Project FALAH

Transforming access to culturally informed mental health in Canada

Project FALAH: Facilitating Advancement in Life, Addiction and Mental Health.

A collaborative effort between the Foundation for a Path Forward and Penny Appeal Canada, this initiative is born out of the urgent need to address the often overlooked issue of mental health and addiction within Canadian communities, where such topics remain taboo and deeply stigmatized.

Our mission is clear: to provide culturally-sensitive mental health and addiction support to Canadians. By enhancing their resilience and well-being, we aim to address the unique challenges arising from cultural, religious, and social contexts. This initiative is a significant step toward fostering healthier individuals, families, and communities, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive nation.

Project FALAH's Official Launch 

  1. Widespread Outreach: Engaged with diverse community organizations, amplifying awareness of Project Falah across Canada, including developing relationships with 8 new groups.

  2. Advocacy Impact: Championed mental health and addiction challenges within the cultural community, fostering a supportive dialogue, directly reaching 200+ people.

  3. Collaborative Synergy: Leveraged shared values with organizations like Centre for Newcomers, enhancing our approach to holistic mental health support, onboarding up to 30 mental health practitioners.

  4. Law Enforcement Engagement: Facilitated critical conversations with Calgary and Edmonton police departments, working towards a better understanding of hate and it's effect on mental health.

  5. Political Engagement: Garnered support from high-level political figures, including the Governor General, Mayor of Edmonton, and other political leaders, establishing powerful allies in our mission to combat hate and promote mental health.

Empowering Leaders for a Better Tomorrow

The Muslim Women Forum (MWF) is a pivotal organization dedicated to empowering Muslim women through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives. By creating safe and supportive spaces, MWF amplifies the voices of Muslim women who have historically faced systemic barriers and prejudice, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to social, political, and cultural spheres. Through skill development programs, leadership workshops, and collaborative partnerships, MWF not only nurtures individual growth but also strengthens community resilience, making it an indispensable force in promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities for Muslim women across Manitoba and beyond.

Get to Know Our Speakers

Amira Elghawaby

Amira Elghawaby

Amira Elghawaby is Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, a journalist, and a human rights advocate dedicated to promoting inclusion, equity, and anti-racism. With a background in media, policy, and community activism, she works to address systemic discrimination and amplify the voices of marginalized communities across Canada.

Hon. Niki Sharma

Hon. Niki Sharma

Hon. Niki Sharma is the Attorney General of British Columbia, dedicated to advancing equity, human rights, and justice for all communities. A longtime advocate for marginalized groups, she has worked extensively on Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and anti-racism initiatives, making her a vital voice in shaping inclusive policies across the province.

Sireen El-Nashar

Sireen El-Nashar

Sireen El-Nashar is the Executive Director of Zaytuna Services Society, a dedicated organization supporting Muslim women and families in British Columbia through advocacy, social services, and community empowerment. With a passion for equity and inclusion, she works to create safe, supportive spaces that uplift and strengthen the voices of Muslim women across the province.

Detective Gagan Luddu

Detective Gagan Luddu

Detective Gagan Luddu serves with the Vancouver Police Department and is a member of the RCMP Hate Crimes Unit, specializing in investigating and addressing hate-motivated crimes. With extensive experience in law enforcement and community engagement, he is committed to fostering safety, inclusion, and justice for diverse communities across British Columbia.

Tanweer Ebrahim

Tanweer Ebrahim

Tanweer Ebrahim is the Founder and Director of the Nisa Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering Muslim women through education, advocacy, and community support. With a deep commitment to social justice and gender equity, she works to create inclusive spaces that uplift and amplify the voices of Muslim women across British Columbia.

Navshina Savory

Navshina Savory

Navshina Savory serves as the District Principal, Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous Success and a Director on the Board of Governors of the BC Principals and Vice Principals Association, bringing extensive experience in educational leadership, equity, and inclusion. Passionate about fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments, she advocates for culturally responsive education and leadership development across British Columbia.

Laya Behbahani

Laya Behbahani

Laya Behbahani is the Director of Equity at Simon Fraser University and an Advisor with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), specializing in equity, diversity, and human rights advocacy. With a background in research, policy development, and community engagement, she is committed to advancing inclusive practices and systemic change for marginalized communities.

Sumaiyyah Adam

Sumaiyyah Adam

Sumaiyyah Adam is a Director of the Foundation for a Path Forward and a Program Manager at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and social impact. With expertise in community development and advocacy, she works to empower marginalized communities, particularly Muslim women, through policy engagement, capacity building, and grassroots initiatives.

Zehra Talib

Zehra Talib

Zehra Talib is the Regional Coordinator for British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Simon Fraser University and has over eight years of experience in human rights advocacy, including work with Amnesty International and newcomer support organizations. Passionate about combating racism and discrimination, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities across Canada.

Inspector Sarah Burnham

Inspector Sarah Burnham

Inspector Sarah Burnham is a dedicated law enforcement leader with the Vancouver Police Department and the RCMP Hate Crimes Unit, specializing in combating hate crimes and fostering community safety. With extensive experience in investigations, public safety, and diversity engagement, she is committed to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and marginalized communities.

Previous Events

Project FALAH Official Launch

Project FALAH Official Launch

May 2023

MAC Calgary Leadership Meeting & Community Engagment

MAC Calgary Leadership Meeting & Community Engagment

May 4, 2023

More info
Law Enforcement Engagement

Law Enforcement Engagement

May 5, 2023

More info
Meeting with Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Alberta Hate Crimes Committee

Meeting with Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Alberta Hate Crimes Committee

May 5, 2023

More info
Akram Jomaa Leadership Meeting

Akram Jomaa Leadership Meeting

May 6, 2023

More info
Collaboration with the Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice

Collaboration with the Canadian Muslims for Peace and Justice

May 5, 2023

More info
Podcast with Local Community Leaders Shadi Sakr and Amber Rehman

Podcast with Local Community Leaders Shadi Sakr and Amber Rehman

May 6, 2023

More info
Planning the Future of Project FALAH with Al-Rashid Mosque, Penny Appeal, and Special Representative Amira Elghawaby

Planning the Future of Project FALAH with Al-Rashid Mosque, Penny Appeal, and Special Representative Amira Elghawaby

May 7, 2023

More info
MAC Edmonton Leadership Meeting

MAC Edmonton Leadership Meeting

May 8, 2023

More info
Meeting the Islamic Family & Social Services Association

Meeting the Islamic Family & Social Services Association

May 8, 2023

More info
Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani

Meeting with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani

May 8, 2023

More info

Muslim Care Centre Events

Overcoming Addiction with the 12-Step Program

Overcoming Addiction with the 12-Step Program

with Brother Jeand

Virus, Vaccine, and Virology

Virus, Vaccine, and Virology

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar

Addictions Recovery Webinar

Addictions Recovery Webinar

Opioid Addiction and Recovery with Imam Fawad Kalsi

Langley Food Distribution Project

Langley Food Distribution Project

Collaboration with the Langley Islamic Centre

Collaboration with EMBERS Staffing Solutions

Collaboration with EMBERS Staffing Solutions

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Countering Islamophobia with a Strong Identity

Countering Islamophobia with a Strong Identity

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar

Yo Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth with Former Hell's Angel Joe Calendino and Ari Azez

Yo Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth with Former Hell's Angel Joe Calendino and Ari Azez

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Muslim Women and Mental Health

Muslim Women and Mental Health

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Chiropractic Care: Manual Medicine for Pain Management

Chiropractic Care: Manual Medicine for Pain Management

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Dr. Gohar Sheikh

Online Fundraiser to Feed the Hungry in Vancouver Downtown Eastside and Surrey Central / Whalley

Online Fundraiser to Feed the Hungry in Vancouver Downtown Eastside and Surrey Central / Whalley

Mindfulness: Control & Our Emotions

Mindfulness: Control & Our Emotions

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Nabila Jaffer

Burnout and Self Care - with Shakeel Khan

Burnout and Self Care - with Shakeel Khan

Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Shakeel Khan

Muslim Care Centre COVID-19 Iftar Donation Project

Muslim Care Centre COVID-19 Iftar Donation Project

Feeding Muslims in Need During the Month of Ramadan

Interview with You Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth About FREE Self Defense Training and Youth Development

Interview with You Bro | Yo Girl & Muslim Youth About FREE Self Defense Training and Youth Development

Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast

Partners and Allies

Follow Project FALAH on Instagram to stay updated!

Join us on Thursday, May 4 at 6:00PMJoin us on Saturday, May 6th at 5:40PM!