Achēv is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Texas yesterday. We grieve for the 19 children and two teachers killed in this tragic school shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents who lost their children and those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.

Achēv is devastated and deeply saddened by the horrific and senseless act of gun violence against the Black community in Buffalo earlier this week. We mourn the 10 victims who lost their lives due to this brutal, murderous attack. Our hearts ache for their families, friends and the Black community.

This act of terrorism is a reminder that hatred, racism and the threat of violence are a constant reality for Black communities across North America. We must continue to actively condemn anti-Black hate, racially-motivated hate crimes, violent extremism, white supremacy and terrorism. No one should live in fear of violence or lose their lives because of their race.

We stand in solidarity with the Black community and our hearts go out to those impacted by this horrific massacre.

Like so many in our communities, we are deeply concerned and saddened by the current crisis in Ukraine. We unequivocally condemn this unprovoked, unjustified and unacceptable attack on Ukraine.

At Achēv, we stand in solidarity with Ukrainian communities in Canada and with the people of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with Ukrainians worldwide and those undoubtedly concerned about the health and safety of their families and loved ones.

We hold hope that international efforts will prevent this heartbreaking situation from worsening. As this crisis continues to unfold, we must continue to support each other through these times of uncertainty.

This week, Achēv is celebrating Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week! Our staff is the heart and soul of Achēv and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do to make a meaningful, positive impact on the diverse communities we serve. We would like to thank all of our wonderful, passionate staff for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our vision, mission and core values. As we continue to get through the COVID-19 pandemic together, we can’t express our gratitude enough to our staff for their hard work, positivity and compassion, and for making Achēv a welcoming, respectful and inclusive workplace.

Countless Afghans have been forced to flee their homes and country due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. As a result, the federal government has pledged to resettle up to 40,000 Afghan refugees. Achēv is committed to helping Afghan refugees settle successfully in their new communities by supporting their employment, settlement and language needs. We have delivered various informative newcomer webinars, conducted one-on-one employment counselling and provided English language assessments as part of our support in their settlement journey.

As the season transitions into winter, Afghan refugees and their families will need winter clothing and other essential items. We held an internal donation drive and our staff donated winter clothing and boots, diapers and baby formulas to support recently arrived Afghan refugees in need.

We look forward to continue providing Afghan refugees who have arrived, and continue to arrive, with the resources and guidance they need to achieve their settlement goals.

We are devastated to hear about the destruction of homes, businesses, communities and vital infrastructure across British Columbia due to the catastrophic flooding. Our hearts are with everyone in B.C. affected by this crisis. We also extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones.

We are devastated by the murderous attack against a Muslim family in London, Ontario. Our hearts ache for the family and the Muslim community in Ontario and across Canada. No one should have to live in fear or lose their life because of their faith. We stand in solidarity with all Muslim Canadians affected by this tragedy and unequivocally condemn all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism and discrimination. 

Achēv joins the nation in mourning the unthinkable and devastating loss of 215 Indigenous children found buried in a mass grave at a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. Our thoughts are with the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc people and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across the country. It is our shared responsibility to listen, learn and create change.