Multicultural Family Centre
The mission of the Multicultural Family Centre is to provide culturally relevant programs and services to assist members of immigrant and refugee communities to access health and community services and resources, thereby facilitating their settlement and well-being. This is achieved through the provision of a safe and caring environment and a commitment to community participation in all levels of program development, implementation, and evaluation. In response to community consultations and requests, the MFC currently works with the Vietnamese, Latin American, and African communities.
MFC Services | MFC Programs | Healthy Eating Active Living Program (HEAL)
MFC Services
Cross-cultural facilitators provide the following services on a drop-in basis at the MFC and at other community locations when appropriate:
- Information about a wide variety of topics regarding accessing services or adapting to living in Canada.
- Referral to health, community, and social services.
- Practical assistance in dealing with various agencies, e.g., filling out forms, making appointments, etc.
- Cross-cultural facilitation, including facilitating medical and other agency appointments.
- Individual, family, and group counselling.
- Advocacy.
MFC Programs
Latin American Men’s Group
A weekly support group for men from the Latin American community who wish to network with other community members to work on issues concerning addiction.
Latin American Senior’s Group
A mutual aid group for Latin American seniors, focusing on physical and mental health, educational programs, socialization and recreation, and promoting integration into Canadian society.
African Women’s English Support Group
A program for African women to practise English and work on a variety of issues, including literacy. We offer information sessions and speakers on relevant topics, including those determined by the group. Onsite childcare provided.
African Children’s Homework Club
A program for elementary school-aged children (K-7) providing assistance with homework and school projects, literacy, school adaptation, study skills, social skills, self esteem, and positive cultural identity.
African Youth Group
Peer support for youth adapting to life in Canada, currently developing anti-racism workshops to be delivered in a variety of community agencies.
Basic Literacy (Spanish)
Basic literacy skills for native Spanish speakers, focusing on reading and writing skills in the Spanish language.
Latin American Women’s English Support Group
Opportunity to practice speaking English in a friendly, informal setting. Emphasis is on learning basic vocabulary and expressions required in everyday situations, improving pronunciation, and group discussion of integration and health issues.
Parenting in a New Culture
“Nobody’s Perfect”, “Ready or Not”, “Parents of Teens” and “African Parents Forum” are parenting programs provided in a culturally appropriate format for the Vietnamese and African communities.
Computer Drop-in
Drop-in for community members who wish to use computers for resumes, letters, reports, Internet access, etc.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
A series of classes designed to orient students to Canadian society and to assist those wishing to write the citizenship exam. The classes are offered in 5-week modules, and are available in English with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation when necessary.
Healthy Eating Active Living Program (HEAL)
A health education and health promotion program, focusing on developing long-term lifestyle changes to prevent and manage chronic disease and/or reduce the incidence of complications from chronic disease. Includes knowledge about and access to nutritious food, culturally relevant physical activity programs, and health information delivered in a culturally appropriate format. Current projects include:
Latin American Community Kitchen
Latin American men and women learn to prepare healthy, economical, and nutritious meals, while accessing information on a variety of health topics.
Latin American and Vietnamese Diabetes Self-Management Groups
Monthly support groups for community members with diabetes or who are at high risk of developing diabetes. Uses a community kitchen model to promote healthy food preparation, physical activity, and information on health issues. Individual follow-up to monitor lifestyle changes and treatment goals is provided.
Vietnamese Line Dancing Program
Provides instruction in line dancing, promoting physical activity.
Latin American Community Garden Project
This garden provides produce for MFC programs and opportunity for physical activity, to connect with land in a way most community members have not done since leaving their country of origin, to learn about Native plant species, and to develop skills and experience that will last a lifetime.
Community Diabetes Screening Events
Culturally specific diabetes screening events are conducted several times per year in a variety of community locations.
Culturally Specific Health Education Presentations
Conducted several times per year in a variety of community locations.
