Grab a coffee and pull up a chair, welcome to another heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Park featuring Laurie Hauer, the Director of Programs and Services for the Edmonton Newcomer Centre!
Laurie grew up just outside of Ardrossan, and after high school, she began learning the trade of cabinet making. However, when a devastating fire destroyed the shop where she worked, an unexpected phone call changed the course of her life forever. Offered a temporary position providing childcare for families accessing services at the Newcomer Centre, Laurie took the job, stepped through the doors, and never looked back. Decades later, her journey from temporary caregiver to director highlights her deep passion for community and service.
Laurie sheds light on the vital work the Newcomer Centre does to help individuals and families from all over the world adjust to life in Canada. She explains how their team offers crucial settlement services, noting that there is no fixed timeline for feeling truly at home in a new country. With near 48 languages spoken across their organization, the team ensures that language and cultural barriers are met with understanding, care, and strong local support. Laurie also discusses the profound power of food in bringing people together and building cross-cultural bridges.
Laurie also shares the excitement around the RISE Awards, which celebrate their landmark 20th anniversary this year. She highlights how these awards shine a deserving spotlight on the immense contributions, resilience, and success stories of immigrants and newcomers in our city.
Tune in to hear Laurie’s inspiring story and learn how we can all play a part in creating a welcoming, supportive community for everyone calling Alberta home!
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