Family of Friends is a community & nature-based mental health program designed for newly arrived refugees in Canada. Through group narrative therapy sessions, community games designed to build trust, and experiences connecting to the nature of Ontario, the program is designed for refugees to rebuild a sense of identity in their new country, and to find a support structure through other refugees with similar experiences, cultural backgrounds, and career aspirations.
At Impakt Foundation, we believe settlement is about more than finding a place to stay; it is about finding community, rebuilding confidence, and healing. From June 8–12, 2026, our newcomers participated in a retreat in Ottawa, made possible through our incredible partnership with The Boundless School. This immersive trip gave our clients a vital opportunity to step away from the stress of shelter life, connect with the Canadian wilderness, and build lifelong bonds.
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In 2025, our Family of Friends program will be working alongside our Shelter Hub. The Impakt Foundation’s Shelter Hub initiative aims to address the growing demand for shelter and support services among refugees in Toronto.
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The 2024 cohort of our Family of Friends Program with greater hope for meaningful success in Canada, by attending online group therapy sessions and in-person nature retreats, newcomers were able to foster a sense of belongingness and community essential for thriving in their new home.
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2023 marked the first year that the Family of Friends Program was run at the Impakt Foundation. Run in partnership with Trails Youth Initiative and Human-Nature Counselling Society, by emphasizing the well-being and mental health of 5 immigrant Afghan families (26 total participants) as the keystone for successful integration into Canadian society, the program exceeded all anticipated outcomes.
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TESTIMONIALS
