The Edmonton Intercultural Centre (EIC) is a community full of love, caring, and support. In this and future articles, we will inform readers of the non-profit organizations operating in the EIC facility in order to bring light to their many good deeds.

MFRS was founded in 2005 out of the aspirations of parents from numerous ethnocultural communities that identified the need for group programs to assist with integration into Canadian culture, which was culturally responsive and linguistically specific. Eighteen years later, THRIVE (ethnocultural parent-child programs) is still going strong providing groups for nine ethnocultural linguistic communities in Edmonton. 

MFRS programming has expanded over the years and now includes English for Community Integration classes. There, participants improve their English skills and their ability to use numbers in a safe and welcoming environment. Those new skills improve their confidence and self-esteem, and help them integrate into the community.

MFRS provides an innovative model of holistic support for newcomers facing complex barriers and challenges at the MFRS Family Support Office located in North Central Edmonton at 13026 97th Street.

Their work across these programs is guided by four principles: being Relational and Culturally Responsive, fostering Empowerment, and using Participatory programming.

Relational: A way of interaction with and within the community in which they take time to listen, care, connect, and love to build mutual support hand in hand.

Culturally Responsive: Safe spaces to maintain a home culture and adapt to new connections and diversity; and develop a deeper understanding of cultures that are always changing.

Empowerment: Building community and working together to share space, opportunities, skills, and knowledge for mutual learning, self-determination, and ultimately, well-being.

Participatory: Participants identify what’s important to them, what they need, and what they want to achieve. This program meets participants where they are at and supports them in reaching their goals.

For more information, visit: https://mfrsedmonton.org/

Information provided by the Edmonton Intercultural Centre.