Improving the health and well-being of marginalized individuals through empowerment and community involvement.

Barka Canada Social Integration Society is a non-profit organization of volunteers that supports socially and economically excluded Eastern and Central European immigrants with integration into Canadian society. In a culturally sensitive manner, we empower people marginalized by factors such as language, addiction, unemployment, homelessness, and life-altering events, so that they can overcome their challenges and create fulfilling and productive lives.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please call us at our Infoline +1 604-302-3060 or contact us. We are here for you!

Our organization is not strictly a service delivery agency, but rather a community of people who help one another and help others. Our members and volunteers include people from various walks of life. We come together to provide emotional support, motivation, and to share ideas, resources, skills, and experience.

If you would like to join our team or volunteer with us, we would love to hear from you! We are looking for people with experience in management or accounting of non-profits; program coordinators with experience in counselling, addiction treatments, and social services; and anyone willing to help or share their knowledge and experience.

Values

Our core values are treating everyone with compassion and respect, as well as overcoming economic barriers through social entrepreneurship and cooperative business models. Our organization is based on mutual help and support. We believe that nobody is beyond help and that everyone can help others in their own unique way.

In economic activities, we value the principles of a circular economy, where waste and pollution are eliminated, products and materials are reused, and natural systems such as soil are regenerated. On a larger scale, we see all people and our resources as interconnected and interdependent, and we work to benefit not only our members, but the community at large and across generations. We embrace cultural sensitivity and diversity.

Inspiration

We have been inspired by and are affiliated with Barka Foundation in Poland and with Barka Network — a network that facilitates cooperation and exchange of expertise among dozens of organizations sharing similar values and goals. Here is a short introduction to Barka Foundation and its model of work (with English subtitles):

Services and Programs

In addition to informal mutual help, we have developed several services and programs, such as a 24/7 Infoline, Crisis Intervention, Resource Information and Access, a formal AA & NA Group, a Self-Help Group, and public Seminars and Workshops. Please see What We Do. Our services and programs are open to everybody – you do not need to be a member of Barka Canada to use them.

Barka Canada also works with local professionals, organizations, and government agencies to provide a social safety net and to increase cultural awareness. We take pride in designing our projects to complement existing services and to enhance access to government services.

Please see Our Impact for testimonials from people, families, healthcare professionals, and others.

Plans and Aspirations

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened problems of poverty and addiction, often more acute among new Canadians due to social isolation and cultural dissociation. This makes our mission even more pressing. To strengthen our programs, we are continuing to work on several new projects: an Outreach Program, a Handyman Enterprise, a Recovery House, and a Recovery Farm, as well as other initiatives, such as community gardening or building affordable greenhouses for rural communities. Please see New Projects.

We are seeking organizational and financial partners to help us develop our new projects. If you are interested to learn more, please contact us!