Join FOCAS Canada as a volunteer and be a part of transforming lives! By supporting newcomers and refugees, you’ll help create a welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether you’re mentoring, providing essential services, or fostering cultural connections, your time and skills will make a real difference—while gaining valuable experience and joining a network of passionate changemakers.
Our Story
FOCAS Canada was founded with a vision to support newcomers and immigrant communities as they navigate the challenges of settling in Canada. Recognizing the need for culturally responsive and inclusive programs, we have dedicated ourselves to providing resources, mentorship, and community-building opportunities that empower individuals and families to thrive in their new home. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we work to foster a welcoming environment where newcomers can access the support they need to achieve their goals.
Over the years, our organization has grown into a trusted space for individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering programs that promote social, economic, and personal development. Whether through language support, career guidance, or cultural initiatives, we remain committed to strengthening community ties and ensuring that all newcomers feel a sense of belonging. With the support of our volunteers, partners, and donors, FOCAS Canada continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
Who We Are
FOCAS Canada is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting newcomers and immigrant communities as they settle and integrate into Canadian society. Our mission is to provide essential resources, advocacy, and community-driven programs that empower individuals and families to overcome challenges and build successful lives in their new home. Through collaboration with local partners, we create opportunities for education, employment, and social connection, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming society.
At FOCAS Canada, we believe that every newcomer deserves access to the tools and support needed to thrive. Our programs focus on language development, career advancement, cultural integration, and overall well-being. With a strong network of volunteers, donors, and community leaders, we are committed to making a meaningful impact and ensuring that newcomers feel supported every step of the way.
Our Team
Bedri Mohammed
Executive Director
Bekele Fufa
Executive Staff
Aliese Sumner
Admin Assistant
Andrea D.
Community Engagement Worker
Josephine Nakato
Board of Directors
Our board of directorss are made up of volunteers who bring a wealth of personal, professional, and lived experiences; and serve as the decision-making body of FOCAS. The Board is composed of a diverse group of women and men who are passionate about working with and alongside racialized immigrant populations who face adversity due to social, political, and economic injustices. With more than one decade of collective experience in community services and volunteers with minoritized communities. They have worked as founders, presidents, chairs and co-Chairs, advisors, peer educators and mentors, grassroots organizers, and activists’.
The Board members have maintained an unwavering commitment to a diverse set of causes including health and well-being of the community; education of children and youth; women empowerment and advocacy; art and entertainment; relief of poverty; sponsorship and refugee resettlement etc. Without their extensive experiences and long-standing commitments to community building, FOCAS could not be in the position it’s today.
Directors
Bedri Mohammed
Executive Director
Barbara Nichols
Director
Abdurahman Rudwan
Director
Umer Taha
Treasurer
Yvonne Scherban
Secretary
Areero Jatani
Chairman
Our Impact
672
+
refugees sponsored
3000
+
food hampers distributed
125
+
children received Chromebooks for learning
Get Involved
Volunteer
Donate
Make a lasting impact by donating to FOCAS Canada! Your support helps provide essential services, employment assistance, language training, and cultural programs for newcomers and refugees, empowering them to build a brighter future in Canada. Every contribution brings us closer to a more inclusive, supportive community—where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.