Thirty years ago, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) began as a small seedling with big dreams. Today, it stands strong, deeply rooted in communities across Alberta. In 2025, that growth was especially visible—programs expanded, youth and newcomers flourished, and partnerships blossomed. It’s been a busy, exciting year full of impact, and these highlights show just how much is happening right now.
30th Anniversary Celebration
On June 25, 2025, AHC celebrated 30 years of community impact with over 400 attendees. The milestone event featured family-friendly activities, cultural performances, vendor showcases, and recognition from city officials.
🎥 Watch the 30th Anniversary Celebration Video:
Special highlights included the Partnership Awards and Excellence in Service Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to support equity-deserving communities. The celebration also included AHC’s Annual General Meeting, where board members reflected on accomplishments and strategic priorities to continue strengthening Edmonton’s diverse communities for years to come.
Read more: Action for Healthy Communities Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Expanding Services Across Alberta: Small Centres
Since 2019, AHC has delivered services throughout Alberta, with offices in Leduc, Camrose, and Bonnyville. In April 2025, AHC launched its fourth Small Centres office in Parkland, serving Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Northern Alberta Communities. The Parkland office focuses on Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) and full settlement services for adult newcomers. Collaborations with Tri-Cala Adult Learning and the Alberta Parenting for the Future Association have expanded programming, supporting newcomer integration, education, and community participation across the region.
Youth and Educational Support During the Teacher Strike
During the October teacher strike in Alberta, AHC provided children with meaningful educational and recreational programming. At Reading Hour @ AHC, children built literacy and comprehension skills while connecting with peers, reading and discussing stories, and reflecting on lessons in relation to their own experiences. Our children and youth had the opportunity to participate in our Learn and Play @ Rogers Place event engaged 62 children in hands-on learning, including arena tours, ball hockey, team-building exercises, and creative art activities. Later in the month, 43 children (including returning participants) joined Learn and Explore @ AHC for STEM-based projects, designing bristlebots, experimenting with Ozobots, painting tote bags, and creating galaxy art.
Career and Employment Programs
2025 was a big year for newcomer and youth employment initiatives. The Career Fair brought together 23 employer partners and over 350 participants, offering networking, skill-building, and access to diverse industries. The Employment Support Program also highlighted employers through Employer Spotlight Week, giving clients direct access to GardaWorld, BoardWalk Properties, McDonald’s, and Infinity Health, including presentations on company culture and one-on-one interviews. Several participants have already received job offers as a direct result of these connections.
The Employment Team also launched the Ironwork Workforce Participation Program (WPP) in partnership with A&H Steel, providing hands-on training, job site visits, and paid work opportunities for newcomers interested in Alberta’s Red Seal trade. In August, youth explored careers in sports and recreation at a YMCA Job Shadow and Hiring Event in partnership with ARPA, gaining insight into program leader and facility operations roles.
Together, these programs help newcomers and youth gain skills, explore careers, and build lasting connections with Edmonton employers.
Read more: Employment Support Program’s Debuts Workforce Participation Program for Ironwork
Anti-Racism Digital Storytelling
AHC’s Anti-Racism Digital Storytelling Project empowered BIPOC youth to share their stories through ten original short films, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. Participants received mentorship in filmmaking, interviewing, editing, and storytelling from AHC staff and media professionals. The films premiered at the Beyond the Barrier Film Festival on November 22, 2025, giving youth a platform to amplify voices often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Earlier in the year, on March 15-16, 2025, the project also hosted As I Am: Art Showcase, where BIPOC youth shared powerful stories through poetry, visual art, videos, and interviews. The showcase highlighted resilience, creativity, and community voices, demonstrating how youth leadership and artistic expression can foster understanding and connection across Edmonton’s diverse communities.
CityNews: Art exhibit in Edmonton aims to raise awareness about racism and discrimination
Building Inclusive Communities Forum
The 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum brought together grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and public institutions to strengthen collaboration and civic engagement across Edmonton. The 2025 theme, “The Impact of Collective Action,” highlighted how partnerships and shared goals can enhance newcomer services, social inclusion, and community programs. Presentations from youth-led initiatives and cultural organizations showcased practical strategies for equity-building, illustrating how collective action can transform neighborhoods and ensure that all residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in civic life.
Read more: Recap – 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum 2025
Settlement and Integration Program: Annual Tax Clinic
From March 3 to May 16, 2025, AHC hosted its annual free tax clinic for low-income individuals and families. Operated by more than 55 trained volunteers, the program supported over 2,500 clients across Edmonton, helping them access government benefits, tax refunds, and Notices of Assessment. The Tax Clinic improves financial well-being, supports settlement, and provides volunteers with professional experience, ensuring that newcomers and low-income residents can access crucial services such as housing, childcare, education, and social supports.
Volunteer for the 2026 Tax Clinic
Supporting Small Businesses: Entrepreneurship Supports Program
AHC’s Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP) empowers small business owners across Edmonton and Alberta with mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. ESP supports inclusive economic growth while helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. In 2025, ESP collaborated with a wide variety of local vendors, including Art Atelier, Surprises Magical Dayi, Aylu Studios, Mexcanart, Owl Moon, Ropero de Tata, and many more. By helping entrepreneurs access resources, gain skills, and grow their businesses, ESP contributes to Edmonton’s vibrant local economy while fostering equitable opportunities for equity-deserving communities.
Looking Ahead
2025 highlighted youth leadership, newcomer support, cultural inclusion, and small business empowerment. In 2026, AHC will continue building inclusive communities, amplifying voices, and creating equitable opportunities across Alberta, ensuring every resident feels seen, valued, and included.