Mom 360 Cafe
Our mentoring community for mothers, with over 350 current members. A new series every month, masterminds and courses on parenting, relationships, wellness and purpose.
Learn moreRegistered non-profit · Edmonton, Alberta
Strong mothers. Strong families. Stronger communities.
Families Arising equips Black, immigrant and newcomer mothers and families in Edmonton and across Canada through coaching, mentoring, community and culturally responsive programs.
Supported by
Families Arising has been supported by the Government of Canada's Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, administered by Africa Centre, and by the Government of Alberta through the Ethnocultural Grant.
8+ yearsserving newcomer and multicultural families
1,250+individuals and families served directly through our programs and resources
15,000+community members online and by email
Since 2022registered under the Alberta Societies Act
Who we are
A home for mothers and families finding their footing in Canada
Families Arising Resource Centre Edmonton began as a community initiative and became a registered non-profit society in 2022. Most of our programs are built for mothers, because when a mother is supported, a whole family grows stronger. We offer coaching, mentoring, peer support, parenting education and intercultural dialogue for families from many cultures.
Our work is led by Executive Director Oluseye Ashiru, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), MBA, Master of Actuarial Science and Master of Counselling, with a dedicated team of counsellors, educators, family coaches and volunteers.
Our programs
Programs for every member of the family
From mothers and fathers to teens and our youngest readers, we offer something for every season of family life.
Women & Moms
Mom Youniversity
Coaching and accelerator programs that help women and mothers clarify their vision and build businesses and organizations.
Explore Mom YouniversityMoms Connect
Peer support forums that reduce isolation among newcomer mothers from many cultural backgrounds.
Learn moreBlack & A Mom
Honest conversations where Black mothers share lived experience of identity, parenting, wellbeing and belonging in the diaspora.
Learn moreSee all programs and resources for moms and women on Mom Youniversity
Kids, preschool to age 11
Royal Readers Book Club
Children read, learn and connect with peers around the world, guided by trained child mentors.
Sign up for the next classRoyal Readers Events
Fun activities and hangouts where children learn and make friends, supervised by child mentors.
Learn moreRoyal Tots
Early literacy and play-based learning for preschoolers, with their parents alongside them.
Learn moreTeens, ages 12 to 19
Teen Pulse Leadership Initiative
An intensive bootcamp that teaches teens self-leadership so they grow into leaders and solution providers.
Join the waitlistTeen Pulse Community
A space for teens to connect with peers, talk through real challenges and enjoy activities with teens worldwide.
Learn moreDads & Men
Dad Youniversity
A men's community and resource hub for personal growth and fatherhood, delivered with our partner, the Dad Youniversity Foundation.
Explore Dad YouniversityFathers in our parenting workshops
Our parenting workshops and family events welcome dads, so both parents can learn and grow together.
See family programsSee all programs and resources for dads and men on Dad Youniversity
Parents & Families
Thrive Together 2.0
Intercultural Family & Youth Leadership Hubs with parenting cohorts, intercultural leadership teams, dialogue circles and community projects. Running from 2025 to early 2027.
Learn moreIntentional Parenting Course
Our parenting course, running every summer since 2022, helps parents understand how their own upbringing shapes their parenting and build a written family parenting plan.
Join the next cohortParenting Workshops
Regular workshops on parenting and family values, open to the community and guests.
See upcoming workshopsFamily Events & Webinars
Gatherings for learning, fun and support, plus virtual webinars open to families anywhere.
Join a webinarNewcomer Family Guides
Step-by-step guides on school enrolment, housing, finding a family doctor and settling into Canada.
Read the guidesMom Youniversity
Coaching and accelerator programs for women, since 2020
Mom Youniversity is the women's coaching home of Families Arising. Since 2020 we have helped women and mothers clarify their vision, put it into action and build businesses and organizations that last, online and through in-person Activators across Canada.
152women in our coaching accelerator programs
4provinces with in-person Activators
2020delivering to date
- Purpose IncubatorClarify your big vision and what you are here to build.
- ExecuteTurn your vision into a clear plan and steady action.
- LegacyBuild something that lasts for your family and community.
- Mom Accelerator Program (MAP), 6 monthsAn accelerator for women-led businesses and non-profit organizations, built on our own tested curriculum.
Next: our national accelerator cohort for women across Canada launches in 2027, in English and French.
In-person Activators across Canada
Live coaching events for women on wellness, career, business, money and wealth building.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Ontario
Our track record
Programs we have delivered
A look back at programs that brought women, parents and families together.
Mom Youniversity Coaching Accelerator
Purpose Incubator, Execute, Legacy and the six-month Mom Accelerator for women-led businesses and non-profits. 152 women have taken part.
Funded by Families ArisingBlack & A Mom Live Series
A Black History Month series of online sessions on identity, cultural heritage and raising children in a changing world, ending with an in-person live experience on March 8, 2025. 2,500+ online participants and 75 in person.
Funded by the Government of AlbertaThrive Together 1.0: Parenting Across Cultures
Conversations for parents on raising children across cultures, family expectations and communicating with young people.
Funded by the Government of AlbertaThrive Together 2.0
Intercultural family and youth leadership hubs bringing families from many cultures together through dialogue and shared projects. 200+ participants across Thrive Together.
Funded by the Government of AlbertaIntentional Parenting Course
A course helping parents understand how their own upbringing shapes their parenting and build a written parenting plan. 250+ parents since 2022.
Funded by Families ArisingSpring Serenity Mothers High Tea
An afternoon celebrating mothers with rest, connection and encouragement. 30 mothers attended.
Funded by Families ArisingMoments from our programs
Our community in action
Women and moms
Kids and family events
Dads and family events
Stories of impact
What mothers and families say
"I gained practical insights into communicating with my children, understanding their experiences, and being more intentional in my parenting. I felt heard, supported, and encouraged."
"I appreciated the practical conversations about parenting, family relationships, and raising children across cultures. I strongly support expanding these programs to reach more families."
"Black & A Mom was more than just an event for me. It was a space where I felt seen and understood. I left feeling less alone and more connected to a community of women who understand the joys and challenges of motherhood."
"I was reminded that intentional parenting involves more than providing for our children's physical needs. It also means helping them develop confidence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of who they are."
"A course that has helped me understand how my upbringing was impacting my parenting. I am now taking more time to think about my actions and reactions towards my kids, which has greatly improved our relationship."
"I am more patient with my kids. I look at my kids and appreciate them more. I am also more sensitive to their needs."
Events
Upcoming and recent events
MAY
17
Spring Serenity Mothers High Tea
Edmonton · 2025
MAR
8
Black & A Mom: The In-Person Experience
Edmonton · 2025
FEB
2025
Black & A Mom Live Series
Online · Black History Month, February 2025
Blog & resources