Latest news with #NAFC
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) acknowledges the 2025 Speech from the Throne
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is encouraged by the 2025 Speech from the Throne, delivered by His Majesty King Charles III on May 27, 2025. We appreciate the affirmation of the enduring relationship between the Crown and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The NAFC stands ready to be a strong national partner to assist the government to achieve its stated commitments to advancing Reconciliation, constitutional obligations to Indigenous peoples, and the advancement of Indigenous economic projects. "We appreciate the government's focus on advancing reconciliation through investments and commitments, and we are ready to help advance specific strategies for urban Indigenous people" said Jocelyn Formsma, Chief Executive Officer of the NAFC. "Urban Indigenous communities face unique challenges, and it's crucial that policies and programs are designed with these specific commitments such as tackling the negative impacts of climate change, upholding constitutional protections for Indigenous rights, and advancing and uplifting Indigenous languages.' "We look forward to collaborating with the government to ensure these commitments translate into tangible outcomes for urban Indigenous peoples. As the government moves forward with its agenda, the NAFC stands ready to engage in meaningful dialogue and partnership to ensure that urban Indigenous voices are heard and their needs addressed.' The Speech highlighted the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing reconciliation and building stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities. Key highlights included the expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, doubling its capacity from $10 billion to support economic partnerships that foster long-term wealth and prosperity. The government also reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change. Additionally, it emphasized the constitutional duty to uphold the legal right of Indigenous Peoples to free, prior, and informed consent. Finally, the government expressed its ongoing commitment to respecting and promoting Indigenous languages across Canada. FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: John Paillé Senior Communications Coordinator jpaille@ For over 50 years, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), a network of over 100 Friendship Centres across Canada, has provided culturally appropriate services to urban Indigenous communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Friendship Centres are the most significant Indigenous civil society movement in Canada. We are vital community hubs that are owned and operated by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in urban communities across Canada, from major cities to small and remote communities, we provide culturally relevant community supports, including employment and training, child-care and children's programs, culture and language, shelter, health, support, and development programs and in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Association of Friendship Centres Extends Congratulations to Newly Appointed Federal Cabinet
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) extends its congratulations to the newly appointed federal Cabinet. We recognize the significant responsibility entrusted to each Minister in shaping the policies and priorities of this government, and we look forward to working collaboratively to advance the prosperity, well-being, and self-determination of urban Indigenous peoples across the country. The NAFC is especially encouraged by the appointment of several Ministers to portfolios with direct impact on Indigenous communities. We are particularly inspired by the historic appointment of two Indigenous women to Cabinet. The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, as Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, as Minister of Indigenous Services, bring extensive knowledge, lived experience, and deep connections to their communities. Their leadership will be vital in ensuring federal programs and policies are responsive to Indigenous priorities and grounded in the realities of those they are meant to serve. We also acknowledge and welcome the appointment of the Honourable Rebecca Alty as Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations. Minister Alty's experience and leadership in northern communities bring valuable perspective to a portfolio that is central to reconciliation and the renewal of relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. 'These appointments reflect a meaningful shift toward inclusive governance and Indigenous leadership in areas that impact our communities directly,' said Jocelyn Formsma, Chief Executive Officer of the NAFC. 'We look forward to engaging with the new Cabinet to build on existing partnerships, expand culturally relevant urban Indigenous services, and work together toward stronger, healthier futures for all Indigenous peoples.' The NAFC remains committed to working in close partnership with the federal government to ensure that Friendship Centres—community-driven, culturally grounded hubs serving over one million urban Indigenous people—continue to play a central role in delivering effective, equitable, and culturally relevant services across the country. We are encouraged by the Liberal Party's platform commitment to increase support for Indigenous mental health initiatives, invest in healing and wellness centres, and strengthen the network of Friendship Centres across Canada. This commitment presents a hopeful opportunity to deepen collaboration and advance shared priorities through sustained, meaningful partnership. As we look ahead, it is essential that the federal government uphold its partnership with Indigenous organizations like the NAFC, and provide the sustained resources and support needed for Friendship Centres to thrive. We are confident that through strong, collaborative relationships with this new Cabinet, we can make meaningful progress in addressing the needs of urban Indigenous communities and building a future that honours our rights, cultures, and aspirations. FOR MEDIA INQUIRES:John PailléSenior Communications Coordinatorjpaille@ The NAFC represents over 100 local Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in every province and territory in Canada (except Prince Edward Island). Friendship Centres are urban Indigenous community hubs that provide a wide range of programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in urban, rural, and northern communities. Collectively, Friendship Centres are the largest and most comprehensive urban Indigenous service delivery network in in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
04-05-2025
- General
- CBC
How friendship centres support, heal and connect urban Indigenous people
When Mi'kmaw elder Marjorie Muise made the move from the small town of St. George's, N.L., to the bustling city of St. John's a decade ago, she was met with more than just a change in scenery. The shift from a small, close-knit community to an urban environment left her feeling overwhelmed and out of place. "Coming into the city, it was like, 'Oh my God,'" Muise said in an interview with Unreserved. "The different diversity threw me back for a bit." For Muise, it wasn't just the pace or the crowds that were difficult to navigate, she was also disconnected from the culture and traditions that had always been a part of her life. It was through attending First Light, an Indigenous-led friendship centre in St. John's, that Muise found a path back to the community and ceremonies she had lost. "It creates … the home feeling," Muise said. "It's a space where [we] can just be without judgment." What are friendship centres? First Light is part of a broader network of 125 friendship centres across Canada, based on 2021 numbers from the National Association of Friendship Centres. These Indigenous-led community hubs offer culturally appropriate programs and support services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in urban areas. They began to take shape in the 1950s, with the establishment of the first centres in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Toronto. Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), says that the creation of these centres was a grassroots, organic response to the increasing migration of Indigenous people from rural communities and reserves to cities in search of job and educational opportunities. "As the community was growing in all of these urban centres, naturally, we congregated. We got together, regardless of which community we were coming from," she said. "[People] would say, 'OK, well, you're going to the city, call so-and-so when you get there, they'll help you get set up.'" In 2020, the NAFC estimated that friendship centres had provided nearly 9.5 million points of service. According to the organization, each one represents an instance of offering support and resources to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members. These services include housing and health-care access, to cultural programming, language classes and employment support. Friendship in St. John's Inuk elders Ellen Ford and Emma Reelis, from the Nunatsiavut community of Nain in northern Labrador, also consider First Light their home away from home — a safe place where they have found comfort, healing and friendship. Ford recalls how important the space was to her during times when she faced racial discrimination. "There's been so much stigma back in the day … and you don't know whether you should talk about it or speak about it," she said. Though she says that things have improved "a bit" over the years, she says Indigenous people in the city continue to face prejudice. Both Ford and Reelis are residential school survivors. First Light, they say, helped them process and recover from the trauma they endured. Reelis, who was also in an abusive marriage, describes how connecting with others who understood her experience changed her life. "I felt like a load had been lifted off my shoulders because I could have people that you can trust and talk to," she said. Healing the next generation The importance of friendship centres extends across generations. Shane Bird, youth services director at the Prince Albert Indian and Métis Friendship Centre in Saskatchewan, has worked with Indigenous youth for over seven years. He says he has seen first-hand how cultural programming can help break the cycle of intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and the residential school system. "We've already seen … youth that want to make change for themselves, and to follow that sweetgrass road and to live a healthy lifestyle," he said. WATCH | First Light celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day: Drumming, dancing and throat singing: National Indigenous Peoples Day in St. John's draws hundreds 11 months ago Duration 2:17 The First Light Friendship Centre celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day with cultural displays and performances in Bannerman Park. The afternoon event was open to the public — and the masses who followed the invitation were a sign of how far Indigenous people have come, said First Light executive director Stacey Howse. He believes that healing in one generation can protect the next. "If we have a young baby that's born today, and their mother and father had healed from their traumas, then that young one will grow up intergenerational trauma free." Bird and his team are working on a major new project: a cultural gathering ground in Little Red River Park in Prince Albert, Sask. Planned to open by the fall, the site would feature a traditional powwow arbour, seasonal sweat lodge, ceremonial hall, outdoor kitchen and cultural stage. The site would also welcome non-Indigenous residents, offering them an opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture. New era for friendship centres As friendship centres celebrate decades of service, Formsma explains that the new era of these community hubs involves building on core values — community-driven, responsive, and made by and for Indigenous people — while adapting to meet today's needs. That means embracing technology, creating leadership opportunities for youth, building capacity and providing a space for friendship centre leaders to share knowledge — so centres can continue to grow and support Indigenous communities across the country.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Association of Friendship Centres Attends UNPFII 24th Session to Amplify Indigenous Voices
OTTAWA, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is proud to announce its participation in the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York. This year, the NAFC has coordinated a delegation comprised of leadership from across the Friendship Centre Movement including our Executive, Indigenous Youth Council (IYC), Senate and representatives from our Provincial and Territorial Associations and Friendship Centres. This significant gathering of global leaders, experts, and advocates provides a critical platform to elevate the voices of Indigenous peoples, and the NAFC is committed to ensuring the issues and aspirations of urban Indigenous communities across Canada are heard and addressed. Despite current challenges and uncertainties, the NAFC's participation in the UNPFII remains crucial. Engaging with international partners ensures Indigenous voices continue to be heard. This ongoing commitment to global dialogue is vital for advancing the rights and aspirations of Indigenous communities April 21 to April 25, 2025, NAFC delegates will engage with decision-makers, share knowledge and experiences, and advocate for the rights, well-being, and cultural preservation of urban Indigenous populations. This year's theme, "Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges' resonates deeply with NAFC's mission to support the social, cultural, and economic inclusion of Indigenous people in urban settings. As part of its participation in the 24th session of the UNPFII, the NAFC is proud to host a side event titled Living UNDRIP: Indigenous Rights in Urban Spaces on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. This event will amplify the perspectives of urban Indigenous communities and the work of the Friendship Centre Movement by exploring how the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) applies in urban contexts. The event will examine existing challenges, policy gaps, and opportunities to advance Indigenous rights in cities, reinforcing the NAFC's commitment to elevating Indigenous voices and fostering meaningful dialogue on the global stage. 'The UNPFII session provides a unique opportunity to bring the voices of urban Indigenous communities into global conversations regarding the future of Indigenous peoples,' said Jocelyn W. Formsma, Chief Executive Officer of the NAFC. 'We are excited and honoured to participate in this important dialogue and to advocate for the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions.' As a leading national organization representing over 100 Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations across Canada, the NAFC plays a pivotal role in supporting urban Indigenous peoples, addressing service gaps, and promoting a healthy, self-determined future. The NAFC's participation in the UNPFII underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with governments, Indigenous leaders, and international stakeholders to create lasting, meaningful change for urban Indigenous communities. FOR MEDIA INQUIRES:John PailléSenior Communications Coordinatorjpaille@ The NAFC represents over 100 local Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in every province and territory in Canada (except Prince Edward Island). Friendship Centres are urban Indigenous community hubs that provide a wide range of programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in urban, rural, and northern communities. Collectively, Friendship Centres are the largest and most comprehensive urban Indigenous service delivery network in in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2025 Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care Grants Awarded to Clinics in Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, Funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals
The $2 million in new funding is part of a $4 million commitment from Teva, launched in 2022, to expand access to critical mental health services across 10 states SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and PARSIPPANY, N.J. , Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Direct Relief, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) today announced the funding of Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care grants, awarding $75,000 to each of 11 free and charitable clinics across Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to address the critical need for expanded mental health services in medically underserved communities. 'Every day uninsured patients face barriers to accessing basic mental health services they need,' said Carol Richardson, Sustainability and Health Equity Lead, Teva U.S. 'This latest round of grant funding will enable clinics in more states to expand existing or develop innovative new behavioral health programs that meet the needs of their local patient populations'. Over the first two years, Community Routes grantees demonstrated significant impact across their communities reaching more than 63,000 beneficiaries. Clinics conducted 24,617 patient screenings for depression, anxiety, and adverse childhood experiences, helping identify and address previously unmet mental health needs. The program extended beyond direct patient care, with grantees training more than 2,800 community members, staff, and volunteers in mental health promotion and well-being. Additionally, clinics organized 131 community events to expand access to mental health education and services, strengthening their role as trusted healthcare resources. Building on these achievements, this funding cycle prioritizes the creation and expansion of innovative care delivery models that integrate behavioral health services into existing clinical operations, with particular emphasis on evidence-based screening tools and treatment protocols for depression and anxiety. "Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet too many individuals in underserved communities struggle to access the care they need,' shared Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President & CEO. 'This program empowers clinics to bridge this gap by expanding behavioral health services and critical mental health support. By investing in these clinics, we are investing in the health and resilience of entire communities." The 2025 grant recipients include: Alabama: Medical Outreach Ministries (Montgomery) - Leveraging academic partnerships through the University of Alabama's psychiatry residency program to integrate mental health services into primary care. Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy (Mobile) - Implementing screening tools for depression and within pharmacy services and connecting patients to necessary resources. St. Michael's Medical Clinic (Anniston) - Integrating mental health services with primary care and social support services to address the complex needs of uninsured and homeless populations. Mississippi: Bethel Free Clinic, Inc. (Biloxi) - Enhancing mental health access for uninsured residents by integrating depression and anxiety screenings into patient care, referring those in need for further evaluation. Texas: Brother Bill's Helping Hand (Dallas) - Improving mental health access for predominantly Latino communities through integrated care, community-based outreach, and culturally competent services. Heal the City Free Clinic (Amarillo) - Implementing community-based stigma reduction programs to increase understanding of mental health conditions and encourage individuals to seek support. Health for All (Bryan) - Expanding trauma-informed mental health services access for underserved populations and delivering culturally sensitive services tailored to their diverse community's needs. Ibn Sina Foundation (Houston) - Emphasizing equitable access by addressing the distinct mental health needs of multiple underserved populations. Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth - Integrating behavioral health services into routine care and establishing patient navigation systems for uninsured Spanish-speaking patients. The Agape Clinic (Dallas) - Developing comprehensive mental health support systems, including therapy, case management, and peer support, for the underserved patient population. Woven Health Clinic (Farmers Branch) - Integrating mental health services into primary care by offering screenings for depression and anxiety, connection to individual counseling, and treatment plans. Selected programs emphasize sustainable integration of mental health services through: Implementation of standardized screening protocols Supporting the clinical workforce through partnerships Integration of behavioral health into primary care Extending cultural competency across the full continuum of patient care Social service referral networks "Expanding mental health services in resource-limited settings has been a key focus of prior Community Routes funding, and this latest round will allow providers to reach even more people with critical services," said Katie Lewis, Regional Director of U.S. Programs for Direct Relief. "These funds will allow clinics to build on successful approaches while exploring new strategies that fit the unique needs of the people and communities they serve." For a report on lessons learned from our Community Routes: Access to Mental Healthcare grantees, click here. Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care—a partnership between Teva, Direct Relief and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)— is a unique access program that is helping to advance health equity and quality care for underserved populations across the U.S. Teva is providing commonly used medicines that treat depression and anxiety to 400+ clinics in 10 states, as well as $4 million in grant funding to support innovative behavioral health services through local free and charitable clinics, tailored to meet the needs of their communities. To read more click here. About Direct Relief Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. Direct Relief works with healthcare providers operating in resource-limited communities to help them care for their patients by providing essential medical supplies and equipment. Learn more at About National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c (3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality health care and strives to be a national voice promoting quality health care for all. For more information about the NAFC, please visit About TevaTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a different kind of global pharmaceutical leader, one that operates across the full spectrum of innovation to reliably deliver medicines to patients worldwide. For over 120 years, Teva's commitment to bettering health has never wavered. Today, the company's global network of capabilities enables its 37,000 employees across 57 markets to advance health by developing medicines for the future while championing the production of generics and biologics. If patients have a need, we're already working to address it. To learn more about how Teva is all in for better health, visit Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document and the presentation at the conference may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from that expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks relating to: our ability to participate and/or fund patient access programs; our ability to successfully compete in the marketplace including our ability to successfully execute our Pivot to Growth strategy, including to expand our innovative and biosimilar medicines pipeline and profitably commercialize the innovative medicines and biosimilar portfolio, whether organically or through business development, and to sustain and focus our portfolio of generics medicines; our substantial indebtedness; our business and operations in general including the impact of global economic conditions and other macroeconomic developments and the governmental and societal responses thereto; compliance, regulatory and litigation matters; other financial and economic risks; and other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including in the sections captioned "Risk Factors.' Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Teva Media Inquiries:TevaCommunicationsNorthAmerica@ Investor Relations InquiresTevaIR@ in to access your portfolio
