Edmonton centre changes name to be inclusive to all newcomers

As more newcomers arrive in Alberta, one organization in Edmonton hopes to be more inclusive by changing its name.

The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers has officially been renamed the Newcomer Centre.

“We decided to make the name change after decades of conversation, but the moment in time had come where we needed to be really clear what we do and who we serve,” said Meghan Klein, the centre’s executive director. “We really recognize and honour the legacy of our founding churches, but it caused a lot of confusion for people who don’t understand what Mennonite meant, or if they were eligible to come here to get services.

“And we kept hearing about it as people finally found their way to us, and they said, ‘I wish I had known, I would have come sooner.’”

The name change comes as the organization continues to see diversity in the communities they serve, a change they say represents everyone who walks through their door.

“It’s a slight change, but an impactful one,” Klein added.

“There are a lot of newcomers coming to our city.”

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The Newcomer Centre, which serves roughly 1,700 newcomers every year, says the demand for its services continues to increase, with wait lists getting longer. More than 800 people are waiting for employment support, for instance.

“They’re ready and willing to work, but we can’t support them,” Klein said.

Another 1,300 are waiting for English classes.

“And so their life is really on hold until they can communicate effectively in their new home,” the executive director explained.

Klein says the Newcomer Centre is not the only settlement agency that’s experiencing this type of surge.

“It’s a struggle for people who want to stay here, and they’re trying to learn the language, find employment and make a new home for themselves,” she said.

Initially intended as a short-term project, the centre was founded in 1980 by volunteers following a spike in South Asian refugees arriving in Edmonton.

The organization had “Mennonite” in its name because it was under the direction of a board made up of members from First Mennonite Church, Holyrood Mennonite Church and Lendrum Mennonite Brethren Church.