Health Equity and Community Engagement (HEED)

Ensuring all cultures and languages have access to healthcare.

The Multicultural Family Centre (MFC) works with immigrants and refugee communities to deliver culturally-responsive health promotion programs and help address what REACH team members often refer to as the social determinants of health. REACH offers programs and services in the following languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

The MFC has created a place where people feel welcome at any time; what we emphasize is safety. We want to build the capacity of participants to identify and manage their health needs, recognizing and enhancing the expertise and participation of the community and its members. Our Cross-Cultural Health Promoters (CCHPs), frontline health workers who are trusted members of the cultural communities served, help to achieve these goals. It's a place where they can connect with other people in the community - often for the first time since they arrived in Canada.

Similar to the Cross Cultural Health Promoter, the Indigenous Health Promoter (IHP) and our Indigenous Health Promoter/Coordinator (IHPC) work with local First Nations and directly with Indigenous people and local organization in East Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. The goals are to enhance the well being of Indigenous Community members through health education and promotion/prevention strategies, program development and initiatives to reduce the inequities in the social determinants of health.

The IHP and IHPC act as bridges between cultures to facilitate the delivery of culturally respectful support with a focus on health promotion, health care system navigation and community development. The IHP and IHPC also work in developing Indigenous-specific programs and services which are culturally based, inclusive and which help ensure a safe welcoming space for the Indigenous community members at REACH serves.

Our Cross-Cultural Health Promoters have training and experience in social work, counselling, medicine, early childhood education, and health promotion. We provide the following programs, designed and implemented in collaboration with community members, at the MFC and at other community locations when appropriate:

The Cross Cultural Health Promoters (CCHP) and the Indigenous Health Promoter (IHP) at the Multicultural Family Centre are there to help you, no matter what your primary language or your cultural background.

Please look at our frequently asked questions for more information, and our hours page to see when the MFC is open. You can contact a Cross Cultural Health Promoters (CCHP) or the Indigenous Health Promoter (IHP) via email or call the MFC:

Groups

The MFC runs a number of groups aimed at helping community members adjust, in a number of different languages. If you're interested in joining any of the following groups offered by the centre, please give us a call!

Culturally Specific Health Education Presentations

Conducted several times per year in a variety of community locations.

ELDER IN RESIDENCE

Indigenous Elder Tom Oleman is on-site every Thursday to offer private, one-to-one personal and cultural support for Indigenous community members dealing with grief, loss, isolation and more.

Latin American Senior's Group

A mutual aid group for Latin American seniors, focusing on physical and mental health, educational programs, socialization and recreation, and promoting integration into Canadian society.

Latin American Women's Group (Mujeres en Accion)

A dynamic group that aims to improve the quality of life and well-being of Latina women in our community through a variety of engaging cultural and social activities, events, and workshops. It is a space where Latina women can feel at home and express themselves freely in a friendly, and supportive environment.

Latin American Men's Tertulias

An opportunity for Latin American professional/technical men to meet and work together to eliminate barriers to their successful adaptation to Canadian society.

Latin American and Vietnamese Diabetes Self-Management & Prevention Group

Monthly support groups for community members with diabetes or who are at high risk of developing diabetes. Uses a community kitchen model to promote healthy food preparation, physical activity, and information on health issues. Individual follow-up to monitor lifestyle changes and treatment goals is provided.

Middle Eastern Women’s Group (ONLINE)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 – 12 pm (Facilitator: Inas Lasheen) )
Location: Gordon Presbyterian Church. Information and orientation sessions and speakers on relevant topics, including those determined by the group. Onsite childcare provided.

MORE INFORMATION

Parenting in a New Culture

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program provided in culturally appropriate format for the Arabic community.

Vietnamese Health and Wellness Program

Provides instruction in ballroom and line dancing, promoting physical activity, healthy snacks, and health education.

REACH provides innovative, high-quality primary health and dental care, and social, and educational services to support the physical and mental health and well-being of our community and individuals within it. We are a non-profit with funding from Vancouver Coastal Health, revenue from our dental clinic and pharmacy, and grants from community and governmental agencies. However, donations from our supporters can help us do more for our wonderful, diverse community. 

Registered Charity Number 107877375 RR0001