Our mission
Why we exist
EHDS Canada was created in response to persistent inequities affecting newcomers, women, seniors, and equity seeking individuals across Danforth and East Toronto. Our work recognizes that structural barriers : poverty, discrimination, social isolation, gender, and limited access to culturally responsive services — continue to undermine the full participation and flourishing of many communities.
We believe that meaningful change happens when communities lead the way, when lived experience is valued as expertise, and when people have access to the tools and opportunities that allow them not only to survive, but to thrive.
Mission
To empower seniors, newcomer immigrant women, and other equity-seeking communities through culturally responsive programs, support, and connection.
Vision
A society where seniors, newcomer immigrant women, and marginalized communities are valued, connected, and empowered to build inclusive futures.
Who we serve
Our community
EHDS primarily serves the Danforth–Victoria Park area of Toronto, a culturally diverse neighbourhood where many newcomers face significant linguistic, cultural, and mobility barriers.
Bangladeshi, African, and other immigrant communities navigating settlement, language barriers, and unfamiliar systems for the first time.
Immigrant women of colour navigating intersecting barriers of gender, race, language, and immigration status — seeking independence and leadership.
Newcomer seniors experiencing isolation, limited digital literacy, and difficulty navigating healthcare, government benefits, and financial systems.
Individuals facing financial vulnerability, cost-of-living pressures, and barriers to government benefits, housing, and essential services.
What guides us
Our core values
How we work
Our three program pillars
01
Emowerment,Education & Skills Development
Training workshops, mentorship programs, and capacity-building supports that build confidence, expand knowledge, and open pathways to leadership, employment, and lifelong learning.
02
Community Well-Being, Social Inclusion & Support Services
Peer support circles, wellness activities, community gatherings, and navigation assistance that foster belonging, resilience, and intergenerational connection among marginalized groups.
03
Equity-Driven Advocacy, Research & Collaboration
Community-based research, public education, and policy advocacy to advance equitable systems and amplify the voices of those most often excluded from decision-making tables.
Community partnerships
Partners (Past and present)
Parkdale Project Read
Flemingdon Health Centre
South Asian Community Support Services
Our team
Led by the community, for the community
Our program is led by a dedicated team of women of colour who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to their work. As immigrants now settled in Toronto, their own migration and settlement journeys mirror the realities faced by many of the people they serve.
Christine Apiot Okudi
Program Lead
Christine is the Program Lead of EHDS Canada and a driving force behind the organization’s growth since its founding in 2021. As an immigrant woman of colour now settled in Toronto, Christine brings deep personal insight into the barriers newcomers face — drawing on her own migration and settlement journey to design programs that are compassionate, culturally grounded, and effective.
With extensive experience in community engagement, program design, and grant management, Christine has successfully led workshops, cultural events, and intergenerational initiatives across the Danforth–Victoria Park community. She holds strong expertise in advocacy, bilingual programming, and building trust with marginalized groups.
Kazi Anis Ibne Wali
Digital & Technology Lead
Kazi is a Computer Science graduate and co-founder of EHDS Canada, leading the organization’s digital strategy, technology infrastructure, and community-facing platforms.
His background bridges technical expertise and nonprofit mission: building tools and systems that amplify EHDS Canada’s reach and impact across Toronto’s newcomer communities.
He oversees the EHDS website, digital outreach, volunteer systems, and data management, ensuring the organization’s technology serves its people first.
Christine Apiot Okudi
Program Lead
Christine is the Program Lead of EHDS Canada and a driving force behind the organization’s growth since its founding in 2021. As an immigrant woman of colour now settled in Toronto, Christine brings deep personal insight into the barriers newcomers face — drawing on her own migration and settlement journey to design programs that are compassionate, culturally grounded, and effective.
With extensive experience in community engagement, program design, and grant management, Christine has successfully led workshops, cultural events, and intergenerational initiatives across the Danforth–Victoria Park community. She holds strong expertise in advocacy, bilingual programming, and building trust with marginalized groups.
Kazi Anis Ibne Wali
Digital & Technology Coordinator
Kazi is a Computer Science graduate and co-founder of EHDS Canada, leading the organization’s digital strategy, technology infrastructure, and community-facing platforms.
His background bridges technical expertise and nonprofit mission: building tools and systems that amplify EHDS Canada’s reach and impact across Toronto’s newcomer communities.
He oversees the EHDS website, digital outreach, volunteer systems, and data management, ensuring the organization’s technology serves its people first.
Be part of the change
Join us in building an inclusive Canada where every person , regardless of where they come from ,can live with dignity, self-reliance, and purpose.