Press Release: Immigrant-Serving Organizations Face Growing Challenges Amidst Immigration Surge

Calgary, AB – Amid the rising enrollment crisis in Calgary schools, the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY) is working hard to meet this growing demand and to support immigrant children, youth, and families settle in our community. In partnership with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District, CBFY plays a critical role in helping immigrant youth transition into the school system and broader community. However, like schools, CBFY’s resources are being stretched thin.

CBFY supports kids who have a tough time integrating into their school and community. In 2023 CBFY served 9,654 youth clients—a staggering 98% increase since 2021. Despite this surge, the organization’s funding and staff levels have remained unchanged, resulting in significant strain on its ability to provide essential services, such as settlement support, workshops about life in Canada, and afterschool programs.

As demand for programs increases, CBFY is piloting lunch programs and short-term initiatives to reach more schools, ensuring vulnerable youth don’t slip through the cracks. With rising gang activity in the city, there is a growing concern that without programs to help immigrant youth integrate into their new environment, they may turn to negative influences. CBFY is eager to collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to ensure all youth have the resources, guidance, and sense of belonging they need to thrive in their new city.

About The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth:
Since 1990, The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth has empowered tens of thousands of immigrants, refugees and newcomer youth and families to fulfill their potential in Canadian Society. We help them overcome emotional, cultural and socio-economic barriers that prevent them from becoming contributing members of Calgary and Canada.