The Candora Society of Edmonton is a not for profit organization with a mandate to address the needs of low income residents of North East Edmonton, specifically the communities of Rundle and Abbottsfield which comprise about 1,400 low income multi family housing units. A large proportion of the residents, particularly in the Rundle / Abbottsfield communities, are single parent families, social assistance recipients, or the working poor. Almost all of the families (75 – 80%) live below the poverty line. Education levels are low, and some families are second and third generation welfare families. These communities are very volatile and exhibit many of the symptoms (eg. Helplessness, isolation, fear, low self esteem, family violence, vandalism, transiency, alcoholism, etc.) found in inner city neighborhoods. However, the people in our community have valuable strengths and vision, and these are what CANDORA focuses on.

Philosophy:

The CANDORA Society promotes positive growth in the lives of women, children and families in our community. We recognize and provide opportunities for progressive learning about the issues that affect our lives.

The CANDORA Society is community driven and focuses on individual strengths and abilities. The society connects people to increase understanding of each other, reduce isolation, build self worth and enrich the community.

• Connecting People - to reduce isolation, increase understanding, build self worth, and decrease frequency of crises.
• Addressing Community Issues - by supporting community capacity, providing opportunities for progressive learning about the issues that affect resident’s lives (for example: hunger, child abuse, family violence, substance abuse, community safety), and by providing the opportunity for individual and collective action to address these issues.
• Intervening Early in Crises - to lower the likelihood that crises will escalate by networking and collaborating with community partners, providing opportunities for early intervention, and supporting people in acquiring coping skills, and providing respite.
• Valuing Human Resources - by creating an environment where people are stimulated, nurtured, encouraged, and appreciated.