Newcomer Centre
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) is one of Northern Alberta’s leading immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations. Established in 1981 and based in downtown Edmonton, the non-profit offers a comprehensive range of programs that help newcomers build skills, find employment, learn English, and integrate successfully into Canadian society.
The organization’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for newcomers by fostering their social, economic, and cultural participation in the community. With over four decades of experience, EMCN has become a cornerstone of settlement support in the Edmonton region.
Programs and Services
EMCN provides more than 60 programs, covering the full newcomer journey from arrival to long-term integration.
- Settlement Services: orientation, housing support, community referrals, and help navigating healthcare and social systems.
- Language Instruction (LINC): federally funded English classes and conversation groups designed to improve communication and employment readiness.
- Employment Support: resume workshops, job fairs, mentoring programs, and sector-specific bridge training for internationally educated professionals.
- Youth and Family Programs: after-school programs, family counseling, and leadership initiatives for immigrant youth.
- Refugee and Mental Health Services: trauma-informed counselling and targeted supports for government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees.
Strengths
- Culturally diverse team: over 200 staff representing more than 80 cultural backgrounds.
- Community partnerships: works closely with the City of Edmonton, IRCC, and local school boards.
- Inclusive environment: programs available to clients of all faiths and backgrounds.
- Regional leadership: recognized for its innovative approaches to integration, social enterprise, and community inclusion.
Summary
As a trusted leader in immigrant settlement, EMCN combines practical services with a compassionate, community-centered approach. Its multilingual programs and long-standing partnerships make it a key resource for newcomers building new lives in Edmonton and across Northern Alberta.
