What We Do
Language & Workforce Access for Newcomers
Language and employment are keys to success. We provide language training, job-readiness workshops, and mentorship programs to help newcomers integrate into Calgary’s economy.
We also support credential recognition, résumé building, and networking — addressing a major challenge where over 40% of skilled immigrants in Alberta are underemployed.
Our goal is to help newcomers not just find jobs, but build sustainable careers that match their skills and potential.
Settlement & Integration Support
We operate community-based settlement hubs where new immigrants can find guidance, translation, and referrals for housing, healthcare, and education.
These programs focus on early integration, ensuring newcomers understand Canadian systems and rights while preserving their cultural identity.
We help families navigate daily life — from registering children in school to accessing social and financial supports.
Social Inclusion & Belonging
Inclusion means more than tolerance — it’s about participation. We organize cultural exchange events, language-sharing meetups, and neighbourhood dialogues that encourage both newcomers and local residents to connect.
Through storytelling, festivals, and community meals, we promote cross-cultural friendships and break down barriers of isolation.
Every event becomes a small act of inculturation — teaching both sides to appreciate and respect each other’s traditions.
Youth Engagement & Mentorship
Immigrant youth are the bridge between cultures — yet they often struggle with identity, confidence, and belonging.
We offer mentorship, leadership development, and after-school programs that connect young newcomers with role models from similar backgrounds.
Our goal is to reduce dropout rates, prevent social isolation, and inspire immigrant youth to see themselves as leaders and changemakers in Canada’s future.
Cultural Entrepreneurship & Business Development
Immigrants are natural entrepreneurs — they bring creativity, resilience, and global networks.
We help newcomers start and grow small businesses through entrepreneurship training, microfinance partnerships, and business mentorship.
By supporting immigrant entrepreneurship, we promote local job creation and economic inclusion — directly contributing to Calgary’s prosperity and diversity.
Mental Health & Well-Being Supports
In many cultures, mental health is only recognized when a person’s suffering becomes visible — for example, when someone “goes naked,” isolates themselves, or appears to destroy their own life.
But in Canada, the definition is broader: a person may look perfectly fine, dress well, and smile — yet still face emotional struggles inside.
At 2219550 Alberta Society, we address mental health with compassion and cultural understanding. We believe that well-being is not only about the absence of illness, but the presence of peace, purpose, and connection.
We organize community mental health awareness campaigns, peer-support circles, and wellness workshops to normalize conversations about stress, trauma, and depression among immigrants.
We also connect clients to professional counsellors and culturally informed therapists who understand faith, migration trauma, and family pressures unique to newcomers.
Housing Stability for Immigrant Families & Refugees
We help newcomers find safe, affordable housing through education, advocacy, and partnerships with local housing providers.
We guide families in understanding leases, tenant rights, and budgeting. Our goal is to prevent homelessness and promote stability — a vital step toward integration.
For refugees and vulnerable families, we coordinate with agencies offering transitional or subsidized housing solutions.
Capacity-Building for Immigrant-Serving Organizations
Strong communities require strong organizations. We provide training, collaboration platforms, and resource-sharing to help small immigrant-led nonprofits operate more effectively.
We help them improve governance, financial management, and volunteer coordination — ensuring long-term sustainability.
This aligns with City of Calgary’s Capacity-Building and Emerging Issues Fund, making it a high-priority area for partnership.
Workplace & Employer Cultural Integration Training
Integration is a two-way street. We train employers and staff to understand cultural differences, communication styles, and inclusive practices.
By helping workplaces embrace diversity, we improve retention, productivity, and employee well-being.
Our workshops build cultural awareness among managers and empower immigrants to navigate workplace expectations confidently.
Family & Intergenerational Programs
Families are the heart of integration. We design programs that connect newcomer seniors with youth, bridging generations and cultures.
Through storytelling, cultural days, and mentorship, we promote mutual understanding while preserving heritage.
These initiatives reduce loneliness among seniors, strengthen youth identity, and build intergenerational harmony.