepreneur was able to craft impressive business plans and pitches for future investors and collaborator, showcasing the unique value of their company and their product!
The business owners were also able to attend an informative field-trip to the local and renowned restaurant La Prosciutteria where their learning journey was enhanced with a detailed tour of the operations of a thriving business and the opportunity to chat with the owner about their experience with attracting new clientele, sustaining profit, getting funding, and of course, starting a business as a newcomer.
We are so proud of the business savvy and dedication our entrepreneurs consistently displayed throughout the fall and look forward to continuing to support them and their businesses!
If you have big dreams of running a business, or want support to scale up, we are currently accepting applications for our Spring 2024 Business Development Training beginner with beginner and advanced options available! Sign up today or contact lida.arguello@a4hc.ca for more information.
Women – Mindful, Empowered, and Nurturing (WMEN) is a Nepalese women-led community initiative supported by Action for Healthy Communities. The group launched their initiative with a self-care session themed Stay Fit with Zumba on June 29, 2024.
The event was held at NECASE Community Hall, and 18 women, including eight newcomer young women, were participating, and they felt connected and safe in this group. The Zumba instructor for the session was one of the group leaders, demonstrating effective use of internal resources to address community needs.
Participants expressed high satisfaction with the one-hour session of intensive physical exercise. Following the Zumba workout, they had the opportunity to network with other women and share their experiences, joys, and challenges. This session aimed to create a safe space for sharing, which is particularly needed by newcomer women in the community.
This activity is planned for four sessions, concluding on July 27. The next session will feature the theme Stay Fit with Yoga.
Marking a year of considerable growth, AHC held its 28th Annual General Meeting alongside an Open House on Wednesday, June 14, 2022. The events drew in more than 80 participants who had the opportunity to get the most up to date information on our diverse programs and services before hearing highlights of the past year and casting their votes on our organizational growth. For those that weren't able to attend, or would like to review our the print versions of the 2022-2023 Annual Report, this document can be accessed via our publications page.
In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, AHC provided support to more than 18,000 individuals, including families, children, and communities of various backgrounds. This could not be done without the leadership and commitment of our dedicated staff and network of 200+ volunteers.
The past year also saw the development of number of special initiatives and new programs including specialized supports for Ukrainian evacuees, acting as a donation centre for the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, the wrapping up of the P.A.S.S. Program by sharing the related research with policy makers at all levels of government, and the development of the STEP Project which will aid female entrepreneurs in business finance management.
We are thankful to our funders, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and guidance in making 2022-2023 a successful year for us. With the ongoing support and insight of these valuable parties we will only be able to address greater challenges to peoples prosperity in society and ultimately create stronger, healthier communities.
View images from the event below.
Nurturing Minds, Transforming Lives, Championing Mental Health for a Brighter Tomorrow!
In May, AHC hosted multiple introductory mental health events to support people of all backgrounds as they learned tools for self-exploration and emotional regulation. This included our “Art-Based Support - An Introduction” Workshop where people of many ages and cultures had the opportunity to explore their identity and emotional state through their creative endeavors.
Some of the activities included participants designing drawings alongside their name that represented their identity before sharing the meaning with one another, and doing free drawings of lines that were meant to convey their emotional state before filling those lines in with objects they observed and sharing what they thought this meant. With each activity participants were able to engage in enriching conversation about their life experiences and perspectives through the art they created while making genuine connections through nurturing guidance of our experienced facilitator.
There is no telling how far a little self-reflection and social connection can go, and we are so proud to provide opportunities like this for people to have mental health tools and open themselves up to the power of other mental health services.
No matter how you are feeling and where you are in your mental health journey, please know AHC has space for you.
If you want to explore of the mental health support provided by AHC click here
View event photos here:
Salsa is the language of the soul, where emotions, rhythm, and movement come together to create a symphony of expression.
Earlier this June, AHC hosted a Health Literacy salsa class to celebrate the end of the semester for all of our literacy classes at our main office. This joyous outdoor event was a great success, with over 50 attendees stepping into the world of salsa. People of all ages and backgrounds worked up a sweat and learned beginner salsa steps set to vibrant Cuban music.
Led by Orlando, a skilled instructor from Fiesta Cubana Dance School, this class offered a welcoming and supportive environment, making it perfect for participants of all levels. As students mastered the art of salsa, they not only improved their coordination and health, they developed a greater sense of confidence and self-expression while making new friends. Whether dancing for fun, fitness, or performance, the salsa class promised an unforgettable experience and a wonderful introduction to a healthy new hobby.
If you would like to learn more about other classes offered from our Health Literacy Course, visit our Adult Literacy and Skills Development page click here.
Scroll down to view event photos!
Over the summer, AHC introduced English Corner, a series meant to bring people together to celebrate and learn about multiculturalism in Alberta while improving their English skills. Every session asked community members to share as a group about their own cultural experiences while learning more about how various cultures approach different customs like clothing, colour, art, dance and sharing meals!
It was inspiring to see the sort of connection, deep understanding, and joy that can be shared when we take the time to meet one another with intention. Thank you to all the community members who came out, all of the guest speakers who shared their knowledge, talent, and experience with us, and most of all to Hermella Haile who led the program with passion and care.
On Saturday, Apr 23, 2022, Action for Healthy Communities was represented at the Taste of Ramadan, An event organized by Al-Rashid mosque at Churchill Square and open to the public. The AHC booth was richly showcased with information from all programs and highlighted the work that the organization does, and the various populations it target. AHC stamped paraphernalia was distributed, and the AHC logo was swarming the square .
Below are some photos from the event.
After two consecutive years of virtual AGM's, AHC held its 27th Annual General Meeting in a hybrid format on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The event saw more than 70 participants both in-person and virtual gather to learn about the highlights of the year, the financials', 2022 Board slate and more. As part of this event, guests were able to watch a video presentation showcasing the highlights of the past year. Both the print and video versions of the 2021/2022 Annual Report can be accessed via our publications page.
In 2021-2022, AHC provided support to more than 15,000 individuals, including families, youth and children. This could not be done without the leadership and commitment of our dedicated staff and network of 200+ volunteers.
The past year also saw a number of special initiatives and new programs including the Edmonton Covid-19 Rapid Response Collaborative (Mar-Dec 2021), the Edmonton Newcomer Zonal Outreach, the P.A.S.S program and Pathways to STEM for Racialized Immigrant Girls.
We have also built meaningful relationships with various stakeholders and partners in small towns to expand our support to the underserved newcomer population groups in those towns. We have also expanded to close to 80 program sites including partnerships with 26+ schools in rural Alberta (Lakeland area, Camrose, Leduc/Beaumont).
We are thankful to our funders, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and guidance to make 2021/2022 a successful year for us and we strongly believe that with their ongoing support we will be able to take on new challenges and help more people to successfully integrate into society.
View images from the event below.
AHC's Settlement Program organized a series of parenting workshops in June. The first workshop held on June 1st was facilitated by a guest speaker Miriam Sekandi, who led a discussion on maintaining a positive child-parent relationship, improving learning through play, listening and responding to children, reducing family conflict, balancing work and family, and helping your children succeed in school.
On June 16th, AHC collaborated with United Way to facilitate our second parenting workshop. Participants strengthened their understanding of child development and learned new ways to play with and support their child’s development. Newcomer parents received Kid Kit donated by United Way and participated in the information and orientation session.
The final session was held on June 29th, facilitated by the AHC settlement team. Participants learned simple ideas for keeping their children safe and healthy during summer. Some topics included: using child safety seats in your vehicle, bicycle and helmet safety for children, childproofing your home, and teaching your children to make safe choices for themselves.
View images from the parenting workshops below
19 new immigrant entrepreneurs showcased their various products and services, including cultural clothing, artisan crafts, cultural food, handmade jewelry and more!
Through this collaboration, we aimed to:
This is the second year AHC's Business Supports program has collaborated with Explore Edmonton to bring its entrepreneurs as K-Day exhibitors, the first in 2019, with the aim to participate annually.
The list of featured exhibitors:
Roots of Colombia (FOOD)
Maram Vinegar (FOOD)
Dongocorp-Candelice (FOOD)
Mexi Salsas (FOOD)
Mexyavii Corporation (FOOD)
Silver Mines of Taxcos (JEWELRY)
Nepali Jewelry (JEWELRY)
Jean Wenceslas (JEWELRY)
Monarca Shop (JEWELRY)
Mexican soul Crafts and Gifts (CRAFTS)
El Rinconcito de Frida (CRAFTS)
Jorge Rizzi Arts (CRAFTS)
Ethnikutis (CRAFTS)
Asmeret's Designs (CRAFTS)
Barbara IC (CRAFTS)
Quetelle Global Enterprises (CRAFTS)
KYN Apparel (FASHION)
Adoniaa Beauty (FASHION)
Dusandi & Sons Trading (FASHION)
View images from the K-DAYS Urban Market below!
The Afghan Outreach, under the leadership of the Settlement Program, organized a 2nd welcome event for Afghan Newcomers from 12 noon to 2:30 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022.
18 Newcomer families were welcomed at the event, attended the orientation session outlining the services that Action for Healthy Communities provided, and interacted with the AHC staff on site. The attendees also received donations collected from Glenora Rotary Club and Edmonton Food Bank.
We thank the Glenora Rotary Club and the Edmonton Food Bank for this synergistic collaboration.
On October 6, 2022, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted a community forum at Santa Maria Goretti Centre, where community members and leaders gathered together and had a chance to network and learn from each other. The day's theme was "Building Inclusive Communities: A Common Vision." The event aimed to amplify the voices of the local grassroots communities, discuss community issues, learn about their interests and initiatives, and identify potential shared paths forward.
Approximately 93 participants attended the event, comprising members of the different community groups in Edmonton, Government officials, AHC partners, and stakeholders. Ten community booths were showcased during the event, with additional presentations from five grassroots community groups. The ongoing community efforts highlighted in the presentations include mental health support, youth empowerment, senior activities, cultural arts workshops, women's empowerment, and digital literacy.
The event was closed with an activity gathering the participants' recommendations for the path forward in three areas: grassroots community level, agency level and policy/government/funding level.
Among the many aspirations expressed by the attendees was the necessity for community-based capacity-building initiatives to be heard, increased funding opportunities, and relationship-building.
The AHC Community Development Unit will continually connect and work with the grassroots communities in providing guidance and support in implementing their initiatives and plans. If you would like to work with AHC on a community development initiative in your community, please email: communitydevelopment@a4hc.ca.
Indeed, there is oneness and inclusivity in a community where collaboration and knowledge sharing are its core.
View images from the event below.
AHC takes part in the 43rd Annual BDC Small Business Week
Small Business Week is an annual celebration of Canadian entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada's economy since 1979. This annual event is organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) every third week of October.
The celebration gathers entrepreneurs (prospective and existing) at conferences, workshops, business pitching competitions, luncheons, and trade fairs across Canada. The goal is to provide them with opportunities to learn, network, share ideas and socialize with fellow business owners and potential investors.
However, existing entrepreneurs and start-ups struggle to take off in implementing their plans and solving their urgent business needs. This is due to their lack of initial booster, either "in kind" or "indirect cash" support.
Considering these concerns, AHC's Business Support Program (BSP) joined this year's Nationwide Small Business Week Celebration. A series of activities were organized to meet the needs of Edmonton's local entrepreneurs. Below is the overview of each activity:
Iris Camacho bagged first place, Areej Allem in second place, Esperance Dongo in third place, and Anne Marie Camara in fourth place.
All the winners were awarded cash prizes, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and access to training materials, and more.
View images of the event below.
On Saturday, December 17, 2022, AHC hosted its annual year-end celebration at the Northgate Lions Recreation Centre.
This multicultural event aims to share, promote, celebrate and educate others about diverse heritages and promote's local business owners in the area. This family-friendly public event featured various fun interactive games, multicultural performances, immersive experiences, food and refreshments. MLA from Edmonton-Centre, David Shepherd joined us to share a holiday message.
As part of this event, participants visited various booths and answered trivia questions, highlighting the Belvedere and Balwin area with the historical cultural and economic diversity within residents, businesses and organizations. To build greater connections, sustainability will occur by creating a stronger foundation of information sharing with all residents and businesses. Communities supporting each other and standing together results in success in accessing services and unleashing the power of the community we live in.
Social interaction through gatherings such as this breaks down unfamiliarity, fear, and isolation and promotes social cohesion and peaceful coexistence amongst diverse community groups and host communities. This event is a platform for provoking meaningful connections to foster social transformation in individuals and communities.
AHC's annual year-end celebration is one of several yearly multicultural gatherings which play an essential role in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations as youths, adults, and seniors.
View images from the event below.
It’s been a difficult nearly 18 months as the world has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic—but as cases drop, restrictions lift, and vaccinations increase, it feels like the world might be finally turning a corner. Still, despite these improvements, vaccination rates have lagged in the newcomer community, as barriers keep people from accessing the COVID-19 vaccines.
Action for Healthy Communities hosted a Pop-Up Clinic and Family Fun Day on Friday, July 9 and Saturday, July 10, to support increasing vaccine uptake. A hardworking team of AHC staff and volunteers alongside outreach workers from the Edmonton COVID-19 Rapid Response Collaborative (ECRRC) transformed the lower floor of the office into a vaccination clinic, and the parking lot into an impromptu BBQ and dance party, with Kona Ice providing delicious frozen treats on Friday afternoon. A team of Alberta Health Services nurses and administrators ensured clients received their vaccines safely, while interpreters translated all the vitally important medical information into whatever language clients felt most comfortable with. When they were finished getting their vaccines, clients and their families gathered in the parking lot for a free burger, snow cone, music, and fun!
The event caught the attention of many community stakeholders; Edmonton MLAs Janis Irwin and David Shepherd, and MP James Cummings all came to visit us. On Saturday, Global News Edmonton (2:26-4:20) interviewed Lisa Jane de Gara and Gail Kesslar about the event, asking about how to promote vaccination in the community.
Over the two days, we vaccinated approximately 75 people, served about 150 burgers, and had the chance to get some face-to-face interaction with our community members.
View the images from the event below!
Claudine Moyo started her connection with Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) when she was registered to attend the Entrepreneurship Supports Program Spring 2020 Level-1 class. At that time, she did an engagement plan showing her dream business and business goals after two years. Later she continued attending the Fall 2020 Level-2 Class.
Her business, which she was able to launch in August of 2019 is called Little Light Home Care Services. Her main reason for joining the program was to get a better understanding of how to run a successful business and have the privilege of having a mentor.
Little Light Homecare is part of a Global Home Health Care industry that offers services to seniors in and around Edmonton, and to those in need. Before the program, Little Light was just an idea but now it is fully operational. It is registered, licensed, has a website and can be found on different social media platforms, and most of all, it’s a business with clients.
“It has given me a new meaning to life and allowed me to work in a field I'm passionate about,” says Claudine. “I have built a legacy for my family and I strongly agree that I gained the confidence to grow, improve and expand my business.”
She learned and acquired the four business tools (Market Research, Marketing Plan, Business Feasibility, and Business Plan); and gained skills, options, aspirations, and motivations on business planning and launching. “I created my own business,” says Claudine, “and I improved my business skills and business operation”. Similarly, the Entrepreneurship support helped her to increase her business-to-business and business-to-customer portfolios.
Her business is now well established and she has received better mentoring support, with a plan to grow, expand and look to possibly offering franchise opportunities for others as well.
When Claudine was asked about her experience with the Entrepreneurship support she said, “I learned how to write a business plan, how to market my business and how to run and operate it. The instructor was very clear and patient with us and taught us to be patient with the process.”
info@littlelighthomecare.ca Phone: (780) 721-6945
Story by: Wubetu Biabeyin
Claudia Ramos, born in Mexico, is the owner of ‘La Granja Foods’, a company offering a range of different Mexican food products such as cheeses, sausages and pork products.
Having a business idea prepared, and previously selling her own products informally, Claudia’s assessment previous to entering the program indicated she had a good basic understanding of her business and so she was assigned into the level ll of our entrepreneurship support program, where she participated during the pandemic lockdown.
Claudia first moved to Alberta following her husband’s dream to live in Canada to provide a higher quality of life and brighter future to their children, and in the process she became a business owner herself.
At the beginning La Granja Foods was simply a distraction to keep herself busy while starting her life in Canada. She began using her family recipes to cook, and seeing the acceptance these had in her community’s environment she started selling her own food products. Although informally at first, after joining the ESP she was able to register her business and she’s now selling them in Latin stores around Edmonton.
Currently her main customers are mostly within the Latin American community. However, in the future she seeks to explore other markets as well to continue growing.
And if you’ve ever heard of ‘Los Molcajetes’, that’s Claudia too! She also runs a Mexican food stand where she sells different recipes at very affordable prices from Friday to Sunday.
Follow Los Molacajetes on Facebook to know what they’ll be selling next, and La Granja Foods to know more about her products.
And to hear more stories such as this one make sure to follow us;
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Youtube: AHC Entrepreneurship Support Program
Want to participate in our business training too?
https://vimeo.com/603346093Ariana, owner and creator of Boomballons, and Laura and Margarita, the twins behind Twinscrafting unite forces to bring you creative solutions to the problems you didn't know you had.
This winner team specializes in organizing and taking charge of everything (decorating-wise) in your party. Wether is a birthday party, a wedding, a baptism, a gender reveal, a Wednesday night celebration (because why not?) or a baby shower, these ladies have everything under the sleves to help you celebrate that special moment in your life.
Ariana and Laura, both now bestfriends, met just two weeks before the beginning of our Business Training Program while searching online for other mothers with Spanish-speaking children so their children could practice Spanish together. They then discovered they both had business ideas on the making, and therefore proceeded to take the training together.
Since both of their business are geared towards event planning and organization, on April 2021 they decided to form a partnership to offer more complete party packages to their clients, and with the chemistry and work ethic they posses they couldn't ask for a better partnership.
During the training they were able to access a support network were they can always come back to in the future, as well as gained valuable business skills that they can put in practice while doing their craft.
And now, despite the challenges of being a Full-time entrepreneur with children, in a completely different country, Ariana and Claudia are now able to say that they are able to work on what they love and can call their business their full-time job .
…. and they will soon start to offer workshops to teach others how to create party decorations with the same style that they do
Follow them on their social to see more of their work!
And to hear more stories such as this one make sure to follow us;
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Facebook: @a4hc.esp
Youtube: AHC Entrepreneurship Support Program
Want to participate in our business training too? Visit our Entrepreneurship Support Program Page to sign up.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRg-Wy6KAeT/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CQtcYt-Ba7b/
Jenny Serrato Ardila, Entrepreneur
Located in Terwillegar, in the past year Pawies Boutique has grown into a successful business in Edmonton.
The company sells hand-made design outfits for pets, ranging from small dogs to rabbits.
Owner, founder and designer Jenny Serrato Ardila started the company in 2019, as a way to satisfy her own need of having designer clothes for her pets. Ardila imports the material from Chile and works hard to create new designs, noting that her favourite outfit has to be: tutus.
“I always dress my yorkie and I couldn’t find beautiful dresses for her in Canada. So, I decided to make her some and now I do it for other people too,” Ardila says.An immigrant, Ardila moved from Colombia to Calgary, Canada first in 2015 to attend the ESL program at the University of Calgary.
“I spent two years learning English. I tried to stay here but couldn’t find a job so I had to go back to Colombia when my visa ran out,” she says.
In 2018, Ardila moved back to Canada, this time settling in Edmonton, and the rest they say, is history.
“My experience with Action for Healthy Communities was and is still very good,” Ardila says, referring to the organization that helped her start Pawies Boutique. “They help me every time. They look for me and talk about business ideas. Which, I really appreciate because they help me grow my business.”
You can check out Pawies Boutique on social media or contact Ardila through her website at https://pawiesboutique.wixsite.com/pawiesboutique
Article by: Ishita Verma
Entrepreneur: Karem Velez
Growing up in Mexico, Karem Velez knew from an early age that the world is a very diverse place. Velez also understood that people are equal regardless of their colour, race, and place of origin. It was this understanding that inspired her to start her own company; an organization that aims to empower immigrant women.
The organization — named INCLUSIVE —, specializes in workforce development programs created to specifically help immigrant women succeed in the labour market. The organization provides the tools, strategies and support to help women achieve their goals without losing their cultural heritage by embracing a multicultural environment and developing their skills and abilities.
“My focus is to help them move from where they are to where they want to be,” Velez says.
Having seen the difficulties firsthand, Velez’s passion is to support the immigrant community to adapt and evolve.
“As an immigrant, I understand and relate to the struggles that individuals and families encounter when starting a new life in a different country.”
Velez says the Business Supports Program (BSP) at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) “was crucial in the physical manifestation of my dream.”
The program was adjusted to her individual needs and guided her through every step business start-ups required: incorporations, business operations etc.
“The program provides a clear path full of knowledge and support,” Velez says.
Currently, Velez is in the process of developing her website and social media platforms. For more information about INCLUSIVE contact Velez at vkaremllara@gmail.com
For more information about the Business Supports Program email business.supports@a4hc.ca
Article by: Ishita Verma
Throughout August 2020, AHC's Settlement Team facilitated weekly in-person workshops to help clients learn about Alberta Works online reporting tool, teaching them how to report their monthly incomes, where to report, how to manages any changes in their information and more! In addition, the program held a workshop in the last week on August to help inform newcomer families about back-to-school during the COVID-19 pandemic, how the changes will impact their children's learning, what their options for learning are, and how to continue being able to support their children's learning during this time.
Staff and clients adhered to strict COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and masks while in the building.
Images from these workshops are below.
On September 19, 2020, from 1 pm to 5 pm, AHC's Business Supports and IMPACT programs hosted an in-person market to celebrate local vendors from Edmonton. The event was attended by more than 300 people including 35 small business vendors, media, the AHC team, volunteers, and Edmonton Center Member of Parliament, James Cumming. Guests were able to take a mini "world tour" and shop from a variety of local goods including arts and crafts, cultural clothing, beauty products, jewelry, cuisine, pet accessories, community services and much more!
Guest speakers for the afternoon included AHC's Executive Director, Aftab Khan, MP for Edmonton Centre, James Cumming and Settlement & Integration Manager, Suzana Dumo, and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally introduce the I.M.P.A.C.T project.
Local dance group, Folklorical Ballet Mexico, gave a colourful and entertaining Mexican ballet performance for guests. Diversity Magazine was present to cover the event.
Overall, the event was well-attended and a great display of the diverse array of new and existing local businesses. A special thanks to all the vendors, special guests, participants, performers and volunteers who helped make this event a great success!
Images from the event can be found below!
List of vendors who participated in this event:
Arts and Crafts:
Yazmin Escobar, Solekankolor
Tania Brito, Mexican Soul Crafts and Gifts
Natalia Capacho, Morena Mia
Jamelle Davis, JD Art
Jonas Cameron, Urban Expression Customs
Maria Rodrigues, The Creative Artisan
Beauty:
Ashe Adekunle, House of Ashe
Teddine Stanford, Vagikini Magic
Community:
Vanessa Benavides, Vane Image Studio
Amparo Gonzalez, Edmonton Hispanic Women’s Support Group
Jiken Madhu, Rollout Technologies
Cailenys Salazar, DryPod
Fashion:
Maria Teresa Jimenez, El Closet De Tere
Farhan Ali, Dusandi and Sons Trading
Alèthe Kaboré , KYN Apparel
Valentine Maposa, Perfect Pair Swimwear
Nicola, Klassickoutique Fashion
Jenny Serrato Ardila, Pawies Boutique
Natalia Capacho, Morena Mía
Sara Awatta, Oonsie Boutique
Food:
Dosi-rock, Korean Street Food
Martha Vasquez, Tico Cheese
Aimee Mpilidi, Wenze Market and Grill
Maria Ramirez, Maguita Antojitos Colombianos
Dongo Kouakou, Dongo Corporation
Yuchang Li, Byothers, Inc.
Doci* Rock, Korean Food
Sheeba Indian Street Food
Jewellery:
Yamileth Gonzalez, Mexican Crafts
Shiva Prajapati, Himalayan Jewelry and Handicrafts
Joelle Kacou, Jean Wenceslas Jewels
Sara Awatta, Onsie Boutique
Donna Robillard
Like many other businesses within the food industry, Paraiso Tropical Latin Food Market is not immune to food waste.
“Food waste has always been a big problem in our store, because there’s a lot of confusion about what is actually consumable and what isn’t,” shares owner Jesus Gonzalez Rivas Jr.
“You have the expiry dates, the best before dates…a lot of the food that can still be consumed customers don’t wanna purchase ‘cause they think that they can’t eat it.
“So a lot of the time, we have been forced to just take those foods off the shelves when they’re completely edible."
In the last two years, Gonzalez Rivas Jr. has tried to approach a couple of organizations in an effort to help Paraiso Tropical reduce its food waste, but due to logistical issues, a solution couldn’t quite be reached.
“A lot of customers always told us, ‘You know, you guys should donate your food,’” says Gonzalez Rivas Jr. “But at the time, it was hard to organizations that could take our food.” READ FULL ARTICLE>>>
On Sunday, September 15th AHC's youth Art Club participated in the Art Family Festival where they participated in paper and card-making workshops and had fun watching a variety of performances. View images from the event below!
On Wednesday, November 6th, senior participants from the Learning English For Daily Life (LED) program at Mill woods seniors association participated in an injury prevention workshop facilitated by Billy Smale from Alberta Health Services. Billy demonstrated safe exercise and lifting practices, safety tips for winter weather and more! Participants enjoyed some light refreshments and fun while engaging in light exercise and stretches.
View images from the event below.
On October 25, 2019, AHC hosted a youth Club parents' night which took place on Oct 25th. Parents and AHC staff shared a lot of information about AHC programs, the benefits of youth participation in various AHC afterschool programs, as well as the importance of parents' role in youth encouragement and motivation.
On October 19, 2019, AHC held a “Mental Health Fair”. At the same time, we did our third leadership training workshop on “Mental Health Matters in the Future”. The purpose of the “Mental Health Fair” was to create an opportunity for community members to raise awareness of mental health and healthcare resources and destigmatize mental illness. Most importantly, the event provided training for community leaders to take a leadership role in finding innovative community-based solutions to mental health needs for their communities.
The event was sponsored by Community Standards & Neighbourhoods, City of Edmonton. We invited four knowledgeable and experienced experts in the field as our guest speakers to provide the training. Our speakers include Vanessa Iceton, a registered psychologist from Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network. She did a presentation on “Introduction to Mental Health”. Mark Frederick, Mental Health Therapist from the Family Centre, gave us a talk with the title “Mental Health: A Therapist's Perspective”, sharing his firsthand experience from his daily work with clients. With the topic “Reaching out to Mental Wellness: Exploring the Role of Community Leaders”, Isaac Cherian (a Registered Provisional Psychologist from Consciousness Studio) provided a vivid metaphor with wisdom about mental health and presented some helpful strategies on improving mental wellbeing to our participants. In particular, Prof. Bo Cao from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, through data analytics and predictive models, gave us a profound and positive speech on “The impacts of Artificial Intelligence on human mental health in the future”.
Besides the workshop, the event also included a mental health resource showcase for participants provided by Edmonton Oliver Primary Care Network and Edmonton North Primary Care Network. During the break, Midnight Rendezvous, a Chinese student music group from the University of Alberta, did a fantastic performance for the audience.
The event was a success, with over 60 participants. The feedback from our audiences was very positive. They reported this was a very knowledgeable, informative and helpful training. They felt they have learned a lot of knowledge and skills about mental health from the workshop. They also appreciated all the resources they got from the resource showcase In addition, they enjoyed the performance, food and social aspect.
On Saturday, December 14th from 1-4 pm, AHC hosted our annual year-end celebration, themed "Communities in Action". This year's event was sponsored by the City of Edmonton and held in collaboration with the YEG Ambassadors.
The event was a great success with approx 500 participants including staff, volunteers, participants and guest performers. The fun-filled afternoon included speeches from MLA- Edmonton Centre, David Shepherd and City Councillor - Ward 6, Scott McKeen. Global TV Edmonton was on-site to capture the fun and festivities.
We had a number of special performances including an all Mauritian ensemble, Lakota Tootoosis - Hoop Dance, the Jhankar Bits Dance Group, the Horan (Syrian) Heritage Band, Qipao Club Women's Dance, and the Kurdish Children's Dance Group.
Guests were treated to a wide variety of ethnic foods courtesy of several local restaurant owners and caterers representing the middle east, Africa and Asia.
Guests were also able to visit several booths on-site and answer fun trivia questions and win prizes. Overall, the family-friendly event served as a way to bring various community members together and provide the opportunity to mix-and-mingle. This event showcased that communities supporting each other and standing together results in success across the board in building and unleashing the power of the community we live in. Communities in Action Year-end celebration is a way to celebrate a running history of contributions and achievements within the community.
View images from the event below!
To celebrate the achievements our participants have accomplished in 2019 and look forward to the future, the Adult Literacy and Skills Development Program at AHC held our annual “Celebration of learning” on Dec. 12, 2019. Over 100 participants including teachers, students and their families, performers and volunteers attended this event. Mr. Aftab Khan, AHC’s Executive Director, delivered a welcome speech to the audience. As the distinguished guest, Ms. Debbie Clark, Executive Director of Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA), one of AHC’s founders, sent her warm greeting to the participants.
The celebration program was very rich, including presentation of certificates, learning experience sharing, teaching experience sharing, and multicultural performances - music, dance, and signing. The celebration also included door prizes, food, and Christmas gifts with Santa Claus for the Children. 65 students from our English, Computer, Senior English class and Leadership Training programs received their certificates.
Students shared their learning experience at AHC and felt very proud of themselves for the great progress and achievements they have made through participating in ALSD programs. For example, students from Senior English Class reported that many of them had very little, even zero English when they attended the class in mid-August, 2018. Only after more than one-year learning, they were able to speak some simple English daily sentences already and can do many things such as going shopping, participating in multicultural events in other communities and taking buses independently. The class sang two English songs at the celebration. Everyone was very impressed by their progress. Instructors who worked for ALSD program were very happy to see many of their students receive certificates and made incredible progress and improvement. All the participants and their families enjoyed the celebration tremendously and liked the performances presented by FV music group from University and Alberta and from our partner organization- Immigration Community Alberta Network (ICAN). In particular, the children were very happy to receive gifts kindly donated by Santa's Anonymous and have the photo with Santa Clause.
View images from the event below!
AHC's English Conversation Program - Learning English for Daily Living (LED), held a special year-end potluck/wrap up event for participants across its 6 locations. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the festive season, practice their English conversational skills, and enjoy a variety of multicultural dishes. View images from the event below!
On Saturday, June 22, 2019, AHC's Youth soccer team participated in AHC's annual Community Soccer Tournament. The boys (ages 16-30) won first place in their category. Other winners of the event included the Nepalese under 16 team and the Latino Lions, who took the Masters title (over 30). View images from the event below.
On Saturday, June 15th AHC newcomer youth took a field trip to Royal Alberta Museum. For the majority of the youth, it was the first time they had the opportunity to visit a museum. They were able to learn about Canadian and Albertan history, science and interact with their peers.
View images from the trip below!
On Saturday, July 13, 2019, AHC held its 3rd annual multicultural talent show. The event was well attended with more than 300 participants who engaged the crowd in song, dance, music and entertainment showcasing their diverse and wonderful array of talents. Staff and volunteers also provided henna and activities for the children.
At this event, we invited members of the Cree, Dene, Metis and numerous other Indigenous nations in Treaty No. 6 as many of our community members are newcomers to amiskwacîwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Edmonton, and we looked forward to providing the community more opportunities to learn more about Indigenous experiences, rights and culture. An opening Land Acknowledgement and a Cree prayer was presented by Lloyd Cardinal, who shared some of the Cree History and sang a wonderful Cree song.
Social bonds can be improved greatly through art, cultural and recreational activities. Social interaction, through such events, has been proven to break down unfamiliarity, fear and isolation. They also promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among diverse community groups. Such activities play a very essential role in promoting sustainable social development for future generations as youth can act as a bridge between cultures and serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding.
This event served to strengthen the integration between communities and show a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages, Such activities play a very essential role in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations, as youth can act as a bridge between cultures and serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding.
View images from the event below.
"On June 21st, 2019, AHC's entrepreneurship program held its 6th graduation ceremony for our Fall 2018 entrepreneurs. Over 60 entrepreneurs, 60% women and 40% men, were recognized during the event. The graduation ceremony happened in Edmonton City Hall. A great keynote, Mark Holmgren, special guests Edmonton Center MLA, David Shepherd, Councillor Aaron Paquette, Funders, and community partners attended this event.
Our entrepreneurs' family and friends were also there to support and encourage them in their entrepreneurship journeys. Overall, 130 people participated in the event. Entrepreneurs received their certificates and honours. 8 entrepreneurs showcased their businesses, developed business to business and business to customer relationships and presented their products and services to dignitaries, who were thrilled by their achievements." - Abdoulaye Barry, Entrepreneurship Program Lead
View images from the event below!
On Wednesday, June 19th, AHC held an open house followed by its 24th Annual General Meeting. The event saw more than 140 participants come out to take a tour of the building, learn more about our programs and supports, meet many of our staff, volunteers, community and board members and enjoy some refreshments.
During this past year, we have provided support to more than 10,000 individuals, including families, youth and children, through our capacity-building support, programs and services. This could not be done without the leadership and commitment of our dedicated staff and network of 300+ volunteers.
We have also built meaningful relationships with various stakeholders and partners in small towns to expand our support to the underserved newcomer population groups in those towns. We have been part of a community that has played a leadership role to make Edmonton and Alberta a better place for all of us. We have also expanded to close to 50 program sites including 33 schools. Most recently, we have begun providing supports in small-town centres including Cold Lake and Camrose..
We are thankful to our funders, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and guidance to make 2018 a successful year for us and we strongly believe that with their ongoing support we will be able to take on new challenges and help more people to successfully integrate into society.
View images from the event below.
On August 10, 2019, AHC held its annual youth soccer tournament. The event was very successful and well organized with more than 100 newcomer youth participants. A special thanks to Pizza Hut and Paradise sweet shop who donated Pizza and sweets to the youth after the games. View images from the event below.
On Saturday, April 13 Luciana Erregue-Sacchi, EAC Artist in Residence at A4HC organized the multilingual reading event Reading as Place. Edmonton Poet Laureates Alice Major and Anna Marie Sewell were amongst the appreciative audience. Writers Yasser Abdel-Latif, Leilei Chen, Lisa Dublin, Mila Bongco, and Luciana herself read works in Arabic, Tagalog, Mandarin, Creole, and Spanish.
Stay tuned for her Spoken Word event on May 4.
To create a welcome and fun learning environment as well as to facilitate our students’ cultural understanding, on March 28, the Adult Literacy and Skills Develop program held an “Intercultural Learning - Celebrate Spring”. Partnering with Immigrant Community Alberta Network Association (ICAN), AHC’s 7 classes from English, computer and math courses joined the celebration. Around 100 people from different cultural background participated in the event. The program was very rich, including certificate ceremony, art performance, Spring celebration custom sharing from different cultures and food.
Over 20 students from English and computer classes obtained the completion of certificates. Among of them, around ten people from AHC’s senior English students. They felt very proud of themselves. At the beginning, when they joined the class, they knew very little English. After taking several terms of the classes, they can now hold simple English conversations. They feel more confident and very happy with the progress they have made.
Through sharing different cultural customs of celebrating Spring, students stated that they not only have learned English, but also learned different cultures which really enriched their life. At the celebration, seniors from both ICAN and AHC’s English classes did art performances. The performances included Chinese dance, music, martial arts and singing. In particular, AHC’s senior students sang English songs, which they prepared during their class! Volunteer teachers from the University of Alberta joined the class with their students together to sing the song. Everybody was very joyful.
In all, participants reported that this was a very successful event and a meaningful learning experience. They enjoyed all the programs, made networks and had a lot of fun together.
View pictures from the event below.
On Saturday, May 4th EAC/AHC Artist in Residence Luciana Errugue hosted a spoken word session with fellow poets Brandon Wint, Liam P. Coady and K'alii. View images from the event below.
On Friday, May 17, 2019 staff members of AHC were present at NorQuest college to support two AHC nominees for this year's 4th annual Diversity Awards, presented by Diversity Magazine. AHC Executive Director, Aftab Khan and Settlement & Integration Manager, Suzana Dumo received awards under the Friends of Diversity Category. This category represents an Albertan that has made significant strides in fostering diversity and inclusion in any sector in Alberta.
Aftab Khan shared his experience after ceremony stating: "I strongly believe that these two awards are a recognition of AHC team's long term strategic commitment and involvement in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace at AHC to benefit all of our clients, participants and volunteers who can ultimately contribute towards creating a diverse and inclusive Edmonton community. These awards further strengthen our commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion as our long term strategy to create a vibrant Edmonton for all. I am thankful to all of you who have participated in this event and those who were not able to participate but congratulated via phone or email. Congratulation to you all!! These awards are dedicated to you AHC Team!"
View the team and award winners below!
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, AHC held it's 2nd annual Mother's Day Tea event. The event saw 60 plus participants come out to enjoy various festivities including estheticians, wellness coaches, photographers, nutritionists, naturopaths, meditation and yoga facilitators. There was childcare provided on site and a clothing swap for the families.
The purpose of the event is to host a celebratory afternoon that encouraged and empowered the moms to foster interpersonal relationships. We aimed to promote a healthy community and awareness of the holistic services available to assist them in their daily living.
The overall goal of this event was to provide families who face barriers with a variety of holistic self-care services and information in order to practice and promote self-care and the importance of social, mental/emotional and physical health.
A Special Thanks to our Donors and Self-Care Professionals who helped make this event a success!
View images from the event below!
On Saturday, April 27, 2019, AHC's Learning English for Daily Life (LED) program held a graduation ceremony for its participants. This program runs in several locations throughout the city.
This Program is designed to help adult newcomers to Canada fulfill their needs to overcome the language barrier so they feel comfortable and confident to communicate in their new homeland.
Program Objectives include:
For more information on this program, contact Abida Tahir at: (780) 944-4687 ext. 222
View images from the event below!
On May 25, Saturday, 2019, we held our first leadership training workshop for women with the topic - “Nurturing Women Leaders for Tomorrow’s Rapidly Changing Society”, sponsored by Community Standards & Neighbourhoods, City of Edmonton, the workshop achieved a great success. Over 40 people including volunteers and AHC’s staff participated in the training. Four successful women leaders from the government, non-profit organizations and companies were invited as guest speakers. The speakers were Jacqueline Foord, Branch Manager, Social Development, City of Edmonton; Cheryl Whiskeyjack, Executive Director, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society; Lisa Standeven, Corporate Trainer & Leadership Coach; and Tracy Folorunsho - Barry, Founder/CEO of Grow Women Leaders Global Inc. and GROW Foundation. From different cultural background and aspects, our guest speakers shared their own experience and the challenges they were facing. They also provided knowledge about and insights insight into women leadership, strategies for improving leadership skills, and solutions to future challenges.
All the participants reported that they were very impressed by all the speakers’ lived experience, their strong responsibilities for society, hard work and persistence to achieve their goals and a big vision for the future. They stated that they have learnt a lot from the speakers as role models, have been made aware of future challenges in today’s fast-changing society and motivated to take the effort to overcome future difficulties. All of them enjoyed the training and felt empowered after participating in the workshop.
To increase community capacities, AHC holds leadership training for our communities quarterly. The theme of leadership training workshops in 2019 is “Nurturing Leadership Skills for Future Challenges” since we are living in the information era with the rapid development of technology. The following are the topics for our future training workshops:
September 25, Wednesday, 2019, 5:30 - 8:30 pm- Community Leadership: Mental Health Matters in the Future
October 30, Wednesday, 2019, 5:30 - 8:30 pm- Future Trends for Community Leaders: The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on our Life
View images from the event below!
On Saturday, February 16, AHC's Youth Soccer team had a friendly soccer game with the Ethiopian community soccer team at Commonwealth Stadium. The youth had the opportunity to meet new friends and have a fun time. For more information on AHC's Youth Soccer Club or other Youth Club Activities click here!
A special thanks to PC Children's Charity who has supported AHC's HACK program with funding for its snack program and culinary arts. Staff have been actively engaged with the children in cooking, assisting the children in the cutting of vegetable and fruits, baking and even some cooking on the stove! View images of the children below.
On September 27th AHC invites its 2018 Tax Clinic volunteers to its monthly staff potluck and presented them certificates of appreciation. Every year during tax season AHC relies on volunteers for its free community tax clinic which runs between January and April every year and served over 1650 clients this year. If you are interested in becoming a tax clinic volunteer email: volunteers@a4hc.ca with the subject: Tax Clinic Volunteer. View images from the appreciation event below.
The children of the Healthy Active Community Kids (HACK) program exercised their compassion last week by making care packages for the homeless. The children delivered the packages on December 4th, 2018. Each care package included socks, gloves, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, hand warmers candy cane and a note/picture that was done by the child packing the bag. View images of the kids in action below.
"Adult Literacy and Skill Development (ALSD) Program held its annual major event – “2018 Celebration of Learning” on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at AHC. Aftab Khan, AHC’s Executive Director, delivered a welcome speech to the audience. As the distinguished guest, Ms. Debbie Clack, Executive Director of Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA), one of AHC’s funders, sent her warm greeting to the participants. Around 130 people, including performers, volunteers, students and their families participated in the celebration. The celebration program included the presentation of certificates, learning experience sharing, teaching experience sharing, and multicultural performances -- music, dance, and singing. The celebration also included door prizes, food, and Christmas gifts with Santa Claus for the Children. Over 40 students from AHC's English, Computer, Math classes and Leadership Training program received their certificates.
Students shared their learning experiences at AHC and felt very proud of themselves for the great progress and achievements they have made through participating in ALSD programs. For example, students from our Senior English Class reported that many of them had very little, even zero English when they attended the class in mid-August 2018. Only after more than two months of learning, were they able to speak some simple English sentences. The class even sang an English song at the celebration. Everyone was very impressed by their progress. Instructors who worked for ALSD program were very happy to see many of their students receive their certificates and make incredible progress and improvement. All the participants and their families enjoyed the celebration tremendously. They reported that this was one of the best events they participated in this year. In particular, they appreciated that AHC invited their families to participate in the event. The children were very happy to receive gifts kindly donated by Santa Anonymous and have the photo with Santa Clause.
AHC appreciated In Motion, MacEwan University, a new student contemporary dance group, who shared a performance for the graduates. People enjoyed their fantastic dance. We also express our sincere thanks to all the volunteers for their great job on the event. Especially, we highly appreciate the Chinese International Student Development Society at the University of Alberta for providing almost 20 volunteers for the event.
In all, ALSD has made great progress in 2018. We first time created a senior English class at AHC this year. The program will also increase a parent English class at Brightview School in early 2019. We believe that 2019 will be a very promising year for the program." - Dr. Yanyu Zhou, ALSD Coordinator
View images from the celebration below.
The AHC Syrian team has been coordinating an Arabic Women Networking & Conversation circle over the last several weeks. On this particular occasion, in addition to networking and sharing their stories, the women also received hand-made quilted blankets from southern Alberta courtesy of Lynn Sutankay and her family. The ladies appreciated the kind gesture of the gift, which served as a friendly sign of welcome from the community and an exchange of "small town Albertan" culture.
Through this program the women share life skills with other immigrant women, empowering newcomer women to understand, adjust and fully participate in their settlement process. They will learn by sharing their experiences and listening to the experiences of other women. This program creates activities based on their interest and what they would like to learn and share with their community.
Networking with other women from other communities helps:
· Develop skills to understand and adjust to how things are done in a new country.
· To have good communication within family, with neighbours and with other people.
· Develop self-confidence in talking to people or speaking in a group.
· Identify personal barriers which can get in the way of success.
· Learn better ways to change ways of doing tasks.
· Improve English skills
· Overcome social isolation and increase social network.
· Promote interaction and peer support among women participants.
· Meet new friends; build self-confidence.
· Learn effective problem-solving techniques.
View images from the event below.
On Saturday, December 15, 2018 AHC held its Annual Winter Celebration (Year-end celebration) event. This year the event saw more than 300 guests, including (volunteers, community partners, clients and their families) gather at the St. John's Cultural Centre to recognize their efforts of our volunteers and community partners throughout the year, while also partaking in the festivities of the season.
This year's theme centered around "surviving winter" and "embracing winter". MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) was present to talk about different strategies about how to embrace winter, including low-cost winter activities. Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) to had all their winter play gear set-up with things like snowshoes and cross country ski boots and skis to try on. Kids were also able to take turns practicing their hockey skills, shooting balls in a net. The Alberta Motor Association set-up a display and table about winter driving. While some of our community partners such as the Syrian Heritage Association of Canada set-up a display to discuss their various initatvies in the community.
The program started at 2pm with words of welcome from our City Councilor Scott McKeen and MLA David Shepherd. Our Executive Director, Aftab Khan presented a word of recognition for the efforts of our community partners and volunteers this year. Participants were invited to partake in a "winter clothing fashion haul" while being educated on appropriate winter wear. In addition, there were performances by St. Joseph High School's Improv Team, Sebastian Barrera (guitar and Spanish singing) and then Kaz Curtis from Hip Hop in the Park (with a demonstration/story about how people learn English through hip hop music).
Finally, volunteers and community partners were able to collect their certficates and take a picture with our Executive Director. In all, our celebration was a great success with a very high turnout, much engagement from the community and support from over 100+ volunteers and community partners.
View images from the event below
The Connecting Us All Collaborative met for their first meeting of 2019 at AHC on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. The collaborative would like to mentor and support a youth planning committee to host a 1.5 day Anti-Racism Youth Forum targeted at newcomer youth bringing together 3 levels of government, service agencies, ethnocultural community organization leaders with youth to discuss challenges they face and work towards potential solutions to anti-racism in the Edmonton Region. The partners in the Collaboration includes the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Action for Healthy Communities, The Sierra Leone Association of Alberta, and Multicultural Relations Office of the City of Edmonton.
The forum will take place in May or June 2019. The expected outcomes of this project are:
Ø Share knowledge and learning about racism issues as they affect youth through panel presentations and community dialogue;
Ø Learning about cultural and linguistic differences, diversity in places of origin, racism and discrimination experiences from youth who have lived it
Ø Focus on collaborative and coordinated approaches listening to youth concerns about the various barriers in their lives
Ø To plan, develop and recommend culturally and linguistically grounded initiatives that resonate with this population, and help address adaptation issues required
Ø To build the capacity and confidence of youth to be able to provide a leadership role in initiating actions to address and solve racism issues
On Thursday, August 16th, AHC held its 6th annual Diversity Health Fair. We were very honored to have MLA David Shepherd, Edmonton-Centre attend the fair, behalf of Honorable MP Sarah Hoffman, who sent her regrets due to unforeseen circumstances.
Our Board Chair, Mr. Michael Beard, welcomed Mr. Shepherd and all the Alberta Health Exhibitors. As well, Vice Chair, Mr. Ahmad Dean Shaikh, and Director, Amanda Serra, had a chance to visit all the Exhibitors. Our Settlement Manager, Ms. Suzana Dumo, Welcomed and thanked all the Health Service Providers and participants for presenting a fundamental part in the day's event.
Rola Chehayeb, the Settlement and Integration Case Management Supervisor, started organizing this event, in April this year, to ensure that it was a success, bringing in, not only more service providers but a wide range of service providers who were first time participants at the health fair. The feedback was all positive from 300+ people of all ages, who had a meaningful and educational engagement.
We must really congratulate the Alberta Health Council and All health & wellness organizations for taking this opportunity to address some health issues that the diverse community has concerns about during this successful 6th Annual Diversity Health Fair. We extend our appreciation to Alberta Health Advisory Council and the Coordinator Maya Atallah’s and her assistance to facilitate some of the Health Service Vendors. As well, we congratulate the AHC team that helped organize the health fair this year for a job well done. The event was well organized, well attended and overall successful.
Important information about preventing chronic diseases, improving the nutritional content of meals especially for school lunches, screening for Diabetes, heart health, among other things were available to the community participants who had the opportunity to interact with the various Health Service booth holders to get answers to any questions they had. This event is a strong reminder of how important personal action is in preventing diseases. This initiative is just the beginning of the process towards addressing health concerns.
We would like to extend our appreciation to our community events supporters: Walmart, REmax, Arctic Chiller Water Company, Radio 88.5FM and Radio 1023now, Cedar Sweets, donations from community members and commitment to extend a hand at every event.
View images from the fair below.
On August 25, 2018. AHC held it's annual Community Soccer Tournament at the McQueen community center & Archbishop MacDonald High School soccer fields. More than 250 players, partners and supporters from different communities participated. Partner agencies were the City of Edmonton, McQueen Community, Archbishop MacDonald School and the Edmonton Food Bank. Listed below are the participants of the day and images from the event.
List of participant teams and winners:
Winners Medals:
Trophies:
On September 14th, 2018 CBC Radio Active host Adrienne Pan joined AHC's youth and facilitators for its weekly Youth Talk Club session held every Friday from 4-5:30pm at Mill Woods Public Library. Adrienne held a discussion with the youth about what home means to them and their experiences adjusting to life in Canada.
The Youth Talk Club engages immigrant youth ages 14-24 in conversational group discussions providing English practice, communication skills, confidence-building, and public speaking skills. New immigrant youth become more interested in community issues and what's happening in the society they live in. They are encouraged to think and discuss various issues in a safe drop-in environment.
Other locations include:
Castle Downs Public Library - Thursdays 6-7:30 pm
Jasper Place Public Library - Wednesdays from 4-5:30 pm
Links to CBC Radio Active Twitter coverage of the session:
View images from the session below.
On Thursday, September 13, 2018 AHC held its semi-annual Employer Connections Event (previously known as the Job Fair). Over 130 participants gathered at Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre to visit the booths of the employers, attend employment information sessions, seek resume and job application help. View images of the event below.
On Thursday, October 18, Dr. Bashair Ibrahim discussed the issues and challenges being now in a western country. Refugees face not only challenges related to renegotiating their status and roles within the family but also a range of challenges which prevent them from successfully adjusting to and integrating into a new country, thus exacerbating their difficult living conditions and the subsequent impacts on their family relationship. The challenges that refugee families face in resettlement in a new country are complex and various. She shared how important it us to understand their various challenges and how these might negatively affect them if not dealt with properly. View the images below.
On Saturday, October 6th, AHC took its clients and their families on a field trip the the Edmonton Corn Maze. View the images below.
This July, HACK and EPSB teamed up to provide a free indigenous cultural summer camp. Children in the program learned about identifying themselves culturally and socially while also practicing and learning new skills in music, crafts, technology, dance, social, emotional and physical health, language and literacy and other types of self-development.In addition, HACK offered nutritious meals, peer support, mentoring, cultural guidance and a fun learning experience. On the last day of camp, HACK hosted a free community BBQ, indigenous dancing and a fiddle performance by the children. View images from the BBQ below!
On Saturday, July 21st, the Business Program team held its Graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the program participants who are enrolled in three different initiatives. The event was well organized and attended by people from all walks of life including three MLAs, a city councilor, representative of various organizations, funders, partners and participants from three groups with their friends and families.
As part of the celebration, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their business through various booths/displays set up around the venue. Participants have eagerly and persistently dedicated the last 14+ weeks to take their business ideas to fruition, through the guidance of well-known and experienced facilitators, business consultants, and mentors. This event will serve as a celebration of the entrepreneur’s achievements and provide them the opportunity to showcase their products/services to the public.
The event was covered by StarMetro Media and CBC French!
This unique program is held in partnership with Communities United, Somali Canadian Women & Children Association (SCWCA) and numerous cultural communities and organizations, as part of a new initiative to strengthen the financial security and integration of immigrants and Albertans through self-employment.
On Thursday, March 8, AHC joined several other service providers and community members to celebrate International Women's Day at City Hall. The event saw many Edmontonians stop by to learn about various resources and initiatives being offered around the city for women. In addition there were presentations from Mayor Don Iveson, Elder Betty Letendre, Minster Stephanie McLean, among others. The event was a great way to recognize and honour women, including the many within the city who contribute towards many women's initiatives. There was a Women's Leadership Award presented to Mauriel Stanley Venne. This event was held in partnership with Women's Initiative Edmonton; view images from the event below.
On Thursday, March 8th AHC held its semi-annual Job Fair event at Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre. Over 250 guests stopped by to visits the booths of the employers and service providers. View images of the event below.
On Saturday March, 31st, Mr. Ziad Aboultaif, Canadian (Federal) Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Manning joined the Ready to Work program as a guest speaker to talk about Public Service, the focus of this month. The MP shared his story as an immigrant, and what life steps he took to become the community leader he is today. The event was a success and the I.M.P.A.C.T (Leadership) program took the chance to offer their students certificates in the presence of MP. The MP met youths one by one, and shared with us how he emigrated 28 years ago, only knowing how to say Good Morning to becoming a Member of the Canadian Parliament. The MP also learned more about AHC and gave students insight on how to volunteer and get educated to become a Public Servant. Youths learned that volunteering is key in the community, while there is no singular route of education for governance. It was refreshing to see newcomer girls interested in governance. View images from the event below!
On February 10th, AHC staff and clients attended the 2018 Women’s Symposium event, organized by Women's Initiative Edmonton and sponsored by the City of Edmonton. City Councillor Bev Esslinger and Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of the Status of Women joined several guest speakers to share knowledge on how we can impact and influence our society as a women. In addition, the full-day event was packed with several breakout sessions which allowed the women to experience more target sessions led by various female leaders in the community. The event was hosted at the Westin Hotel. View images from the event below.
On Wednesday, February 14th, Lawyer Janan Jarrah facilitated a legal information session for the Syrian newcomer where she discussed:
View images of the session below.
CBC, January 2024
.stk-5ff71b7 {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-5ff71b7 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}On Saturday, February 16, AHC's Youth Soccer team had a friendly soccer game with the Ethiopian community soccer team at Commonwealth Stadium. The youth had the opportunity to meet new friends and have a fun time. For more information on AHC's Youth Soccer Club or other Youth Club Activities click here!
On August 28, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities, in partnership with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), hosted an exciting Job Shadow and Hiring Event at the YMCA—an incredible opportunity for local youth interested in exploring careers in sports and recreation.
The atmosphere was electric as our youth clients arrived, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to discover their potential future roles in this vibrant field. The day commenced with an engaging presentation from the YMCA staff, who outlined various job openings available, ranging from program leaders to facility operations.
As youth across Canada continue to struggle to find employment, the hiring event painted a vivid picture of the opportunities that await aspiring professionals in the sector.
One of the highlights of the event was the behind-the-scenes tour of the YMCA facility. Youth had the chance to see YMCA professionals in action, giving them a first-hand look at what these rewarding roles entail on a daily basis. This valuable exposure was not only informative but also inspiring, as it showcased the diverse range of positions available within the sports and recreation landscape.
Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to ask questions and interact with the hiring manager, fostering a supportive environment for them to learn more about the application process. Many even took the opportunity to submit job applications on the spot, making the most of this unique event.
For many attendees, the experience was a powerful introduction to the employment possibilities within their community. It opened their eyes to just how varied and accessible these roles are, igniting a fresh sense of possibility and motivation to pursue a career in sports and recreation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to both the YMCA and the ARPA for their invaluable collaboration in making this event a success. Together, we are equipping our youth with the tools and insights they need to find their path in the world of sports and recreation.
When it comes to entrepreneurship, the key is to put your own authentic flavour on your business, and that's exactly what Rossana Puebla quite literally did.
A newcomer from Chile, Rossana has successfully founded her business Étnica Yeg, which provides the authentic flavours of fresh Chilean nuts, spices, and fruits. Her fragrant products are making significant strides in the local market, thanks in part to the invaluable support from Action for Healthy Communities' Entrepreneurship (AHC) Supports Program.
From the outset, Rossana recognized the importance of honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. She actively participated in various business workshops organized by AHC, where she not only learned the essentials of running a business but also had the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs. These workshops, combined with one-on-one guidance, have been pivotal in helping Rossana refine her business strategy and sharpen her entrepreneurial skills.
One of the most exciting milestones in her entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the 2025 KDays Pop-Up Market. This event provided Rossana with a platform to showcase her products and gain valuable exposure. It was more than just a market; it was an opportunity to connect with local customers and gain insights into their preferences and needs.
Building on her success during KDays, Rossana has taken another significant step by accepting an invitation to participate in a two-day FarmFair International this November. Considered to be one of Canada's largest agricultural shows, this event promises to expand her market reach even further, allowing her to meet new clients and explore wholesale opportunities.
Rossana’s story is a testament to the power of community support and the impact of dedicated mentorship in the world of entrepreneurship. As she continues to grow Étnica Yeg, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, success is within reach.
To learn more about Étnica Yeg, you can visit them online using the links below!
For more information about our program, visit AHC's Entrepreneurship Supports Program.
During the summer, the Edmonton Society of Eritrean Segeneyti, Sub-zone continued its ongoing Building Intergenerational Connections for Inclusive Growth in Community initiative.
The initiative is supported by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), through which AHC provided capacity building, resource sharing and technical guidance, starting from community dialogues, needs and assets assessment, followed by an action plan which helped them realize a community-driven initiative based on their identified needs and assets. Guided by a strong commitment to cultural preservation, unity, and inclusion, the initiative by Eritrean Seqeneyti focused on strengthening bonds across generations.
The activities began with Storytelling Across Generations, a gathering designed to bring elders, youth, and adults together in a welcoming and respectful space. Elders shared stories of resilience, migration, tradition, and hope, offering valuable insights into their lived experiences. In return, youth opened up about growing up in Canada, sharing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with balancing two cultural identities. These heartfelt exchanges created a bridge of understanding, nurturing connections across age groups while fostering a sense of mutual respect and belonging.
A highlight of the initiative was the Empathy Circle, a safe and structured dialogue that encouraged participants to listen deeply and speak openly. Through this experience, individuals discovered common ground, realizing that despite differences in age, background, or experience, many of their values and aspirations aligned.
As the day progressed, the event shifted outdoors for a series of lively recreational activities. Boys’ and girls’ soccer and volleyball games brought together children and youth of all ages, promoting teamwork, inclusion, and friendship. Adult volunteers stepped in as coaches, referees, and enthusiastic supporters, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where encouragement and joy were shared freely. These activities, while fun and engaging, also served as a meaningful tool for relationship building and community bonding.
The day concluded with a community barbecue, filling the air with the inviting aroma of traditional Eritrean dishes and the sound of laughter and music. Over plates of flavorful food, elders and youth continued to exchange stories, ideas, and hopes for the future. What began as a shared meal grew into a vibrant celebration of connection and collective pride, reflecting the strength and unity of the community.
The outcomes of the initiative were both inspiring and heartwarming. New friendships were formed, cultural understanding was deepened, and a renewed sense of unity emerged. Younger participants expressed a growing appreciation for their heritage, while elders shared how valued and respected they felt by the younger generation. By combining storytelling, sports, and shared meals, the initiative succeeded in fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing the collective identity of the community.
Looking ahead, the society remains committed to building on this momentum. By continuing to create opportunities for shared learning, connection, and celebration, the community is laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive future.
As one community leader reflected, “Events like these remind us that when we honour our roots and embrace one another, we build a brighter and more united future.”
On February 22nd, 2025, the ELYCA (Empowering Leadership in Youth through Community Action) Program of Action for Healthy Communities had an amazing opportunity to host its Youth Action Forum and Impact Sharing event at the Santa Marie Goretti Centre in Edmonton.
The event was attended by a diverse group of community members and youth from equity-deserving groups across the city. Through thought-provoking discussions, group sessions, and a dynamic panel, participants explored topics like cultural identity and diversity, and social issues & systems. Our participants also learned about project sustainability and partnership, and how to apply these concepts in their community projects.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to all who attended, engaged, and shared in meaningful conversations. All our youth participants displayed incredible passion and determination to be active participants and changemakers in our society.
The ELYCA Program is dedicated to providing young people with a platform to turn their ideas into action, empowering them to help build a more inclusive Canada and strengthen youth resilience.
Read more about this event from CityNews
Last year a newcomer came through our doors at Action for Healthy Communities as a last resort to seek help accessing the Canada Child Benefit for his family. This is the experience the newcomer shared in his own words, how our team were able to assist him and his family to access the benefits after facing some challenges in their prior attempts.
"My name is H.B , and I am a father of seven children, all under the age of 14. My wife, children, and I immigrated to Canada in May 2023. Upon arriving, we encountered numerous challenges, one of which was applying for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). A case worker had assisted us in completing the CCB application forms for our family. However, due to the language barrier, we were not fully aware of how the application was submitted or what had been done.
After waiting nearly 14 months without a response from the CRA, we finally received a letter on the 15th month requesting numerous supporting documents. Unfortunately, we did not understand why these documents were required or how to obtain them. We sought assistance from multiple offices in Edmonton, but they simply advised us to wait for the CRA’s response. This left us feeling helpless and uncertain about the process.
Eventually, my wife and I gave up on pursuing the CCB benefits, despite relying on them financially. We had already borrowed a significant amount of money from friends and were overwhelmed by the confusion surrounding our application. At that point, we felt it was not worth the struggle to follow up further.
AHC's Settlement and Integration team at our 2024 AGMHowever, in September 2024, when I started school, one of my classmates referred me to Mina from Action for Healthy Communities (AHC). He assured me that if I needed someone who could persistently follow up on my case and provide support with important applications, Mina was the right person. Taking his advice, I visited the AHC office as a walk-in client. Although I did not meet Mina on my first visit, I completed an intake form, and she called me two days later to schedule an urgent appointment.
Mina provided unwavering support throughout the entire process. She guided us step by step, contacted the CRA office on our behalf, waited over two hours on hold, and provided interpretation services during crucial calls. With her assistance, we clarified our situation with the CRA agent, who then extended our deadline and reassured us that our application would not be declined as long as we submitted the necessary documents.
Mina’s support went beyond phone calls — she helped interpret at doctor’s offices for each child, obtained school letters, coordinated with various agencies, and even drafted a separate letter explaining our barriers. Thanks to her dedication, we managed to gather all the required documents and mail them before the deadline.
Fortunately, we recently received a final letter from the CRA confirming that our benefits would be issued retroactively from the date we arrived in Canada. We have now received over $40,000, which has been a tremendous relief for our family, as we were facing significant financial hardship.
Words cannot fully express my gratitude to Mina and the AHC office. Their consistent support, compassion, and kindness have made an immeasurable difference in our lives. I am incredibly thankful that I took my classmate’s advice and sought their help. I sincerely pray for Mina and the entire AHC team everytime I remember their kindness.
The Community Development Unit (CDU) is excited to share our continued commitment to community capacity building, and to make 2025 a year of growth and impactful engagement, building upon the strong foundations AHC has established with diverse grassroot groups and ethno-cultural communities across Edmonton and beyond.
Over the past several years, the AHC CDU has fostered meaningful relationships with new immigrant community members from diverse communities from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Central America. Our dedicated team, though small, has achieved remarkable success in connecting with and supporting a growing number of Alberta based grassroot groups, including members of community associations of Tajikistan, Belarussian, Senegalese, Japanese, and Ugandan communities in the Greater Edmonton area, among others.
Ugandan community showcasing their music & traditional instrumentsThis year, we are expanding our outreach, providing vital support such as resource connection, mentorship in proposal writing, and assistance with activity planning. We are thrilled that several community groups will be prepared to apply for the AHC Seed Grant in March in a meeting with the AHC Community Development Review Committee (CDAC). The CDAC plays a crucial role in reviewing and approving proposals for community-led initiatives.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the AHC CDU and the communities we serve. We have planned a lineup of engaging events like Communities of Practice (CoPs), Building Inclusive Community – 4th Annual Forum, and AHC's CDAC Meetings, along with continued efforts to build new connections and provide support to more equity-deserving community-based grassroot groups. Our definitive goal remains to build a healthier, vibrant, and inclusive community for all societies across Alberta.
Lebanese community dances to their traditional tunes Belarussians celebrate traditional ChristmasIn the coming months, we will be sharing inspiring stories of success, highlighting challenges mitigated through community capacity building initiatives, and showcasing innovative initiatives led by committed community leaders. These stories will demonstrate the positive change happening within their respective communities and the power of collaborative action.
As we enter a new year, the AHC Community Development Unit (CDU) is excited to share our continued commitment to community capacity building, to make 2025 a year of growth and impactful engagement, building upon the strong foundations AHC has established with diverse grassroots groups and ethno-cultural communities across Alberta.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) has a long history in Edmonton—a tradition of service and capacity-building we are reflecting on for our 30th anniversary year. The needs and hopes of communities within Edmonton have formed the basis of our mission for decades, but it doesn’t end there. Beginning in 2020, AHC officially expanded beyond Edmonton with the launch of the agency's Small Centres program.
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to serve the needs of newcomers to Canada settling outside of the country’s biggest cities, AHC became a part of the national network of settlement providers in rural and smaller communities across Canada. Since then, AHC's Small Centres program has established three offices — Leduc, Bonnyville, and Camrose — serving more than twenty-five communities throughout Central and Eastern Alberta.
The AHC Small Centres program team has only seven staff members, serving the needs of newcomers to Canada in an area larger than Switzerland. We often describe ourselves as “small but mighty,” and that reputation is well-earned. Establishing services has been a challenge, but as any of our Small Centres team members or clients will tell you, the growing pains have been worth it.
In 1936, Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King said, “ome countries have too much history. This country has too much geography.” Nearly a century later, it is easier to travel, but Canada is just as vast and geography remains the key to understanding Small Centres.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 70% of immigrants choose to settle in Vancouver or Toronto. An additional 25% settle in one of Canada’s Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) larger cities, and the suburbs surrounding them. For roughly 5% of newcomers who start in Canada in a rural community, immigration can look quite different to the city.
Getting around is difficult; many newcomers to Canada rely on public transportation, which typically doesn’t exist in small towns. Until you get a driver’s license and a car, that means walking everywhere (to work, to school, to the store), no matter the weather. Canada is known to be cold, but even the most seasoned Canadian shudders at the thought of walking 5km in -30 to pick up groceries.
For children and youth in K-12 schools, ESL classes typically aren’t available — which means starting in Grade 8 with all the other kids, even if you’ve never studied English before. Imagine arriving in Canada and being expected to write an essay in a language you do not know how to speak!
Of course, there are advantages to life in small communities, like significantly cheaper housing costs, community safety, and employment opportunities in certain sectors. For newcomers who build their homes in small communities, many cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Before our formal Small Centres program, AHC staff would receive requests for support from communities elsewhere in Alberta. Requests for settlement support, assistance with citizenship and documentation, and support for children and youth enrolled in schools would arrive and be supported by AHC’s Edmonton staff. These occasional or “itinerant” supports began in the 2010s and occurred on an ongoing basis, particularly from the Settlement Team.
In these early days, AHC’s Edmonton team would pay several visits to Small Centres, learning more about the needs of newcomers in the community and how AHC could best support them. These early visits sought to build connections with leaders in the communities, including mayors, school administrators, and social services providers. It was an opportunity to learn about what was out there, beyond the requests that occasionally landed in AHC inboxes.
As CFP 2019 approached, AHC looked to establish a formal Small Centres program, expanding these requests into a structured program outside of the city. After receiving funding from IRCC, this program began with the Camrose and Cold Lake/Bonnyville in 2020.
Camrose, a small city of about 25,000 people, is located 100km southeast of Edmonton and is home to the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus. Bonnyville is a town of 6,000 people roughly 250km northeast of Edmonton, and Cold Lake is a city of 20,000 roughly 300km northeast of Edmonton, at the Alberta-Saskatchewan border.
Officially, the Small Centres program launched in April 2020, during the deepest period of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of us would like to forget those difficult days, they are a key part of the Small Centres story.
In those first months of the program, staff couldn't gather in person, visit schools, undertake community visits, or do the type of outreach and networking that makes new connections possible. While children around the world were beginning to attend virtual school, many Small Centres clients did not have internet access or computers in their homes.
As restrictions began to lift in 2021, things improved, and the pandemic lockdowns brought some unanticipated advantages. The normalization of virtual meetings made it much easier for the team to meet, and other AHC staff, no matter where they were in the province.
Now, in 2025, it is common for the AHC Small Centres program team to have 20 hours of virtual meetings a week, ensuring connection and collaboration, even hundreds of kilometres away. A Ukrainian-speaking team member in Bonnyville supports interpretation for a team member visiting a school in Drayton Valley; a Camrose-based staff member hosts a conversation with staff of the Edmonton-based Settlement team to solve a complex problem.
In April 2021, Small Centres was approved to launch a third site in Leduc and Beaumont. Leduc is a growing city of 50,000 just south of Edmonton. Unlike most of the Small Centres, nearly everyone in Edmonton has visited Leduc, as it is home to the Edmonton International Airport. The lessons learned from the first year made it easier to connect with a growing newcomer community. Since then, we have sought to expand into even more communities throughout the province and offer occasional services to hamlets, villages, and towns throughout Central and Eastern Alberta.
Beyond Small Centres’ growth as a program, rural Alberta has had newcomer waves of its own in the last five years. Driven by post-pandemic labour shortages, small communities saw huge arrivals of temporary foreign workers in 2022 and 2023. While not considered “eligible clients,” these arrivals are a core cohort of the Small Centres’ services and outreach in Rural Alberta. There was also significant settlement of Ukrainians through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. The CUAET arrivals often chose to settle in historic Ukrainian communities in Eastern Alberta, where Ukrainians had first landed at the turn of the 20th century. These historic patterns continue to influence immigration, even in the 2020s.
In 2025, the AHC Small Centres will be adding one additional centre in Parkland County, west of Edmonton. With the benefit of experience and the team’s reputation throughout Alberta, we believe this new addition will be able to seamlessly join our services throughout the province. Heading into this new period, our team is still small but more than ready to provide our services to newcomers looking to make rural Alberta home.
Action for Healthy Communities has supported immigrants settling in rural Alberta since 2020 through our Small Centres program. We are proud to be part of a long tradition of helping immigrants come to our province and making it their home. Rural Alberta has been home to immigrants from around the world for more than 100 years. Stories of immigrants from Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine, are well-known, but the Ukrainians were not the only immigrants settling in the Prairies at the turn of the 20th century. Rural Alberta is home to a unique piece of Canada’s Black History: Amber Valley.
In 1872, much of Western Canada was very sparsely populated. Settlements were rare, small, and far away from each other. Canada’s government in Ottawa was anxious that the “wild west” of the United States—with gunslingers and cowboys, cattle theft, and limited ability to enforce the law—would come north and disrupt Canada’s growing economy and nationhood.
In 1872, much of Western Canada was very sparsely populated. Settlements were rare, small, and far away from each other. Canada’s government in Ottawa was anxious that the “wild west” of the United States—with gunslingers and cowboys, cattle theft, and limited ability to enforce the law—would come north and disrupt Canada’s growing economy and nationhood.
To solve the problem, the Government of Canada signed the Dominion Lands Act. Under the Act, families, companies, religious communities, and other organizations could claim a “homestead” in rural Western Canada. These homesteads were small parcels of land which could be used for living and farming.
The Government of Canada advertised the homestead lands far and wide: in the United Kingdom, in Europe, and in the United States. These advertisements reached a population of Black Americans living in the Southern United States, which began a movement of Black immigration to Alberta.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Black Americans were living under racist policies of segregation and the Jim Crow system. Racist violence, including targeted lynchings and riots, was common. Canada’s promise of available land, safety, and prosperity was attractive to potential immigrants.
While Canada’s homesteading policy provided opportunities for landownership unavailable to Black people in the southern United States, it was also plagued by racism. Potential Black immigrants were targeted to prove their literacy and financial stability above and beyond what was required for immigrants arriving from Europe. Relatively few Black immigrants were permitted to participate in the program.
From 1909-1911, approximately 1,000 Black Americans from Oklahoma and Texas made the trek to Alberta. Consistent with the homesteading policy, they were able to secure land parcels in rural communities.
In 1910, 300 Black Americans established Pine Creek (renamed Amber Valley in 1931). Located about 160km north of Edmonton, Amber Valley was built from land that had been abandoned by earlier European homesteaders. It required years of labour to be useful for agriculture.
From 1911 until the 1940s, Amber Valley was a significant rural community in Northern Alberta. It had a school, educating students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, a post office, and other businesses.
Image source: Western Canada BaseballCommunication between settlements was very limited, so most Albertans were unaware of the all-Black community near Edmonton. However, a few years after its founding, Amber Valley established a baseball team. The Amber Valley team had only Black players, who would compete against the White players from other rural communities. This was groundbreaking for the time—there were very few Black people in Canada west of Nova Scotia, and in the United States, baseball was legally segregated by race until 1947.
An annual Canada Day baseball tournament would be held in Lac La Biche, about 80 km away. The Amber Valley players were a staple of the event.
By the 1940s, many homesteaders throughout the Prairies had given up rural life and had chosen to move to larger towns and cities. Amber Valley was no exception. With increasing opportunities available for Black Canadians, most of Amber Valley’s residents moved elsewhere in Canada. In the 1960s, the population significantly decreased, and currently, Amber Valley is considered a ghost town.
The history of Amber Valley still has impacts in Alberta. Some former Amber Valley residents established Shiloh Baptist Church in Edmonton, which remains one of Western Canada’s largest Black churches. It is also located in Queen Mary Park, just a few minutes walk from the Action for Healthy Communities downtown office.
Amber Valley may be gone, but it is not forgotten.
To celebrate Amber Valley as part of Black History in Canada, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in 2021. A replica of the Amber Valley schoolhouse stands in the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. One of the original cabins built by the earliest settlers is still standing in the community, and visitors can visit the site off Highway 55. While Amber Valley has vanished into history, its legacy and impact it has on Alberta can still be felt today.
Since the first European settlement in Alberta in 1788, the province has continued to be a place where newcomers come to find opportunities and a new home. Many migrant communities of all cultures and ethnicities have since settled into rural Alberta, an echo of the Amber Valley settlers who came before. For the past 5 years, our Rural Small Centres teams have continued this proud tradition, helping newcomers settle into rural Alberta. While we still have a long way to go, we are grateful for those who came before and helped settle and build Alberta to become the diverse and vibrant province that it is today.
This month, the Children and Family Empowerment Program resumed its exciting activities in Elementary and Junior High schools, including STEM Club Sessions and NYEI Sessions, after the holiday break.
“My son loves STEM Club so much. Every time after the program ends, he would teach us what he learned and recreate the experiment,” said a parent of AHC's STEM Club participant.
One of the key spotlights was the end-of-cohort celebration for the STEM Club 2024-2025’s first group of participants. The event brought students together to celebrate their hard work and learning achievements in STEM. The celebration featured a fun-filled pizza party, where students played STEM-related trivia games designed to reinforce their knowledge in an interactive and enjoyable way. These games not only tested their STEM skills but also fostered teamwork, collaboration, and boosted the students' confidence in these subjects.
The celebration served as a reminder of the students’ dedication and accomplishments, leaving them feeling motivated and excited to continue exploring STEM fields. As a token of recognition, each student received a certificate for their commitment and enthusiasm toward STEM. By making learning both educational and fun, the program aims to inspire students to keep pursuing their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math while building lasting friendships with peers who share similar passions.
"Thank you for making so much memories and letting us learn! Some of the lessons really helped with my assignments and helped me succeed,” said a student.
STEM Club continues at Thorncliff, Belmead, Alex Janvier, Brightview, St. Catherine Catholic, Inglewood, and Althone school.
This February, we at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) are honoured to celebrate the Black-led communities we partnered with during this Black History Month.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to honor the amazing legacy of Black communities and empower the leaders of tomorrow. With engaging storytelling, fun educational activities, and community-led events, we’ll focus on this year’s theme: "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations."
Black History Month is all about recognizing the incredible resilience, contributions, and leadership of Black communities—both in Canada and around the world. It’s a time for us to reflect on the past, celebrate our present achievements, and inspire future generations to strive for a more fair and inclusive society.
At AHC, our Community Development Unit (CDU) is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting Black-led groups and organizations in the Greater Edmonton area. We’re all about collaboration, building leadership, and creating sustainable solutions that make a real difference for Black individuals and organizations.
"Action for Healthy Communities provided us with the required technical support and funding to get us off the ground with community gatherings space, which provided opportunities to learn from each other how to overcome family problems and promote personal, physical, and mental health in a new country,” said a CDU participant.
Together with a variety of fantastic Black-led organizations, CDU helps amplify voices, strengthen grassroots efforts, and drive positive change. Groups like the Eritrean Canadian Multicultural Association, Young Learners from South Sudan, Congo Canadian Youth Association, Edmonton Women Sewing Program, Bashi Community, Guinean Community, Tunisian Community, Burundian Community, Sierra Leone Community, and Ivory Coast Community have received our support as they roll out programs that tackle important social, economic, and cultural challenges.
Our initiatives have been key in:
As we celebrate Black History Month, CDU is thrilled to reaffirm its commitment to equity, social justice, and the progress of Black communities. We believe that together, through solidarity and collective action, we can make a meaningful impact and recognize the contributions of Black individuals who enrich our lives in so many ways.
“Working with community leaders has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s allowed me to form meaningful friendships and deepened my appreciation for other cultures. Joining the Cultural Group team is about embracing collaboration—where diverse voices unite to build healthier, more resilient communities through shared culture, mutual understanding, and collective action.”
Let’s come together to celebrate, reflect, and take action—because a brighter, more inclusive future starts with the communities we build today!
Starting over in Canada as a newcomer has many challenges—finding a new place to live, adapting to the language and culture, and of course, finding employment.
To help newcomers learn a variety of skills, and prepare for different careers, the Employment Team offers Workforce Participation Programs (WPPs). During the last week of April, the Employment Team debuted its WPP for Ironwork, in collaboration with A&H Steel.
Ironwork is one of Alberta’s Red Seal Trades—a physically demanding and technically challenging process of building structures using rebar (iron rods) to support construction. As a core construction trade, Alberta desperately needs Ironworkers to build homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. For the last several years, fewer people have registered to become Ironwork Apprentices, leading to a shortage of workers.
This is where AHC and A&H worked together: connecting newcomers looking for a career, and an industry seeking out new approaches to finding workers. For five days, the Ironwork WPP students participated in a mix of classroom training, simulation exercises with rebar and tools, interviews, and a field trip to an A&H job site to watch real Ironworkers in action. At the end of this process, some of the WPP students were selected for a paid, two-week job opportunity, with an aim to full-time apprenticeship and work in the field.
“It’s an honour to be there,” said one of the students who was selected for the job opportunity. “I’m looking forward to working in this field.”
For many newcomer families in Canada, accessing the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a critical step toward achieving financial stability. The CCB provides eligible families with tax-free monthly payments to help cover the costs of raising children. However, many newcomers face significant challenges when trying to apply for and access this benefit.
Language barriers, unfamiliarity with the tax system, and lack of access to accurate information often prevent newcomer families from applying or cause delays in receiving their benefits. Additionally, families with complex immigration statuses, such as refugee claimants, or those awaiting permanent residency, frequently encounter confusion about their eligibility. These barriers leave many struggling to meet their children’s basic needs without the financial support they are entitled to.
Recognizing this gap, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) stepped in to provide dedicated support services to help newcomer families navigate the CCB application process. Through a combination of one-on-one assistance, group information sessions, and tax clinics, AHC ensures that families understand their eligibility, complete the necessary forms accurately, and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to delays or denials.
AHC’s multilingual staff and volunteers play a vital role in delivering these services, offering support in languages such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, Somali, Oromo and Amharic, Spanish and more. This cultural and linguistic accessibility is instrumental in helping break down communication barriers, ensuring that clients clearly understand the process and their entitlements.
In addition to standard applications, AHC also provides specialized support for families with unique cases. For instance, some newcomers may struggle with incomplete immigration documentation or lack a Canadian bank account, making it difficult to meet CRA’s verification requirements. AHC works collaboratively with these clients to gather the necessary documents, liaise with government agencies when needed, and advocate on their behalf to resolve issues. Moreover, AHC’s tax clinics offer direct assistance with tax filing, which is a crucial prerequisite for receiving CCB payments. By helping low-income families file their taxes on time, AHC reduces the risk of delays or missed payments and even poor outcomes during to financial instability or families lacking financial resources.
Through its initiatives, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) has empowered hundreds of newcomer families to successfully access the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). This financial support plays a transformative role in helping families cover essential expenses such as childcare, school supplies, and food security, reducing the risk of financial instability and its associated hardships.
An Afghan father of seven children, who moved to Canada in May 2023, shared his family’s struggles with applying for the CCB.
“Despite seeking help from a friend, a language barrier left us unclear about the CCB application steps. After waiting 14 months, we received a request from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for extensive documentation, which caused further confusion.”
Feeling disheartened by the complexity and lack of support, the family gave up on pursuing the CCB and instead resorted to borrowing money from friends to meet their basic needs—further straining their already fragile financial situation.
In September 2024, while attending NorQuest College, the client was referred to Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), where Mina connected with them to assess their needs. The client received step-by-step guidance, starting with a clear explanation of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and its role in supporting families. Mina helped the client contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), interpret their conversation, and clarify their situation.
Thanks to Mina’s timely and consistent support, the CRA extended their deadline and assured the family that their application would not be declined if they submitted the required documents.
Beyond CCB support, Mina continued to assist the family by interpreting at medical appointments, drafting letters to the children’s school, and connecting them with other organizations to address their challenges. Her dedication and advocacy provided the family with much-needed stability and access to essential resources.
While Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) has successfully supported many newcomer families in accessing the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), there is still much work to be done. The recent changes , in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies have reduced agency capacity to meet the growing demand for client support and case management services. With fewer resources available, providing individualized assistance has become increasingly challenging, making it harder for vulnerable families to navigate the complex application processes for benefits like the CCB.
In response, AHC remains committed to expanding its financial literacy opportunities through informational conversation circles to empower newcomers with the knowledge and tools needed to independently manage their tax obligations and access government benefits. Through tailored workshops, multilingual resources, and ongoing support, AHC aims to enhance clients’ financial independence, reducing their reliance on case management services.
Additionally, AHC will continue to advocate for equitable access to financial support by collaborating with policymakers and community partners. By highlighting the barriers faced by newcomers and the impact of reduced funding. Additionally, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) will continue to advocate for equitable access to financial support by collaborating with policymakers, community partners, and sector organizations. Through active participation in policy discussions, roundtables, and advocacy campaigns, AHC aims to raise awareness about the systemic challenges faced by newcomers, particularly in accessing benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
By highlighting the barriers newcomers encounter—such as language difficulties, complex documentation requirements, and limited digital literacy—AHC will push for policy adjustments that simplify application processes and enhance accessibility. Furthermore, AHC will emphasize the far-reaching impact of reduced funding on service delivery, showcasing how resource limitations hinder the agency’s ability to provide vital case management support and meet the rising demand for services.
Through ongoing collaboration with settlement networks, government representatives, and advocacy groups, AHC will strive to influence policy reforms that promote fairer access to financial benefits, ensuring that vulnerable newcomer families are not left behind.
While Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) has successfully supported many newcomer families in accessing the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), there is still much work to be done. The recent changes , in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies have reduced agency capacity to meet the growing demand for client support and case management services. With fewer resources available, providing individualized assistance has become increasingly challenging, making it harder for vulnerable families to navigate the complex application processes for benefits like the CCB.
In response, AHC remains committed to expanding its financial literacy opportunities through informational conversation circles to empower newcomers with the knowledge and tools needed to independently manage their tax obligations and access government benefits. Through tailored workshops, multilingual resources, and ongoing support, AHC aims to enhance clients’ financial independence, reducing their reliance on case management services.
Additionally, AHC will continue to advocate for equitable access to financial support by collaborating with policymakers and community partners. By highlighting the barriers faced by newcomers and the impact of reduced funding. Additionally, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) will continue to advocate for equitable access to financial support by collaborating with policymakers, community partners, and sector organizations. Through active participation in policy discussions, roundtables, and advocacy campaigns, AHC aims to raise awareness about the systemic challenges faced by newcomers, particularly in accessing benefits like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
By highlighting the barriers newcomers encounter—such as language difficulties, complex documentation requirements, and limited digital literacy—AHC pushes for policy adjustments that simplify application processes and enhance accessibility. Furthermore, AHC will emphasize the far-reaching impact of reduced funding on service delivery, showcasing how resource limitations hinder the agency’s ability to provide vital case management support and meet the rising demand for services.
Through ongoing collaboration with settlement networks, government representatives, and advocacy groups, AHC will strive to influence policy reforms that promote fairer access to financial benefits, ensuring that vulnerable newcomer families are not left behind.
Despite the growing challenges, AHC remains steadfast in its mission to promote the long-term financial stability and well-being of newcomer families, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) continues to play a transformative role in helping newcomer families access the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and achieve greater financial stability. By leveraging its unique advantages, AHC effectively reduces language and financial literacy barriers, guiding clients through complex application processes and preventing vulnerable families from missing out on essential benefits.
The client testimony highlights the importance of culturally responsive and hands-on support, exemplified by AHC staff dedicated assistance. Walking Clients through a step-by-step process that included education, capacity building and development around CCB eligibility, to advocating with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), enabled the family to overcome bureaucratic challenges and successfully secure their benefits.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) Settlement and Integration program hosted its annual FREE Tax Clinic for individuals and families with low income, from March 3 to May 16, 2025. To better assist the community, the tax clinic at AHC’s main office in Edmonton will continue until May 16, operating Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
"Filing taxes is more than a legal requirement in Canada—it’s a key step in accessing government benefits and community services," said Settlement and Integration Program Manager Suraj Khatiwada. "Through this initiative, AHC ensures that all low-income Canadian residents have the support they need to take advantage of these important opportunities."
Our team has assisted individuals across Edmonton at AHC's main office, the c5 Hub, and Mill Woods Seniors Association. This volunteer-driven program has already supported over 2,500 clients in March and April, thanks to the dedication of more than 55 trained volunteers. Volunteers not only provide essential support by helping clients file their taxes but also gain valuable professional experience and expand their networks.
Our team of volunteers supported over 2,500 clients."I am very grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisors and the AHC staff in general, which has made this journey both meaningful and rewarding," said Fatima Nazir. "I have gained practical tax knowledge, administrative and client service experience, honed my skills, and helped others, all while preparing myself for future job opportunities, got the hands-on experience of Canadian work environment."
For clients, the clinic offers access to crucial government benefits and credits, tax refunds, and Notices of Assessment, which are often required for services such as housing, childcare, or student aid.
“I am thrilled with help I have got from Action . The volunteers help me a lot to understand the tax system while filing my taxes. I got efficient appointment booking and am happy with the help.” said client Peter Tut.
The following is a breakdown of average refund amounts per return:
This initiative continues to make a meaningful impact in the community—improving financial well-being and supporting long-term settlement and stability for low-income residents.
“I am happy that Action provided a nice service and friendly and comfortable environment to file my tax. Thank you,” said another tax clinic client.
Our Community Initiative (CI) leaders shared their unique and informative perspective on community-building at our first Community of Practice (CoP) mini gathering of 2025, held on April 26, 2025.
The energy in the room was uplifting as 11 ethno-cultural CI groups came together for an afternoon of learning, dialogue, and community-building.
This quarterly event provided a meaningful platform for community leaders to connect, exchange experiences, and strengthen their collective capacity to serve their communities. Whether long-standing partners or new to the initiative, all participants contributed to a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere.
"For over three decades, Action for Healthy Communities has been dedicated to supporting grassroots groups and organizations," said Community Capacity Strategy Lead Javaid Hayat. "Many of the groups we have worked with have since grown into fully operational organizations, thanks to consistent capacity-building and mentorship support. This is the power of investing in communities."
Participating community groups included the following:
These groups—supported by AHC with or without a Seed Grant—have been actively involved with our initiatives since 2023. Each brings unique cultural insights, grassroots leadership, and a shared commitment to building more inclusive communities.
To foster peer-to-peer learning, participants were divided into two groups for focused roundtable discussions on Resource Mapping and Community Challenges. These discussions were facilitated by CI group members and guided by thoughtful prompts such as:
The conversations were dynamic and solution-focused, revealing both shared struggles and opportunities for collective action. Each group concluded with a representative summarizing their discussion, capturing insights on collaboration, sustainability, and the value of mutual support.
This event also marked an important learning moment for our new Seed Grant recipients. Bazibuhe and Pravatika from the Community Development Unit (CDU) led an engaging and interactive session on:
Their clear guidance and real-life examples helped new community leaders better understand the project cycle and build confidence as they move forward with their initiatives.
Participants left the gathering feeling energized, inspired, and better connected—ready to put ideas into action and continue strengthening their communities. Events like these reaffirm the importance of shared learning, mutual support, and the collective strength of diverse community leaders. A sincere thank you to everyone who made this event a success. We look forward to seeing the momentum grow—and can’t wait to reconnect at the next Community of Practice!
We at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) believe that the next generation of leaders is now.
That’s why our AHC Youth team’s Empowering Leadership in Youth Through Community (ELYCA) program helps passionate youth create youth-led projects that impact our Edmonton communities. Making a societal difference requires awareness, passion, and determination for change. Last year, we had 15 groups who will be completing their project at the end of this month. While we had numerous successful youth-led projects, The Creatives Collective from our second cohort of the ELYCA program is showing it’s stylish to be environmentally friendly.
Clothing waste is a significant contributor to environmental challenges, with millions of tons of discarded garments ending up in landfills every year.
In fact, according to a 2023 study by the University of Waterloo, Canadians alone dispose of nearly 500 million kilograms of fabric each year which includes clothing, household linens, and other fabric-based products. This waste not only consumes valuable resources but also releases harmful greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change.
Last year the Creatives Collective was founded by a diverse team of youth who are passionate about addressing the growing global issue of clothing waste while helping people discover their personal style. For the Creatives Collective group, promoting sustainable fashion practices is a critical step toward building a more sustainable and equitable future.
Throughout 2024, The Creatives Collective made a lasting impact by hosting a series of creative, hands-on workshops. These included:
By equipping participants with practical skills and raising awareness about the environmental cost of fast fashion, the group empowered individuals and youth to make more conscious fashion choices and embrace sustainable practices. Their efforts highlight how innovative, youth-led initiatives can tackle global challenges and inspire meaningful change in local communities.
Our ELYCA program has not only created initiatives that impact the community but has helped empower youth leaders to reach their full potential. That’s not to say there haven’t been some fair share of obstacles as well. We sat and spoke with team members Raiyana and Muskaan to get their new-found perspective on leadership and the challenges they faced.
You said that you had to get out of your comfort zone for this project, what did you mean by that?
Raiyana Being a leader and managing people under you and doing it in a way that’s collaborative, decision-making, and teamwork was something that I learned which, I don’t think I was comfortable doing before this project.
You engaged a lot of participants using Instagram. How was that for you?
Muskaan: At first, we were scared to bring out ideas onto social media because not everyone understands the vision and we really tried to work hard to engage an audience that’s not open, especially in Edmonton. A lot of Edmontonians are not used to having creative outlets and are scared to come forward and engage, so we were hard-pressed in finding ideas to bring out this audience. It is really hard to attract people who are not actively engaged in creative communities.
Raiyana: To add on to that, it is our first time doing something like this and we are not established so it was hard. A lot of people do not usually care about environmental initiatives because they don’t think it impacts them directly.
Creatives Collective staying engage with their social media. Follow them at on Instagram the.creatives.collectiveeMuskaan: Many people want to keep shopping regularly because things like thrifting take time and it’s not easy. People are usually not engaged in sustainable fashion efforts and that was our hardest challenge. Also when you are starting an initiative you have to sit with that bitter feeling that you are not getting engagement , and sometimes it can be disheartening. When we started, we did not have a lot of people engaging and it took us a while to even get to about 200 followers to our account.
What is something that you are reflecting on right now as a positive outcome of your project?
Raiyana: I am proud of our initiative because what we are doing is very new to the City and after our event focused on clothing swaps, we saw many groups who we know starting to start their own swapping events which told us that they took inspiration from us!
Muskaan: Being able to put yourself forward and problem solve and put your ideas to life and put it into something physical is something that is hard to do. I am a very idealistic person and I was never, ever able to put it into action, and having these workshops and events was a representation of our ideas coming to life. The confidence that comes with putting yourself out there is a big thing especially coming out of your comfort zone, doing presentations, and putting yourself out there which we had to do a lot when promoting our project.
The Creatives Collective had 12 workshops they presented throughout the year, and because they gradually gained momentum after each activity, more participants were waiting to hear when they would host another event. At their final event on Friday, January 17th, they hosted a tote bag-making workshop focused on highlighting sustainable bloc printing South Asian practices.
The tote bag-making workshop had over 30 participants in attendance, and the group made connections with local Edmonton groups focused on sustainability, including Waste Free Edmonton. They also collaborated with other youth-led groups in the ELYCA program, like LEED (Linking Education in Edmonton).
As ELYCA is a one-time seed grant, the Creatives Collective is not able to apply for it again, but their mission is far from over. Before all groups complete their project, they attend a sustainable workshop where they are informed of other ways that they can continue sustaining their activities.
The Creatives Collective plan on continuing with their activities by partnering with other local groups and applying for funding from organizations such as Volunteer Alberta via the ASCEL grant and the Sprout Fellowship, which only accept participants who have led a Canada Service Corps-funded project in the past. You can follow the group on their Instagram account @thecreativescollective or contact them via email at thecreativescollectivee@gmail.com
For more information on the ELYCA program, please visit the ELYCA page on our website or follow us on Instagram at ahc_youth
The March 15, 2025, Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) review meeting was a successful forum for Community Initiative Groups to present their impactful ideas for community well-being. Initiatives ranged from promoting physical and mental wellness to fostering connection through language, culture, and traditions.
Representatives presented to four CDAC members, who offered valuable feedback to ensure measurable outcomes. We are delighted to announce that 9 applications were approved for Seed Grants between $1,700 and $2,000. These grants will be distributed in April after the groups finalize their agreements.
Over the past months, CDU has been working closely with several community groups, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and helping to mobilize ideas that will have a lasting impact. We are proud to share that 10 groups have qualified for the Seed Grant Application process, each of which has been mentored and carefully prepared to present their proposals to the CDAC.
The following communities and their initiatives include:
CDU team will continue to work with the group whose application was returned with feedback and recommendations for improvement. As we move forward, the team will be working closely with them in the coming months, providing guidance and support as they refine their initiative and activity plans. We are confident that with this additional work, they will be ready to reapply in the next CDAC review and take the next step toward making a positive impact.
As we move forward, CDU remains committed to supporting community-driven projects, empowering groups to make meaningful contributions, and helping create a more inclusive and vibrant Edmonton for all.
On March 7, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities organized and hosted an enriching Entrepreneurship Grant Writing Bootcamp, which was specifically aimed at equipping participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools they need to successfully secure financial grants for their businesses.
“I attended private grant workshops before, but this one far surpassed anything I learned before," said one boot camp participant.
This informative session, led by Dr. Lars Hallstrom, placed a strong emphasis on the importance of understanding and applying the LogFrame, also known as the Logic Model. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the facilitator’s clear communication and engaging teaching style, which made complex concepts much easier to grasp. Participants found value in learning how this logical framework could be effectively adapted to various writing contexts, especially in relation to grant and Request for Proposal (RFP) applications.
“ xcellent workshop by the right facilitator, and planned and supervised by excellent people — Tulin, Lida — and the rest of their team at AHC,” said another boot camp participant.
Workshop led by Dr. Lars Hallstrom, PhD.Throughout the duration of the workshop, entrepreneurs not only explored numerous funding opportunities available to them but also engaged in lively discussions regarding eligibility requirements for different grants. Furthermore, they learned practical and effective strategies for writing compelling and persuasive grant proposals that would capture the attention of potential funders.
Importantly, the workshop also provided participants with a valuable opportunity to network with each other, exchanging ideas and building connections that could benefit their businesses in the future. In addition, they had the unique chance to receive personalized, one-on-one feedback from the workshop professor. This expert generously offered to review grant applications at no cost, provided that they were submitted in advance, ensuring that participants could refine their proposals further and increase their chances of success in securing funding.
“Very grateful to have this workshop. Thank you very much, Action for Healthy Communities, for organizing this.”
On March 25, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its highly anticipated semi-annual Career Fair at the Signature Sandman Hotel in Downtown Edmonton. The event brought together 23 prominent Employer Partners from diverse industries and over 350 participants, creating a vibrant atmosphere of opportunity and networking. This career fair is crucial to AHC's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between newcomers, permanent residents, and potential employers in the Edmonton job market.
"It is important for AHC to help newcomers adjust to their new homes and bring home an income," said AHC's Employer Engagement Liaison Colin Pon. "For us at AHC, it's encouraging to see so many newcomers who want to find jobs and contribute back to the local economy."
The event showcased a wide array of industries, featuring employers such as Sandman Hotel, GardaWorld, Dexterra, and Canadian Road Builders, among others. This diverse representation ensured that clients from various backgrounds and skill sets could find relevant opportunities. The fair's success was immediately evident, with two participating employers reporting promising outcomes: one shortlisted 30 individuals for interviews, while another identified 10 potential candidates.
Garda World representative Richard meeting with out AHC clients."This gives us a really great opportunity to really source and find a really amazing canidiates," said GardaWorld representative Richard. " provides us all well seasoned candidates that know already the background of our industry."
For newcomers and permanent residents, the career fair offered a unique opportunity to interact directly with HR representatives from leading companies. This face-to-face interaction not only allowed clients to present their skills and experiences but also helped them understand the Canadian labor market better. Many participants appreciated the chance to meet with our preferred Employer Partners.
The success of this career fair underscores the importance of such events in fostering economic integration and community development. As Alberta continues to welcome newcomers and address labor market needs, initiatives like AHC's Career Fair play a crucial role in connecting talent with opportunity.
"Now there's a general myth that you can't get certain jobs without Canadian experience," said RBC representative Folake Okusanya, "I'm happy to debunk that myth because...very kind of experience is relevant, whether from Canada or not."
Looking ahead, AHC plans to build on this success by organizing more targeted industry-specific events and expanding its employer network. The organization remains committed to supporting its clients and contributing to the vibrant, diverse workforce that drives Alberta's and Edmonton's economies forward.
"We're are thankful for all our clients and recruiters who joined us and making this career fair a success," said Pon.
They say life is sweeter with chocolates. But what's even sweeter is making a living by making chocolates.
Yereni Ramirez is the heart and hands behind Chocolate Don Marín, an exceptional business deeply rooted in rich tradition, boundless creativity, and unyielding passion. Yereni has been a dedicated participant in our AHC Entrepreneurship Support Programs, diligently completing every course that we have offered over the years. She has not only applied the invaluable knowledge she gained to enhance her own business but has also stepped into the role of a mentor and a source of inspiration within our vibrant community
Her active participation in various markets throughout the city has been noteworthy, with a special emphasis on her strong connections with Strathcona Market. She seizes every opportunity presented by our organization, always arriving with a contagious enthusiasm, remarkable professionalism, and a generous spirit that uplifts those around her.
"I loved being part of these events! Thank you, AHC, so much for the opportunity to participate," said Ramirez.
Yereni was prominently featured as an entrepreneur at the prestigious International Research Salon Expo, where she had the honor of representing her beloved business, Chocolate Don Marín. Her participation in this significant event showcased her growing influence and unwavering dedication to building meaningful connections across diverse cultures and communities.
In addition to her achievements as a successful business owner, Yereni is a recognized community leader and mentor. She is frequently invited to share her expertise and inspire others within the food industry, demonstrating her collaborative nature and steadfast commitment to uplifting those around her. This has firmly established her as a key figure within Edmonton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"It is very entertaining and full of meaningful content. I’m also interested in connecting with other entrepreneurs," she said.
Currently, Yereni is enthusiastically planning to organize her very own holistic market. This exciting venture will beautifully combine her deep love for food, wellness, and community building—serving as a perfect reflection of her core values and vision for an inclusive community. Through this initiative, she aims to foster connections, support local producers, and create spaces where individuals can come together to celebrate the intersection of health and culinary delight.
We at Action for Healthy Communities are deeply saddened by the tragic incident during Lapu-Lapu Day in Vancouver earlier this week.
We extend our condolences to the victims, their families, the Filipino community across Canada, and all others in the City of Vancouver who were affected by this tragedy.
The Edmonton Chinese Writing Club launched a Creative Writing Boot Camp titled "Sharing Wisdom Across Cultures through Stories." This four-week program took place on Mondays and wrapped on December 9, 2024. The sessions were facilitated by Kate Boorman, Write in Resident of EPL (2023) . It features a group of women who are passionate about storytelling and cultural heritage.
This exciting initiative brought together women from diverse backgrounds to share and preserve Edmonton’s rich cultural heritage through storytelling in English. The registered participants were expected to attend at least 75% of the activities under this initiative. The sessions included creative writing workshops led by award-winning author Kate Boorman, public storytelling events at the Edmonton Public Library, and an opportunity to be published for free in a collection of non-fiction stories
The Creative Writing Boot Camp is a world wisdom book project that tells stories about Edmonton’s cultural landscape, natural history, built history, objects, and language. This project will ultimately create an important collection that details and preserves the heritage of Edmonton.
ECWC is a vibrant and inclusive community group who has successfully secured AHC Seed Grant twice in 2023 and 2024 consecutively. The group is dedicated to fostering creativity and intercultural communication through writing in both Chinese and English languages.
On November 2nd, the Children and Youth program at Action for Healthy Communities hosted its third Collective Action Forum at the Mill Woods Seniors Association. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including sports and community organizations, representatives from different levels of government, scholars, researchers, and youth involved in sports. It provided a unique and valuable opportunity for stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Keynote speaker Shauna Booka, the CEO and President of Inclusion in Canadian Sport Network from Toronto, provided attendees with her expertise and regarding Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) related matters within the Canadian amateur sports industry.
CAF also invited a group of panelists to share their thoughts on sports inclusion. The panelists included Free Play Founder & CEO Tim Adams, Executive Director for Alberta Snowboarding Association Mo Walker, Director of Performance Development for Edmonton Track and Field Council Robyn Webster, CEO of Sport Edmonton Reed Clarke, Community Development and Social Impact for Sport Edmonton Ashley Prasad, and Executive Director for InMotion Network Lindsay Wright.
The forum facilitated insightful discussions on fostering more inclusive sports participation and addressing the barriers for underserved communities through a panel discussion, breakout sessions, a keynote speech, and roundtable conversations. Many participants expressed, both during and after the event, a desire for more opportunities like this to connect each other.
Young Learns, a South Sudanese community group, led the initiative Empowering Youths by Reading Club and Aboriginal Awareness, which was awarded a Seed Grant. The community-led initiative focuses on educating and providing resources to South Sundanese youth ages 10 - 17 years on Canada's indigenous history, people, tradition, values, and culture through reading. The group provided books that inspire individuals, provide guidance, and offer insights into the lives and challenges of Canada's Indigenous community.
One of the themes of the reading session was Stories of Two Different Cultures, where participants read South Sudanese and Indigenous stories, taking the opportunity to learn about similarities between the two different cultural values and heritage. Young Learns provided children with a reading session called Giving Back to the Land, where they learn how they can protect and respect the land they live on.
The initiative started in June and will continue until September 2024. AHC is proud to have been a part of this community-driven initiative in making a positive difference.
A Community of Practice (CoP) was held at the Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) Community Hall, attracting 20 community members from various Community Initiatives (CIs). The event featured introductions, group discussions, presentations on Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), and an overview of the CI implementation process post-Seed Grant allocation.
The event had two main objectives: fostering a collaborative environment for exchanging experiences and best practices and building connections between different community groups. The ultimate goal was to cultivate a culture of mutual learning and active engagement.
The event was highly successful, demonstrated by the robust engagement during discussions, brainstorming sessions, and networking activities. Participants expressed enthusiasm for future CoP engagements and a willingness to take on leadership roles. Several groups suggested topics for the next mini CoP, indicating continued active involvement.
Additionally, CDU hosted a CoP at AHC, where various community leaders shared productive discussions, resulting in several key takeaways for future activities and initiatives:
Next Steps: CDU proposed that community leaders take the lead in creating the next CoP event, with CDU providing support and logistics. Regular check-ins and follow-up meetings are scheduled weekly to prepare community leaders for the second community-led CoP meeting in August.
The quarterly, community-led Community of Practice (CoP) convened on August 17, 2024, at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) Community Hall, gathering 16 community members from various grassroots groups and organizations. This vibrant event, which was entirely planned, implemented, and facilitated by community leaders, featured four interconnected sessions aimed at fostering collaboration, learning, and strategic planning.
The event began with a warm welcome from Naz Aitkulova, a community leader from the Kyrgyz Canada Association. Naz led an engaging introduction session, setting a collaborative tone and encouraging participants to connect and share their experiences.
In the second segment, Manita from the WMEN - Nepalese Women Group presented the purpose and benefits of the Community of Practice in community development. Her interactive session sparked lively discussions, with participants actively engaging in dialogue, asking questions, and gaining a deeper understanding of how CoP can drive positive change in their communities.
The third segment, facilitated by Lal Jan from CIRCLE International, involved guiding the participants through a SWOT analysis of their community initiatives. This strategic exercise allowed the group to collectively identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to their ongoing and future projects, providing valuable insights to enhance their impact.
The final segment included refreshments and networking, which allowed participants to build new connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The CoP proved invaluable for community members to share knowledge, build relationships, and collaboratively explore strategies for advancing their work. The event concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering a supportive and resourceful network that empowers grassroots initiatives.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) capped off another successful year with our 29th Annual General Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in our Edmonton downtown office and AHC Event Centre. Our Open House gave onlookers a comprehensive and informative look at our programs, supports, and teams. For AHC members, the AGM was an opportunity to vote on key issues that impact the future of our organization.
We also unveiled our 2023-2024 annual report, giving our members a glimpse of how we served and engaged our participants and the communities. During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, we are proud to have accomplished the following:
Our 2023-2024 annual report can be accessed through our Publication and Resource page.
During our AGM, we also welcomed three new members - Charles OlumuyiwaMoyela, Mohamed Negm, and Navneet Sekhon - to our AHC Board.
OlumuyiwaMoyela is a former business reporter, writer, and cross-functional team leader with a track record of leading communications and external relations teams in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East over the last 15 years. OlumuyiwaMoyela has a passion for youth education, leadership training, community, and entrepreneurship development, and brings his wealth of strategic communications experience, intercultural and non-profit sector knowledge, and perspectives to the AHC Board.
Also new to the board is Mohamed Negm. He is the President of Negmax Industrial Innovations, a leading company in robotics automation and industrial innovations. With over 15 years of experience, Mohamed has established himself as a serial entrepreneur, founding and successfully running several hardware automation companies. His extensive expertise in entrepreneurship and engineering has been instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in the industrial sector.
Finally, AHC welcomes Navneet Sekhon to the board. She is a strategic, innovative, results-driven chartered human resource professional with extensive employee relations experience in a full range of functions, as well as success in simultaneously managing multiple projects. Navneet brings to AHC a wealth of knowledge in human resources and employee relations and is a certified Chartered Professional for Human Resources, SHRM Certified Professional, and a Registered Professional Recruiter.
We look forward to having our new board of directors join AHC. We are thankful for our ongoing relationships and continued support from our funders, partners, members, and stakeholders. Together we can continue to create stronger, healthier communities.
On October 9, 2024, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its 3rd annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum, bringing together nearly 150 attendees, including leaders from 30 grassroots organizations, community developers, and officials from across sectors. The event provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration to create a more inclusive and cohesive society.
With a strong focus on building community resilience using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the forum became a vital space for networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Attendees explored strategies to empower Edmonton’s most vulnerable communities, highlighting the strengths within these communities and mobilizing resources to address systemic barriers.
The day began with a land acknowledgment and an opening prayer, honoring the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. Aftab Khan, Executive Director of AHC, delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for a day filled with meaningful dialogue. He also acknowledged the financial support provided by the Canadian Race Relation Foundation (CRRF) for the event.
Keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Massimi’s keynote addressed building resilience in vulnerable communities through ABCD as a major draw, offering insights into how communities can leverage their strengths to overcome challenges. His address was followed by breakout sessions that delved into topics such as systemic racism, asset mapping, resource mobilization, and sustainability. These interactive discussions empowered participants to engage deeply with the ABCD framework, fostering ideas on using existing community assets to address vulnerabilities.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by Alphonse Ahola, Executive Director of FRAP, on how current socio-cultural and economic conditions impact the determinants of well-being for residents of Edmonton. The panelists—Barhet Woldemariam (Centre for Race and Culture), Leanne Hedberg (Social Innovation Institute at MacEwan University), Vanessa Zembal (Edmonton Social Planning Council), and Joanne Currie (Edmonton Community Foundation)—provided a range of perspectives on how social, cultural, and economic factors influence well-being and community resilience in Edmonton.
One of the forum’s key moments was the plenary session, "Empowering Youth Leaders through Community Action," which celebrated the contributions of young people in Edmonton’s anti-racism efforts. The session spotlighted the power of youth leadership and the importance of investing in young changemakers.
The forum ended with Erick Estrada and Helen Rusich, members of AHC’s Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community-driven solutions. They urged attendees to continue fostering networks and spaces where all residents can thrive, noting that building inclusive communities requires sustained effort and dedication.
The forum successfully showcased the power of community-led initiatives, reaffirming AHC’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces, empowering grassroots organizations, and promoting long-term well-being for all. It was a day marked by collaboration, action, and shared vision, reminding everyone present that, together, we can build a more inclusive and resilient Edmonton.
Click here for more information on community-capacity building.
Diversity Magazine, November 2023:
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.stk-2vp37e6 {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-2vp37e6 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}K-Days 2023 brought so many special opportunities to AHC and its clients!
AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports Program collaborated with Explore Edmonton to showcase over 30 newcomer-owned small businesses which have been supported by the program in the past at the K-Days Pop-Up Marketplace. From July 21st to 23rd every passionate entrepreneur was able to represent their culture through the handcrafted goods and services. All weekend we were reminded that empowering newcomer entrepreneurs is not just about fostering economic growth, but also about embracing diversity, innovation, and fresh perspectives in the business landscape.
In addition to this, Explore Edmonton kindly donated 40 K-Days tickets to AHC’s newcomer clients so families from across the world could have a day of fun, games, rides, and entertainment all while learning more about Albertan culture. Thank you so much to K-Days and Explore Edmonton for extending these opportunities to AHC and its people. We are all about breaking down barriers and ensuring a healthier community for all and we couldn’t do it without collaborations like this. Scroll down our photos to see some of the many special moments that were captured!
If you are a small business owner and are interested in more information about the Entrepreneurship Support Program, please click here.
If you are a newcomer interested in learning more about the variety of services and supports we provide, please click here.
On Monday, February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, left significant damage in Turkey and Syria. Several thousand individuals have lost their lives, and millions more have been displaced or are still missing, affecting an area already confronting a cholera outbreak and harsh winter weather.
Action For Healthy Communities Society of Alberta would like to express our deepest sympathies and concern for our community members from Turkey and Syria, suffering from the disastrous earthquake. In this region, millions rely on humanitarian aid and support.
We need to stand up with the affectees and help them in whatever ways we can. Consider supporting the relief efforts on the ground in the critical days following this devastating event. Every dollar amount helps!
The following list contains details on organizations involved in the relief efforts and how your donations can support the relief efforts.
Ways to Donate
You can also support the relief efforts by sharing this information with your network, friends and family!
Donate through AHC
This past November, AHC's Community Capacity Building Program hosted their 2nd Annual Community Experience Sharing Forum - Building Inclusive Communities: A Common Vision
With a focus on fostering a strong sense of community and celebrating the power of collaboration, the day saw community members and leaders with diverse backgrounds come together, share their varied experiences, and collaborate on ideas grounded in intimate knowledge of community interests and barriers.
Some of the highlights of the day included a showcase of grassroots groups making a difference in the Edmonton area, a lively panel discussion, led by Dr. Abu Conteh, on community development practices and systemic work that is necessary to remove barriers faced by too many citizens and initiative leaders, and engaging speeches on the importance of community and inclusivity from Edmonton Mayor, Amarjeet Sohi and Dr. Lucenia Ortiz among others.
Among other things those who attended also got to watch entertaining multicultural dance and music (often performed by some of the presenting grassroots groups), learn about the research-backed impacts made by AHC's Community Capacity Building Program, and honour the Capacity Building Team for the passion and dedication they show to all groups they support.
Thank you for all those who came out and shared your essential knowledge with others - community development would not be worthwhile without the community members at the centre.
AHC's Community Development Department hosts its first Seed Grant Ceremony
Here at AHC, we aspire to make stronger, healthier communities and a part of doing that is by providing ambitious community initiatives with resources to grow.
Earlier this June, our Community Development department hosted AHC’s first ever Seed Grant Ceremony after completing their largest grant cycle yet. The ceremony allowed us to celebrate nine community groups who were approved for $2000 seed grants from the Community Development Advocacy Committee (CDAC) after months of support from our Inclusive Communities Program.
Representatives from all nine groups attended to accept the grants which will support their unique community projects and had the opportunity to bond over their collective interest in community well-being and share what drove them to start their initiative. Many heartwarming stories were shared about the importance of connection, social supports, education, and keeping cultural customs and traditions alive. You could feel the passion and care in the room and everyone who attended was clearly inspired and invigorated by each other's projects.
There were also many references to the gratitude each group felt for the Inclusive Communities Program and the support they received from our hardworking Community Animators. We are so appreciative to have been able to support these groups in preparing their grants and building their initiatives and we look forward to continuing to help them as they grow.
Our sincere congratulations to Eritrean Muslim community Association, Kyrgyz Association in Canada, Mental Health Awareness, Mindful Minds, Sierra Leone Association of Alberta, Burundi Community Association of Canada, Bashi Community association of Canada, Congo Canadian Youth Association, and World Cooking for their hard work and accomplishments. We know they will do great things for their communities.
If you have a passion for community development or making a positive impact and want your own chance to access capacity-building supports, click here for more information.
View photos of the event below:
Global Edmonton News, December 2022
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.stk-co0uli5 {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-co0uli5 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-co0uli5 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-co0uli5 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-co0uli5 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-co0uli5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-co0uli5 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}Anane Dabala is a member of AHC’s employment team and the designated training liaison between AHC and CLAC Training. In her role, she has seen the impact certifications, often referred to as safety tickets, have had on clients' the employment team serves. Access to this training at AHC is made possible via a generous grant from the CLAC Foundation. Anane facilitates client registration in the safety ticket training opportunities provided by CLAC in courses like WHMIS, Food Safety training, Common Safety Orientation (CSO) and more. Before the employment team began its relationship with the CLAC Foundation, employers would ask for these tickets, and if clients did not have them, the hiring process was impacted. Still, now clients can access certificate training as a part of the employment counselling process, increasing their chances of landing a job. Clients with resumes that include relevant safety tickets can more easily apply for the jobs they want.
Because these safety tickets require client commitment, before contacting CLAC, Anane ensures that each client knows what specific safety ticket they want and has a clear goal fueling their interest in the ticket. By clarifying their needs, clients communicate to us that they are serious about the training process.
Once they’ve completed their training, Anane follows up with clients in their job hunt. Since the beginning of 2022, Anane has connected 36 clients with CLAC training, 17 have successfully obtained employment, and the others confidently pursue their employment-related goals. Lately, Anane has observed a trend where clients are looking to get safety tickets to secure camp jobs in Northern Alberta. These camp jobs, often in housekeeping, kitchen work and general labour, provide good benefits and pay and enable clients to improve their quality of life, support their families in Canada and their home countries, and even save money for the future.
With the support of the CLAC Foundation, Anane is helping more clients than ever and has significantly expanded her network. The quality and effectiveness of CLAC training have created word-of-mouth referrals to Anane from as far away as Victoria, B.C., though she can only support Alberta-based clients. Anane appreciates the CLAC Foundation’s support and says that the training they provide is integral to helping employment team clients secure jobs and support their families.
CBC News Edmonton, October 2022
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.stk-3ei7fru {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-3ei7fru .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-3ei7fru .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-3ei7fru .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-3ei7fru .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-3ei7fru .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-3ei7fru .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}On Friday, March 4, 2022, AHC rural Small Centre's, Paola Shanks together with Sherry Depner from the Lakeland Catholic Schools, supported more than 30 young newcomers from several different communities being able to try out curling!
This event was quite successful, and the largest single-day community connections event to date for the rural Small Centres. The event also strengthened the program's relationship with the school division!
Learn more about our Rural Small Centres program here.
On October 14, 2022, AHC held its annual Diversity Health Fair workshop, emphasizing mental health, presented to the Mill Woods Seniors Association Centre. University of Alberta nursing students facilitated the session for the seniors. Participants engaged in dialogue while learning about how to promote positive mental health; healthy snacks followed the workshop.
On Sunday March 27 2022, Action for Healthy Communities was honored to enter into a partnership with Penny Appeal Canada that saw the latter, in collaboration with the Muslim Association of St. Albert (MASA), provide Ramadan food hampers of essential edibles to needy and deserving low income families, at the heels of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The clients were assessed by AHC for eligibility and 64 families identified by AHC benefited from the Campaign. Over 90% of the serviced clientele were Afghan Newcomers who will be observing their first month of fasting in a new land.
The generosity of the Muslim Association of St. Albert (MASA) and Penny Appeal Canada, who each contributed 50% towards the costs associated with putting together and distributing the food hampers was well received with much gratitude and ample prayers.
Samiullah, the patriarch of a family of 9, states that the contents of the hamper were not only delivered with dignity, but with a relief of a lower grocery bill as the family observes its first Ramadan in a new land and amid national inflation.
A widowed single mother of a toddler, R.Z, was overwhelmed as she received the respectfully packaged contents of multiple balanced meals, consisting of meat, dairy, grains, cereals, and protein alternatives. Amid tears, she prayed for ease for those who had brought her comfort and nutrition she would otherwise not have had the means to purchase.
AHC is proud of its partnership with Penny Appeal Canada for individuals and families’ assessment and recruitment process. AHC looks forward to continuing this collaboration in the future. AHC also wishes to thank the volunteers retained by Penny Appeal Canada who personally delivered the hampers to the clients whose residences sprawled the entirety of Edmonton.
https://www.facebook.com/StAlbertmosque
Lakeland Today, March 2022
.stk-ki5izzf {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-ki5izzf .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-ki5izzf .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-ki5izzf .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-ki5izzf .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-ki5izzf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-ki5izzf .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}CBC Radio Active, January 2022
.stk-wqzelgz {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-wqzelgz .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-wqzelgz .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-wqzelgz .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-wqzelgz .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-wqzelgz .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-wqzelgz .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}Diane Umutoni is the face of Ms. Home Staging and Design. She’s a French speaker who first came to Quebec, Canada as a student completing her master in Economics at the university of Sherbrooke, to then find her way to Edmonton to become the owner of her own staging and design company where she offers services to both homeowners who are looking to sell their home and want to make their house look as appealing as possible to buyers, and to new homeowners who are in need of someone with knowledge to help them create a space that feels like home.
Diane participated in the entrepreneurship support program and completed level I and level ll of our training. During the program, she learned how to create a business plan and how to charge for her services, as well as what type of business she should implement and who her customers should be.
Design had always been a passion and a natural talent of hers which she was scared to pursue because she had no previous education on it. However, throughout our program she learned that experience mattered, and after helping her friends and family design their own homes, she had acquired enough of it to begin her entrepreneurship journey in this field.
Despite the challenges, and knowing she was entering an industry that is still relatively new yet very competitive and where it would require a lot of effort from her to persuade her potential customers that she could be trusted, as a new entrant, she never gave up. And now, after completion of the ESP program, she gained the confidence she was lacking, gained direction in life and was able to register her own business with all the paperwork that is required.
After now one year of her business being registered, she just finished designing her own website where her portfolio and information is more easily accessible to anyone interested in acquiring her services.
To know more about Diane’s work visit her website mshomestaging.com.
And to hear more stories such as this one make sure to follow us;
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Offering IT services and software solutions for businesses, Jiken Madhu, and his team at Rollout Technologies, offer technological solutions to ensure that businesses have the tools they need to operate in this fast-paced world.
Whether it's installing security cameras, website development, cloud-based solutions or mobile application design or so much more, they have the knowledge and the tools you need.
A graduate of our Spring 2019 cohort, Jiken says that taking part in the Entrepreneurship Support Program enabled him to learn how business operates in Canada, as well as gave him the help he needed in sales, marketing, and tax preparation. Today, despite COVID, Jikhen says they are serving more customers than ever before and have significantly increased their customer base, thanks to the support they received from Action for Healthy Communities.
To learn more about this exciting new company visit them at: https://rollouttechnologies.ca/
Pamela Funk has always been drawn to the practise of massage, and after attending Makami College became a registered massage therapist in 2014. As an RMT Funk gained experience, working with different massage clinics around Edmonton. But in 2017 was inspired to start her own massage business, Elevation Massage Therapy. By 2018, Elevation Massage Therapy had become her full time business.
Funk migrated from Paraguay, having received her Canadian citizenship through her parents and despite not being fluent in english, Funk learnt the language quickly through her work.
“I want to take care of people’s wellbeing and make sure they feel their best and valued,” says Funk. “I didn’t feel valued at the clinics I worked at, so that is why I chose to open my business.”
Working from home wasn’t easy, but Funk advertised deals on Kijiji and Facebook to boost her business.
“I started with a lower price and offered direct billing to insure companies,” she says. She adds the main reason for this was so that her clients could get to know her and how she works. Through this method, Funk now has a loyal, growing clientele.
But Funk says she had overlooked a few aspects that are involved when starting a business.
“First of all, I incorporated right away and without understanding the difference between sole proprietor and incorporation,” she says, adding, “I got overwhelmed with all the research I did on my own on how to run a business — I had no idea what I was doing.”
In 2018, Funk attended the Small Business Development training program, offered by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC). Through the program, Funk learnt how to correct the mistakes she had made and grow her business.
“I’m kind of a perfectionist, so I was really hard on myself and gave up too easily.”
While attending the business courses offered at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), Funk was coached by Kevin McDonald. She says that her mentor helped Funk with networking, budget management and marketing strategies.
Since starting up, Funk’s business has steadily increased. Currently, Funk is working at Lakewood Physiotherapy clinic located in the southside, and continues to take clients for her mobile business as well.
By Ishita Verma
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Global News, August 2021
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.stk-yn7ppu4 {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-yn7ppu4 .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}Global News, July 2021
.stk-givofex {margin-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--30, 20px) !important;}.stk-givofex .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;padding-bottom:var(--stk--preset--spacing--none, 0px) !important;}.stk-givofex .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child{margin-inline-start:17px !important;}.stk-givofex .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-givofex .stk-button .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;}.stk-givofex .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;color:var(--stk-global-color-64928, #409043) !important;font-weight:700 !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-givofex .stk-button__inner-text{font-size:1.125rem !important;}}Meet Nohora Muñoz, member of a family business led by women that started over 10 years ago in a small town in Colombia. On 2016, her husband accepted a job offer in Edmonton which led her and her kids to follow path. Being a member of such an incredible and unique jewelry business such as Monarca, she had to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce it to Edmonton. However due to her lack of experience in business, she decided to participate in Action for Heathy Communities' entrepreneurship support program (ESP) to gain those necessary skills to succeed and have a profitable business in this new market.
Starting the ESP in spring 2021, she was able to learn how to register her business in Alberta, gained valuable connections and business skills and is now frequently participating in local farmer markets around the city where people have been more than welcoming to the originality of their creations.
To get more information on where she'll be next visit the Monarca website at monarcashop.ca.
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CBC Edmonton, March 2021
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Watch the RECAP Video of the Sport For Newcomers initiative project, under the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada and in collaboration with Action for Healthy Communities and the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre (Toronto).
The Sport For Newcomer Initiative was an 8-month project in collaboration with the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada. This initiative's goal was to increase newcomer youth participation in community sports and address the barriers for newcomers to actively participate in sports activities, and to enhance the capacity of newcomer support organizations to continue to work on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment working with cross-sectoral partners.
During the last 8 month period, AHC worked alongside a Sport Works Officer, Kristina Turner, to achieve the goals that were set out. Kirstina accomplished quite a lot during the short period as following but not limited to:
- Facilitated partnership with various stakeholders and raised awareness of the importance of an inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers
- Connections to supporters and resources
- Compiled and developed efficient resource list and tools for us to continue to support newcomer families and youth
- Provided support and connection between families/youth in need and the resources so they were able to have the meaningful experience they never had
On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, AHC held its annual volunteer appreciation event at the AHC main office (downtown). This event was co-hosted by Michelle Luyimbazi (volunteer coordinator) and Rola Chehayeb (community development lead). The event brought together over 80 people including volunteers, community partner agencies, staff, and performers, who gathered in order to recognize and celebrate the enormous contributions that AHC volunteers and community partners provide to various areas of the organization (programming, administration, accounting, special events, children & youth programs, settlement services, entrepreneurial supports, English & Computer training among others). AHC was able to award 50 volunteers certificates of excellence based on volunteer hours totalling 30 or more in 2019. Two volunteers ( Marilyn Scott and Farman Elahi) contributed more than 200 hours in 2019. There were also 50 certificates of appreciation given to several partner agencies including (Edmonton Food Bank, Santa's Anonymous, Dickinsfield Amity House, One World One Centre, St. Francis Women's LINC Program and more). It was a great pleasure to share a meal, enjoy several performances from the AHC community, hear testimonies from volunteers, and acknowledge such a significant part of Action for Healthy Communities. In 2019 volunteers contributed more than 8000 volunteer hours towards various areas of the organization, and continue to play a vital role in the day-day operations of the agency. For more information on volunteering with AHC click here.
View images from the event below.
Action for Healthy Communities is proud to once again celebrate the work of our entrepreneurs who have participated in our Entrepreneurship Supports Program.
On September 18, 2020, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm we will be holding a virtual launch celebration for our participants and their family members.
On September 19, 2020, from 1 pm to 5 pm we will be holding an in-person market to celebrate with local vendors from Edmonton. We believe in supporting local businesses and helping them grow within the community. Many vendors are inspired by their cultural roots, and we hope to bring them all together to showcase our diverse city.
By shopping local you will be supporting your community and find more interesting products; whether that’s Himalayan jewelry or organic, feminine products.
Check out our list of vendors, and stay updated about the event by following our social media channels: Facebook: @action4 | Instagram: @action4hc | Twitter: @action4hc
Strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed (masks, temperature/symptoms checks, social distancing, and cleaning/disinfecting) will be followed in accordance with Alberta Health regulations.
List of vendors:
Arts and Crafts:
Keevin Rider, Rider Native Art Gallery
Yazmin Escobar, Solekankolor
Tania Brito, Mexican Soul Crafts and Gifts
Natalia Capacho, Morena Mia
Jamelle Davis, JD Art
Mitali Banerjee, Mitali’s Artistry
Jonas Cameron, Urban Expression Customs
Maria Rodrigues, The Creative Artisan
Beauty:
Ashe Adekunle, House of Ashe
Teddine Stanford, Vagikini Magic
Community:
Vanessa Benavides, Vane Image Studio
Karem Velez, Inclusive
Amparo Gonzalez, Edmonton Hispanic Women’s Support Group
Jiken Madhu, Rollout Technologies
Modupe Adeniyi, Sapphimor Ventures
Cailenys Salazar, DryPod
Fashion:
Maria Teresa Jimenez, El Closet De Tere
Farhan Ali, Dusandi and Sons Trading
Alèthe Kaboré , KYN Apparel
Valentine Maposa, Perfect Pair Swimwear
Nicola, Klassickoutique Fashion
Jenny Serrato Ardila, Pawies Boutique
Food:
Dosi-rock, Korean Street Food
Martha Vasquez, Tico Cheese
Aimee Mpilidi, Wenze Market and Grill
Maria Ramirez, Maguita Antojitos Colombianos
Dongo Kouakou, Dongo Corporation
Jewellery:
Yamileth Gonzalez, Mexican Crafts
Shiva Prajapati, Himalayan Jewelry and Handicrafts
Joelle Kacou, Jean Wenceslas Jewels
Sara Awatta, Onsie Boutique
Donna Robillard
We’ll see you on September 19, 2020
For more information on this event please email: business.supports@a4hc.ca
On Friday, February 28th, AHC staff including Executive Director, Aftab Khan met with the Mayor of Camrose, Norm Mayer at Camrose City Hall. The team had a productive meeting where they discussed future services AHC is planning, to assist Camrose immigrants and newcomers.
On July 19, 2019, Parks Canada in collaboration with AHC hosted a Learn to Camp workshop for 43 attendees from Syria and Kurdistan. The 3 hours session covered camping rules and regulations and how to stay safe from the wildlife and how to protect and be considerate of nature. Some helpful tips given to the newcomers included:
The Parks Canada Learn-to Camp helps newcomers with the skills and experience to fully enjoy the great Canadian outdoors with safety features, tent set up, fire safety and animal hazards.
View images from the event below!
On January 18th, an orientation for the Canadian Citizen Application workshop was held at AHC, to inform our served families of the documents required and the regulations before starting the application. A large number of attendance was observed with a high number who will require our assistance in filing for their citizenship.
AHC will officially launch its Canadian Citizenship Application Program at the end of February 2019 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-4pm. Staff and trained volunteers will be able to assist clients in completing their citizenship applications. For more information contact Suraj at: (780) 944-4687.
On February 1, 2019, AHC held a successful and informative Tax orientation session for newcomers and refugees. The session highlighted the importance of filing income taxes on time and the various family benefits aviailable.
AHC's free Community Tax Clinic will open in March 2019. Tax clinic appointments can be booked by calling our office: (780) 944-4687.
On Friday, March 8, 2019, AHC participated in City of Edmonton and Women's Initiative Edmonton to celebrate International Women's Day at City Hall.
AHC joined several other service providers and community members to celebrate International Women's Day at City Hall. The event saw many Edmontonians stop by to learn about various resources and initiatives being offered around the city for women. In addition, there was a blessing from an Indigenous elder and speech from keynote speaker
Dr. Wanda Costen, Dean of Business at MacEwan University, among others. The event was a great way to recognize and honour women, including the many within the city who contribute towards many women's initiatives.
For more information on the various women's initiatives available at AHC click here!
On Friday, March 1st, Samya Hasan, Executive Director of the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA) led a presentation about their Intercultural Collaborative project to foster anti-racism and anti-discrimination in communities around Toronto. AHC alongside several other local community-serving agencies were able to engage in a discussion with Samya in order to learn more about how CASSA's success with its anti-racism initiatives can be replicated in Edmonton and the ALberta region.
In addition, participants were able to learn about their experiences involving anti-racism, anti-oppression, and project management training and how they recruited participants from racialized communities.
On Saturday, March 2nd, AHC's under 15 soccer team participated in a friendly soccer soccer game with other newcomer communities at Commonwealth Stadium. The youth had a fun time, in safe environment, and made new friends.
On Thursday May 2nd. Women from the settlement team held a Mother’s Day celebration for the Syrian/Arabic clients at AHC.
Mother's Day is an important holiday everywhere. We wanted to do something special to honour mothers and their families who will be celebrating their Mother's Day in Canada and for those who still remain in war-torn areas.
"The Treaty 6 acknowledgment was presented by Freda, who welcomed everyone to this territory. Treaty 6 encompasses the traditional territories of numerous western Canadian First Nations as well as the Meìtis people who have called this area home since time immemorial. This support has been a fun-filled and sentimental event for everyone. Many of the Newcomer women are without their own mothers. We wanted to make it our mission to show that we care about them and their mothers or mother figures that they left behind to assuage the pain of living apart from them. Every day, moms around the world inspire their daughters to become strong women. Together, these role models are an unstoppable force forging opportunity for the next generation, whether by leading by example or empowering them with education. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all the individuals that supported us directly or indirectly with donations or assistance. Their names are clearly shown on the slide show." - Rola Chehayeb, Case Settlement Supervisor
Our Arabic speaking women group met on January 26th & 27th, at C5 hub, in order to learn how to obtain a class 7 license. On our regular meetings with the Arabic speaking women group, they discussed some ideas to help them progress and achieve empowerment tools. This workshop series of 8 classes was one of the needs that they felt was paramount to feel independent
As a result, we started a women and youth driving instruction for class 7 specifically for women who are struggling to learn and pass this course to be able to get class 7 driver’s license. We included their 14 years and older daughters to attend as well for a complete learning of the laws and regulations of driving in Alberta.
On Friday, August 2nd - participants of AHC's various Learning English of Daily Life (L.E.D) classes joined together are Borden Park for fun, activities and a multicultural potluck. The L.E.D program is designed to help adult newcomers to Canada fulfill their needs to overcome the language barrier so they feel comfortable and confident to communicate in their new homeland. The program is currently offered in seven locations throughout the city.
Program Objectives:
For more information on this program, contact Abida Tahir at: (780) 944-4687 ext. 222
View images from the event below.
On Saturday, April 6, EAC/AHC artist in residence Luciana Erregue hosted an art workshop for kids at AHC. The theme was Edmonton’s street art. Each child made a large piece of graffiti-inspired artwork to take home. Grafitti with its use of words and images is an excellent tool to teach early literacy. View the images below.
On Thursday, March 28th, the Networking Empowerment of Women Program coordinated by Joelle Kacou and facilitated by Ninfa Castellanos, visited the Art Gallery of Alberta. There they met with Edmonton Art Council and AHC's Artist in Residence Luciana Erregue-Sacchi, who works at the AGA. The gallery was packed and all sorts of events were taking place. It was a pleasure to exchange impressions on the modern building built by Randall Stout in 2010. Luciana walked the group through the different exhibitions, sharing in her knowledge of the works on display and inviting the women to partake in two tours run by Gallery Attendant Rita Neyer and Curator Danielle Siemens. The objective of the visit was to spark creativity and dialog around the art in our city. The AGA is FREE to students and seniors, and is FREE on Thursdays between 5:00 and 8:00 PM.
On Saturday March 30, the same group took part in a writing workshop also coordinated by Luciana. The workshop in question was on writing creatively exploring the women's own past, present and future, aided by the words and images in the vision boards they created in previous sessions under Ninfa and Joelle. Luciana has invited the workshop participants to share with the wider community the writing they produced and is looking forward to working with them to edit their pieces towards publication in an anthology, her final artistic project assignment here at A4HC. View images from the gatheirng below.
City TV News Edmonton, July 2019
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Luciana was selected the 2019 Artist in Residence through a partnership between AHC and the Edmonton Arts Council. Luciana is a Canadian-Argentinian multilingual poet (Spanish-English-Italian), art historian (MA 2016, University of Alberta), and educator. She will be with us as an Artist in Residence until October 1st, 2019.
Luciana is joining our team to support existing projects and share some of her many talents and community connections with the community members we serve. She is looking forward to meeting with our team and explore opportunities to participate in existing programs, or simply bounce off ideas on how she can best contribute to strengthen the aims of AHC.
Her poems have appeared on online international magazines, (Reflex Fiction, The Write Launch, Your Impossible Voice), in the anthologies Home Connecting Us All (2018), edited by Tololwa Mollel, Looking Back, Moving Forward, edited by Julie C. Robinson, (Mawenzi House, 2019), and in The PolyglotMultilingual Magazine. She guest edited Can Lit: Curating our Canons (The Polyglot, Spring 2018). In 2018 she took part of the Writers Guild of Alberta Borderlines Writers Circle and Margaret Christakos Canopy Project at the University of Alberta (2018) and run the memory and art workshop My Marvellous Museum at University of Alberta's International Week. She has performed at the Edmonton Poetry Festival (2017, 2018), CJSR, and Lit Fest 2018. She has volunteered at the Centre for Family Literacy (2016-2018), and also sits in the Editorial Board of The Polyglot Multilingual Magazine. When she is not leading tours at the Art Gallery of Alberta, she enjoys roaming the city of Edmonton to write poetic responses to art and life in her blog, https://spectatorcurator.wordpress.com/.
When asked about her story she states "Like the clients you serve and some of the people who work here, I was once a newcomer, speaking mostly Spanish since I was born in Argentina. As years went by I completed my undergraduate and graduate education (BA and MA Art History) at the University of Alberta, raised two children, Federico and Bianca who are now university graduates themselves, and began work as a Gallery Assistant at the Art Gallery of Alberta. I also began to write poetry mixing English and Spanish and became acquainted with the Edmonton arts community through my participation in the Borderlines Writers' Group at the Writers Guild of Alberta and as a performer and event organizer at the Edmonton Poetry Festival. What I want to say is that, far from forgetting about my mother tongue, these days it is more present than ever, when I realize that what makes Edmonton a vibrant city is this Babel, this variety of languages heard throughout every place in the city. During my time here I want to allow the community around A4HC to express themselves in their mother tongue, and in English simultaneously, by engaging with the images that surround us, our Art Gallery, our downtown, our public art, writing about those experiences of looking around, grounding themselves in this new place, in whatever language they decide they wish to write."
Luciana will facilitate a number of readings and workshops during her residency with AHC. Details for her first two upcoming events are below, Having gone through the immigration experience, Luciana will fuse creative expression, multilingualism and the immigrant experience in order to provide newcomers with a "creative outlet" to come to terms with their new Canadian home, without leaving behind their roots.
View the activities which Luciana facilitated during her tenure with AHC:
To help our communities get ready for AI, on Saturday, November 23, 2019, AHC held a community leadership training workshop on “The Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on our Life”. The purpose of this leadership training workshop is to educate our community leaders as pioneers to recognize, acknowledge, and fully embrace how AI can transform the way we will live and work.
Sponsored by the City of Edmonton, in partnership with Alberta Artificial Intelligence Association, the workshop achieved a big success. Near 300 participants, including volunteers, AI demo presenters, and performers attended our event. We invited five professors from the University of Alberta and experts in the field to provide training to our audiences. The topics were very comprehensive and holistic, including mental health, physical health, economy, education, multimedia and business. Participants reported that it was a very knowledgeable, innovative and successful leadership workshop. The speakers provided a holistic picture of how AI would impact our lives in the near future. Participants also stated that through the workshop they have learned some basic knowledge about AI and raised their awareness of AI. Meanwhile, they enjoyed the AI demos, performances, food, socializing and had a lot of fun as well. CBC Edmonton and Diversity Magazine came and covered the event. This is the first leadership training on AI awareness and readiness at the community level in Edmonton. We believe it will help Edmontonians adapt to the age of AI.
View images of the event below!
On Saturday, December 22, 2018, AHC hosted an indoor Youth Soccer Tournament at Commonwealth Stadium Recreation Centre. We had over than 70 youth participate, represented by 12 teams from different communities. The youth enjoyed playing their favourite sport, shared a snack together, made new friends, and shared their experiences. Additionally, some teachers from different schools joined their students at the event to watch the games as motivation.
AHC's indoor youth soccer is a continuation of its regular outdoor season and provides youth with the opportunity to continue staying active while playing their favourite sport all year-round. For more information on AHC's other youth club avtivities click here.
View images from the tournament below.
On September 26, 2019 from 12-1 pm Luciana Erregue performed her final poetry reading titled, "Knowledge Translation" a series of lyric essays and poems about office work, her final poetry reading as she wraps up her tenure as Edmonton Arts Council Artist in Residence at Action for Healthy Communities.
Luciana was selected as the 2019 Artist in Residence through a partnership between AHC and the Edmonton Arts Council. Luciana is a Canadian-Argentinian multilingual poet (Spanish-English-Italian), art historian (MA 2016, University of Alberta), and educator. She will be with us as an Artist in Residence until October 1st, 2019.
During her time at AHC she has hosted a number of spoken word and poetry reading, facilitated art workshops for children and youth, and provided guided tours at the Alberta art gallery for our program participants. We enjoyed having Luciana share her love for art and poetry with our team and look forward to following her journey.
View pictures from the event below.
On Thursday, September 19th from 4-7 pm AHC held it's 7th Annual Diversity Health Fair at Kingsway Shopping Centre in collaboration with Alberta Health Services. Staff and volunteers engaged with individuals and groups to continue the reflection and learning to sustain actions that create community health and well-being.
Our generous supporters this year were Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Alberta Transportation Office of Traffic Safety. We hold this annual health fair to improve access to, and orientate, community members & newcomers to health and emergency services available in Edmonton.
Poor access to health services means that an individual is less likely to participate in preventive care, and more likely to delay medical treatment. A Health Provider- managed health fair that targets the community’s needs will help fill the health access gap for vulnerable and underserved populations who often experience health inequities.
There were children's activities provided onsite including a balloon artist. Participants were able to obtain information on injury prevention, pregnancy, dental health, optometry, HIV/Std's, blood typing, diabetes and blood pressure testing, Child car seat safety, nutrition and more! Participants also had opportunities to win door prizes and gift baskets courtesy of Westmount Dental. This event allowed people to connect and have the opportunity to reach out to the diverse communities in our great city in the hopes to create awareness about Alberta Healthcare System and to enhance a healthier lifestyle. Much appreciation for the continuous support goes to our community businesses for their generous donations: Cedar Sweets, Safadi, Sun Bake, Paradiso, Mediterranean Pita, Pizza Hut, Pizza 73 and Arbonne gifts from dear Sandra Fayyad, Buster's Pizza (10640-116 street) Hado Akl, Amal Monzer, Spasation Gift Certificate from Mr. Yehia Assaf, in addition to the many volunteers who helped brignt this event to life!
View images from this event below!
AHC team members participated in some office fun this Halloween through fun costumes and treats! view images of the team below.
On September 22, 2018, AHC's settlement team hosted a family field trip for clients and their families at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. The fun-filled day included a guided tour, a fire lighting tutorial (participants practiced a variety of fire lighting techniques to enable them to start a fire in any weather. Topics include the difference between tinder and kindling, how to collect materials responsibly from the environment and how to build a fire that will provide sufficient warmth and comfort to survive in the bush). Participants learned knot tying, shelter building, and tarp set-up. Concepts of minimal impact camping were emphasized. The focus of this program was a hands-on experience, providing participants with an opportunity to construct their own shelters and identify the purpose behind various methods of shelter building. View images from the field trip below.
Mohamed made many mistakes when he started his cleaning business 10 years ago. He says he wishes he had the benefit of the Entrepreneur Program that he has just completed two weeks ago. He feels he would have got the information and tools to set up his own business without the missteps and pitfalls as he struggled to set up on his own.
Mohamed says the business program funded by ECALA is very good and he would recommend it to his family and friend to enroll in it. He said that since it was the first class, the instructors and staff adapted and fine-tuned the curriculum as they went along. Nevertheless, the program is extremely helpful and unsurpassed for gathering resources to set up one’s own business.
Mohamed is well known in the Guinean community as a trusted adviser and friend and many newcomers from Guinea seek his advice on learning to live in Edmonton.
On Saturday, June 23rd AHC held its annual Community Action Dash event. More than 120+ people participated in the Dash to fundraise money for AHC's programs. Runners were invited to a high-energy warm-up, courtesy of the Kandela Flow Zumba Group, before taking off for their 5 and 10 k run/walks. Everyone kept in high momentum and enthusiasm and finished their 5 and 10k runs. After the race, participants were awarded medal, and along with guests and volunteers participated in the many festivities of the Health festival which followed. Guests were able to enjoy many diverse cultural performances from AHC's community members, while also partaking in food, fun, games, face painting, henna and more!
On behalf of AHC, I would like to express our sincere thanks to all our partners, sponsors, planning committee members, participants, staff, volunteers, performers as well as our special guests for all your support, efforts and contributions to make this event happen.
View pictures from the event below!
On September 20, 2018, AHC held a celebration for students from the Learning English Language for Daily Life (LED) program. This conversational-style English circle started in May 2018 at Michener Park and Clareview Multicultural Center as a pilot project followed by two more locations, MAC Islamic Center and the AHC office. After the successful completion of the LED Pilot Project, the LED program officially launched on September 29th at the AHC Community Hall. Around 70 people attended the celebration. 39 participants from 4 locations received their certificates of participation. The total number of eligible students has been 55 since the program started. Program manager, Suzana Dumo, presented the bouquets for the partner organizations, certificates of participation for the students, as well as appreciation certificates to the volunteer facilitators who are spent their valuable time and skills for LED program, including Mahenaz who developed the lesson plans. Four participants shared their testimonies from the LED class. View images from the event below.
On Friday, August 3rd AHC held a youth summer event. The event was full of fun and entertainment with a good number of youth participants. The youth enjoyed various activities during the event, including a soccer game, painting, among other fun and games, and also has the opportunity to make new friends as well.
View images from the event below.
On Wednesday June 6, 2018. AHC held its 23rd Annual General Meeting, gathering our Board of Directors, members, staff, volunteers, and clients to review our achievements over the last year. AHC was excited to share its exponential growth in all areas including: expanding into an additional floor at our office location (10578 113 Street), adding new programs and expanding existing ones, increasing the program sites offered, increasing our funding, and continued growth in the number of clients and participants engaging with our organization.
Over the last fiscal year AHC was able to serve and engage over 10,000 clients and participants in over 30 programs and services. We opened our recently expanded and enhanced Resource Centre to better serve our community members. W engaged 291 volunteers and students who collectively contributed more that 20,000 hours of their time to serving the organization in a number of program areas, and worked along side over 150 partners, supporters, in addition to over 80 members.
Over the next year we will continue focusing our efforts on the consolidation of existing programs and services by adding required resources to better respond to the needs of our clients. With the ongoing support of our donors, partners, board, staff and volunteers, we are ready for the challenges and achievements ahead in the years to come!
Click here to see Diversity Magazine's coverage of our AGM!
Click here to access the digital version of our Annual Report
Our Social Media Fair leadership training event was held on Saturday, October 27th. The workshop had 70 participants with the workshop split into four sections:
1. Introduction to Social Media (Community Hall) - Tracy Folorunsho-Barry, President & CEO, GROW
2. Leadership Training Workshop: Digital & Social Media: Strategy & Tactics in Management- Tracy Folorunsho-Barry, President & CEO, GROW
3. Social Media Learning Workshop (Computer Labs)- Mohamed Imthiyaz, President,Total Digital Way; Shruti Arora, Market Insights Analyst I, Marketing, Servus Credit Union
4. Social Media Showcase
After the introduction, we had five classes to help our clients learn social media including a leadership training workshop, computer-based social media learning class, mobile social media learning class, Chinese senior computer-based social media learning class, and Chinese senior mobile social media learning class
20 students from the University of Alberta provided one-on-one teaching for our senior participants. Participants enjoyed the training and food. They reported that the workshops and classes are knowledgeable and practical. The training helped them develop some basic knowledge and skills about social media. In particular, our Chinese senior learners (most of them are AHC's Chinese senior English students) were very happy to open their social media accounts and learn social media. In all, participants stated that they learned a lot from our training and expected to have more social media training in the near future. View images from the workshop below.
AHC's Youth Soccer Club met on Thursday, May 31st to a provide an general review of team's achievements from 2016 till now, player Code of Conduct, opportunity for team leadership roles, and 2018 Action Dash Event participation & volunteering opportunities. View images from the meeting below.
On Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, the Adult Literacy and Skills Development Program held a leadership training workshop on "Fund Development through Innovative Approaches". The facilitator was Ms. Debbie Hagman, Community Development Officer, from Alberta Culture and Tourism. The topic attracted around 30 participants from different cultural backgrounds to attend the training. They reported that the knowledgeable and experienced facilitator not only provided informative and practical training to them but also brought a lot of materials to the workshops, which they could take home to continuously learn. They stated that they learned a lot of knowledge and skills about fundraising from the workshop. That knowledge will benefit both their community development and personal development. The Adult Literacy and Skills Development Program held the leadership training workshop quarterly. This year the theme of the leadership training was 'Developing Strategic Leadership Skills'. Once participants complete four sections of the training, they will receive a Proof of Complement certificate from AHC. Some of them have already finished their four sections of training. They will receive their certificates at 'Learning Celebration' which will be help at AHC on Dec. 6. View images from the event below.
On Monday, October 1st - AHC attended the 3rd Annual Canadian Immigrant Fair at the Shaw Conference Center from 10-4pm. This event was hosted by the national online and print publication Canadian Immigrant - who also host similar events in several other Canadian cities. The event brought together over 200 immigrants seeking information on programs, employment information, and immigrant-related services from 17 exhibitors. The event included a resume clinic, a professional headshot photobooth, and a series of professional development sessions facilitated by guest speakers.
AHC promoted its settlement, integration, and employment supports, ECALA classes, LED program, youth club activities for immigrant youth, business development program, and volunteer opportunities. In addition, participants were able to obtain information on our upcoming programs including our upcoming Job Skills information sessions, English for Work - Workforce Participation Program, Social Media - Leadership Training Workshop, and our upcoming free flu shot clinic.
Overall, the event was well planned and attended, with the majority of the immigrants being bussed in from colleges and LINC programs throughout the city. Participants were brought in groups, guided by their instructors through each exhibitors booth. View images from the event below.
Benaiah says the ECALA funded Entrepreneurial Training Program has been a great experience. Read his testimonial below.
“When I attend class, I feel it was designed for me personally. I have learned so much."
As a newcomer from South Sudan 17 years ago, Benaiah felt trapped working many dead ends and tough jobs which left him no control over his time and wages. He was looking to improve his quality of life by having the opportunity to spend more time with his two young children and play soccer. Fortunately, he found the Entrepreneurial Program which gives him hope that he will be able to establish a trucking business as he owns his own one-ton truck. Benaiah is learning how to run his own business, marketing, networking and making a part-time venture into the trucking industry.
“I am looking forward to the time when I can make a complete shift to working for myself full time”, said Benaiah.
On Saturday, July 28th AHC held it's 2nd Annual Community Talent Show. There were 278 attendees with a mosaic of music and cultural colors demonstrated by children, youth, adults and seniors. We had a line up at the Henna art table, the animal balloons table and the delicious food table donated by Safeway/ Sobeys and COBS bread. Everyone one from staff, volunteers, participants and attendees were dancing and singing along.
The aim of this event was to strengthen integration between communities and show a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages. Such activities play a very essential role in promoting sustainable social development for future generations that can act as a bridge between cultures and serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding.
The following prizes were awarded for this event.
DANCE
Gold Solo: Neha Bharati 14 years old $25.00 Safeway gift card with a Misc. gift bag
Silver Solo: Sohona Maiti 9 years old $20.00 Safeway gift card with a Misc. gift bag
Bronze Solo: Jasmine Chikhani 9 years old $15.00 Safeway gift card with a Misc. gift bag
SINGING
Gold : Nishat Das Choudhury 13 years old $25.00 Cedar Sweets gift card with a Misc gift bag
Silver: Neelabh Das Choudhury 7 years old $5.00 Tim Hortons with a Misc gift bag
Bronze: Malaz Alalo 10 years old Evening Purse with a gift bag
GROUP DANCING with Trophy
First: Edmonton Qipao Club, Misc. gift bags to each person
Second: GuruKul Napali, Misc. gift bag to each person
Third: Persian/ Azzari group, Misc. gift bag to each person
View images from the event below
We at Action for Healthy Communities recently honoured our many volunteers at our Year-End Celebration. We cannot express how grateful we are to all our volunteers in 2024 for volunteering their time and effort and helping us support our clients and communities. Without your kindness and contributions, we would not 30 successful years of building healthy communities.
We would like to thank the following for their contributions in 2024.
The following is a testimony sent in from one of our clients.
I am a father of seven children, all under 14, and we moved to Canada in May 2023. Like many newcomers, my wife, children, and I faced many challenges, especially when navigating the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) application process.
A community friend who applied for CCB last year assured me he could fill out the application for my whole family. However, because of the language barrier, we were unsure of the steps he took to apply for CCB.
After waiting almost 14 months for a response from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), we received a letter requesting numerous documents related to our family situation. This left us puzzled about what was needed and why so many documents were required.
We reached out to supports in Edmonton to assist us with the documents, and even though it was crucial to receive support, we were told to just wait for CRA to contact us.
My wife and I gave up on receiving CCB benefits as it did not seem worth the confusion or hassle. Even though we knew it was essential to receive these benefits, we instead borrowed money from friends to get by.
When I started school in September 2024, a classmate referred me to Mina from Action for Healthy Communities. He told me if I really wanted to sort out CCB, then Mina could help me with important applications.
I took his advice and came to AHC as a walk-in client. After completing the intake form, she followed up with me shortly and set an appointment. She guided me step-by-step and helped me contact the CRA office. We waited for more than 2 hours on the phone, and Mina helped us interpret our conversation with CRA, explaining our situation.
After clarifying our situation to the CRA Agent, they extended our deadline and assured us that our application would not be declined if we mailed them the requested documents.
Mina continued her tremendous support, helping me and my children interpret doctors at appointments, assisting with drafting letters to the school, and contacting other organizations explaining our situation and the challenges we have faced.
From the very first step, Mina helped us gather all the documents we needed and helped mail them to CRA before the deadline. Thankfully, we received a letter from CRA stating that they would release our benefits from the date we arrived in Canada. The amount we received was a huge benefit to our family as the past year we have faced numerous financial struggles.
I am speechless; I have no other words to say but to give a big thank you to Mina and AHC for your continued support, compassion, and kindness. I am blessed that I took my classmate's advice and came to the AHC office and will not forget what you have done for me and my family.
If you are looking for services similar to the success story above, contact communiactions@a4hc.ca to book a free settlement and integration consultation.
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