Home – Access Alliance

Newcomers supporting newcomers!
In 2002 we became the 1st community health centre employing newcomer women for outreach work. Focusing on underserved newcomer communities, these peer workers are crucial to providing culturally sensitive support to newcomer families.

Read more here
Sign up today!
East end seniors can register today for our Snow Removal Program. we'll pair you with a reliable snow shoveller, and you pay them only when they work ($20/hr).
Details & to register
Assessing needs to improve health
We've recently conducted a community health needs & asset assessment (CHNA) and community profile report to understand the strengths, issues & changing needs of the Taylor-Massey Oakridge communities.

Info provided by over 400 community members & partners will help us improve health outcomes via more effective, targeted programs & services.
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
Apply today!
Access Alliance is currently hiring. Check out our Careers page for more details, and subscribe to receive info about upcoming positions!
Current opportunities
Help us start strong in 2025
Many of our programs depend on generous donations from our community. Donate before Feb. 28 and make a powerful difference in the lives of your newcomer neighbours.
You'll also maximize your 2024 tax benefits via the charitable donation extension!
Donate now
Bikes break barriers
Our latest blog takes a close look at how support for cyclists contributes to a healthier & more equitable Toronto.
Read all about it!

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

Stretch, Flex and Relax: Seated Yoga - In-person & Virtual(55yrs+)

January 13 @ 9:45 am - 10:45 am Read more

Seniors’ Tea and Chat (55yrs+)

January 13 @ 11:00 am - 11:45 am Read more

Seniors Gentle Fit (55yrs+)

January 13 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Read more

Seniors Gentle Fit (55yrs+)

January 13 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Read more

Seniors' Arts and Crafts with Newcomers

January 13 @ 1:15 pm - 2:15 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.

🚲🚲🚲 With more people cycling, streets fee

🚲🚲🚲 With more people cycling, streets feel safer. At Access Alliance, we work hard to build a strong, supportive community, where together we can create a healthier, equitable, and safer Toronto.Over the past decade Toronto has seen a steady increase in the number of people cycling everyday. The city has expanded and improved the cycling network downtown. But progress has been slow in our inner suburbs, like Scarborough. And the province’s plan to remove specific bike lanes in Toronto has been met with widespread criticism.Although we can’t pass laws or build the infrastructure we need ourselves, we can focus our programming on addressing and removing barriers faced by our community. Programs such as Drop-In Bike Repair, Hijabs and Helmets, Learn-to-Ride, and Take Our Seniors Out showcase how bikes can break down barriers.Find out how cycling helps build a healthy Toronto in our latest blog post: accessalliance.ca/home/blog/bike-lanes-are-part-of-a-healthy-safe-and-equitable-toronto

Do you love food, but experience pain or discomfor

Do you love food, but experience pain or discomfort after eating?Learn how digestion works and get tips on managing common digestive issues with a dietitian in this free, virtual series.Join us on Tuesdays from Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, 10 am - 12 pm. Register today!Email dietitians@accessalliance.ca, or register here: bit.ly/FeelGoodFoodsAAMHCS#accessalliance #feelgoodfoods

🔔🎆🔔 As the new year is being rung in, we

🔔🎆🔔 As the new year is being rung in, we are thrilled to embark on another year with our incredible Access Alliance community, continuing the celebration of 35 impactful years working together with you.As we say goodbye to 2024, we are fully aware that the road ahead may be hilly and full of obstacles. Dark clouds may loom, and storms may threaten. But we see light. The warmth and resilience of our community are the fireworks that brighten our path forward, and our mission and vision remain our North Star, shining brightly to guide us.We want you to know: we are hopeful because of you.Look at all we accomplished together in 2024. Despite the mounting challenges, we met ever-growing needs with creative, diligent services and programs. We addressed critical gaps, improved health outcomes, and amplified the voices calling for inclusivity and health equity— all because of you.Our 35th anniversary celebrations will continue into mid-year, and we will learn, connect, and innovate with you. We do so with immense hope. Together.#accessalliance #happynewyear

Happy 2025! It's the first day of a new year and a

Happy 2025! It's the first day of a new year and a perfect time for our newcomer-serving organization to showcase an initiative created to employ newcomers to support newcomers!Although volunteer peer support has long been a staple in the nonprofit world, in 2002, Access Alliance became the first community health centre (CHC) to employ newcomer women peers to do structured, paid outreach work.Focusing on hard-to-reach and underserved newcomer communities, Peer Outreach Workers play a crucial role in providing culturally sensitive support and resources to newcomer families.Employed as part of an interdisciplinary team, they build trust, connect families to essential services, and empower women through leadership and parenting capacity-building initiatives.In recent years, these workers have also led vaccine engagement and other health promotion campaigns, further enhancing community partnerships and support for marginalized newcomers and their families.For program details, click on link in bio.#accessallince #firstsonthefirst

All our offices and clinics will be closed Dec. 25

All our offices and clinics will be closed Dec. 25 & 26 and Jan. 1.AccessPoint on Danforth will be closed (no Saturday programming) Dec. 28 & Jan. 4.All our locations will have modified hours when open between Dec. 23 & Jan. 5. Please see the post graphic for full details.We will resume our regular hours on Jan. 6 and look forward to seeing you in the new year! Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season.❤

How do we let go to make room for newness in our l

How do we let go to make room for newness in our lives? What do you want to welcome into your life in the new year? We explored these powerful ideas through paper-making with community artist, Mercy Verdugo!🖋️✨ Participants turned scraps from the past year into beautiful new paper, symbolizing the act of releasing the old to make space for what’s to come.🌱 Let’s embrace the new year with intention, creativity, and the courage to make room for growth. What are you ready to bring into your life?🎨✨ Join Nesting Grounds: Arts for Wellbeing Workshops and discover new art-making techniques you can try at home!🌿 Why participate?:> Learn a new art activity> Receive art materials to spark your creativity> Connect with others and share stories> Make new friends> Access valuable support services & resources> Hear from dieticians, settlement workers, and more!🌟 Drop by or register via link in bio!#accessalliance #AccessAllianceART #NestingGrounds

🔔❤🔔You’re probably already seeing plenty

🔔❤🔔You’re probably already seeing plenty of holiday celebration and support projects in your social channel, including appeals for donations and gifts to support community members in need.At Access Alliance, we’re also making plans to make the holidays festive for as many people as we can. We work in and serve amazing communities, and every year we celebrate with them. This year we wanted to give you an idea of what that looks like, and also share info on where you can support our efforts.We are grateful to organizations who support and sponsor our events, as well as inspiring community groups we've partnered with to bring holiday cheer to our clients.To find out more about what we're up to this holiday season, click on link in bio.Donate now & support our work: donate.accessalliance.ca#accessalliance

Opened to the public in 2010, our two community hu

Opened to the public in 2010, our two community hubs: AccessPoint on Danforth in the East and AccessPoint on Jane in the West, have become places of warmth, friendship, and belonging for many newcomers. The holiday season, often the loneliest time for those who are marginalized or new to the city, holds special significance for us.It’s a time to celebrate with our community members and bring them the joy of the season. Every year, each centre hosts a festive holiday party, where hundreds of attendees enjoy a delicious hot meal together and receive a thoughtful gift. We’re proud to have upheld this cherished tradition for 14 years, even finding ways to adapt during the COVID pandemic by organizing takeaway holiday dinners.This year, more than 400 clients attended these two annual parties, sharing food, laughter, and great company. These celebrations wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of Access Alliance staff and the dedication of dozens of community volunteers. A special shoutout goes to BMO and the BAZ Group for stepping up once again, providing teams of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to cook, serve, and lend a hand wherever needed.We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Soles4Souls for the wonderful gifts they provided for our raffles. Nothing warms our hearts more than seeing seniors beaming with joy and children jumping with excitement as they win their raffle prizes.The holiday season is a time of giving and togetherness. In addition to these two large events, our departments are also hosting smaller celebrations with their clients—three are already done, and three more are on the way. Ho ho ho! Here’s to a season filled with joy and community spirit!

❄❄❄ Seniors in Toronto's east end can sign u

❄❄❄ Seniors in Toronto's east end can sign up now for our Snow Removal Program. We'll set you up with a reliable snow shoveller who you only pay when they clear your snow ($20/hr.) No seasonal contract required!Visit link in bio for details and to register. Questions? Email snowremoval@accessalliance.ca or call 416-324-8677.#accessalliance #torontosnowremoval #torontoseniors

Did you know? Expressive arts (EA) can be integrat

Did you know? Expressive arts (EA) can be integrated in many ways within programs and community gatherings. At Access Alliance, the Hubs of Expressive Arts for Life (HEAL) Project is an example of using the arts for improving health outcomes for survivors of gender-based domestic violence. HEAL implements culturally sensitive arts-based approaches for trauma recovery. EA therapists lead participants through art activities to manage stress, human rights, healthy relationships, self-expression and build a sense of belonging. What does an expressive art program look like? How it is making a difference in the lives of newcomer women who are survivors of gender-based domestic violence? For more info, please see the link in our bio.#16DaysofActivism #HealingThroughART #LEARN #REFLECT

Did you know? Community connection is foundational

Did you know? Community connection is foundational to trauma healing. At Access Alliance, community programs including art-based practice have the immense power to foster belonging, build new friendships, and bring people together to co-create collective narratives.Expressive Arts for Restoration:• Restores the capacity for play, curiosity, and imagination (trauma often impacts a person's ability to be playful, curious, and imaginative.)• Reframes traumatic experiences. While past events cannot be erased, people can change how they see themselves and their experiences, allowing them to generate new perspectives• Revives a sense of aliveness and encourages vitality and joy in traumatized individuals.What are you curious about? See link in bio to read more on how art can heal.#16DaysofActivism #HealingThroughART #REFLECT #LEARN #accessalliance

Do you have experience working with newcomer youth

Do you have experience working with newcomer youth? Want to direct your creative energy into programs that support immigrant and refugee youth in their communities? Come work with us!We're currently hiring a full-time (35 hours/week) and part-time (17.5 hours/week) Youth Worker. Apply by Dec. 19!Access Alliance is a HOOPP employer, and we offer group benefits, vacation and sick leave and employee assistance programs.👉 Find our more about both positions at accessalliance.ca > Careers at Access Alliance or via the link in bio.

❤❤❤ A great big THANK YOU and a happy fist-b

❤❤❤ A great big THANK YOU and a happy fist-bump to all in our online community who responded to our call for donations on Giving Tuesday for the Nahom Berhane Scholarship.This grassroots group was determined to contribute to this powerful scholarship, which this year will award $4000 to each of the 6 final recipients. We are grateful for your gifts, and we are excited to soo how your donations will help transform young community leaders of today into impactful leaders and advocates of tomorrow.There is still time to donate. We knew our Giving Tuesday goal of $12,000 in funds raised was ambitious, and while we haven't yet hit that target we have much faith on our community to spread the word, share the link, and talk about why this last year of the scholarship is so meaningful, and so worthy of donations of any size.Thank you all for your help! Please consider sharing this link: donate.accessalliance.ca#accessalliance #nahomberhanescholarship #thankyouforyoursupport

Did you know? Expressive arts goes beyond language

For 9 amazing years we have been awarding multiple

For 9 amazing years we have been awarding multiple annual scholarships to young, equity-minded community leaders as they pursue their post secondary studies. As we entered into the 10th and final year of the scholarship, we need your help in raising the funds for the 6 final scholarships. Our aim is to provide 34 in total—one for each year of Nahom's life.In order to meet this ambitious goal, we are asking our community to help us raise $12,000. While acknowledging the passion, drive and commitment of youth determined to uplift their communities, the scholarship also addresses anti-Black barriers in education. This is your last opportunity to show your support. And your support is desperately needed at this time.Your donation, no matter what size, will go far to lift the financial burden for 6 hard-working students next year.A unique scholarship, with exceptional recipients, honouring the legacy of an extraordinary young man.Please donate today: donate.accessalliance.ca#accessalliance #nahomberhane #GivingTuesday2024

Did you know? Community connection is foundational

Did you know? Community connection is foundational to trauma healing, especially for those who have experienced gender-based domestic violence. At Access Alliance, intergenerational community programs combine skills development and art activities to bring people together. Read more on how art can heal here: accessalliance.ca/home/blog/healing-through-art-16-days-of-activism#LEARN Expressive Arts for Co-Regulation#16DaysofActivism #HealingThroughART

How do you take care of yourself? How does art-mak

How do you take care of yourself? How does art-making together nurture belonging? Come find out at the Nesting Grounds Program!Join our weekly Arts for Wellbeing Workshops, where Community Artist Mercy Verdugo, is bringing paper-making to Access Alliance! Participants make new paper from recycled notes and decorate them with flowers and vibrant papers.Join us to learn new art-making techniques to try at home. Why participate?:- Learn a new art-making activity with art materials provided- Share stories with others in your community- Open to all ages and people: make a friend!- Have a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate - Receive info from dieticians, settlement workers, and more!See you there! Drop by or register here: forms.gle/FzVd9w6998SMQ1h89#AccessAllianceART #NestingGrounds #accessalliance

For many newcomers, coming to Canada is about buil

For many newcomers, coming to Canada is about building a better life for themselves and their families. This includes creating a positive impact on their immediate environment.With the growing concern of climate change and environmental degradation, there has been a shift towards practicing green living— activities and practices that reduce our negative impact on the environment.In 2016 we ran a research project focused on promoting green living among low-income newcomer residents in Toronto's Taylor-Massey neighbourhood. Fast forward eight years and our findings and approach are still relevant for those interested in implementing similar programs aiming at equity-informed community development.Our project showed the importance of addressing community challenges when promoting green living among vulnerable populations. By deepening civic engagement and addressing social determinants of health, we are working towards a more equitable and healthy society for newcomers.Read more about the project: accessalliance.ca/home/blog/growing-healthy-communities-means-including-the-community#accessalliance #HealthyCommunities

In 2000, Access Alliance joined forces with Parkda

In 2000, Access Alliance joined forces with Parkdale Community Legal Clinic and other newcomer-serving organizations to create the OHIP for Babies coalition. We challenged OHIP's practice of refusing health insurance to babies born in Ontario to non-status parents, which flouted legislation.Faced with a charter challenge, OHIP removed this restriction within a year of the coalition’s launch. However, it took years of relentless advocacy for hospitals and other providers to finally end the practice of billing non-status parents for newborns’ healthcare.This victory was a significant step toward our vision of Healthcare for All. Today, we continue advocating for equal healthcare access, ensuring no-one is left behind in Canada’s universal healthcare system.Read more about our healthcare equity advocacy work, see link in bio.#accessalliance #firstsonthefirst

❤️🎓❤️Over the past 9 years, the Nahom B

❤️🎓❤️Over the past 9 years, the Nahom Berhane Scholarship has supported 28 hard-working, community-minded youth committed to volunteering to support equity and inclusivity in their communities. With a focus on supporting Black youth, this scholarship offers financial support and guidance from mentors as recipients navigate post-secondary.We're now entering our final year, we're asking for your help to support 6 final students with scholarships of $4000 each.Donate today, and help these driven young students pursue their goals as they uplift their communities: donate.accessalliance.ca#nahomberhane #accessalliance #blackstudentsuccess

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