Mennonite Central Committee Alberta

Overview

Mennonite Central Committee Alberta (MCC Alberta) is a provincial branch of Mennonite Central Committee Canada, which in turn is part of the global Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) network. MCC was originally founded in 1920 to address famine and disease in southern Russia, now Ukraine[1][2]. In Alberta, the organization has its roots in efforts to unify Mennonite services, which began as early as 1929 with the formation of the Vertreterversammlung (Meeting of the Representatives of Mennonite Churches and Groups of Alberta)[5].

History

The Mennonite Central Committee Alberta was formally established in 1965 following the final meeting of the Alberta Mennonite Relief and Immigration Council. The council's transformation into MCC Alberta marked a significant step towards coordinated relief and development efforts within the province[5]. This development was part of a broader trend in Canada, where Mennonite organizations came together to form MCC Canada in 1963, with Winnipeg, Manitoba, serving as its headquarters[3].

Activities and Programs

MCC Alberta is involved in a variety of social programs, including refugee migration and resettlement services[4]. It also supports projects both locally and internationally, often relying on volunteer efforts. Affiliate organizations of MCC Alberta include:

• Calgary Centre for Newcomers
• Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
• Mennonite Disaster Service Alberta
• Restorative Justice Ministries
• Ten Thousand Villages Alberta
• MCC Thrift Stores in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Taber[5].

These organizations contribute to MCC Alberta's mission of sharing God’s love and compassion by responding to basic human needs while working for justice and peace[5].

Structure and Governance

MCC Alberta operates under the oversight of MCC Canada, which is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In turn, MCC Canada reports to the international Mennonite Central Committee based in Akron, Pennsylvania[5]. This hierarchical structure ensures a unified approach to relief, development, and peacebuilding across different regions.

Legal and Financial Information

MCC Alberta is a registered nonprofit organization with a Business Registration Number of 107690844RR0001. While specific financial details are not publicly listed here, the organization's work is supported by donations and volunteer efforts, which enable it to continue its mission in Alberta and beyond.