Mississauga – May 22, 2024 – Achēv is celebrating its second annual Achēvment Awards at a

community breakfast this morning in Mississauga.

The first of its kind in Peel, the Achēvment Awards recognize people and organizations who foster inclusive workplaces, promote cross-sector collaboration, and have the courage to overcome barriers and fulfill dreams.

“Today we are celebrating the power of collaboration between our partners, clients, and the communities we serve,” said Achēv CEO Tonie Chaltas. “We hope our Achēvment Awards recipients will inspire other businesses, organizations, and individuals to work together to help put more people on a faster path to prosperity.”

Recipients of the 2024 Achēvment Awards are:

Employer Partner, GFL Environmental Services Inc.

GFL Environmental recognizes the value and importance of the skills and abilities that newcomers bring to Canadian workplaces and creates meaningful employment opportunities.

Community Partner, Brampton Library

Brampton Library has worked closely with Achēv for over a decade to support our shared clients’ successful settlement, employment, and prosperity, particularly newcomers and people from equity- deserving groups.

Volunteer, Achēv Board Chair, Epsit Jajal

Epsit is a long-standing Achēv volunteer, whose leadership and commitment over nine years were critical to the organization’s governance, strategic vision, and success.

Client, Taqdees Mariam

Taqdees used a low-interest micro-loan that she secured through Achēv to become certified as a nutritional practitioner in holistic medicine and launch her own business, The House of Shifa.

As one of the largest providers of employment, language, newcomer, youth, women’s, and inclusion

services, Achēv occupies a unique place in the communities it serves. By leveraging its scope and scale and its long-standing partnerships in the community, Achēv offers clients the services they need, when and where they need them.

Achēv’s team of over 400 dedicated staff works with each client to understand their unique goals and needs. “Achēv is proud of the work we do, online and in-person at our nine locations across the GTA, to help over 100,000 people each year overcome barriers and achieve their goals,” said Ms. Chaltas.

Award Recipient Quotes:

“Achēv has been instrumental in meeting GFL Environmental Services Inc.’s hiring needs, by providing access to a diverse talent pool and providing personalized recruitment services. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns perfectly with our values, and we are grateful for their support in this endeavour. We look forward to continuing our partnership to build a more inclusive workforce together that creates a sense of belonging and opportunity for all.

• Maria Torres, Director, Human Resources, GFL Environmental Services Inc.

“We recognize Achēv as a reputable organization that has a strong standing in the community for providing a variety of programs for families who face a multitude of barriers that limit their participation and integration into society. Our partnership is due to the fact that our Vision and Mission complement each other. We are eager to continue our long-standing partnership with Achēv on new initiatives, leveraging their expertise to enhance our efforts in aiding newcomers through their settlement process. Offering newcomer and immigrant community programs and services has been the cornerstone of our partnership.”

• Sarala Uttangi, Director, Community Engagement & Partnerships, Brampton Library

“I am deeply honoured to be recognized as Achēv’s inaugural recipient of the 2024 Volunteer Award. While this acknowledgment is truly gratifying, the real reward lies in seeing the tangible and lasting impacts that my fellow board members and I have worked tirelessly to help us achieve. Our collective mission to create faster paths to prosperity remains as vital and inspiring as ever while we continue to grow and deliver real value for our clients, funders, staff, and community partners.”

• Epsit Jajal, Chair, Achēv Board of Directors

“Working with the Achēv Team and receiving a micro-loan was a huge blessing for me. As a Newcomer Professional, receiving the loan and the guidance and support of Achēv allowed me to get certified in my dream career in health and wellness and is now allowing me to help others achieve their optimal health. I am honoured to receive this award and to inspire others to achieve their dreams.”

• Taqdees Mariam, Owner, The House of Shifa

ABOUT:

Achēv is one of the largest providers of employment, newcomer, language, youth, women’s and inclusion services in the Greater Toronto Area. Last year, we served over 100,000 clients and 3,600 employer partners at our nine locations. Our dedicated team of nearly 400 staff, delivers a wide range of personalized programs and services that empower our clients to prosper and our communities to thrive. Learn about our impact at Achēv.ca