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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.
CBC Edmonton, March 2021
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
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