When in a year an organization accumulates 900k surplus, 200k internal restricted funds, increase staff number to 42, create new partnerships, completed new projects, hosted Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Prime Minister of Canada, there is definitely something to celebrate. The organization is called the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) who held their AGM on June 28, 2018, at Alberta Avenue Community League Hall.
It was certainly a tremendous year for the EMCN in the bank and in terms of services and governance. With 17.3 millions in revenue, empowered 16 ethnocultural communities, 890 students studying English on a given day in EMCN English classes, 87% of newcomers in employment program found a job within three months, and found 361 affordable housing for immigrants, let the party begin at the EMCN AGM.
Erick Ambtman, the Executive Director for the EMCN was pleased with the year and shard his satisfaction with Diversity Magazine. He shared their work with LGBTQ immigrants, immigrants crossing the border from the US, immigrants from war torn countries with mental health issues, and new partnerships with non-immigrant serving organizations.
EMCN Board Chair, Wray Steedsman, stressed on governance, their new strategic plan, finance, sustainability, new facilities, and opportunities to better serve EMCN clients. “We deliver excellent services but always looking for opportunity to improve,” Wray told Diversity Magazine.
Five years on the EMCN Board, three years as Board Chair, our last question for Wray was why do you do this community work? Wray became animated, he turned around and point to the attendance and said passionately, “Look around, most of us are newcomers to this country. I like to help to orientate newcomers”. “Just coming here is such a joy,” Wray concluded.
The AGM was animated by the wonderful voices of the EMCN Global Choir with songs from all over the year with choir members with heritage from countries across the world.
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EMCN Executive Director, Erick Ambtman (left) and Wray Steedsman, Board Chair (right) on stage at the 2018 AGM at Alberta Avenue Community League Hall.
