1,200+
Newcomers Supported
Settlement & Integration Assistance
About Us
- About Us
Empowering People Today
Building Brighter Futures
Empowering People Today Building Brighter Futures
At Bena Makenga, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging. Our mission is to uplift vulnerable individuals and families by providing practical support, compassionate care, and pathways to a better future.
We are committed to helping newcomers settle into their new communities, supporting children and families facing poverty, advocating for the underprivileged, and creating inclusive spaces for individuals with special needs. Through mentorship, education, crisis support, and community programs, we strive to meet people where they are and walk alongside them in their journey.
Our work also extends beyond borders, reaching refugees, displaced families, and survivors of conflict with humanitarian aid, resettlement support, and healing resources.
At our core, Bena Makenga is about people—building stronger communities, restoring hope, and creating lasting change, one life at a time.
At our core, Bena Makenga is about people—building stronger communities, restoring hope, and creating lasting change, one life at a time
1000+
People Assisted
Community Care & Inclusion
300+
Lives Reached Globally
Crisis & Humanitarian Response
Where we focus
- Newcomer Settlement
- Child & Family Support
- Community Advocacy
- Special Needs Inclusion
- Refugee Support
- Global Crisis Response
- Women’s Support
- Education
- A Life of Resilience, Courage, and Service
Support That Creates
Dieudonné Makenga Kasamba
Dieudonné Makenga Kasamba was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he faced hardship from an early age. After his parents separated, he was raised for several years by his maternal grandmother, whose strength, compassion, and resilience shaped the values that continue to guide his life.
At fourteen, he lost his father and was left to build his future on his own. Determined to continue his education, he supported himself through school and earned a diploma in Electrotechnics from the Institut Supérieur Polytechnique et Technique (ISPT) in Likasi.
His life changed dramatically when ethnic violence targeted people of Kasai ancestry. After surviving an attempt on his life, he fled to Zambia, where he lived as a refugee for three years before being resettled in Canada through the refugee resettlement program in 1996.
Grateful for the opportunity to rebuild his life, Dieudonné pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Electronic Systems Engineering from the University of Regina.
Inspired by his own journey, he has dedicated his life to helping others. Over the years, he has assisted in the successful resettlement of more than 700 individuals, helping refugees and newcomers rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope.
Today, his story reflects the mission of the organization: serving vulnerable communities with compassion, empowering newcomers, and creating pathways to brighter futures. His journey is a testament to resilience, service, and the lasting impact one person can have on hundreds of lives.
- What Guides Us
Vision, Mission & Values
What we are working toward, what we do about it,
and the commitments that shape how we work
What we are working toward, what we do about it,and the commitments that shape how we work
Mission
To empower vulnerable individuals and families by providing settlement support, humanitarian assistance, advocacy, and inclusive community programs that create lasting opportunities for dignity, self-reliance, and hope.
Vision
A world where every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to live with safety, dignity, equality, and the support needed to build a brighter future.
Compassion
We serve with empathy, respect, and kindness.
Integrity
We act honestly, transparently, and responsibly.
Inclusion
We welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Empowerment
We help individuals become self-sufficient and confident.
Collaboration
We work with communities, partners, and volunteers to create lasting change.
Hope
We believe every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life.
- Our Purpose
Goals & Objectives
Strengthen Resettlement Support
Making every newcomer’s transition to Canada more welcoming, organized, and successful.
- Develop a structured settlement pathway for every newcomer we assist.
- Expand annual resettlement support to reach more individuals and families.
- Grow trained volunteer welcome teams across multiple communities.
Relieve Poverty Through Practical Support
Dignity-focused assistance that helps families overcome financial hardship and build stability.
- Launch emergency assistance programs for essential needs.
- Increase support for households experiencing financial hardship.
- Build partnerships that expand access to food, clothing, and essential resources.
Advance Education & Skills
Education and employment create long-term opportunities for individuals and families.
- Expand tutoring and educational support for newcomer youth.
- Deliver employment readiness and career guidance programs.
- Increase access to English and French language learning.
Build Organizational Strength
Strong governance helps us serve more people and sustain our mission for future generations.
- Maintain high standards of governance and accountability.
- Diversify funding through donors, grants, and community fundraising.
- Recruit experienced board members with complementary expertise.
Establish a Welcoming Network
Immediate, soft-landing support for newly arrived individuals and families.
- Provide housing navigation for new arrivals.
- Deliver community orientations in the first weeks after arrival.
- Offer language assessments to guide next steps.
Facilitate Economic Integration
Helping newcomers bridge their skills into the local workforce.
- Run employment readiness programs.
- Host resume and interview workshops.
- Build mentorship connections with local professionals.
Foster Social Connection
Connecting newcomers with local residents to accelerate social integration.
- Create community-matching programs.
- Encourage cross-cultural friendships.
- Host shared community-building activities.
Ensure Basic Needs Security
Essentials delivered directly to children in low-income households.
- Run seasonal and year-round distribution programs.
- Provide healthy food and school supplies.
- Distribute essential clothing to children in need.
- Why choose Us
Why Families, Donors & Partners Choose Bena Makenga
A accredited Canadian Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) delivering
holistic settlement, child poverty alleviation, special needs care, and
global refugee crisis response.
SAH & PSR ACCREDITED
SAH / PSR
Special Needs & Respite Care
Tailored support services, accessible artistic spaces, and respite care alleviating pressure on primary caregivers.
CHILD POVERTY ALLEVIATION
100% Free
GLOBAL CRISIS & CRSV PIPELINE
24/7 Relief
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Workforce Readiness & Skill Bridging
Delivering employment readiness programs, resume workshops, and mentorship connections to help newcomers integrate their skills into the local workforce.
✓ Resumes, Mentorship & Workforce Navigation
ADVOCACY & CRISIS INTERVENTION
Removing Barriers to Essential Services
Dedicated navigation resource helping marginalized individuals access healthcare, affordable housing, legal aid, government benefits, and emergency relief funds.
✓ Healthcare, Housing & Systemic Inequity Advocacy