Blog

<figure id="figure-furo8ysegm66cdakp"><img id="furo8ysegm66cdakp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4bVWTCONftFxaVXtV2NkRi3Pi22OgYVv6s99ivwyje2ylq8Tj9eo1gE2fatVJkp9.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/4bVWTCONftFxaVXtV2NkRi3Pi22OgYVv6s99ivwyje2ylq8Tj9eo1gE2fatVJkp9.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Other People recently conducted a dynamic session for 400 Grade 5-8 students at Goldstone Park Elementary in Vancouver, aimed at fostering cultural awareness and combating racism from an early age. This interactive program introduced students to the concepts of inclusion, diversity, and the importance of challenging personal and media biases. Through engaging activities and open dialogues, the students were encouraged to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures within their community and beyond. This initiative is a testament to The Other People's commitment to nurturing a generation that values empathy, understanding, and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their background.<figure id="figure-oiwhxff0km66cdr37"><img id="oiwhxff0km66cdr37" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18EMT332DbgY9F6C3RLxUJiCZPNAoHSmqrEQDcerF1sWMdUZAQtYaGtVYPc5z5m8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The Other People is a collaborative initiative formed by community leaders and anti-racism organizations, aiming to empower Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) and Faith Leaders to address systemic and individual racism throughout British Columbia. Their mission is reflected in their extensive outreach to schools across BC, including major cities like Vancouver and Richmond, impacting nearly 4,000 students, teachers, parents, and officials with their interactive programs. These programs not only foster cultural competence but also encourage critical discussions on hate, racism, and media bias in Canada, engaging with diverse communities including Jewish, Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and Asian/Buddhist groups. With nearly 15 events in the past year and growing demand for their evidence-based anti-racism approach, The Other People play a crucial role in breaking down community silos and promoting understanding across different racial, religious, and cultural lines.

The Other People at Goldstone Park Elementary

Happy group of volunteer people stacking hands celebrating together outdoor - Teamwork and charity support concept - Focus on back faces

In anticipation of the Fall 2023 return to school, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) invites you to attend a virtual school safety training on August 24, 2023.In this training, NTAC’s social scientists will share key findings and implications from decades of research on school violence. Topics will include the background, thinking, and behavior of school attackers, how some schools discovered and stopped plots before violence occurred, and guidance on implementing school safety protocols to reduce the risk of violence in our school communities.This free virtual event is appropriate for educators, administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, and other school safety stakeholders.

Free Virtual School Safety Training

<figure id="figure-lrtd4ab6fhm6f3jyuk" class="selected"><img id="lrtd4ab6fhm6f3jyuk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14RQs8aWKUYU49WXJvlwnxjlCkrkbljEOrFsLLcsrXiBaMIQtBSdGvFvrGapbdMJ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14RQs8aWKUYU49WXJvlwnxjlCkrkbljEOrFsLLcsrXiBaMIQtBSdGvFvrGapbdMJ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>In a landmark meeting underscoring the importance of our mission, Project Falah had the honor of engaging with Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani, the first Muslim Lieutenant Governor in Canadian history. The meeting encapsulated our efforts to address mental health and addiction issues within the Muslim community and to combat Islamophobia, providing a platform to advocate for these pressing matters at an executive level.Lieutenant Governor Lakhani's personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by the Muslim community in Alberta added a deeply resonant layer to our discussions. As we delved into the specifics of Project Falah's mission, she empathetically acknowledged the significance of the work and the urgency of its implementation.Amira's role in these discussions was particularly impactful. As the Special Representative, her focus on combating Islamophobia dovetailed with Lieutenant Governor Lakhani's own experiences and understanding, leading to a fruitful exchange of ideas and potential strategies.We explored opportunities for collaboration, particularly in terms of securing support at the provincial level. Lieutenant Governor Lakhani showed great interest in this prospect, appreciating the potential for such partnerships to amplify the reach and impact of our project.The meeting served as a crucial advocacy point for Project Falah. Lieutenant Governor Lakhani's support lent substantial weight to our cause and her willingness to explore avenues for future cooperation promises to catalyze our efforts to serve the Muslim community in Alberta effectively.This engagement has reinforced our commitment to our mission and instilled confidence in the potential of Project Falah to effect meaningful change. The prospect of future collaboration with the office of the Lieutenant Governor represents a significant step forward in our journey and an exciting opportunity for growth and impact.Our meeting with the Mayor of Edmonton was a significant step in advancing Project Falah's mission of providing mental health and addiction support to the Muslim community. The meeting served as a critical platform for dialogue, raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by Muslims in Edmonton, including the impact of mental health issues, addiction, and Islamophobia.The Mayor showed a deep understanding of these challenges, recognizing the role that local government can play in fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect. We had the opportunity to discuss the mission and vision of Project Falah in depth, emphasizing its potential to create significant positive change within Edmonton's Muslim community.Amira Elghawaby's role as Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia was instrumental in these discussions. Her expertise and commitment to combating Islamophobia provided a crucial perspective, shaping our dialogue and reinforcing the urgency of our work. Together, we highlighted the importance of collaboration between local government, community initiatives, and individuals like Amira in tackling these issues.

Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani

<figure id="figure-qq7xodrudm6f2r78i" class=""><img id="qq7xodrudm6f2r78i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1sMhq5QvmxQ5rCGSmAHde6EJa0uTPXmdREUN5K26jiFnVZm99dCW350WwsZMPUqA.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1sMhq5QvmxQ5rCGSmAHde6EJa0uTPXmdREUN5K26jiFnVZm99dCW350WwsZMPUqA.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward recently engaged with the dedicated team at the Islamic Family Social Services Association (IFSSA) as part of Project FALAH's ongoing initiatives. This meeting marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between two organizations whose missions closely align. IFSSA's commitment to providing culturally and spiritually sensitive services complements the objectives of Project FALAH, and this shared vision offers immense potential for meaningful impact.Established in 1992, IFSSA has been a cornerstone of support for communities across Alberta. Their extensive range of services addresses food and economic security, domestic violence, counselling, and outreach, reflecting a comprehensive approach to community welfare. Serving over 5,000 individuals monthly across a vast area from Red Deer to Fort McMurray, IFSSA has built a robust foundation that Project FALAH aims to leverage to amplify its mental health and addiction support initiatives.During the meeting, the Foundation discussed avenues for collaboration and resource sharing with IFSSA. Their expertise in culturally appropriate counselling services, including clinical counselling, anger management, chaplaincy, and school support, aligns seamlessly with the goals of Project FALAH. By integrating these services into Project FALAH's framework, the Foundation seeks to expand its reach and impact, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Muslim community.IFSSA's strong relationships with local, provincial, and national organizations further enhance the prospects of this partnership. These connections can help extend the scope of Project FALAH’s initiatives, enabling the development of a more comprehensive and effective support network. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to learn from IFSSA's established models while tailoring initiatives to meet the specific needs of the Muslim community.The meeting left the Foundation with a reinforced sense of purpose and optimism about the road ahead. By working closely with IFSSA, the Foundation aims to advance its mission of providing holistic mental health and addiction support under Project FALAH. This partnership represents a critical step forward in creating sustainable, culturally sensitive services that uphold the principles of service and community welfare. The Foundation looks forward to furthering this collaboration and achieving shared goals with IFSSA. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Meeting with the Islamic Family Social Services Association

<figure id="figure-u5v6wpswwm6f1ksy7" class=""><img id="u5v6wpswwm6f1ksy7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2drd9hrvsKne8wfRpI20MmRC71cdOdQQTfauz8v7HM1HANMyIuKRCYuFopCQjx8z.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2drd9hrvsKne8wfRpI20MmRC71cdOdQQTfauz8v7HM1HANMyIuKRCYuFopCQjx8z.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward, as part of Project FALAH's initiatives, participated in a leadership meeting with MAC Edmonton at McDougall Centre to discuss critical issues surrounding mental health, addiction, and the unique challenges faced by the Muslim community in Edmonton. This meeting provided a valuable platform for fostering relationships, understanding community-specific needs, and exploring potential partnerships and funding opportunities with Project FALAH and Penny Appeal.<figure id="figure-16oaamy79tm6f1l62i"><img id="16oaamy79tm6f1l62i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3MaAf4LzuybeMxG39CxCc5mY3om6NjFw8EXym4bbmGUnEECIXOgaMTSHEo9DepBh.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3MaAf4LzuybeMxG39CxCc5mY3om6NjFw8EXym4bbmGUnEECIXOgaMTSHEo9DepBh.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The discussions highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in addressing mental health and addiction challenges. The open dialogue reinforced the Foundation's commitment to tailoring support services that resonate with the unique experiences of the Muslim community in Edmonton. By integrating culturally relevant approaches into these services, the Foundation seeks to break down barriers to access and provide effective, compassionate care.The meeting also laid the groundwork for future collaborations between MAC Edmonton, Penny Appeal, and Project FALAH. Harnessing the strengths and resources of each organization, the discussions aimed to create a comprehensive and unified strategy for addressing mental health, addiction, and Islamophobia. This collaborative approach promises to enhance support services and bring impactful change to the lives of individuals and families within the Muslim community.The leadership meeting was a significant step toward building strong partnerships and aligning shared goals. By combining expertise, resources, and a collective commitment to inclusivity and support, the Foundation for a Path Forward, along with its partners, aims to make meaningful progress in addressing these pressing issues and fostering a healthier, more resilient community in Edmonton.

MAC Edmonton Leadership Meeting

<figure id="figure-q2q0oroanm6f0m427" class="selected"><img id="q2q0oroanm6f0m427" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fButwPW62T5JHjPX38qeLvsim7CnanfdWiJXJZkdPbWpNc52Vm2mHcTJHRnczvdO.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fButwPW62T5JHjPX38qeLvsim7CnanfdWiJXJZkdPbWpNc52Vm2mHcTJHRnczvdO.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward, as part of Project FALAH’s initiatives, took part in a pivotal leadership meeting and luncheon hosted at the historic Al-Rashid Mosque in Edmonton. With its rich legacy and deep-rooted influence within the Muslim community, the mosque provided an ideal setting to foster dialogue and explore collaboration and funding opportunities with Penny Appeal and Project FALAH. The meeting was dedicated to addressing critical issues such as mental health, addiction, and Islamophobia within Edmonton's Muslim community.<figure id="figure-33xhzr7ff9m6f0mmsx"><img id="33xhzr7ff9m6f0mmsx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eTzAklZfELVj8T1kTwp2JzOHvCsl3pSdXs8tOIEtUmMwLDfs4GhdubszLiEQTyg.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eTzAklZfELVj8T1kTwp2JzOHvCsl3pSdXs8tOIEtUmMwLDfs4GhdubszLiEQTyg.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>The informal nature of the luncheon allowed for open and candid conversations, enabling participants to delve into the challenges faced by the community. Discussions highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches in providing mental health and addiction support, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring tailored services that address the unique needs of the Muslim community. This dialogue reaffirmed the shared understanding that addressing these issues requires both compassion and collaboration.The meeting also served as a platform to explore potential collaborations among Al-Rashid Mosque, Penny Appeal, and Project FALAH. Special Representative Amira Elghawaby underscored the opportunities available through these partnerships, focusing on how leveraging the strengths of each organization can result in a more comprehensive approach to addressing mental health and addiction challenges. Together, these organizations aim to create initiatives that not only provide immediate support but also tackle the root causes of these pressing issues.This engagement with Al-Rashid Mosque’s leadership has established a strong foundation for future collaboration, including the exploration of funding opportunities to support these critical efforts. The leadership meeting and lunch were instrumental in strengthening relationships, identifying shared goals, and laying the groundwork for impactful partnerships. The Foundation for a Path Forward remains deeply committed to advancing mental health, addiction support, and anti-Islamophobia initiatives in Edmonton, working alongside partners to create meaningful change and improve the well-being of the community.

Foundation for a Path Forward

Foundation News

The Other People at Goldstone Park Elementary

Free Virtual School Safety Training

Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lak...

Meeting with the Islamic Family Social Services Association

MAC Edmonton Leadership Meeting

Planning the Future of Project FALAH with Al-Rashid Mosqu...