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.

This past weekend AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports hosted it’s 8th Annual Celebration of Alberta’s Entrepreneurial Successes. The celebration serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of each of the newcomer entrepreneurs involved with AHC over the past year. 

With 60+ entrepreneurs receiving certificates for their successful participation in an entrepreneurship program, the day was a true testament to each newcomer's bravery as they invested in their dreams and to every unique business that has grown from the help of our business coaches, mentors, and hardworking facilitators. 

It was a special occasion to see friends and family join together to celebrate the savvy business-owners in their lives and share in speeches and performances that marveled at the how much culture and impact these entrepreneurs bring to their Canadian communities and how tremendously they have showcased resiliency. 

If you would like to learn more about AHC Entrepreneurship Supports or sign up for one of our programs (Our Fall 2023 Business Development Training starts this Saturday!), visit our website today!

We thank Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault; Owner of Sabi Homes, Montserrat Montes de Oca Ibarra; Owner of Quetell Organics, Quetell Louise, Director of Strategic Programs and Initiatives at Explore Edmonton, Jessie Radies for sharing their wisdom and appreciation with all those who attended. Additionally, we would like to thank all of the passionate AHC team members who were involved in this event - it would not have been possible without you! 

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: 

1. To promote the economic prosperity of immigrants and Albertans: Through a 19 booth showcase, guests will have the opportunity to support various small businesses, with business owners having lived in Canada less than five years.  
2. To showcase and acknowledge our new entrepreneurs’ achievements: Participants have eagerly and persistently dedicated the last 14+ weeks to taking their business ideas to fruition through the guidance of well-known and experienced facilitators, business consultants, and mentors. This event will celebrate the entrepreneur’s achievements and give them the opportunity to showcase their creativity, products/services to the public.

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.