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he One Step Towards Life (Ek
Kadam Jeevan Ki) program was
created by the Indo-Canadian
Women’s Association of Edmonton
(ICWA) in an effort to empower
newcomers and immigrants within the
South Asian community.
Through virtual and in-person classes,
One Step Towards Life supports the
physical and mental well-being of its
participants. Activities include yoga,
meditation, art classes, workshops on
nutrition and presentations on financial
literacy. It also organizes info sessions about
community resources and services for
seniors as well as health related topics like
dental care. The program started in April
of 2023, and runs until March 31, 2024.
One thing that sets One Step Towards
Life apart from other programs aimed
at helping newcomers to Edmonton is
that it focuses on the needs of the South
Asian community. Program Coordinator
Vasudha Tiwari is fluent in Gujrati,
Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu, which allows
her to better communicate and connect
with those participating in the program.
“You know everybody thinks in their
own language. And they wanted someone
where they don’t need to think about the
translation part, they can just share their
feelings. And that happened only in their
own language,” says Tiwari.
Many participants of the program are
seniors who are looking for community
and a sense of belonging. The program
celebrated its seniors on National Seniors
Day by hosting a talent show and dinner.
Participants showcased their singing and
dancing, and 150 people attended.
COVID brought a growing sense of
isolation for seniors, so events like this
are important. “This was a way of making
them feel welcome and engaged in the
community. And it’s been really, really
helpful, because there’s a camaraderie
among the people who attend our
programs and (it’s) nice to watch,”
says Jodi Zabludowski, the executive
director of the ICWA.
Edmonton Community Foundation
(ECF) has been a proud supporter of
ICWA and provided One Step Towards
Life with a $60,900 grant.
“We’re so grateful to the Edmonton
Community Foundation and for the
assistance that we’ve received in the
past and for this program. And it’s
made such a huge difference in the lives
of people who participated in all our
programs. Without ECF, this program
would not have taken place. So, we
are so thankful and grateful to ECF,”
explains Zabludowski.
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