When newcomers arrive in Toronto, many find their first sense of belonging inside the bright, welcoming walls of AccessPoint on Danforth.
Here, families connect to doctors, youth find mental health support, parents learn English and communities come together to build a new life.
Funded in part by United Way Greater Toronto, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services operates this east-end hub — a one-stop centre where immigrants and refugees can access health care, settlement support, language interpretation and community programs under one roof.
“At AccessPoint on Danforth, many families tell us this is their home,” said Rejwan Karim, director of community programs and partnership development at Access Alliance.
“They feel included here. They’re not scared to approach people or ask for help. That sense of belonging — that’s what makes it home.”
A new start for newcomers
AccessPoint on Danforth offers wraparound supports that help newcomers face the challenges of starting over — from navigating health care to finding housing or employment.
With United Way’s support, the centre delivers programs addressing mental health, youth mentorship, early childhood learning, food security and community engagement.
“Our key target population is newcomers — immigrants and refugees,” Karim said.
“We provide everything from primary care and mental health services to settlement supports and interpretation. It’s all part of helping people build a healthy, stable life.”
Rooted in the community
Located near Victoria Park Avenue and Danforth Avenue, the hub serves one of Toronto’s most diverse and densely populated neighbourhoods.
Karim said the location ensures accessibility and connection to those who need it most.
“A lot of newcomers live in nearby high-rises — many representing low-income families,” he said. “Being here, close to where they live, makes all the difference.”
Access Alliance’s hub governance model invites residents to co-design programs through quarterly community reference meetings.
“We listen to the community,” Karim said. “We build programs with them, not just for them.”
Building together
Partnerships with the East Toronto Housing Help Centre, The Neighbourhood Group and other agencies help extend the hub’s reach.
The centre also hosts cultural events such as Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, and a summer multicultural food festival — celebrations that strengthen social ties.
“You can only do so much alone,” Karim said. “When people and organizations come together, you become much stronger. It’s the cumulative power of community.”
For Karim, himself a newcomer, the mission is personal.
“Home is where you feel safe, included and welcome,” he said. “That’s what we try to create here every day.”
In a city where nearly half of residents were born outside Canada, AccessPoint on Danforth — with support from United Way — is helping newcomers not just settle but belong.
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This story was produced as part of a partnership between Centennial College journalism students and United Way Greater Toronto.
