A Quiet Force, A Loud Impact: How Kababayan Multicultural Centre Helps Filipino Newcomers Thrive in Canada
There are community centres—and then there’s Kababayan. For over 45 years, the Kababayan Multicultural Centre(KMC) in Toronto has quietly been doing the heavy lifting for Filipino immigrants and other newcomers long before immigration became a trending hashtag. This isn’t a feel-good story. This is real support, for real people, with real challenges.
In this episode of Thrive in Canada, Cherie sat down with Rizza Solis, a powerful voice within KMC, and a fellow former host on Filipino TV. Our conversation was rich, honest, and deeply layered—just like the migration stories it seeks to uplift.
We spoke about the unique struggles of Filipinos—from digital illiteracy to employment barriers, precarious immigration status to soul-crushing housing challenges. Rizza didn’t hold back. She shared how newcomers, many of them former engineers, teachers, and nurses, arrive with high hopes, only to face a Canada that sometimes doesn’t match the dream.
But in the face of this reality, KMC offers something radical: belonging. They’re not just about helping people find jobs or fill out forms. They build community. Whether it’s mentorship for newcomer youth, group sessions for seniors, or advocacy for single moms trying to get their kids into high school—they show up.
And they’re not alone, people like Rizza, who once migrated here solo in 2015 with no friends or family, now lead the charge. Her story is proof that we don’t have to do this alone. It’s not just about surviving. It’s about thriving—together.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Prepare before you arrive. From resumes to credential evaluations, pre-arrival services (free and government-funded!) exist. Use them.
You have rights as a renter. Don’t let anyone exploit you because you’re new. KMC runs sessions to help you understand Canadian systems.
Our youth need support. Many are children of caregivers, reunited after years of separation, struggling between cultures. KMC offers mentorship and mental health support.
Seniors deserve more. At KMC, they’re not left behind—they’re mentoring youth, sharing culture, and reclaiming their voice.
No question is too small. If you don’t even know what to ask for, just start a conversation. That’s what KMC is here for.
If you’re a Filipino newcomer, know this: You are not invisible. Your story matters. And there’s a community waiting to help you find your way.
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A Quiet Force, A Loud Impact: How Kababayan Multicultural Centre Helps Filipino Newcomers Thrive in Canada
There are community centres—and then there’s Kababayan. For over 45 years, the Kababayan Multicultural Centre(KMC) in Toronto has quietly been doing the heavy lifting for Filipino immigrants and other newcomers long before immigration became a trending hashtag. This isn’t a feel-good story. This is real support, for real people, with real challenges.
In this episode of Thrive in Canada, Cherie sat down with Rizza Solis, a powerful voice within KMC, and a fellow former host on Filipino TV. Our conversation was rich, honest, and deeply layered—just like the migration stories it seeks to uplift.
We spoke about the unique struggles of Filipinos—from digital illiteracy to employment barriers, precarious immigration status to soul-crushing housing challenges. Rizza didn’t hold back. She shared how newcomers, many of them former engineers, teachers, and nurses, arrive with high hopes, only to face a Canada that sometimes doesn’t match the dream.
But in the face of this reality, KMC offers something radical: belonging.
They’re not just about helping people find jobs or fill out forms. They build community. Whether it’s mentorship for newcomer youth, group sessions for seniors, or advocacy for single moms trying to get their kids into high school—they show up.
And they’re not alone, people like Rizza, who once migrated here solo in 2015 with no friends or family, now lead the charge. Her story is proof that we don’t have to do this alone. It’s not just about surviving. It’s about thriving—together.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
If you’re a Filipino newcomer, know this: You are not invisible. Your story matters. And there’s a community waiting to help you find your way.
👉 Visit www.kababayan.org or email info@kababayan.org to get started.
Because in Canada, we don’t just move. We grow. Together.
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