About us

At Oak Community Resource Center, we are committed to helping immigrants and their families transition smoothly. Since 2023, we have provided free settlement and support programs to empower individuals and communities. By building productive relationships, we strive to positively impact the lives of those we serve. Join us today and be a part of creating real transformation in the community.

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Our  Story

About the Founder (G. Afia Abrefah)

 

I started Oak Community Resource Center in 2023 after years of planning and deliberation. Over my 20 year career in social work, I believe every human being deserves to be comfortable, and happy and deserves support if they need it.

 

My journey in social services and social work began in Toronto over  20 years ago. I did my placement in an early childhood center (before and after school). I then went on to work in the Northwest Territories, helping coordinate a shelter for abused women. Moreover, I have taken crisis calls and worked suicide intervention, and case management. In Edmonton, Alberta I continued to work with children in Headstart, as a community outreach worker which allowed me to directly collaborate with various professionals as well as the students and their families. I have also worked with clients who seek support for disabilities (from the government),  as well as a foster home coordinator. Furthermore, I have experience doing in-home assessments and working with FSCD clients. Finally, in British Columbia, I have gotten the chance to work closely with clients from different cultural, financial, and ethnic backgrounds. I have  experience working with the homeless population, new immigrants and people who needed simple support in the Lower Mainland. Such experience has led me to understand the need to have a safe space for new immigrants in BC. I have also come to understand that,  the best  help for immigrants in  “new” situations is to help them  “land softly” in BC. I know my extensive experience has equipped   the team  and myself to support clients  achieve their goals no matter how small.  

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“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

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