Blog
Are you interested in learning more about the important system-changing work that Access Alliance is involved in? Browse through our Blog! Learn about our initiatives, stories, ideas, and perspectives from different people who work or engage with our organization, and who drive our mission, vision, and mandate forward.
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Federal election – be an informed voter
The Federal election is coming up on April 28, 2025. The Canadian government touches many areas of our lives. This voter information toolkit will help you understand If you can vote, why you should vote if you can, information about election jobs, and where you can get more information. If you are looking for some in-person information and support, join us at our AccessPoint on Danforth and AccessPoint on Jane locations for workshops and information sessions. You can find more information about these events, read and download our toolkit in our latest post.
New bike lanes in Toronto make everyone safer and healthier
On February 27, 2025 Access Alliance Health Promoter and Bike Hub Coordinator Marvin Macaraig deputed to Toronto City Council on planned increases to cycling infrastructure in the City. While the plan includes a number of useful cycling infrastructure and additions, one in particular impacts the communities we serve in East Toronto/Scarborough. We’re happy to report that the motion was amended and adopted by the committee. It now goes to Council for a vote with a recommendation for adoption from committee. We expect it to pass and look forward to even more connected and safe cycle paths for cyclists and pedestrians. You can watch Marvin’s deputation here and read his remarks in our latest post.
Beyond the Influencers: Why Dietitians Are Your True Nutrition Superheroes
At Access Alliance, our dietitians create a friendly space where you can talk about food without feeling judged. They give advice that’s backed by science but fits your personal needs. They celebrate cultural foods and help you plan meals that are both healthy and enjoyable. In today’s world of social media nutrition influencers, our dietitians stand out. Only people who meet strict standards can call themselves a dietitian. They’re trained and regulated just like your doctor or dentist, ensuring you get safe and effective nutrition advice. They have university degrees in food and nutrition, complete hands-on training, and pass a national exam. They also keep learning about new research and techniques every year. When it comes to food information, dietitians are your most trustworthy source. Find out more in this post.
Black History Month – Uplifting Future Generations Through Health Equity
February marks Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” We honour the rich contributions of Black leaders worldwide, from celebrated figures to unsung heroes whose efforts have shaped human progress. This month, we reflect on the stories of advocates and leaders who fought for social justice, equity, and liberation, and celebrate and amplify Black voices to inspire future generations. This is also a month to honour local heroes who have contributed to a more inclusive society through art, culture, and everyday life, while encouraging the documentation of their stories to preserve history for future generations. We can only truly celebrate Black Canadians in our work if they are included. A health equity approach that intentionally involves Black individuals and communities is crucial for successful health outcomes, today, this month, and for generations to come. Find out more in this post.
Ontario votes – make sure your voice is heard!
The Ontario provincial general election is coming up on February 27, 2025. We’ve got some upcoming voter education events planned at our AccessPoint on Danforth and AccessPoint on Jane locations. Join us to learn more. Find out why you should vote and how. The Ontario government touches many areas of our lives. If you’re 18 years old or older, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of Ontario you can vote. If you can’t vote, there is still plenty you can do. Leading up to the election you can ask your candidates questions on topics that are important to you. We have some suggested questions based on issues important to the people and communities we serve. Find out more in this post.
“When I’m sick, I’m not bilingual” – Language Support is Health Equity
Language can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare and achieving desired health outcomes. We know what the solutions are, and we know how to make them work. Reframing language access as part of health equity can help ensure that newcomers, and others, have better healthcare experiences and improved health outcomes. What if instead of just thinking about individuals as having a degree of limited English proficiency, we repositioned our perspective to focus on a language of comfort? Language access initiatives can ensure that all individuals have equitable access to high-quality care, information, and services regardless of the language they speak or sign. Learn more in this post.
Self-collection for early detection: New steps in cervical cancer screening will help save lives
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Regular cervical screening can save lives. It can catch early signs of cervical cancer, before symptoms appear. In this post we explain why the screening is important for immigrant and refugee women. We have information you can share with your community. If you’re overdue for a cervical screening test, reach out to your doctor or nurse practitioner today. We can help. Our Open Door Program brings important health information, resources and support directly to residents living in high-priority neighbourhoods in Toronto. We can help you find a doctor, community resources, services and other health support. Find out more in our latest blog post.
Bike lanes are part of a healthy, safe, and equitable Toronto
Over the past decade Toronto has seen a steady increase in the number of people cycling everyday, and has remarkably expanded and improved the cycling network downtown, but progress has been slow in its inner suburbs, like Scarborough. The province’s plan to remove specific bike lanes in Toronto has been met with widespread criticism. Although community health centres like Access Alliance cannot pass laws or build the infrastructure we need ourselves, we can instead focus on addressing and removing the other barriers faced by residents. Find out more about how cycling helps to create a healthier, equitable, and a more prosperous Toronto in our latest post.
Employer-Supported Volunteering Helps Build Welcoming Communities
Holiday celebrations are more than just festive meals. For the communities we serve – newcomers facing poverty, racism, and countless other hardships – these gatherings are opportunities to foster joy, connection, and belonging. They remind us that even in the face of adversity, there’s immense power in coming together. In all these events, corporate employer-supported volunteers work alongside our staff and community volunteers. For over a decade, a bulk of these holiday dinners have been supported by BMO employee volunteer groups, especially the ones held at our east-end AccessPoint on Danforth. The signature BMO blue has been blended harmoniously with the red and green colours of the festive season. Find out more about the importance and transformative impact of corporate volunteering in our latest post.
Celebrating and supporting our community during the holidays
You’re probably already seeing plenty of holiday celebrations and support projects, including appeals for donations and gifts to support community members in need in your social channels. 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 where you can support our efforts. We are grateful to organizations who support and sponsor our events as well as community groups doing amazing work that we can partner with to bring holiday cheer to our clients. Find out more in our latest post.
Growing Healthy Communities means including the community
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. 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. Find out more in our latest post.
Healing Through Art – 16 Days of Activism
16 Days of Action acknowledges that violence against immigrant and refugee women is multiplied by race, immigration status, and gender identity. This year, we have focused our 16 Days of Activism on the effective healing impacts of expressive art for newcomer survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Arts, Settlement, and Community Health organizations can integrate expressive arts within violence prevention programming to improve survivors’ mental health. Join us as we share how art can heal.
Housing Matters in the Communities We Serve
The communities we serve all tell us how urgent the housing crisis is in their daily lives. We know that housing affordability and quality is a concern for all Torontonians. In the communities we serve, we’ve also learned that newcomers and 2SLGBTQI+ communities are particularly affected. On National Housing Day we reflect on efforts to improve access to safe and affordable housing for all across Canada. Find out more in our article.
Making Time for Health Equity in Diabetes
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we share how chronic diseases like diabetes affect marginalized communities disproportionately and how to build their self-efficacy for self-management of diabetes. Culturally safe, relevant, and community focused engagement is essential to success in preventing and managing diabetes. A health equity approach that deeply involves communities being served is essential for successful health promotion initiatives. Find out more in our article.
Celebrating our Nurse Practitioners at Access Alliance
Nurse Practitioners have been part of Access Alliance clinics for over 20 years. This week we join healthcare providers across the country to celebrate Nurse Practitioners during National Nurse Practitioner Week. Nurse Practitioners play an important role in the healthcare team that helps you take care of you at Access Alliance. When you come to one of our clinics, you might see your Nurse Practitioner or Doctor. Find out more in our article.
It’s hard to talk about money. We can help.
Living in Toronto is expensive. Too expensive. Many Torontonians struggle with their finances. Many newcomers to the city find themselves having to start over financially. It’s hard to talk about money, but it’s important. November is Financial Literacy Month. This year’s “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, improves people’s finances and reduce the stigma around financial matters. Find out more in our article.
Reduce waste, build healthier communities
This week is Waste Reduction Week. Our Green Access program promotes environmental awareness and connects community health, capacity building, food sustainability and urban agriculture. Through our AccessPoint on Danforth rooftop garden, Green Access Program, and Scarborough Cycles we strengthen health outcomes in the communities we serve, building knowledge and skills around food growing, waste reduction and our role as stewards of the living world. Find out more and join us in becoming better stewards of our environment!
Eradicating poverty has a positive impact on an individual’s health and the health of populations
October 17th is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Toronto’s diverse communities navigate systemic barriers and poverty with resiliency. Our vision is that our communities achieve health with dignity. We work with Toronto communities to meet the challenges the United Nations has identified on this day, including: Limited access to health care, Dangerous work conditions, Unsafe housing, Lack of nutritious food, Unequal access to justice and lack of political power. Find out more.
A Year Has Passed – How Have the 2023 Nahom Berhane Scholarship Recipients Fared?
Our scholarship recipients are back to school, and we’ve checked in on last year’s cohort to see how receiving support from the scholarship affected their school year. Read on for a snapshot of their post-secondary experiences, in their own words.
35 years of Access Alliance: A celebration of creativity, collaboration & innovation
It’s our anniversary! Access Alliance is 35 years old, and we’re celebrating our journey-to-date by looking back over the years of strategic advocacy, services, programming and key innovations that have shaped us. At the same time, we’re anticipating a future that will require even more creativity and collaboration in order to achieve our mission. As we evolve, our values and vision will continue to motivate and define us. Read more here.
The stories systems tell: Breaking down anti-Black barriers to build a better future
As we move on from Black History month, our programs and services will continue to seek out, highlight, and be informed by the diverse stories of our Black communities. To achieve equity in our systems we need to dismantle long-standing barriers and amplify voices silenced by our systems. Read more here.
Lifting up young leaders:
The Nahom Berhane Scholarship for Leadership and Inclusion
Now in its 9th year, the Nahom Berhane Scholarship for Leadership and Inclusion has assisted dozens of driven young community leaders from underserved communities as they navigate their post-secondary education.
In order to continue supporting these amazing students, we need your help. Read the full article.
Fun, Fitness & Friendship: How Newcomer Seniors are Thriving at Access Alliance
Our Seniors’ Program is all about helping participants build and maintain strong bodies, minds, and relationships. We do this through programming that supports the specific needs of the newcomer seniors in our community, offering fitness and recreational classes as well as fun events and relevant info sessions. Read the full article
Youth Summer Programs: Building Skills for a Sustainable World
It’s been a skill-building summer of sustainability for Access Alliance’s youth! Participants in our summer newcomer youth programs have benefitted from our team’s commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment. In order to build skills in newcomer youth, our team ran various programs geared towards knowledge-building, community engagement and leadership skills. These programs prepare participants to take the lead in fostering positive change in their own lives and their communities, building a more sustainable future for all. Read the full article.
2SLGBTQ+ Newcomer Pride: Celebrating Identity, Resilience, and Inclusive Communities
June is Pride Month. Pride is a celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ (2spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) people and community. Pride is about 2SLGBTQ+ people being proud and unapologetic about who we are. It’s about fighting stigma, shame, discrimination and abuse. Pride is about saying there is nothing wrong with being 2SLGBTQ+, there is nothing that needs to be changed or fixed. Pride is about recognizing that we are part of a family and community of people who are beautiful and resilient. Pride is about recognizing that there are many different ways people can exist, there are many different ways that we can love ourselves and each other. Read the full article.
Earth Day around the World: Sharing, Learning and Building Environmental Consciousness with Newcomers
Species extinction, topsoil loss, deforestation, ocean acidification, plastic rain, global warming. It is no exaggeration to say our planet is in crisis, a human created crisis. Extreme weather events affect all life across the planet. And the exploitation of our planet doesn’t stop at natural resources, but extends to the exploitation of people as well. The extent of injustice can be overwhelming, but we also have much to appreciate and inspire us. In this context, Earth Day is an opportunity to bring people together for a celebration of life on Earth, but also a call to action. Read the full article.
Delivering compassionate virtual care in an increasingly digital world
In early March of 2020, the announcement came that COVID-19 had become a global pandemic, and businesses and organizations everywhere shut their doors. Determined to prioritize its clients’ needs, Access Alliance took one week and then began incorporating remote healthcare, settlement and other services. However, as time went on, it became clear that this would not be a short-term solution. Access Alliance was prompted to reconsider its model of care delivery from top to bottom, as part of this ‘new reality’. Read the full article.
Misclassification: The Underlying Danger within Gig Work
In an ideal world, a job should provide a stable source of income that allows us to live life comfortably. Unfortunately, this isn’t true for many people, especially when it comes to the marginalized urban newcomer populations Access Alliance serves. Facing barriers to the standard Canadian job market, many newcomers turn to gig work to make ends meet. And with the dramatic rise of gig work since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these workers put their health and safety on the line in order to provide for themselves and their loved ones. But what is gig work exactly? And what is its impact on our newcomer communities? Read the full article.
Re-Imagining Home: Improving Newcomer Mental Wellbeing through Art
For most of us, home is a comforting space to begin and end the day. However, this is not true for everyone. November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is an opportunity for us to learn about what domestic violence is, how it affects people, and what resources are available for survivors of domestic violence. Access Alliance provides some of these resources, including expressive arts programming to improve mental health. Read the full article.
The Long Road to Civic Engagement
Colourful fall leaves, shorter days, and the smell of the democratic process in the air … a few months after the provincial election, Ontario’s municipal elections were fast approaching. Aiming to spark interest in the democratic process among immigrant and newcomer clients, Access Alliance organized an Election Job Hiring workshop in partnership with Elections Toronto. After the elections, we got a chance to speak with our clients who worked the polls and to hear their reflections on the state of civic engagement in Toronto. Read the full article.
Undocumented Voices, Undocumented Stories of the Fight for #StatusForAll
“This one is so sad…” Greice, a volunteer with Access Alliance, has her eyes cast down, skimming over a personal story written out by hand in black ink on white paper. The author, an anonymous walk-in patient of Access Alliance, tells their account of surviving here in Canada with precarious immigration status. They are on a visitor visa, one that is close to expiring. Read the full article.
Building Healthy Individuals, Healthy Communities through Intergenerational Programming
Excited chatter and laughter echoes across the large community space, drowning out the rhythmic clicking of needles. The scene could not get more wholesome: youth and seniors, knitting together, and greatly enjoying themselves while sharing stories and life experiences. Knitting is a skill and hobby that many associate with older generations; however, here were seniors and youth, teaching and learning from each other.Read the full article.
“By teaching, we learn”
As the Latin proverb Docendo discimus goes, “By teaching, we learn”, Access Alliance embraces student placements with the understanding that we gain as much from them as they do from us.
The organization provides students with placements in a diverse range of disciplines, allowing them to enhance their field of study and apply the concepts and theories from their academic programs.
We interviewed five placement students and their supervisors, who take on the role of preceptor, across five unique programs at Access Alliance.Read the full article.
Celebrating Cycling: Bike Month 2022
Mobility is a privilege people tend to overlook. Biking as a mode of transportation offers advantages not only physically, but also financially, socially, and environmentally. With rising gas prices, steep transit fares and climate change – cycling is an outlet we must take advantage of! Scarborough Cycles, a program run by Access Alliance in partnership with the City of Toronto, creates space for cyclists of all levels to ride, repair, and connect. It embraces cycling as a movement rather than just a recreational activity. Read the full article.
Once Upon a Newcomer to Canada: The “Before” and the “After”
Mariam Spanos, a Settlement Worker at Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services, recalls her migration story. Nearly two decades later, the memories are still vivid. After the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, the country had collapsed. Mariam’s family faced an unimaginable decision – her parents knew they had to seek a safe and stable future for their children, but the path ahead was full of unknowns. More importantly for Mariam, leaving Iraq would mean leaving her childhood behind. Read the full article.
The “hotel clinic” in Toronto
After months of anxious waiting and an arduous journey from Afghanistan to Canada, it seemed the Motavakkel family could breathe a sigh of relief when they finally landed in Toronto and were placed in a hotel turned temporary reception centre. As the adrenaline level of the family fleeing a life-or-death situation gradually fell, some previously suppressed health issues started to emerge. Read the full article.
Building strong healthy communities through newcomer civic engagement
The Civic Engagement Workshops for Newcomers are organized by Access Alliance staff, volunteers, and students. This semester, I have had the opportunity to join this small team as a placement student. I have learned a great deal during my time at Access Alliance, including how newcomer-serving organizations can adapt to better serve their communities and address local needs; and the role that research, knowledge mobilization, and social action plays in this process.
Read the full article.
Empowering Internationally Trained Professionals to become ‘Change Agents’
In January 2022, the Community-Based Research and Evaluation Department of Access Alliance launched its exciting Community-Based Research (CBR) training series. This six-week foundational learning series targets internationally trained professionals (some of whom were researchers in their home countries), offering them the chance to learn or update their community-based research skills. Read the full article.
The Growth and Evolution of a CHC
Community health centres (CHCs), in the simplest terms, work to improve the lives of the people they serve. How they do it is not so simple. In this blog post, we will showcase how four driving forces promoted the evolution and strategic growth of Access Alliance, a community health organization that today is highly adaptable and responsive to change, while simultaneously driven to realize its vision.
Read the full article.
How we are supporting our clients this holiday season
This holiday we’ve had ‘all hands on deck’ – with staff, volunteers, partners, and donors pitching in to help our clients and their communities. Together, we’ve addressed our clients’ most urgent needs (such as medical care, COVID-19 booster shots and warm clothing) and at the same time, brought joy, laughter and much needed connection through our special holiday events.
We made a digital scrapbook to show some of the ways we’ve been helping our clients through the holidays. Read the full article.
November is Financial Empowerment Month
Financial Literacy Month has been celebrated for over a decade in Canada. This special awareness month, organized by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) of the Government of Canada, seeks to strengthen the financial literacy of all Canadians. This appears to be a fairly progressive initiative, so why did Access Alliance, a newcomer-serving agency, decide to take it one step further and celebrate Financial Empowerment month instead? Read the full article.
Supporting students to create positive social change
Stephanie Thevarajah, Placement Student in Knowledge Mobilization & Social Action
While working with Access Alliance, I had the opportunity to learn new skills in knowledge mobilization as well as around the importance of translating research findings to wider audiences, encouraging meaningful discussion, and building awareness of health inequities faced by marginalized and newcomer populations.
