Our Mandate

HSDC is a grassroots agency with a vision to impact positively on the lives in our community, HSDC assists families in building stronger foundations through integrative and empowerment programs and services. HSDC is a non-profit organization established in 1993, with a mission to improve the health, social, cultural, economic self-sufficiency and well-being of refugees, new immigrant Women, at-risk youth and other marginalized individuals, so that they and their families can enjoy and contribute to the opportunities that Canada offers. With more than eighteen years experience, HSDC understands the issues that often hinder or delay the abilities of new immigrants to become self-sufficient. We understand cultural diversity and provide our services within the cultural-competency framework. Our staff and volunteers are of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds allowing us to effectively serve our clientele.

To realize our mandate, HSDC has developed various training programs and social support activities along with job placement opportunities for our volunteers, interns, and others who participate in our programs. 80% of individuals who participate in one of HSDC's programs and services succeed in securing employment or venturing into a business of their own. HSDC's programs and services are designed to help individuals with capacity building and skills development, making their transition into the community as smooth as possible.

Heritage Skills Development Centre was established in 1993 by a concerned group of women who observed a gap in the integration services available to African immigrants. The programs HSDC offered to African immigrants created interest in other immigrant communities and in time, HSDC expanded its scope to include all immigrant communities.People immigrate to Canada for a variety of reasons; whatever the reason, new immigrants come with hopes and dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Upon arrival, the reality for most newcomers is new cultural, economic and social dynamics, which pose many difficulties and stresses they are not prepared for.

Language for some is the first barrier they will face typically followed by barricades to business and employment opportunities. Many Canadian employers have implemented the requirement for " Canadian work experience " which fuels the catch 22 - how can new immigrants get Canadian experience if Canadian employers won't hire them. For new immigrants with an entrepreneurial spirit, the lack of capital, collateral needed to secure a bank loan, familiarity of the legal system and government regulations dampen this spirit. Despite high levels of education and career profiles from their countries of origin, the qualifications of new immigrants are reevaluated by many Canadian employers and institutions, unfairly disregarded and not recognized; thereby closing the door of economic integration to new immigrants and their families. New immigrants, particularly women, now have to be the breadwinner or equal financial partner in their households. To be successful, many new immigrants need to acquire new skills and training or develop existing ones. A traditional classroom setting may be intimidating and new immigrants look towards programs, which are practical and useful as well as, culturally appropriate. Recognizing this need, HSDC has tailored programs and services to effectively and proudly serve the needs of our clientele.

Adjusting to a new environment – a new home, can greatly impact the direction of our youth. Many of our youth feel lost, experience culture shock and identity crises – confused about who they really are and where they belong. How do our youth find a way to stay proud of their roots and take the time to figure out their place in their new world, while dealing with the difficulties of integrating into a society which may not initially accept or appreciate his/her culture, religion, history and experiences? This leads many times to low self-esteem and oftentimes failure in completing school. HSDC tackles this problem head on providing youth programs to assist and encourage changes in this patter; striving through hard work and ambition, to achieve personal, academic and professional successes. Just a gentle push in the right direction has the potential to skyrocket our youth towards reaching for and grasping the stars!

Heritage Skills Development Centre (HSDC) was established with the objective of Helping Families Build a Strong Foundation and our efforts are geared towards making this happen!