Multicultural Family Centre (MFC)

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 over six languages, including English, Spanish, Amharic, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tigrinya and Swahili.

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.

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) 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 when the MFC is open.

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!

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.

African and Middle Eastern Women's Program

A program for African and Middle Eastern women to practice English and work on a variety of issues, including health and literacy. We offer information sessions and speakers on relevant topics, including those determined by the group. Onsite childcare provided.

Latin American Women's Group (Mujeres en Accion)

Opportunity to network with other women in a friendly, informal setting; discussion of integration and health issues, emphasis on self care and stress reduction.

Parenting in a New Culture

Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program provided in culturally appropriate format for the Vietnamese and African communities.

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.

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.

Culturally Specific Health Education Presentations

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

Vietnamese Health and Wellness Program

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