Calgary FRN — New Canadian & Immigrant
Free parenting & family support
for immigrant & refugee families
CIWA (Calgary Immigrant Women's Association) is the hub for the New Canadian FRN, offering cross-cultural parenting classes, HIPPY preschool at home, home visitation in multiple languages, youth programs, and free counselling. Parenting in a new country is different — these programs are built for that reality. All free, no referral needed, regardless of immigration status.
Your Starting Point
Your FRN Hub
CIWA — Calgary Immigrant Women's Association
📍 200-138 4th Ave SE, Calgary, T2G 4Z6
This is your starting point — call them. CIWA understands what it's like to raise children in a new country. They run programs directly and connect you to counselling. You don't need permanent resident status or citizenship.
5 Programs Available
Programs for your family
HIPPY — prepare your preschooler for school
HIPPY (Home Instructions for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) sends a trained visitor to your home with activities that help your preschool-age child get ready for school. Designed specifically for immigrant, Indigenous, and low-income families. Often available in your first language.
CIWA · 📞 403-263-4414
Cross-cultural parenting for a new country
Cross Cultural Parenting Post Conflict helps you navigate parenting in Canada while honouring your own culture. Covers everything from understanding the school system to managing the unique challenges of resettlement. Includes support for families with children who have disabilities.
CIWA · 📞 403-263-4414
Immigrant Girls, Boys & More (ages 14+)
A CIWA program specifically for immigrant youth ages 14 and up. Helps young people navigate identity, culture, and growing up between two worlds. Group-based support with peers who understand.
CIWA · 📞 403-263-4414
In-home support for immigrant families
CIWA provides home visitation specifically for immigrant and new Canadian families, with a focus on families with children under 1 year. Support in your language from someone who understands your culture and your journey.
CIWA · 📞 403-263-4414
Rapid Access Counselling (75 minutes)
A single 75-minute counselling session for individuals, couples, or families. Solution-focused support for whatever you're dealing with right now. No waitlist. Available through Catholic Family Service.
Catholic Family Service · 📞 403-233-2360
How to get started
All programs are free and accept self-referrals. You don't need permanent resident status, citizenship, or anyone to send you. Just call.
Step 1
Find your hub
Your hub is CIWA — Calgary Immigrant Women's Association. They're downtown at 200-138 4th Ave SE. You don't need to go in person — just call.
Step 2
Call them
Call 403-263-4414. Tell them you're a newcomer looking for family support. They speak multiple languages and will guide you.
Step 3
Don't wait
HIPPY and home visitation programs fill up. The earlier you connect, the more support your family gets. You don't need to be in crisis to reach out.
Who This Serves
All immigrant & refugee families
The New Canadian FRN serves immigrant, refugee, and new Canadian families across all of Calgary. It's a city-wide zone — you don't need to live in a specific neighbourhood. Services are available regardless of immigration status.
Who qualifies
All immigrant and refugee families with children 0-18. You do not need permanent resident status, citizenship, or any specific documentation. If you've recently arrived in Canada or are navigating parenting in a new culture, this is for you.
Languages
CIWA offers programs in multiple languages. Home visitation and parenting classes may be available in your first language. Call 403-263-4414 and ask what's available.
More Resources
Related programs
If you also qualify for these FRNs, you can access them alongside the New Canadian zone:
East & West Indigenous FRNs
If you're an Indigenous newcomer, Miskanawah offers cultural supports, Elder guidance, traditional teachings, and home visitation grounded in Indigenous ways.
All 6 geographic FRN zones
You can also access programs through your local geographic FRN zone (North, South, East, West, etc.). Some programs like parenting classes and youth mentoring are available through those zones too. Find your zone →
Common Questions
New Canadian & Immigrant FAQ
Do I need immigration status to access these programs?
No. FRN services are available to all Alberta residents regardless of immigration status. You don't need to be a permanent resident or citizen, and you don't need any specific documentation.
What is HIPPY?
HIPPY (Home Instructions for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is a free program where a trained home visitor helps you prepare your preschool-age child for school through activities you do together at home. It's designed for immigrant, Indigenous, and low-income families and may be available in your first language.
Are services available in my language?
CIWA offers many programs in multiple languages. Home visitation and parenting classes may be available in your first language. Call 403-263-4414 and ask what's available in your language.
What is Cross Cultural Parenting Post Conflict?
It's a CIWA program for immigrant families navigating parenting in a new country. It covers understanding Canadian parenting norms, the school system, and managing the unique challenges of resettlement — including support for families with children who have disabilities.
Can I also use programs in my geographic zone?
Yes. The New Canadian FRN is an additional resource. You can also access programs through your local geographic FRN zone (North, South, East, West, etc.). Find your zone →