Our History

On our 30th anniversary, we collected 30 stories from community members, volunteers, staff and Board members, founders, partners, and others who have generously contributed their time, energy and talents over the years to make Access Alliance what it is today. Collectively these stories provide a snapshot of the organization’s mandate, history and growth.

Founders from the Korean community
The founding communities of Access Alliance fought for linguistically and culturally appropriate primary health care and related social services. Sung Hak Choi and Andrew Choi recount their experiences in founding Access Alliance and pioneering its work.

Seniors enjoy expanded services
When Neighbourhood Centre integrated with Access Alliance in 2017, local seniors were able to enjoy expanded services, programs and volunteer opportunities.

Health With Dignity
The Non Insured Walk-In Clinic provides Health With Dignity to some of the most vulnerable residents of the City of Toronto. It is one of the few clinics in the city dedicated to serving the medically uninsured …

Among Friends
There was little in the city of Toronto for LGTBQ newcomers when the first LGTBQ+ initiative at Access Alliance began in 2006. Those beginnings started with the Among Friends program.

eXposed
The eXposed project was a community-based research project conducted in 2008 that combines the photographs and narratives of 14 photo researchers who live in Toronto’s Black Creek community.

Board talk: A virtual interview
Over the years, Access Alliance has benefited from the passion, expertise, and hard work contributed by the many members who have served terms on its Board of Directors. Present and past Chairs of the Board talk about their experiences.

Peer Outreach Workers
In 2002, Access Alliance recruited and trained women as Peer Outreach Workers. The program continues to build the capacity of women working in the heart of their communities.

Opening doors in the east and west
In 2011, Access Alliance expanded its services into the inner suburbs with the opening of AccessPoint on Danforth and AccessPoint on Jane. The expansion has made community programs, support and health services available to newcomer, immigrant and refugee communities in the east and west end of Toronto.

The legacy of Nahom Berhane
Nahom Berhane was a passionate leader with genuine commitment to fairness, equity, and community empowerment. His life and contributions are remembered here.

Stepping Up
The Stepping Up Promising Practices Tool Kit was developed to help organizations implement expressive arts groups that focus on violence prevention and safety promotion for trans and LGBQ newcomer women.

LGTBQ+ Newcomer Cooking Program
Ken Olsen began volunteering in the LGBTQ+ Newcomer Program at Access Alliance in 2013. At the time, there were only six participants in the basement of Access Point on Danforth.

Lessons from a green rooftop
East end residents build skills around food and gardening at the rooftop garden at AccessPoint on the Danforth.