Red Deer, Alberta

In Central Alberta, CARE for Newcomers, formerly the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.), launched the Connector Program in 2026 to help newcomers build meaningful, valuable, and lasting local networks.

Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.), was formed in 1979 by a group of concerned citizens wanting to assist Indochinese refugees fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.) became a registered non-profit society a year later. In 1982 it received status as a charitable organization. Since its inception, Care for Newcomers’ mission has been to assist immigrants and refugees in integrating and settling into our community.

The Connector Program fits well alongside our employment mentorship program because it provides newcomers with opportunities to build professional networks and make meaningful connections with local business professionals, while the mentorship program offers more ongoing, one-on-one guidance and support.