As Vice President, Settlement & Case Management at the Centre for Newcomers (CFN), Boban Stojanovic leads programming that helps LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees build new lives. Many arrive without networks or support, and CFN provides a place to land, find guidance and begin again.
“I meet people at the beginning of their journey,” he says. “And later, I see them again, settled, connected and growing into their own.”
Filling a gap in services
When Boban started at CFN, services specifically for LGBTQ+ newcomers were limited. At the time, certain government funding streams allowed help only for permanent residents. That left out many who needed assistance.
“I kept meeting people who weren’t eligible under those guidelines, but clearly needed support,” he says. He brought it forward to leadership, who backed a decision to expand services beyond those restrictions. That change allowed CFN to respond to real needs on the ground.
Making inclusion visible
Walk into the CFN office and it’s clear inclusion isn’t an afterthought. Two large rainbow flags hang in the front reception area. Staff are trained in sexual orientation and gender identity awareness, and new team members go through a program to help build comfort and cultural understanding.
Most of the staff are immigrants themselves. For many, CFN is their first job in Canada. “We learn alongside the people we serve,” Boban says. “We’re all growing in our understanding of what inclusion really means.”
Interviews for new hires include questions about working with LGBTQ+ clients, not to test knowledge, but to understand values. “It’s important for us to know that people are ready to work in an inclusive environment.”
Practical support for daily life
CFN’s services span everything from helping clients settle into the city to offering advice on paperwork, services and community connections. They assist with finding housing, accessing financial support and connecting to local healthcare and employment resources.
“When someone reaches out to us, we try to support the whole picture of their life,” Boban explains. “That includes social support, not just paperwork.”
Redefining success
CFN has a high success rate with clients reaching stable outcomes, but for Boban, it’s not about numbers. “Success looks different for everyone,” he says. “Sometimes it’s finding a job. Sometimes it’s joining a community group. Sometimes it’s just seeing someone smile after a hard first few months.”
There’s a quiet pride in the way he talks about these moments. “You start to see the light come back,” he adds. “The way people carry themselves changes. That’s how you know things are working.”
Calgary’s shifting landscape
Boban has been in Calgary long enough to notice change. “I used to feel unsure about staying here,” he admits. “But now, I see new initiatives, new groups forming, more openness.”
From grassroots cultural organizations to new voices at Pride, Calgary is seeing a rise in more community-led LGBTQ+ efforts. “There’s still work to do,” he says, “but I can honestly say we’re heading in a good direction.”
CFN also works with other community organizations to improve their ability to support LGBTQ+ clients. “We share what we’ve learned, and they share with us. It’s a two-way conversation.”
Pride Month and the power of visibility
Visibility matters. Especially during Pride Month, Boban says it’s important for organizations to show support, not just for LGBTQ+ people, but for the wider community watching.
“There was a time when people weren’t sure if they could even ask questions,” he says. “Now, we see people come in because they noticed a rainbow flag or sticker. It tells them this is a place where you’re allowed to ask and learn.”
One family once approached CFN with questions about how to support their child. They weren’t sure where to begin, but because the environment felt safe, they started a conversation. That small moment opened up bigger possibilities.
“Even small signs of welcome can shift everything for someone,” Boban says. “It’s a reminder that people are paying attention. And that we all have a role to play in building inclusive spaces.”
Inclusion Pillar Partner: RBC
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce RBC as our Inclusion Pillar Partner. This dynamic partnership will provide entrepreneurs of all backgrounds with access to programs and networks, with a special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs in developing and growing their businesses.
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
RBC is proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.
