PCHS Calgary’s Origins
Get to Know PCHS Calgary
PCHS Calgary was inspired by the success of PCHS Ontario and was founded to support Calgary’s South Asian community with culturally and linguistically tailored programs. PCHS Ontario’s CEO, Baldev Mutta, pioneered cross-cultural health services, focusing on addiction, mental health, and domestic violence. PCHS Calgary continues this mission, addressing the unique challenges South Asians face while navigating two cultures. The organization provides services that are sensitive to language barriers, cultural conflicts, and stigma.
In 2012, PCHS joined collaborative efforts with Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA), PCHS Ontario, MLA Manmeet Bhullar, supported by the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Sikh Network, and other South Asian community leaders to found PCHS Calgary. In 2014, PCHS Calgary was incorporated as a non-profit, driven by a mission to fill gaps between mainstream social services and the South Asian population’s needs.
By 2015, PCHS expanded to include critical programs such as family support, addiction recovery, and mental health counselling. In less than three years of operation, PCHS Calgary became recognized as a viable partner to bridge the gap between mainstream agencies and the South Asian community in social services. Referrals to PCHS Calgary come from Child and Family Services, Probation/Community Corrections, Calgary Police Services, Homefront, Local Physicians, the Peter Lougheed Centre and many additional mainstream agencies.
PCHS Calgary’s mandate continues to emphasize culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and supports in the areas of Addiction, Mental Health, and Domestic Violence/Family conflict, responding to the primary needs of the Calgary South Asian population straddling two cultures.
Today, PCHS Calgary continues to build partnerships with local organizations to provide impactful services and expand outreach. With a focused vision for the future, PCHS remains committed to serving the evolving needs of Calgary’s South Asian community.
