Our History

Where we began

When Momentum began operations in 1991, it was as an employment program of the Mennonite Central Committee of Alberta. Then known as MCC Employment Development, the initial focus was on providing trades training to new Canadians.
 

Gaining Momentum

In 2002, the organization became independent from MCC Alberta.

In 2006, Momentum adopted its current name to better represent the full scope of its work as a community-based, charitable organization.

Momentum still provides trades training to new Canadians. This program gives participants the opportunity to learn new skills in careers that will increase their earning potential and lead them out of poverty.

Yet, Momentum’s understanding has grown since opening its doors and has realized that trades training doesn’t meet the needs of all Calgarians living on low incomes and that it needed to move beyond the original program.

Momentum’s program portfolio has expanded to include small business training, micro business loans, personal money management courses and access to computers.

Today, Momentum works with more than 4,700 people annually through 18 Community Economic Development programs.

Not only is Momentum committed to the success of its participants, it is also committed to the success of the community in which it operates. This is why Momentum works with a wide array of partners including, business, government and other nonprofit organizations to expand its reach and work towards sustainable poverty reduction.
 

Looking Beyond

As Momentum moves forward, it takes the lessons from its past and weaves them into its understanding of the present in order to create a clear vision of the future of the organization.

Momentum remains as committed as ever to the culture, values and programs that it has built over the past 20 years, including the need to adapt and change.
 

Accolades

Momentum’s impact in the area of community economic development has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally.

Highlights include: