- Who We Are
- Our Programs & Support
- Events
- Resource Hub
- Get Involved
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.
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.
Explore More
