A Testament to Community and Government Collaboration
On July 21, CCIS unveiled its newly renovated lobby at its main office—a space transformed through the power of collaboration between the Government of Alberta and community partners. The event marked more than a physical upgrade; it celebrated a shared commitment to creating welcoming environments for newcomers beginning their journey in Canada.
The unveiling ceremony brought together government officials, community leaders, and supporters. Among them was the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, who joined CCIS CEO Gordana Radan and Board Chair Josephine Naicker for the ribbon-cutting.
“This project reflects our government’s commitment to helping all Albertans and newcomers build strong, confident lives,” said Minister Fir.
The renovation, funded through Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) with generous contributions from the Clearwater Foundation and the Poelzer Family Foundation via the Calgary Foundation, enhances CCIS’s ability to serve clients with dignity and care.
With this renovation, made possible through the generous support of our funders, we now have more capacity to accommodate those waiting for support,” said Gordana Radan. “The space lends itself to more effective and responsive program delivery.”
The redesigned lobby is more than just a room—it symbolizes inclusion, hope, and hospitality. It reflects CCIS’s mission to foster belonging and respect for all who walk through its doors.
As Alberta continues to welcome people from around the world, CCIS’s revitalized lobby stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities and governments work together: spaces that don’t just serve, but truly embrace.
