Building a Better Future: The Arab Community Centre of Toronto's Vision for Inclusive Communities

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) has a rich history of helping immigrants and newcomers to Canada. It all started in 1974, when a group of Arab immigrants came together to create a support system for one another. They recognized the unique challenges that come with immigrating to a new country and wanted to make the transition a little bit easier for those who came after them.

As the years went by, the organization grew and evolved. It expanded its focus to include immigrants from all backgrounds, not just those from the Middle East. Today, the ACCT provides settlement, integration, and community services to more than 6,000 individuals each year from a wide range of countries, including the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The ACCT is staffed by a dedicated and compassionate team of individuals who speak over 18 languages. They understand the unique challenges that new immigrants face and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. The organization’s services are naturally anti-racist and anti-hate, focusing on increasing understanding, fighting xenophobia, and advocating for minorities who may be victims of racism or hate.

One of the most important aspects of the ACCT’s work is helping new immigrants understand the various systems in Canada, such as healthcare, legal, and financial. Navigating these systems can be confusing and overwhelming, which is why the organization provides information and assistance to help new immigrants understand their rights and access the services they need.

These services include language classes, employment counselling, housing assistance, and support in accessing healthcare. The ACCT understands that immigrating to a new country can be a daunting experience, and they want to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The organization also offers a wide range of support services for youth, including school support and community connection programs, like Made by Me, a skills-building leadership program for newcomer youth that promotes social inclusion and builds confidence in public speaking. This program and others of its kind help young immigrants to enhance their cultural understanding of their surroundings, improve their English language proficiency, and build meaningful relationships with their communities.

Women and seniors can also find crucial support services with the help of ACCT. Programs such as Windows to the Soul allow women to come together in an understanding environment where they can share personal feelings, experiences, and coping strategies, building a strong community support system. In addition to mental health and well-being programs that are free of charge and founded on culturally sensitive principles, the ACCT aims to support not just the physical transition of beginning a new chapter in life but also the mental and emotional transition. This holistic approach to support sets the ACCT apart and helps to ensure that new immigrants can thrive in their new homes.

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Today, it is a beacon of hope for immigrants and newcomers, providing the support and resources they need to build a new life in Canada. Through its various services and programs, the ACCT strives to enable and empower individuals, families, and communities to lead informed, productive, and culturally sensitive lives.

Find more information about ACCT services at acctonline.ca