The Candora Society of Edmonton

History of the Candora Society of Edmonton

CANDORA was incorporated in 1989 in response to identified needs in the Abbottsfield / Rundle area. Women living and working in the community wanted to see some changes in how people lived. Usually programs are developed based on what agencies see as the needs of people. Candora develops programs based on what the community identifies as their needs, Candora is a true grass roots organization.

Abbottsfield is a low income, predominantly tenant oriented and demographically young community with great ethnic diversity. Approximately 75 – 80% of the families here live below the poverty line. The high rate of residential mobility in this neighborhood hinders the formation of social and community stability. There are deep social problems like poverty, violence, unemployment, and vandalism. The way to change is through education to learn a new way of thinking, new way of living. People need new skills, new actions. CANDORA accomplishes these goals in our programming.

Candora was initially conceived in 1988 as a joint venture between Edmonton Community and Family Services and Grant MacEwan Community College. Staff from these organizations committed their time, which totaled a ¾ staff person, to this project from 1987 to 1991. In keeping with the philosophy of community ownership of this project, staff from these organizations pulled away. Funding from various levels of government have been secured to support a range of programs and activities. The Society has grown to over 20 staff members. The CANDORA Society provides opportunities for employment and employment support for women in and around the community. Area residents employed by the organization have the opportunity to work towards developing and enriching their own environment while increasing their personal skill levels. We are always looking to find and develop new opportunities for employment.

The activities of the Society began in 1988, operating out of shared space at #248 Abbottsfield Mall. It was based on a participatory community development model honoring the strengths and capacity of families - people helping people make a difference. The society realized there was a gap in services for their children. The was little access to play schools, churches, or play ground equipment and families needed to be better connected to help each other. Parents wanted something all parents’ want: opportunity to help their children grow in a healthy environment that would prepare them for school and life. In 1994 the Candora Society expanded when it received funding from Health Canada’s Community Action for Children (CAPC). CAPC is a federal program designed to help communities’ address the health, intellectual, emotional and developmental needs of children aged 0 – 6. The funding enable the group to start five program centres within the communities condominium complexes. Community Action for Children offers Free Preschool session with free snack, field trips, and a high scope philosophy of learning through play.

The CANDORA has been part of the community for 13 years.

How can you help? Call us at 780-474-5011 or 780-477-5655 to find out!