This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Chelsie Nightingale of the Multicultural Association of Sussex.

WE ARE AN ENERGETIC TEAM, SERVING THE REGION TO HELP NEWCOMERS FALL IN LOVE WITH THEIR NEW HOME, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY TO GIVE THEM THE TOOLS TO MEET THEIR FULL POTENTIAL HERE IN RURAL NB, AND THRIVE!

We develop an array of programs that address the integration needs of newcomers, and we provide services which the entire community can benefit from such as a variety of cultural events and activities for all ages. We promote cultural diversity and inclusion, and we foster a welcoming environment where people from all over the world can feel represented. Our team is passionate about the Sussex region, and we want to see people fall in love with this area, as well as help us change the landscape around multiculturalism in rural New Brunswick.

Our organization was built on the idea of bringing communities together and enhancing our region through cultural diversity and inclusiveness. We work with a plethora of community partners, including the municipality and the local schools, to host activities that bring awareness to our diverse populations and promote harmony, all with the end goal of enhancing the experience for newcomers and well-settled Canadians. Our programs are free and open to everyone, and we always encourage new faces to come out. We have a large volunteer base who help not only within our organization but often we will refer them to our partner organizations when they have a need. We share our resources with anyone who needs assistance, whether they are a client or not; as we want to see everyone thrive.

We are advocates for a strong New Brunswick and we are on the pulse of many of the discussions around enhancing not only the newcomer experience but the lived experiences of all New Brunswickers. It is our role to ensure that all voices are at the table for these discussions in our community and that newcomers and members of the BIPOC communities are being heard. We are allies, and we are passionate about using our presence to help bring awareness to the issues affecting racialized and marginalized communities across the region. We impact our region by creating a space for these community groups to feel represented and safe.

Local organizations make a difference because they are the heartbeat of the community.