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
- Widespread Outreach: Engaged with diverse community organizations, amplifying awareness of Project Falah across Canada, including developing relationships with 8 new groups.
- Advocacy Impact: Championed mental health and addiction challenges within the cultural community, fostering a supportive dialogue, directly reaching 200+ people.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Our Approach
Counselling Services
Offering professional, culturally-aware counselling to individuals in need.Join our workshops designed to build skills and inspire personal growth in various communities.
Awareness Campaigns
Raising awareness about mental health and addiction issues within the community through targeted campaigns.
Direct Support and Online Resources
Providing immediate assistance and accessible online materials to those seeking help.
Referrals to Community-Based Organizations
Connecting individuals with local resources for further support.
Mental Health First Aid Training
In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Commission of Canada, equipping individuals with the skills to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Anger Management Therapy
Working with Moose Anger Management to offer specialized therapy sessions.
Intro to Culturally Specific Psychology
Collaborating with Eclectic House UK to provide insights into psychological practices rooted in cultural principles.
Muslim Care Centre Events
Overcoming Addiction with the 12-Step Program
with Brother Jeand
Virus, Vaccine, and Virology
Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar
Addictions Recovery Webinar
Opioid Addiction and Recovery with Imam Fawad Kalsi
Langley Food Distribution Project
Collaboration with the Langley Islamic Centre
Collaboration with EMBERS Staffing Solutions
Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast
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
Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast
Muslim Women and Mental Health
Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast
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
Mindfulness: Control & Our Emotions
Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Nabila Jaffer
Burnout and Self Care - with Shakeel Khan
Muslim Care Centre Mental Health Webinar with Shakeel Khan
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
Muslim Care Centre Webinar and Podcast