achev toronto pearson uplift fund
June 5, 2025

Toronto Pearson is awarding $1.57 million through its Uplift fund to 11 organizations dedicated to supporting workforce development and expanding the construction skilled trades in communities surrounding the airport. The airport is also committing to broadening its focus to include organizations and jobseekers across the entire Pearson Economic Zone over the next three years. 

This investment will provide more than 2,000 local residents with job placements, training, and career coaching in communities around Toronto Pearson, including Brampton, Mississauga, and Etobicoke.

Through the Workforce Development Stream, Achēv is to receive funding for our Job Action Club program, which helps low-income residents in Brampton and Mississauga overcome unemployment through job coaching, skills training, and job search support. 

“Toronto Pearson understands the importance of investing in our community as we move forward with bold plans to build the airport of the future,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “The Uplift Fund is just one way we’re supporting inclusive economic growth and helping to build a skilled, diverse workforce that reflects the needs of our region. We are committed to opening doors, removing barriers, and creating long-term opportunity for people who live and work within our community.” 

The Uplift fund, part of the Propeller Project, has now contributed more than $5 million in community funding over the past five years. Since 2018, Toronto Pearson’s Uplift Fund has been investing and collaborating in programming, advocacy, and research to support local residents in gaining the skills, connections and opportunities needed to be meaningfully employed. 

Achevment Awards Post-Event
May 21, 2025

We were thrilled to host our third annual 2025 Achēvment Awards on May 14! The Achēvment Awards celebrated the power of collaboration between our partners, clients, and the communities we serve. Y Media covered the event and here are the highlights:

Congratulations again to our 2025 Achēvment Award winners:

  • Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Community Partner Award Winner
  • AAS Canada – Employer Partner Award Winner
  • Blue Branch – Service Delivery Partner Award Winner
  • Ahmed Mumtaz – Client Award Winner
Food Basics Newcomer Welcome Kit
May 21, 2025

Achēv in partnership with Food Basics launches the Newcomer Welcome Kit Program to help newcomers feel at home by providing familiar foods, valuable savings, and a hassle-free shopping experience. 

By providing welcome kits, Food Basics’ aim is to ease the stress of food shopping, helping newcomers find familiar foods and navigate their new environment with confidence. 

The Welcome Kit – What’s Inside? 

  • Five Non-Perishable Essentials: 
  • Parle G 300 g Cookies 
  • Tata Salt 650 g 
  • National Seekh Kebab Spice 
  • Divya Roasted Chana 
  • Bhikharam Chandmal Navaratan Mix 
  • One (1) Informational pamphlet (with four coupons included)  
  • One (1) Moi card – free rewards card that helps you collect points  

All coupons are valid at the following locations, until July 31, 2025:  

  • All store locations across Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Ottawa and the following London, Ontario locations: 509 Commissioners Rd W, 1401 Ernest Ave, 1299 Oxford St E, 1225 Wonderland Rd N.  

View the coupon redemption process here. 

Collect your kit by speaking to our staff at our Mississauga location (while supplies last): 

  • 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 300, Mississauga, L5B 3C2 
achevment awards
May 14, 2025

Achēv is celebrating its third annual Achēvment Awards at a breakfast event this morning in Mississauga.

Achēv is a leading charity and non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services in the GTA. The Achēvment Awards recognize a client who has the courage to overcome barriers and fulfill their dreams and organizations that embrace collaboration to grow our economy and help our communities thrive.

“The Achēvment awards celebrate the power of collaboration between our partners, clients, and the communities we serve,” said Achēv CEO Tonie Chaltas. “Our partners make it possible for our team to do the work we do every day, and together, we are helping to put over 100,000 people each year on a faster path to prosperity.”

Recipients of the 2025 Achēvment Awards are: 

Ahmed Mumtaz – Client Award Winner

Ahmed came to Canada to build a new life. Despite having great credentials and a top education, he struggled to break into the Canadian job market. After searching for employment in his field for eight months, Ahmed turned to Achēv for help. While working with Achēv, Ahmed embraced every opportunity to build his network and market his skills. After six weeks of working with Achēv, he landed a great role in his field. Watch Ahmed’s story here.

AAS Canada – Employer Partner Award Winner

AAS is committed to creating meaningful career paths for its employees. Many Achēv clients join AAS at the entry-level, and the training and work experience they receive enables them to advance within the organization and assume managerial roles. This is an incredible career opportunity for our clients and has allowed AAS to get the qualified candidates that they need to continue to build and support their business. 

Welcome Centre Immigrant Services – Community Partner Award Winner

For over 13 years, the Welcome Centres in York, Durham and Simcoe have welcomed Achēv language services into their shared services hub. The key to our long collaboration is a shared commitment to provide complimentary services that break down silos, enhance the client experience and ensure efficient service delivery.

Blue Branch – Service Delivery Partner Award Winner

The Blue Branch team embodies Achēv’s commitment to creating faster paths to prosperity. This award honours their commitment to bring together the best people and the right organizations to help individuals overcome challenges and thrive.  Together Achev and Blue Branch have partnered on Government funded programs and services that get Ontarians upskilled and working.

Award Recipient Quotes:

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Achēv on this important work. Together, we’re helping young people and internationally educated healthcare professionals find meaningful careers in communities where their skills are urgently needed. This award is a reflection of what collaboration can do—when nonprofits, for-profits, and government work together with purpose, we don’t just fill jobs, we change lives. We look forward to continuing this work alongside Achēv as we build stronger futures across Ontario and set a model for the rest of Canada.”

— Todd Clyde, CEO, Blue Branch

“Achēv has proven to be a remarkable partner for AAS Canada. Their prompt engagement and careful consideration in identifying and presenting candidates have made a significant difference in our recruitment process. The skilled Employer Liaisons have exceeded expectations by identifying outstanding talent and demonstrating a deep understanding of our organizational requirements. As AAS Canada continues to expand, we look forward to further collaboration that will yield positive outcomes for the Toronto Pearson Community.”

— Ximena Bustillos, HR Manager, AAS Canada

“As a true friend, Achēv has been instrumental in supporting me through ‘3 Hs’ of my life: Honoring my past, harnessing my present and hoping for a progressive future which set me up for great strides in my professional, personal and social life in Canada.”

— Ahmed Mumtaz, Achēv Client

“The York Region Welcome Centres are delighted to be the recipient of Achēv’s Community Partner Award. Over the past decade, the Welcome Centre has partnered with Achēv creating a collaboration that is more than just a working relationship; it’s a shared commitment to building faster, more inclusive paths to prosperity for the people and communities we serve. Through our joint efforts, we have been able to accelerate access to resources, opportunities, and support systems that help newcomers not only meet their immediate needs but also achieve long-term goals. This has been especially powerful for individuals and families who are navigating the complexities of a new country while striving to build a better future. We look forward to continuing this relationship by creating new milestones and helping to transform the lives of the people we serve.”

— Tim McLinden, Manager, Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Newmarket

ABOUT: 

Achēv is a leading charity and non-profit provider of employment, language and newcomer settlement services in the GTA. Each year, we put more than 100,000 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 over 50 employment, settlement and language programs and services with specialized support for women, youth and businesses at 8 GTA locations.  

Learn about our impact at Achēv.ca

 

financial barriers newcomer women
November 26, 2024

Achēv was proud to partner with Credit Canada for their 2024 Financial Literacy Month campaign. Our CEO Tonie Chaltas was a guest on the “Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery” podcast.

Newcomers already face challenges when settling in a new country. Newcomer women, in particular, encounter not only typical settlement obstacles but also additional financial barriers unique to their experiences as women. In the podcast episode, Tonie speaks with Credit Canada CEO Bruce Sellery about:

  • The unique financial barriers faced by newcomer women
  • The impact of cultural differences on these financial challenges
  • Free community resources available through Achēv to help overcome these issues

We invite you to watch her segment on the podcast below:

 

Readers' Choice Award Win 2024
November 11, 2024

We are thrilled to announce Achēv’s win at the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in Mississauga and Brampton! 

Achēv has been named the Diamond Winner of the 2024 Mississauga News Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Non-Profit Agency, Best in Adult Education and Best Employment Agency categories. 

We have also been named the Diamond Winner of the 2024 Brampton Guardian Readers’ Choice Awards in the Best Employment Agency and Best in Career Training and Development categories. 

This marks our win for the fourth year in a row in Mississauga and the second time in Brampton! This amazing accomplishment would not have been possible without our amazing staff, and their hard work, commitment, collaboration, and continued 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 is indicative of our dedication to our clients, commitment to making a positive difference in the diverse communities we serve, and an acknowledgment 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. 

October 21, 2024

For the past 10 years, Achēv has proudly partnered with Volunteer Toronto, a collaboration that has brought many benefits to the community. During our partnership, Volunteer Toronto has provided numerous educational presentations to inspire, inform, and connect our clients to volunteerism and support their path to community involvement. In addition, Volunteer Toronto has supported Achēv’s Bridges to Employment clients for over 5 years by providing presentations and assistance in finding volunteering opportunities.

 

Volunteer Toronto is Canada’s largest volunteer centre, with 50 years of experience connecting volunteers to the organizations that need them. Need help getting started volunteering? Speak with a Volunteer Advisor from Volunteer Toronto by clicking here.

August 14, 2024

Achēv CEO Tonie Chaltas was featured in CivicAction’s City Builders Spotlight. This series highlights leaders from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area dedicated to building a more liveable and inclusive region.

In an interview with CivicAction at the 2023 Summit, Tonie shared her insights on the power of collaboration in fostering meaningful and impactful action among changemakers within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Watch her interview below:

 

Hop In x Achev
July 29, 2024

Achēv has partnered with Hop In Technologies to provide data-driven employee shuttle solutions to our employer partners. This strategic partnership offers a value-added service to assist employers in overcoming staffing and retention challenges by organizing efficient work commutes for their employees.

Why Choose Hop In

  • Expand your workforce
  • Improve commute experience
  • Boost talent retention

To Learn More, Contact Us at:

About Hop In Technologies

Hop In Technologies provides innovative solutions such as shuttle services and custom route building for employee transportation by combining data-driven insights with expert execution and logistics.

About Achēv

Achēv is one of the largest providers of employment, language, youth women and technology solutions in the GTA that is committed to creating faster paths to prosperity for clients.

cybersecurity program
July 23, 2024

Achēv is excited to announce the launch of the CyberNauts Program, a partnership between Cyber Nations Foundation and Achēv. The CyberNauts program aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity through an immersive training program tailored to support participants facing multiple barriers to employment.

CyberNauts provides participants with direct pathways to meaningful employment upon successful completion of the program, ensuring that graduates not only gain valuable skills but also have clear routes to secure jobs in the cybersecurity sector.

“We are immensely grateful to our partners for their support through the Skills Development Fund,” said Claudette McGowan, Chair of Cyber Nations Foundation. “Their commitment enables us to provide this essential training and create meaningful employment pathways for individuals who might otherwise face significant obstacles in accessing such opportunities.”

“Achēv is pleased to partner with Cyber Nations Foundation on the CyberNaughts Cybersecurity Upskilling program”, said Tonie Chaltas, CEO of Achēv. “By providing access to high-quality training that leads to good-paying job opportunities, we are helping to pave the way for a brighter, more secure future for all participants.”

This program will provide cybersecurity training to 65 individuals from racialized and equity-seeking groups in Ontario. The program participants will gain comprehensive cybersecurity skills and industry-recognized certifications.

What is CyberNauts?

There are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide and talent is needed for this critical industry. The program features the following:

  • Comprehensive Learning: Virtual sessions blending self-paced and live learning.
  • Hands-On Projects: Practical skills through real-world scenarios.
  • Community Support through networking opportunities with peers and mentors.
  • Earn CompTIA Security+ certification and post secondary micro-credentials.
  • Job placement opportunities for successful graduates.

Program Details

  • Launch Date: August 26th, 2024
  • Participants: 65
  • Format: Virtual
  • Hardware: Provided

Apply Now

For those interested, applications are open. Click here to apply.

For questions, contact us at cybernauts@achev.thedev.ca

About Cyber Nations Foundation

Cyber Nations Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for cyber literacy as a human right. The mission is to democratize access to cybersecurity training, tools, and solutions that inspire digital confidence and eliminate cyber fear worldwide.

About Achēv

Achēv is one of the largest providers of employment, settlement, language, women, youth and technology solutions services in the GTA, throughout Canada and abroad, that is committed to creating faster paths to prosperity for clients.

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