Our News and Stories
Resilience and Renewal: A Year of Transition (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
In 2024–2025, the Newcomers Team experienced significant changes. We saw shifts within our management team, welcomed new colleagues, and said farewell to others. Toward the end of the year, the newcomer sector faced additional difficulties, including funding cuts that forced us to make tough decisions about how to move forward.
Despite these challenges, our commitment to the community has never wavered. Our goal remains to provide a welcoming environment where newcomers feel supported, connected and empowered throughout their settlement journey.
Food, Friendship, and Nature (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
Healthy meals, meaningful connections and the physical environment are vital to our well-being. This fiscal year, nutritious food, nature-focused group activities and at-home services underpinned our programming for older adults and seniors.
For many older adults, our neighbourhood house is a second home. Whether gathering for a shared meal, hands-on building project or creative expression through song and dance, older adults enliven our space. We celebrate all their contributions to building a healthier, vibrant community.
Diwali Delights at Our Friday Community Lunch
A Cross-Cultural and Intergenerational Festival of Light! Our Community Lunch at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House kicked off Diwali celebrations early! On Friday, October 10, 2025, the room was alive with warmth, colour, and the delicious aroma of chai, curried chickpeas, pakoras, and of course, sweet jalebi for dessert.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
MPNH is dedicated to creating inclusive, multigenerational programs that bring people together across ages and backgrounds. Joyful celebrations, from colorful PRIDE parades and bbq to monthly Community Lunches, provide opportunities for children, youth, adults, and elders to connect through food, music, and shared traditions. These gatherings highlight diversity while fostering belonging, learning, and mutual respect. By embracing cultural celebrations and community spirit, MPNH continues to strengthen bonds between generations, nurturing a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and included.
Strengthening Through Change (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
This past year was a season of transformation for our Family & Friend Caregivers Connect program. With the arrival of a new coordinator midway through the fiscal year, we experienced more than a leadership change, we felt a renewal of vision and purpose. Fresh ideas and energy inspired new ways of supporting caregivers, building stronger connections and introducing opportunities for learning and sharing. This turning point strengthened our foundation of care while opening pathways for growth. Transformation takes root in leadership, shared experiences, and the quiet yet powerful ways we honour caregivers and nurture well-being.
Get to know our volunteers of the month, Senior Line Dancer Instructors!
Get to know our volunteers of the month, Senior Line Dancer Instructors! Their role, their stories, and the reason why they volunteer at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
Empowering All Ages Through Literacy (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
The Family Literacy Outreach (FLO) Program at MPNH supports families with refurbished computers, social connection, and flexible English learning from home. Rahima, originally from Afghanistan, is one of many who gained confidence and independence through FLO.
This year, Tech Café expanded to two days weekly, with volunteers supporting participants in six languages, helping families use technology safely while building bonds that foster learning, confidence, and stronger community connections.
The Magic of Food and Community (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
This year brought significant change to the food programs team at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Our long-time chef took on a new opportunity within MPNH, and while their departure was bittersweet within the food programs department, it opened the door for two incredible chefs to join our team, Suzie and Macey, their passion and creativity helped strengthen and expand our food programming. Together, they have introduced new menus that celebrate diverse cultures and seasonal ingredients. Their collaborative spirit has also deepened community connections, making every meal an opportunity to bring people together.
Sandra as the new Volunteer Coordinator (Impact Story 2024 - 2025)
Every role is crucial, and each volunteer deserves to be celebrated for their invaluable contribution to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Since October 2024, Office Manager Sandra Pahl has brought much-needed stability to the volunteer coordinator role. Inspired by volunteers’ dedication, Sandra values their impact and has strengthened the organization. Recognizing their efforts, she celebrates volunteers’ impact, noting that many go above and beyond. Through her leadership, the organization has grown stronger, and Sandra’s appreciation for the commitment and generosity of the volunteer community has deepened.