Images: Wells Chan from Q Filmz Media/Newcomers Centre
For more than 40 years, the Edmonton Newcomer Centre has stood alongside people starting over and continuing their lives in a new country—helping them navigate Canadian systems, build meaningful connections, and harness their potential.
Guided by our values of Empowerment, Compassion, Interconnectedness, and Accountability, we provide the services that anchor new beginnings, continuity, and progress through settlement support, English language training, therapy and mental wellness, and pathways to employment, career growth, and entrepreneurship. But what truly defines Edmonton Newcomer Centre, and what makes this work heroic, are the stories of people who demonstrate what courage looks like day by day.
A Dream Rebuilt from the Ashes of War
Fourteen years ago, Marwa fled Syria with her family as war engulfed their home. She arrived in Edmonton with little more than determination and hope. Through the Edmonton Newcomer Centre’s Youth Program, Marwa found mentors, community, and a safe place to dream again. She rebuilt her confidence step by step until she was ready to pursue what once felt impossible. Today, Marwa is a professional shaping skylines and futures as a licensed architect in Alberta and
British Columbia.
“The support I received helped me rebuild my life. That first step changed everything.” Marwa’s words are a testament to what is possible when newcomers receive support and services from a dedicated and knowledgeable team that believes in their potential to thrive.
Rising Through Learning, Lifting a Community
When Leteyesief arrived from Eritrea, her English skills were limited, which made it difficult for her to find work and settle in Canada. With perseverance and the right support, she improved her English and went on to earn her Level 1 and Level 2 childcare qualifications, which became the springboard to a new career in early
childhood education.
Today, she is gainfully employed, supporting her family and inspiring others to thrive.
Her journey reflects what we see every day: newcomers using their strengths, skills, and aspirations to shape their own futures and help build lasting, community-rooted change in the place they now call home.
Every year, thousands of newcomers bring talent, culture, experience, and wisdom that enrich our communities and strengthen the fabric of Canada.
We are inspired by the bravery we witness every day:
The parent learning English after working night shifts
The youth healing from trauma, advocating for siblings, and finding their voice in a new system
The newcomer stepping into their first Canadian job with shaking hands and a determined heart
The entrepreneur opening a small business that becomes a gathering place for the community
The senior who shows up to every class, proving it’s never too late to learn, connect, and find belonging
In 2024–2025 Alone
More than 2,400 newcomers built employment skills, gained job-readiness support, and accessed pathways into the Canadian labour market
Over 300 LGBTQI+ newcomers found community, safety, and space to thrive
Each story adds strength, depth, and colour to the tapestry of our society. With several locations across Edmonton, we meet newcomers where they are—walking with them as they take their next steps forward.
Our pledge is to keep walking beside them—because when newcomers thrive, Edmonton thrives.
For more information, visit newcomercentre.com
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We envision a community where every newcomer to Edmonton has the opportunity to thrive.
This means creating pathways for success that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the unique needs of newcomers at all stages of their settlement journey.
We provide newcomers with the tools, connections, and resources they need to build fulfilling lives, contribute meaningfully to their new community, and fully engage in all that Edmonton has to offer.