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Please complete a contact form and we'll be in touch for more info.
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Celebrating PRIDE!
We're celebrating Pride Month with Among Friends, our program for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers!

Learn more about Among Friends
Now open on College Street
No status, no insurance AND no doctor? No problem! The Non-Insured Clinic (NIC) is now open, by appointment only.

Call 416-324-9380 to book a same day or next day appointment.
NIC hours, services, and more!
It's Bike Month!
Scarborough Cycles offers skill-building bike programs, welcoming activities, and connects community members with donated bikes.
Donate to Scarborough Cycles
Join our team
Access Alliance is currently hiring. Visit our Career Centre, or click the button below for up-to-date info.
Current opportunities
Because learning should be shared
Our new website is full of resources for anyone looking to learn more about arts-based interventions for newcomer mental health.
Tell more more!
June is Seniors Month
This month we're celebrating our dynamic community of seniors!

Learn more about our exercise, recreational, and volunteer programs for senior newcomers here.
French settlement services
Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter : rexdalechc.com/fr | centrefranco.org

If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please contact: rexdalechc.com/fr | centrefranco.org

Welcome to Access Alliance
Multicultural Health and Community Services

Are you a community member?

Are you a community member?

Are you a researcher or social justice advocate?

Are you a researcher or social justice advocate?

Are you looking for interpretation or translation services?

Are you looking for interpretation or translation services?

Highlights and Initiatives

Check out our programs and services!

We offer free programs and services for immigrants and refugees of all ages living in the City of Toronto.

COVID-19

Information about COVID-19 supports and resources at Access Alliance and in the City of Toronto.

Volunteer Opportunities

We welcome those who wish to help make a difference to our community. There are many ways you can get involved!

Our Stories

Read stories from community members, staff, volunteers and others who have helped make Access Alliance what it is today.

Upcoming events

AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPTIONS: INFO SESSION FOR NEWCOMERS

June 22 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Read more

Newcomers Seniors' Program: Bingo (Age 55+)

June 22 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Read more

Newcomer Youth and Young Adult: Making Canada Home!

June 22 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Read more

Newcomer High School Youth: I Belong Here! (Age 13-17)

June 23 @ 6:30 am - 7:30 pm Read more

EAST EFFORT PROGRAM

June 23 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Read more

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accessalliance.ca

A community health centre serving vulnerable immigrant & refugee communities across Toronto for 30+ years. Account not monitored 24/7.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate t

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the unique cultures, heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across this country. June 21 coincides with the summer solstice, a day of deep significance for Indigenous peoples and their communities, who have celebrated it for centuries as a time for connection and renewal.We also acknowledge that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has two specific Calls to Action related to newcomers and seven related to health (see link in bio for more info.)While progress has been made on most of these calls to action, there is still work to be done. Today is an important opportunity for non-Indigenous people, including newcomers, to learn more about Indigenous history, the systemic barriers affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada today, and the strength of Indigenous communities in the face of colonization. Use this day to learn more about and support Indigenous communities near you.To find an event or activity in your community visit the link in our bio.

No one chooses to flee from their home. Refugees

No one chooses to flee from their home.Refugees strengthen our communities by bringing new skills, perspectives, and the determination to start again. We’ve watched them turn unfamiliar streets into community, strangers into neighbours and friends, and uncertainty into hope.At Access Alliance, we believe that everyone has the right to live without the threat of violence or persecution. If we don't build equitable systems that recognize refugees' inherent right to safety, those that are forcibly displaced will struggle to thrive.We've served and supported refugees for over 35 years. We advocate to remove barriers they face, barriers like access to employment, housing and healthcare. Despite the challenges before them, refugees share their skills and experiences and strengthen our communities as they work against the odds to rebuild their lives.On World Refugee Day, we stand in solidarity with all refugees, including our valued clients and community members. We continue to advocate for equitable, welcoming systems that offer safety and security for people fleeing persecution. Because none of us is safe #UntilEveryoneIsSafe.We believe we're stronger when we act together. For more on #BetterTogetherCanada, visit: https://bettertogethercanada.ca/week-of-action/#WorldRefugeeDay #RefugeesWelcome #AccessAlliance

🌱 Gather & Grow with us this summer! Join us f

🌱 Gather & Grow with us this summer!Join us for this free summer program for adults, focused on sustainable living and health. We've cultivated a welcoming space for newcomers with hands-on workshops: topics range from balcony gardening, to pickling, to herbal teas!👉🏽 Register via link in bio.#AccessAlliance #gatherandgrow

✨ "Arts is a health behaviour" is a series co-wr

✨ "Arts is a health behaviour" is a series co-written by Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services practitioners and partners, imagining the healthcare and settlement sectors as sites for arts engagement.This series shares evidence and stories about how arts participation can improve the social determinants of health among newcomer individuals and communities.✨This the third article in the series: "Art is health infrastructure: Rethinking gender-based violence responses for newcomer women" by Jasmine SidhuMain ideas:🎨 1. Healing is not always verbal.For newcomer survivors of gender-based domestic violence, expressive arts offer a trauma-informed pathway to healing that supports emotional regulation, self-expression, and recovery without requiring immediate disclosure of traumatic experiences.✨ 2. Arts create connection, agency, and belonging.The HEAL Project demonstrated that group-based expressive arts can reduce isolation, strengthen peer relationships, build confidence, and help participants see themselves as knowledge holders, creators, and active agents in their own healing journeys.🌱 3. Arts are health infrastructure, not an extra. When integrated into settlement, health, and violence prevention services, culturally responsive arts-based interventions can improve well-being, strengthen organizational capacity, and contribute to more equitable and accessible systems of care.Read full article at HealthyDebate.caLearn about Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) project: artsforfamilyhealth.accessalliance.ca/heal-project/#AccessAlliance #HealthyDebate #artishealthcare

📣Join us for a 6-part "Creative Pathway" webina

📣Join us for a 6-part "Creative Pathway" webinar series to learn about advancing arts integration in healthcare and settlement. This series emerging from the Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) Project, learn more: https://artsforfamilyhealth.accessalliance.ca/heal-project/💡Webinar #2:Preparing the canvas together, Strong foundations for successful, culturally-informed expressive arts programs🛠️ What does it take to prepare for a successful expressive arts program?🎨This webinar explores key foundations for effective program planning, including partnership development, culturally responsive and trauma-informed outreach, participant recruitment, service provider training, and screening processes.🌱 If you're a program coordinator, don't miss these valuable tips for designing and implementing impactful expressive arts programs.Registration required: https://accessalliance.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YIeyAwYvQtiwm2kOPLWfrQ#/registration🤲Panelists: Moderated by Christen Kong, HEAL project coordinator, Access Alliance> Narges Khazraei, Trauma and Wellness Counsellor, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic> Farhama Haris, Community, Settlement Service Worker , The Neighbourhood Group (TNG)> Shruthi Anna Thomas, Masters of Public Health at University of Ottawa🎉 See you there! Learn more and watch the first webinar, “When words aren’t enough”, at: Access Alliance arts for family health digital platform: artsforfamilyhealth.accessalliance.ca/stories-articles/#AccessAlliance #UpcomingWebinar #CreativePathways

“I am able to ride to work and school because of

“I am able to ride to work and school because of the help here.”— Scarborough Cycles program participantSee what our DIY Bike Repair and Bike Tune Up & Safety Check drop-in programs make possible!These free programs offer a welcoming place to tune up and repair your bike — no experience needed!The skills you build here go beyond the shop floor: “[I can now] help my friends with their bikes,” a participant proudly shared.Scarborough Cycles also matches community members with donated and refurbished bikes, and advocates for safer roads across the city.Find out more at the link in our bio!#AccessAlliance #BikeMonth #ScarboroughCycles

✨ "Arts is a health behaviour" is a series co-wr

✨ "Arts is a health behaviour" is a series co-written by Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services practitioners and partners, imagining the healthcare and settlement sectors as sites for arts engagement.This series shares evidence and stories about how arts participation can improve the social determinants of health among newcomer individuals and communities.✨ This is the second article in the series: "Beyond attachment:The role of community artists in newcomer primary care" by Christen KongMain ideas:✨ 1. Access to primary care is not enough: trust and relationships matter. Connecting newcomers to a primary care provider is an important first step, but sustained, trusting relationships with care teams are what support long-term health and well-being.🎨 2. Community artists can help bridge newcomers to care.Artists create culturally responsive, welcoming spaces that build familiarity, confidence, and trust, helping newcomers feel more comfortable engaging with healthcare services.🤝 3. Belonging is a health intervention.Arts-based approaches strengthen connection, reduce isolation, and support newcomers in navigating both settlement and healthcare systems, transforming attachment to care into meaningful engagement and well-being.👉 Read full article at HealthyDebate.ca.

Rain or shine, our Among Friends community knows h

Rain or shine, our Among Friends community knows how to celebrate! 🌈☀️Among Friends 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer participants came together for a day full of joy, colour, and good energy for our picnic celebrating PRIDE at the park!Here’s a peek at the activities:💄 A decor station with face paint, stickers & temporary tattoos🎨 A community mural where kids and adults painted side by side🚲 Bikes from our Scarborough Cycles program — we pedalled with pride! @aasustainability 💛 Sexual health resources from Toronto Public Health🍔 Hot burgers, hot dogs, snacks & drinks to keep everyone fuelled🎶 Dancing, games & music that kept the energy going all afternoonA huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who set up, showed up, and poured their hearts into making this day so special.Want to learn more about Among Friends and 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer programs, services & events at Access Alliance? Visit the link in our bio! 🔗#AccessAlliance #AmongFriends #PrideMonth #NewcomerCommunity #TorontoPride CommunityHealth

💡Arts engagement can be understood as a health

💡Arts engagement can be understood as a health behaviour that functions as both a protective and rehabilitative practice for mental health, contributing to wellbeing through emotional, social, cognitive, and physiological pathways from recent public health research by Alexandra Rodriguez and her team.✨ "Arts is a health behaviour" is a series co-written by Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services practitioners and partners, imagining the healthcare and settlement sectors as sites for arts engagement. This series shares evidence and stories about how arts participation can improve the social determinants of health among newcomer individuals and communities.✨ "Community arts in focus: Evidence of community arts impact on newcomer social and mental wellness" by Esther-Joelle Asare & Andrea Charise is the first of five articles in this series.Main ideas:🎨 1. Community arts strengthen mental wellness and belonging.Participating in creative activities helps newcomers build friendships, reduce social isolation, develop support networks, and foster a stronger sense of connection to their communities.🌱 2. Community arts help bridge past, present, and future.Through storytelling, visual arts, music, movement, and other creative practices, newcomers can process migration experiences, honour cultural identities, and imagine new possibilities for their lives in Canada.🤝 3. Community arts are essential social infrastructure.When programs are culturally responsive, accessible, and community-based, they do more than support individual healing they promote inclusion, challenge mental health stigma, and contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.Read full article at healthydebate.ca.#AccessAlliance

📣Join us for a 6-part "Creative Pathway" webina

📣Join us for a 6-part "Creative Pathway" webinar series to learn about advancing arts integration in healthcare and settlement. This series emerged from the Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) Project. Learn more at artsforfamilyhealth.accessalliance.ca/heal-project🚀 We launch with our first webinar: When words aren’t enough: The role of art in healing trauma for newcomer communities. What does the evidence say about expressive arts and trauma recovery for newcomers?💡Join this webinar to explore current research on the impact of arts-based approaches in healthcare and settlement settings. Learn how expressive arts can support trauma recovery, healing, and belonging, while gaining practical insights into trauma-informed arts practices, and the role of artists within interprofessional care teams.Registration is required (see link in bio).🤲Panelists: Moderated by Christen Kong, HEAL Project Coordinator, Access Alliance, with:👉 Georgia Fullerton, Expressive Arts Therapist Associate Program Director, The CREATE Institute and professional visual artist👉 Izumi Sakamoto, Associate Professor at the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at University of Toronto👉 Melissa Foong, Art Psychotherapist and Program Worker, Breakthrough Program YWCA Toronto🎉 See you there!#AccessAlliance #UpcomingWebinar #CreativePathways

Celebrate Bike Month with us! Our Scarborough Cyc

Celebrate Bike Month with us!Our Scarborough Cycles program supports newcomers and other community members to learn new skills, get outside, and explore our city on two wheels.To divert waste and make cycling more accessible, we also refurbish donated bikes and match them with someone from our community.With your help, we can get a lot more people on bikes this summer! If you have an unused bike, bike parts, or tools taking up space, put them to good use by donating them to Scarborough Cycles!Don’t have a bike to get rid of, but still want to support our bike programs? Donate now via our website (see link in bio) or reach out to scarboroughcycles@accessalliance.ca for more info.#AccessAlliance #BikeMonth

We’re proud to join organizations across Canada

We’re proud to join organizations across Canada in endorsing Right To Food’s 2026 pre-budget submission.Together, we’re calling for action to reduce food insecurity and strengthen income supports.Right To Food’s pre-budget submission outlines 4 actions the federal government can take now:1️⃣ Set national target for food security2️⃣ Strengthen income supports3️⃣ Expand disability benefits4️⃣ Fund Indigenous food sovereignty👉 Read the submission by clicking on the link in our bio.#AccessAlliance #RightToFood

🎉This month we're celebrating our dynamic commu

🎉This month we're celebrating our dynamic community of seniors! They get moving every day at Access Alliance through volunteering, recreational programs, exercise classes, events and more!To find out more about our newcomer Seniors Program, visit the link in our bio!#AccessAlliance #SeniorsMonth

A huge congratulations to our former Executive Dir

A huge congratulations to our former Executive Director, Axelle Janczur, who was awarded the Denise Brooks Health Equity Champion Award at Wednesday's Alliance for Healthier Communities Transformative Change Awards ceremony.Celebrating Axelle’s outstanding contributions to advancing health equity, this award recognizes her steadfast commitment to systemic change and advocacy aimed at dismantling barriers to equitable health. A determined leader and collaborator, she has championed policies and practices that challenge discrimination and address the root causes of health inequities.At Access Alliance, we’ve witnessed the powerful and lasting impact Axelle’s contributions have had on our clients, communities, and the wider sector. Her 25+ years of mission-driven leadership have been instrumental in strengthening our impact, and stand as a testament to her capacity for transformative change.We applaud Axelle and all of the award recipients. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to health equity!#AccessAlliance

Celebrate Pride Month with us! If you're a 2SLGBTQ

Celebrate Pride Month with us! If you're a 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer, join us on June 11 at Taylor Creek Park, picnic area #5 from 3 to 7 pm. In celebration of our amazing 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer community, we'll have food (while supplies last), dance, art, games, cycling, music and more! We hope to see you there. 🧡💛💚💜💙#AccessAlliance #PrideMonth #newcomerpride

🌞🌟🌞 We're at Nathan Phillips Square tomor

🌞🌟🌞 We're at Nathan Phillips Square tomorrow, May 29 from 10 am to 3 pm for Toronto Newcomer Day! This fun, free, welcoming event features performances, activities, food and info booths.👉🏾 Come see us at booth 131 (the north end). Pop by to say hello, grab a snack, win a prize, and find out about our newcomer-friendly programs and services! We hope to see you there.For more about Access Alliance, visit accessalliance.ca#AccessAlliance #TONewcomer #TONewcomerDay

Need a doctor? Get in touch! Our three newcomer-fr

Need a doctor? Get in touch! Our three newcomer-friendly clinics are currently accepting new patients.In addition to primary health care (including nurse practitioners, doctors, and nurses) our services include:> Social workers & therapists> Dietitians > Interpreting services> Settlement services> A wide variety of newcomer-friendly community programs & eventsOHIP is not required to receive our care. To sign up to be a patient with Access Alliance, please complete an application form via the link in our bio.For more about Access Alliance, visit accessalliance.ca.#AccessAlliance #acceptingnewpatients #CommunityHealth

What a joyful event! On May 21st, we celebrated As

What a joyful event! On May 21st, we celebrated Asian Heritage Month at AccessPoint on Danforth with dance, music, fashion, food, and more!We had art from Krishna, a local artist, community kids and youth performing classical dance, and art and henna stations for the whole family. Our amazing volunteer Vasavi made and shared her delicious poha, and snacks from South and East Asia were enjoyed at our popular "Flavours in Boom" snack station.Thank you to the volunteers and staff who supported this event, as well as the many clients and community members who came out to celebrate!

Come meet the Access Alliance team on May 29, from

Come meet the Access Alliance team on May 29, from 10 am to 3 pm! Visit us at Booth 131 in Nathan Phillips Square— we'll have information about our newcomer-friendly programs and services and other community resources, as well as snacks and prizes! We look forward to seeing you there.#TONewcomerDay #WelcomeNewcomers

All Access Alliance offices & clinics will be clos

All Access Alliance offices & clinics will be closed on Monday, May 18, for the Victoria Day holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:30 am.If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.🌼🌷 We wish you a safe & happy long weekend! 🌷🌼

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