The Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines, Multicultural Centre (FAC) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1970, having the mandate to support and assist the ethno-cultural and newcomer community in Niagara through a broad range of programs and services. 

The mission statement of the FAC is to create and maintain an integrated and harmonious community through: 

Ø       Promoting understanding and respect for all cultural, racial and religious diversity
Ø       Supporting the successful settlement and integration of newcomers
Ø       Encourage the preservation and interaction of our community’s diverse cultural groups
Ø       Cooperating with other community members and organizations our centre assists ethno-cultural groups in our community to organize and undertake cultural activities, including the annual Niagara Folk Arts Festival. 

Addressing the needs of Newcomers has always been a priority for the Centre and we    have been active in facilitating and supporting the successful settlement and integration of newcomers since 1970.  The clients of the Centre come from all parts of the world and include Landed Immigrants, Canadian Citizens, Convention Refugees and Refugee Claimants. 

We have provided settlement services for Newcomers at the Centre since 1970.  English as a Second Language instruction has been offered since 1976 and the Job Search Workshop Program has been available to assist Newcomers to find employment since 1998.  The Host program, a program facilitating friendships between Newcomers and Canadians, has been offered since 1996.  In 2008, the Host program added Youth Host which provides programming for youth age 13-24.   

The majority of our services are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the District School Board of Niagara.  All of the services of the Centre are offered at no cost to eligible clients.   The operation of the Centre is overseen by a Board of Directors elected from/by the general membership that consists of approximately 35 ethno-cultural associations, community organizations and individuals.

	85 Church Street - St. Catharines, Ontario - L2R 3C7 - Canada