Home – Access Alliance

Marching towards Healthcare for All
24 years ago we joined forces with other newcomer-serving organizations to challenge OHIP's practice of refusing health insurance to Ontario babies born to non-status parents. And we won.

But our commitment for advocating for equity in healthcare continues, as we pursue our vision of Healthcare for All.

Check out other innovative firsts from the past 35 years here!
Read more about our health advocacy work
Light up the season!
Join us Dec. 5 for food, fun activities, live music, gifts and raffles, and an abundance of holiday cheer & community connection.

Registration is required: RSVP today!
Click 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
Donate today!
Help us raise the $12,000 needed to award 6 final scholarships to young, hard-working community leaders like Nahom. Donate today to support the last year of this exceptional scholarship.
Donate now
Come together, act now
Follow our campaign and read our blog to see the diverse and creative ways we use Expressive Arts to address the impacts of gender-based violence.
Read the blog

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

Seniors Yoga (55yrs+)

December 6 @ 9:45 am - 10:45 am Read more

Seniors’ Bingo with Newcomers (55yrs+)

December 6 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Read more

Seniors’ Bingo with Newcomers (55yrs+)

December 6 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Read more

Seniors' Arts and Crafts with Newcomers

December 6 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Read more

Seniors' Tea & Chat with Newcomers (55 yrs+)

December 6, 2024 @ 2:30 pm - November 28, 2025 @ 3:30 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.

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

For the last two decades, Access Alliance has had

For the last two decades, Access Alliance has had the tradition of collecting funds and gifts to bring holiday hampers to low-income, underserved families in our communities.Every year, we help families living in poverty to buy some gifts for their children, household necessities, and put out festive meals during the holiday season.Families continue to face difficult times, with job losses and the skyrocketing cost of living having additional negative impact on their lives.Please donate to brighten the last bit of 2024 for these local families: donate.accessalliance.caCostco The Children's Place Gap Old Navy

Did you know? Expressive arts (EA) therapies offer

Did you know? Expressive arts (EA) therapies offer powerful tools for self-regulation and stress reduction.Through movement, visual imagery, touch, and sound, these therapies engage the body and mind, promoting emotional soothing and physiological changes.Rhythm, a key element in all arts, helps stabilize, and create a sense of safety.Here’s why it works: • Sensory engagement: The act of art-making activates senses, calms the body and nervous system • Embodied expression: Movement-based arts facilitate body-based communication of trauma, releasing stored energy and promoting healing• Safe exploration: Creative processes provide a safe space to explore and process trauma without verbalization#REFLECT What activities help you to stay calm? What activities do you want to integrate into your life to manage stress? #LEARN Expressive Arts for Self-RegulationClick on link in bio to read more about how art can heal.#16DaysofActivism

Expressive Arts (EA) is a powerful tool for improv

Expressive Arts (EA) is a powerful tool for improving mental health outcomes for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, especially in newcomer communities! At Access Alliance, we use integrated art activities to promote mental wellbeing and facilitate trauma healing in culturally sensitive ways.👉🏽Here's why it works:Benefits of EA for newcomer survivors of GBV include: • Overcoming language barriers• A safe space for processing trauma• Empowering and building self-efficacy• Reduced stress and anxiety• A sense of belonging• Destigmatized mental health discussions What art forms are within your culture? How does engaging in these art forms make you feel? Read more on our blog: accessalliance.ca/home/blog/healing-through-art-16-days-of-activism#16DaysofActivism #HealingThroughART #Reflect #Learn

What does it mean to honour a legacy? Who was Naho

What does it mean to honour a legacy? Who was Nahom Berhane? What does it mean to offer a scholarship to students focussed on serving their equity-deserving communities?For a fuller look at the Nahom Berhane Scholarship and the legacy of the incredible young man it supports, we created this AI-generated podcast. It takes a deep dive into the story of Nahom, his contributions to his community, and the impact of the scholarship for other community-minded youth leaders.We invite you to join our grassroots community donors to support this amazing scholarship in its last year. In order to support 6 final students with $4000 each, we need to raise a whopping $12,000. Gifts big or small will make a tangible impact in the lives of these students. Please donate today: donate.accessalliance.ca#accessalliance #nahomberhane #givingtuesdaycanada

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed every year on November 20th by the trans community as a way to honour and remember trans people who have lost their lives due to violence and transphobia.TDoR commemorates trans folks who died through violence, murder, by suicide and other ways that are the result of transphobia and hate. This day is an opportunity for trans people to come together in support and love.Our Among Friends (2SLGBTQI+) program celebrates and supports all two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) newcomers. We recognize that 2SLGBTQI+ people who are new to Canada face particular challenges including language barriers, lack of information about systems/services, social isolation, poverty, and barriers to employment. They also face discrimination because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.Find out more: accessalliance.ca/programs-services/lgbtq-programs#accessalliance #transdayofremembrance #TDoR2024

seReporting back to the community is an important

seReporting back to the community is an important part of the Taylor-Massey Oakridge CHNA process. We recently gathered clients and community members to share the findings, and collect the community’s insights.We learned that residents of the Taylor-Massey and Oakridge neighbourhoods resonated with the report’s findings, which echoed residents’ observations of their community’s assets, concerns, and needs. They stressed the ongoing, daily difficulties in meeting basic needs such rent, food, and income. Participants also shared their perspective on the importance of inmproved funding to better support access to resources like family doctors and allied health, employment and settlement services.It’s now time to push this report out to our wider community of collaborators and service providers. We’re looking forward to sharing these findings with other organizations to better inform community programs and services, as well.See link in bio to read & share the report.

Last year, in its 9th year, the Nahom Berhane Scho

Last year, in its 9th year, the Nahom Berhane Scholarship awarded $4,000 each to these four exceptional young women. Additionally, 10 shortlisted Black students received honorariums to support their academic journeys. This financial assistance has allowed them to focus on their studies and community work, with their leadership and volunteerism shining brightly as they pursue post-secondary education.As a grassroots initiative, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. This Giving Tuesday, we aim to raise $12,000 to close the funding gap for our most ambitious goal yet: awarding six $4,000 scholarships—the largest in the scholarship’s history and a colossal tribute to Nahom’s legacy.This is your final and best chance to support a transformative effort that propels the academic and career advancement of hardworking Black youth and strengthens the communities they serve.Honoring the memory of Nahom, a dedicated Access Alliance health promoter and a recognized leader devoted to equity and inclusive communities, the scholarship strives to award a total of 34 scholarships—one for each year of Nahom’s life—by its 10th and final year.Make a difference today: donate.accessalliance.ca #accessalliance #nahomberhane #blackstudentsmatter

It's the end of an era. We're entering into our 10

It's the end of an era. We're entering into our 10th and final year of the incredible Nahom Berhane Scholarship.In 10 years, 34 scholarships will have been awarded, one for each year of Nahom’s life. His legacy will live on as the young, values-driven recipients continue to move into careers and communities that will benefit from their commitment to equity, leadership and service.With 28 scholarships already awarded, we’re on track to award six more. To do so, we need to raise over $24,000—$4,000 for each scholarship, plus honoraria for shortlisted applicants.While we actively seek corporate donors for matching funds, we’re turning to you, our friends and supporters, to help us close the gap by raising $12,000.It’s an ambitious goal, but with your help, we can reach it. This is the final push to ensure Nahom’s legacy continues to uplift our communities.Donate today: donate.accessalliance.ca#accessalliance #NahomBerhaneScholarship #BlackExcellence

🪹 What does it look like to build a trusting, s

🪹 What does it look like to build a trusting, safe, and secure nest for ourselves? How can we create a nest for belonging together? How does making art together bring community wellness? Come find out!Last week, community members joined our Nesting Grounds program to learn about paper weaving. Participants shared a mixture of stories, challenges and joys from their lives. Join this program to:> Try something new > Share stories > Bring art from home to work on> Open to all > Have a warm cup of tea> Gather info from dieticians, settlement workers, and more! Drop by or register here: forms.gle/FzVd9w6998SMQ1h89#AccessAllianceART #NestingGrounds

💸💸💸Living in Toronto is expensive. Too ex

💸💸💸Living in Toronto is expensive. Too expensive. Many Torontonians struggle, and many newcomers find themselves having to start over financially. This can bring feelings of shame and embarrassment.It’s hard to talk about money, but it’s important. This year’s Financial Literacy Month “Money on your Mind. Talk about it!" campaign encourages people to talk about money. It highlights that it’s ok to share experiences and ask questions about finances. Talking about money is a good thing: it can build confidence, improve people’s finances and reduce the stigma around financial matters.Find out more in our blog article: accessalliance.ca/home/blog/its-hard-to-talk-about-money-we-can-helpIt includes useful tips for newcomers, resources for community organizations, and some recommendations for the financial sector to support the financial stability and literacy of Toronto newcomers. Together we can help encourage newcomers talk about money, increase their knowledge, and become financially empowered.#accessalliance #FinancialLiteracyMonth2024

Toronto’s recreation facilities and parks offer

Toronto’s recreation facilities and parks offer communities spaces to play, connect, learn, exercise and celebrate.Access Alliance is looking for 10 community members from both East York/Don Valley and South Scarborough to help shape the City of Toronto's Parkland Strategy (PLS) and Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan (PRFP).Register here to represent your community!: forms.gle/5suMjHodbQXy6tGG9#accessalliance

🚲🌟🚲 In the spring of 2019, Access Allianc

🚲🌟🚲 In the spring of 2019, Access Alliance launched Hijabs & Helmets (H&H), Canada's first cycling initiative designed specifically for hijabi women and girls.Recognizing the unique challenges faced by observant newcomer Muslim women, the program brought together participants for "learn to bike" sessions, group rides, and road safety training.From mastering bike mechanics to exploring the city, H&H promotes active, healthy lifestyles while fostering a sense of belonging. It also provides participants with a sustainable, low-cost, healthy travel option.More than just a cycling program, H&H creates a space for empowerment and inclusivity, while countering Islamophobic sentiments through community building on two wheels.For program details, click the link in our bio!#accessalliance #firstsonthefirst

It was two incredible days of celebrating this Com

It was two incredible days of celebrating this Community Health & Wellbeing Month! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our AccessPoint on Danforth and AccessPoint on Jane Open House events to explore our programs and services. With a theme of "The Future is Community", clients & community members enjoyed music, interactive activities, door prizes, and refreshments. Both days were filled with joy, connection, and excitement for the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, local politicians and volunteers who supported both of these events.Together, we’re building a vibrant, healthy, and connected community. Here's to the journey ahead! #CommunityHealth #TheFutureIsCommunity

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