About Us
Swyft Cares Foundation is an African and Black diaspora mental health organisation — rooted in community, open to all.
Our Mission
To promote and support the mental health and wellbeing of African and Black diaspora communities in Alberta — and all newcomers, refugees, and international students who share the experience of building a new life in Canada — through culturally appropriate counselling, community programs, education, and mental health navigation delivered in the languages and traditions of the communities we serve.
Our Vision
A thriving, mentally well Alberta where the African and Black diaspora community — and every newcomer, refugee, and international student — has access to mental health support that honours their culture, their language, and their lived experience.
Our Core Values
Ubuntu — I am because we are
Mental health heals in community, not in isolation. Every program reflects this African philosophy — that we are our fullest selves when we support each other.
Cultural Safety
Every person deserves support that honours their background, language, spiritual beliefs, and lived experience. We never ask anyone to leave themselves at the door.
Dignity
Asking for help is an act of courage and strength. We treat every person with complete dignity and unconditional respect.
Accessibility
All programs are free. No referral needed. No immigration status requirements. No judgment. We remove every barrier.
Intersectionality
Identity is layered — race, gender, immigration status, language, religion, sexuality. We serve the whole person, not a category.
Confidentiality
Everything shared stays within Swyft Cares Foundation. We follow all Alberta and Canadian privacy laws. Your story is yours.
Our Story
Swyft Cares Foundation was established as an Alberta Society dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of communities that are often overlooked by mainstream mental health services.
We recognised a gap: the African diaspora community, newcomers, refugees, and international students in Alberta are among the fastest-growing populations in the province — and among those with the least access to culturally appropriate mental health support.
Our founders asked a simple question: what would it look like if someone who truly understands your culture, your language, and your experience was the person sitting across from you when you finally decide to ask for help?
Swyft Cares Foundation is the answer to that question.