Achēv celebrated its fourth annual Achēvment Awards at a breakfast event this morning in Mississauga, as we mark our 35th anniversary.

Achēv is a leading non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services, putting clients on a faster path to prosperity by connecting them with the services they need to build careers in Canada.

As Canada works to build a more competitive and self-reliant economy, that work has never been more important. A strong economy depends on a skilled workforce, and this country cannot afford to leave skills unused. The Achēvment Awards celebrate the determination of Achēv clients and the power of partnership to create meaningful change.

“Canada's economic strength depends on putting everyone's skills to work,” said Achēv CEO Tonie Chaltas. “Each recipient represents what is possible when people are given the opportunity to succeed and when organizations come together around a shared commitment to economic inclusion and community prosperity.”

Recipients of the 2026 Achēvment Awards are:

Sowmya Racham, Client Award.Sowmya arrived from India as a licensed pharmacist, determined to continue her career in health care. Through Achēv's Employability Skills for Youth and EPIC Health programs, she gained Canadian experience and now works full-time as a pharmaceutical technician at a pharmaceutical company, while working toward licensure and her goal of owning a pharmacy.

TD Bank Group, Corporate Partnership Award. Since 2022, TD has invested more than $1.5 million in newcomer entrepreneurship through TD ReadyConnect, the largest corporate contribution in Achēv's history. Its support of Achēv's Empowering Newcomers for Entrepreneurship program has helped more than 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs access training, coaching and networks to launch businesses and create jobs.

CarePartners, Employer Award. Since 2023, CarePartners has helped more than 130 Achēv clients build careers in health care, including personal support workers and internationally educated nurses who have relocated to rural Ontario communities facing critical shortages. CarePartners offers health professionals a great place to work and families high quality care.

SAFE (Survivor Advocates for Empowerment), Strategic Partner Award. SAFE is a survivor-led organization providing peer support across Achēv's RISE, Stronger Together and Women's Connections and Empowerment programs. Its work has helped more than 60 survivors of gender-based violence find safety, skills and financial independence through employment.

CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, Community Partner Award. For 17 years, the CARE Centre has helped Achēv clients through Ontario's licensing process, providing exam preparation, credential recognition, sector-specific language training and mentorship. The partnership now extends across Achēv's network and into its EPIC Health Careers program.

Award Recipient Quotes:

“Coming to Canada, I had the education and experience, but I was not sure how to turn them into a career here. Achēv gave me the guidance, opportunities, and confidence I needed to understand the Canadian workplace, build my professional network, and take my first steps toward my career. My journey from volunteering as a pharmacy assistant to completing an internship at a pharmacy and now working full-time as a pharmaceutical technician has shown me the power of one opportunity and the right people supporting you along the way. I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and I hope my journey inspires other newcomers to believe that with the right guidance, perseverance, and opportunity, their dreams in Canada are possible.”

— Sowmya Racham, Pharmaceutical Technician and Achēv Client

“Newcomers bring skills, experiences and ideas that can make a real difference in their communities, but too often face barriers to putting them into action. Achēv is helping remove some of those barriers, and TD is proud to support that work to help more newcomers keep moving toward their goals.” 

— Alicia Rose, AVP, Global Social Impact, TD Bank Group 

“Achēv has been an excellent partner, in meeting CarePartners, hiring needs, by providing access to a diverse talent pool and providing personalized recruitment services. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns perfectly with our values, and we are grateful for their support in this endeavour. We look forward to continuing our partnership to build a more inclusive workforce together, creating a sense of belonging and opportunity for all.”

 — Marsha Reynolds, Executive Director, People and Talent Management, CarePartners

“We are deeply honoured to receive Achēv’s Strategic Partner Award and grateful for a partnership that has given SAFE the opportunity to bring survivor-led peer support to the Peel, Halton and surrounding communities. At SAFE, we believe in the power of lived experience — survivors supporting survivors with compassion, understanding and without judgement. We are incredibly proud of what we are building together with Achēv and grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for survivors.”

— Liza Rodrigues, SAFE Board Chair, Survivor Advocates for Empowerment (SAFE)

“It means so much to all of us at CARE Centre to receive this recognition from our cornerstone partner, Achēv. Achev is celebrating 35 years of serving newcomer communities, as CARE Centre observes our 25th anniversary of supporting internationally educated nurses in re-establishing their nursing careers in Canada. Together, we are able to assist IENs and their families in securing their successful futures, providing customized programming that meets their needs and gives wings to their goals.

— Rola El Moubadder, Executive Director, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses

ABOUT: 

Achēv is a leading charity and non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services in the GTA. We put clients on a faster path to prosperity by making it easier for them to access the services they need, when and where they want them.

We offer more than 40 employment, settlement and language programs and services, with specialized support for women, youth and businesses, online across Canada and in person at 8 GTA locations.

Learn about our impact at Achēv.ca

On Friday, a representative of local MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta met with the team at Achēv to celebrate $775,000 in funding they received through two grants from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). These investments from the Ontario Trillium Foundation are helping Achēv enhance digital service delivery and expand workforce programming, improving access and broadening service capacity across the organization to strengthen overall client support.

“Achēv has been a trusted community partner for many years, helping newcomers and job seekers build successful futures across Mississauga and the Regions of Peel and Halton, said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta. “Our government is proud to support Achēv through the Ontario Trillium Foundation with investments that strengthen digital services and expand workforce programming. These grants will make it easier for people to access the support they need, develop in-demand skills, and connect with meaningful employment opportunities, while ensuring Achēv can continue delivering high-quality services to our growing community.”

The first grant, awarded in 2024, enabled Achēv to successfully complete a critical digital modernization initiative supported by a $200,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund grant. Over 24 months, this investment supported the hiring of critical and specialized staff creation who were instrumental in the development of a new Online Service Hub, featuring a modern CRM, client portal and mobile app. Together, these tools deliver a connected client experience, providing seamless 24/7 access to programs, personalized recommendations, online registration, and progress tracking. The project also provided new opportunities for data analysis and informed decision-making, allowing Achēv to progressively improve programs and services based on client needs and outcomes.

The second grant, awarded in 2025, is supporting the expansion of Achēv’s Workplace Readiness Club to 4 additional Achēv Peel locations thanks to $575,000 in funding through a Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant. The expanded program will support low‑income job seekers, including OW and ODSP recipients, through a two‑week hybrid model that combines workshops with individualized coaching. The initiative will directly benefit 288 participants between 2025 and 2028, helping them build job‑readiness skills, boost confidence, and strengthen long‑term financial stability.

“These Ontario Trillium Foundation grants have allowed us to modernize our service delivery and better meet the needs of our diverse communities,” said Rob Olson, Achēv’s COO. “Hiring new staff with specialized skills was critical to us to upgrade technology and improving access and ensure that newcomers and Canadians alike can achieve their goals with dignity and efficiency.”

For 35 years, Achēv has dedicated itself to helping newcomers and Canadians achieve their full potential. Today, it is one of the largest providers of employment, settlement, language, women, youth, and technology solutions services in the GTA. Further information about Achēv’s programs and services can be found at achev.ca.

“With support from the Ontario government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Royal Botanical Gardens is ensuring more people can access and enjoy its beautiful grounds and outstanding programming,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “RBG’s commitment to removing barriers creates a more welcoming experience for visitors of all ages and abilities, helping more Ontarians connect with nature, participate in programs and enjoy all that RBG has to offer.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

MyAchēv client portal is live! It is faster and easier than ever to access Achēv services. 

Our self-serve client portal – MyAchēv – connects you to the programs and services you need, faster. It is secure, private, and available in 18 languages to new and existing clients. Our goal is to create a more connected and personalized client experience for you.  

Sign up for MyAchēv to:  

• Create and manage your profile 
• Update personal information 
• Upload documents securely 
• Register or self-refer to programs (with built-in eligibility checks)refer to programs (with builtin eligibility checks) 
• Communicate directly with staff 

Sign up today to chart your journey with us at my.Achēv.ca, or download the Achēv app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. 

Each year, Achēv puts more than 100,000 clients on a faster path to prosperity by making it easier for them to access the programs and services they need – when and where they want them. We offer over 40 employment, settlement and language programs and services with specialized support for women and youth. We provide our services online across Canada and in person at eight GTA locations. 

On Friday, January 16, 2026, Achēv and the Future Ready Initiative at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto welcomed community partners, government representatives, and local leaders to celebrate the successful launch of a new itinerant Employment Ontario service model. The event marked an important milestone in expanding accessible, community‑based employment supports for residents in the Don Mills area.

“We’re opening doors to good-paying, in-demand careers by breaking down barriers and helping more people gain the confidence, training and skills they need to build Ontario’s future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By bringing services directly into the community and working alongside partners like Achēv and the Future Ready Initiative, we’re protecting Ontario workers and making it easier for them to access the supports they need to connect with real opportunities in a growing economy.”

Remarks were brought on behalf of Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism, the Honourable Graham McGregor, and local representatives MP Rob Oliphant & MPP Dr. Adil Shamji addressed attendees. Over 50 guests – including community partners, staff, clients, and government officials – attended the celebration.

During the event, attendees learned how Achēv has begun delivering on‑site Employment Ontario services at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto. This flexible model allows job seekers to access employment counselling, job search support, and training pathways in a culturally welcoming and easily accessible environment. The approach is designed to reduce barriers, increase service reach, and ensure that community members can receive support where and when they need it.

“At Achev, we put job seekers and communities at the center of everything we do, creating partnerships that amplify impact,” said Natalie Renton, Achēv’s Senior Director of Programs and Services. “Our collaboration with the Future Ready Initiative reflects this shared commitment to helping individuals access meaningful employment and building thriving communities together.”

“This partnership demonstrates how community-based collaboration can improve access to essential employment and support services,” said Aleem Punja, Executive Director for the Future Ready Initiative, Ismaili Council for Canada. “By delivering coordinated services in trusted community spaces, we are reducing barriers, supporting economic participation, and strengthening outcomes for individuals, families, and the broader community.”

For over 30 years, Achēv has dedicated itself to helping newcomers and Canadians achieve their full potential. Achēv’s Employment Ontario services help job seekers explore career goals, identify training needs, and acquire job search and retention skills. These high-quality employment services are delivered through seven convenient employment centres across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, North York and Richmond Hill. Virtual employment services are also available through interactive video conferencing, webinars and e-learning modules. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

The Future Ready Initiative (FRI) is a national agency of the Ismaili Council for Canada, focused on improving quality of life through integrated, community-based supports. FRI provides personalized family development planning, wrap-around case management, and livelihoods coaching and career services that support long-term economic and social well-being. Through partnerships with educational institutions and cross-sector organizations, FRI connects individuals and families to curated opportunities in education, skills development, and career advancement. Guided by the Ismaili Council for Canada and supported by a national network of volunteers and professionals, FRI works to empower individuals, strengthen families, and support communities to thrive across Canada.

We’re excited to share that Achēv has been featured in the Mississauga News! The article covers our recent win as a Diamond Winner for both Best Non-Profit and Employment Agency in the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards and highlights our employment services and comprehensive support to newcomers, women, and youth.

To read the full article in the Mississauga News, click here. Learn more about our services, click here.

On Wednesday, December 17, a representative of local MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta met with the team at Achēv to celebrate $196,100 in funding they received through two Capital grants from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). These investments from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation have enhanced Achēv’s Peel-Halton resource centres, improving access to technology and helping streamline client services.

“For many years, Achēv has done outstanding work in Mississauga and across the Regions of Peel and Halton, providing valuable services to new immigrants and Ontarians,” says Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre. “It is profound to see how our government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation is enhancing Achēv’s service delivery and helping its clients open new doors to employment, language training, and more.”

The first grant, awarded in June 2025, provided $64,200 to replace outdated computers across Achēv’s five Peel-Halton client resource centres. The project delivered 50 new desktops and 12 laptops distributed across Brampton, Malton, Mississauga, and Oakville. These upgrades are helping clients pursue employment and learning goals with modern, reliable technology.

The second grant, awarded in June 2024, provided $131,900 to introduce user-friendly tablets and kiosks at Achēv’s five Peel-Halton service centres. This Omni-Channel project has helped streamline intake processes, allowing clients to independently register, sign in, and access services in multiple languages. The new system also improved inclusivity, privacy, and efficiency, while enabling real-time feedback to support continuous service improvement.

“These Ontario Trillium Foundation grants have allowed us to modernize our service delivery and better meet the needs of our diverse communities,” said Moya MacKinnon, Achev’s Senior Vice President of External Relations. “By upgrading technology and improving access, we are ensuring that newcomers and Canadians alike can achieve their goals with dignity and efficiency.”

For over 30 years, Achēv has dedicated itself to helping newcomers and Canadians achieve their full potential. Today, it is one of the largest providers of employment, settlement, language, women, youth, and technology solutions services in the GTA. Further information about Achēv’s programs and services can be found at achev.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

We are thrilled to announce Achēv’s win at the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards in Mississauga and Brampton! 

Achēv has been named the Diamond Winner of the 2025 Mississauga News and 2025 Brampton Guardian Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Non-Profit Agency and Best Employment Agency categories. 

This marks our fifth consecutive win in Mississauga and third in Brampton! This incredible achievement would not have been possible without our amazing staff and their hard work, commitment, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to creating faster paths to prosperity for our clients every day. 

Becoming the Diamond Winner, the highest ranked category, in both Mississauga and Brampton reflects our commitment to our clients, our efforts to make a positive difference in the diverse communities we serve, and recognition of our achievements throughout the year. 

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognizes local organizations for their achievements, and thousands of people from the community are encouraged to nominate and vote for their favourite businesses and/or professionals. 

Achēv is pleased to announce the distribution of care packages from Canada’s favourite household paper products brands* – Cashmere, SpongeTowels and Scotties, to support newcomers in the Peel and Halton Regions.  

These kits include a box of Scotties® tissues and a $5 redeemable coupon for other Kruger paper products, such as SpongeTowels® paper towels and Cashmere® bathroom tissue, designed to help newcomers settle comfortably into their new homes. 

Newcomers can pick up their kit at the following Achēv NIC locations (The packages are available for a limited time and while quantities last): 

• Brampton South – 7700 Hurontario Street, Unit 601, Brampton 
• Brampton East – 263 Queen Street East, Unit 14, Brampton 
• Malton – 7420 Airport Road, Suite 104, Mississauga  
• Mississauga – 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 300, Mississauga 
• Oakville – 690 Dorval Drive, Suite 100, Oakville  

Job Action Club – Toronto (JAC-TO) is a two-year employment program launched in September 2025 to support low-income residents of Toronto on social assistance.

Funded in part through Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE initiative, the program offers a two-week, in-person boot camp focused on job readiness, digital skills, mentorship, and comprehensive support. JAC-TO connects participants to coaching, online learning, and employer networks. Building on a successful pilot in Peel, JAC-TO addresses the specific challenges faced by equity-deserving groups, including racialized individuals, newcomers, women, and youth.

The program aims to build confidence, career resilience, and foster long-term employment, helping participants break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures.

To learn more about the Job Action Club – Toronto program, please visit the programs page here.

Achēv’s “Empowering Newcomers for Entrepreneurship” is a multi-year initiative supported by TD (since 2022) that helps newcomers across the GTA achieve financial stability by starting their own businesses.

Participants complete a four-week self-employment assessment, followed by a nine-week Core Learning Program that provides training, coaching, peer support, and access to funders. The program equips newcomers with the skills and confidence necessary to establish sustainable businesses in Canada. By addressing financial vulnerability and employment barriers, the initiative empowers participants to transform their creativity and international experience into sustainable careers.

With a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility, TD employees also serve as mentors and financial literacy specialists, enhancing community impact and fostering collaboration.

To learn more about the Empowering Newcomers for Entrepreneurship program, please visit the programs page here.