About Us
Who we are
Learn about the mission and legacy of Kababayan Multicultural Centre, our rich history, and our unwavering commitment to empowering newcomers in Toronto. Discover how we have grown and evolved to meet the needs of our community.
Our Story
"Kababayan" means more than just a fellow citizen. It embodies the spirit of community, support, and belonging that we strive to create for newcomers in Toronto.
Kababayan Community Service Centre, Inc. (Operating Name: Kababayan Multicultural Centre) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping newcomers and immigrants in Toronto successfully integrate into Canadian society. As a non-partisan, non-political organization, we provide a wide range of settlement and employment services to guide individuals as they build their lives in Canada. We also offer targeted programs for equity-deserving communities, including youth, women, and seniors. Supported by federal, provincial, and municipal funding, we are committed to delivering these essential services to those who need them most.
Started in 1977 as a resource for the Filipino immigrant community, Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC) has flourished over the past 45+ years and now supports newcomers from all over the world to succeed in Canada. Since opening our doors, we have assisted over 70,000 clients by connecting them with vital settlement resources, employment opportunities, community support, and more—all at no cost. With three physical locations and online services, we are dedicated to serving newcomers wherever they are. Our services are available in various languages, including English, Hindi, Farsi, Nepali, Spanish, and Tagalog.
From one “kababayan” to another, we are here to ensure you feel right at home, offering unwavering support and guidance as you navigate your new life in Canada.
Our Vision & Mission
A strong immigrant community
with full and equal access to
Canada’s economic, political and socio-cultural opportunities.
We aim to provide effective and client-centred programs and services that are accessible to all and delivered by caring and professional staff.
Our Values
Our Values
Collaboration
We will work together to maximize our resources, share information and coordinate services. We will create a healthy work environment for our staff, and we will strive to be effective, efficient and sustainable in everything we do.
Community Engagement
We will engage the community by providing opportunities to share knowledge, resources and expertise, and by creating mechanisms that build wellness, strength and civic engagement.
Compassion
We will create an environment that is welcoming for everyone, and where everyone is treated with understanding and compassion. We will go above and beyond to support community members and link people to the services and supports that they seek.
Equity
We will respect and value the diversity of clients, residents and staff in the community. We will make decisions and work in ways that reflect our shared social justice and anti-oppression principles.
Excellence
We will evolve and respond to the changing needs and aspirations of the community. We will be client-centred and adaptable, and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve.
1977-1988: New beginnings and advocacy
In 1977, Kababayan Community Service Centre, later renamed Kababayan Multicultural Centre, is founded to serve Filipino immigrants. Our first location opens downtown, launching our legacy of service to newcomers in Canada.
In 1981, Kababayan joins the opposition to the Klu Klux Klan in Parkdale, where the white supremacist organization has opened a Canadian branch. Following a grassroots advocacy campaign led by community partners, including Kababayan, the KKK branch disbands.
From 1985 to 1988, KMC’s first efforts to combat violence against women, particularly migrant care workers, begin. In collaboration with the Network of Filipino-Canadian Women, we release two research publications on the subject, “Mail Order Brides: To Honor and Obey,” and “From Fright to Flight.”
1998-2007: Building access to employment
In 2000, KMC establishes the “Creating Access to Regulated Employment (CARE) for Nurses” project in partnership with WoodGreen Community Services, St. Michael’s Hospital and the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care, funded by the MayTree Foundation. This project helps hundreds of internationally-trained nurses start practicing in Ontario.
We establish the Kababayan Caregiver Network in 2005 to support the specific needs of live-in caregivers and other newcomer care workers. In addition to skill-building workshops and individual counselling, we host plenty of social activities to combat social isolation.
Our History
Over 45 Years of Service to Newcomers
Board of Directors
Ben Corpuz
Chairperson
Isidro Buquiron
Vice Chairperson
Florentino Gecolea
Treasurer
Veronica Javier
Secretary
Ruth Wilson
Assistant Secretary
Amalda Ada
Director
Ana Labasug
Director
Marites Mayome Abubo
Director
Jelbert Real
Director
Hosana Jayme
Director
2017-present: Focusing on youth and the future
The COVID-19 pandemic means many of our programs and services move online, offering new ways to connect with our clients. We expand our youth programs, collaborating with schools to offer individual and group activities for newcomers between the ages of 15 and 30.
In 2022, we celebrate our 45th anniversary and significantly expanded our staff, enabling us to reach and assist even more community members. Since then, we have welcomed thousands of newcomers to Canada, providing them with vital information and services to help them thrive.
Our Staff
Rizza Solis
Executive Director
416-5323888, ext. 221
rsolis@kababayan.org
Joel Cuevas
Systems Administrator
416-5323888
jcuevas@kababayan.org
Renator Ventura
Admin & Finance Manager
416-5323888, ext. 227
rventura@kababayan.org
Grace Zalun
Dipak Sapkota
Library Settlement Counsellor
647-8369578
dsapkota@kababayan.org
Christine Garcia
Settlement Counsellor
416-5323888, ext. 223
647-6170425
cgarcia@kababayan.org
Carolina Davila-Eguez
Settlement Counsellor
647-6171057
cdavila@kababayan.org
Vince Tangco
Youth Community Support Worker
647-3289239
vtangco@kababayan.org
Parisa Rahnema
Employment Counsellor
437-9996112
prahnema@kababayan.org
Shane Torres
Youth & Family Support Counsellor
437-9996083
storres@kababayan.org
Rodelo "Jay" Mangubat
Systems Administrator IT Specialist
416-8010308
jmangubat@kababayan.org
Jassleen Joy D. Cruz
Seniors and Women Community Support Counsellor
437-779-6173
jcruz@kababayan.org
Leizel Efe
Digital Media Community Engagement Specialist
lefe@kababayan.org
Kathleen Mae Clarete
Digital Media Community Engagement Specialist
kmclarete@kababayan.org
1989-1997: Expanding programs and defending equity
In 1990, Kababayan begins offering programs specifically targeted to address the needs of youth, women, and seniors. Throughout the 90s, KMC hosts summer camps specifically for these groups, offering opportunities for bonding and recreation in a safe and welcoming space.
After incidents of racial profiling against Filipino teenagers in 1993, Kababayan forms the Task Force to Stop Racism at Scarborough Town Centre, leading over 100 other organizations in a successful effort to repeal discriminatory policies. We produce the play “Mall Fright” to document the incidents. Kababayan begins offering programs specifically targeted to address the needs of youth, women, and seniors.
2008-2017: Expanding our reach
After significant expansion of staff and resources from 2008 to 2010, our operating name officially changes to Kababayan Multicultural Centre in 2013 and our second location opens in North York, expanding our ability to offer programs and services to newcomers city-wide. The Bathurst-Finch hub hosts seven organizations in addition to Kababayan, creating a centre for newcomers to access essential support they need to thrive in Canada.
