Spring 2016 Newsletter - Immigrant Welcome Centre

Spring 2016 Newsletter
Comox Valley
Campbell River
North Island
www.ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Experts in immigrant services since 1992
The Immigrant Welcome Centre provides specialized services for all immigrants both English and Non-English speaking. We provide free services
and programs which offer an ongoing opportunity for individuals to navigate and adapt to Canadian society. These services cover understanding
the settlement process, health care, housing and other practical issues. Please contact our Campbell River or Courtenay office for information or to
book an appointment.
MISA and NIEFS collaborate to bring increased professional services to the North Island
The Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association, also known as the Immigrant Welcome Centre, and North Island Employment
Foundations Society have signed an agreement to work together in providing enhanced professional services to the North Island. The
Immigrant Welcome Centre has an established reputation as the leading service provider for immigrant and settlement needs on the North
Island through offices in Campbell River and the Comox Valley. NIEFS has been successfully providing employment services in Campbell
River, Port Hardy and the North Island region for many years. The two organizations have had a long standing and effective working
relationship, supporting and referring mutual clients.
Thuy Sin, Settlement Manager at the Immigrant Welcome Centre, notes that “the North Island population is increasingly diverse. We are
seeing clients there from all over the world.” Increasingly those newcomers need specialized help with settling and integrating into the
community as well as understanding and accessing the Canadian job market. The new agreement between the two organizations supports
the Immigrant Welcome Centre to send a specialized immigrant employment and settlement counsellor to the North Island twice a month.
“This is a win-win-win solution,” says Jim Brennan, Executive Director at the Immigrant
Welcome Centre, “it helps both organizations and our North Island community partners meet
our mandates and most of all, it helps newcomers in the North Island access the services they
need in order to thrive.” Both organizations have an ongoing commitment to provide services
to the North Island and other rural areas in the region including the Discovery Islands.
Experts in immigrant services since 1992, the Immigrant Welcome Centre assists newcomers
to Canada to successfully settle in our communities by offering free professional services;
assisting with housing, access to government and local services, education, and employment
as well as citizenship preparation. Visit our website at ImmigrantWelcome.ca for more information or call us in Campbell River at 250-830-0171, Comox Valley 250-338-6359 or toll free
1-855-830-0171. The Immigrant Welcome Centre is funded by the Government of Canada.
REFUGEE INFORMATION
Valerie Meaney, NIEFS Executive Director, Jim Brennan, MISA
Executive Director and Thuy Sin, MISA Settlement Manager,
sign agreement to bring enhanced, professional settlement
and employment services for immigrants to the North Island.
Who to contact and how you can help
The Immigrant Welcome Centre is not directly involved in bringing immigrants or refugees to our communities. Once refugees or other
immigrants arrive, we can directly assist them with their settlement needs. We are also collaborating with refugee sponsoring groups and
supporting them. It is important to note that at this time, we do not know how many refugees will arrive in our area, when they will arrive or
exactly what their needs will be. We expect this information will unfold over the next few months.
Campbell River Syrian Refugee Support Committee, a private refugee sponsorship community group, or constituent group, has
partnered with a local family originally from Syria to bring 13 members of their extended family as refugees to safety in Canada. The
committee must raise $150,000 as part of its sponsorship commitment. It also must help the refugees with their basic needs upon arrival
including housing, education, transportation, medical needs, etc. They are also looking for in-kind donations and volunteers.
Contact Mary Cook: 250-923-0252, email: maryjeancook@yahoo.ca or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Campbell-River-SyrianRefugee-Support-Committee-512325562260041/
Comox Valley Refugee Support Committee is also a private refugee sponsorship community group, or constituent group, working to
bring a Syrian family to the Comox Valley. Contact Caron Mulgrew: 250-338-4136, email: cla.mulgrew@gmail.com https://
www.facebook.com/syrianrefugeesupportcommittee/or Valerie Macdonald, 250-339-0280 or by email: evmacdonald1220@gmail.com
Sign up to donate goods or volunteer: You can contact one of the local groups listed above to make donations or offer help. The
Immigrant Welcome Centre has also set up an online database to collect information. Go to our website: www.ImmigrantWelcome.ca and
click on the Refugee button. Please note that this information may be shared with other immigrant/refugee serving organizations in our
region and that it may be some time before you are contacted regarding your offer of help.
SUCCESS STORIES
S.A.G.E. Seniors Aspiring Gathering Enabling
Making connections key to career success
The Immigrant Welcome Centre has been providing services for
immigrants in Campbell River since 1992. In 2011 an office was
opened in Courtenay to better serve the Comox Valley. These days
immigrants living in the more isolated communities of Northern
Vancouver Island no longer have to drive 230 km for professional
services. The Settlement Worker now drives from Campbell River to
Port Hardy once a month.
Newcomer Ruwan Heenatigala is
on track to a successful career in
the finance sector thanks to his
ability to build on connections and
help from the Immigrant Welcome
Centre in Campbell River.
Within a year of arriving in the
community, Ruwan has secured a
job in a bank and is working
toward becoming a chartered
accountant. He currently works as
a client advisor at the Royal Bank
of Canada. “I’m really happy. I
appreciate the opportunity,” says
Ruwan. “I’ve been able to get a
job in the industry where I had
experience in Sri Lanka.”
Upon his arrival, Ruwan knew he had to build his social and professional network. He headed to the Immigrant Welcome Centre, which
helped connect him to volunteer opportunities, English training and
NIEFS Skills Connect employment program for immigrants, all key
steps on his career path.
The employment counsellor at Immigrant Welcome Centre also
introduced Ruwan to a fellow immigrant working in the banking
sector who was willing to act as an information resource. MarieLouise proved an invaluable mentor. “This lady briefly explained
banking here in Canada,” said Ruwan. “She gave me more
information about applying for bank positions and starting a career.”
She also introduced Ruwan to the manager at her bank. After a
couple of months, Ruwan’s networking, studies and research paid
off. A position at the bank opened up and he was invited to apply.
Happily, he got the job. “It’s not easy,” he said of charting a new
career in Canada. “But if you want to swim, you have to jump.”
THIS COULD BE YOUR HOMETOWN PHOTO!
Email us a photo of your home city and it could be on the next
newsletter. Email your photos to: info@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Recognizing the difficulties many people (particularly seniors), living
in remote areas face, the Immigrant Welcome Centre is extending
their S.A.G.E. Project, “Basics of the iPad”, to include seniors of
Northern Vancouver Island. This project was made possible by the
Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which
provides financial support for projects which involve volunteering,
mentoring others, social participation and inclusion of seniors.
Community-based projects are initiated by organizations to enable
seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others as
well as help communities increase their capacity from within.
The S.A.G.E. Project was successful in Campbell River thanks to
hours of work by a fantastic team of Volunteers. After surveying
Seniors to discover what they wanted to learn, Volunteers met over a
3 month period to plan a program which would help address those
needs. Seniors came out two evenings a week for five weeks to learn
“Basics of the iPad”. Lessons were taught by Volunteers, with
assistants standing by (or sometimes running around!) to keep the
learners on track one-one.
SAGE Volunteers
SAGE students learning the iPad
In January, S.A.G. E. Coordinators travelled to Port Hardy with
Executive Director Jim Brennan. They gathered together with
community members at the Hardy Bay Senior Citizens Society to talk
about S.A.G.E. Planning materials and all handouts developed for
S.A.G.E. by the awesome volunteer trio of Pat Presidente, Nina
Baksh and Phil Johnsrude will be shared entirely with the Hardy Bay
Seniors’. Basics include topics such as finding the on/off switch,
volume settings, using Email, Social Networking, and Photography.
When their program is up and running, seniors without an iPad will be
able to borrow one of the iPad Minis purchased for the project with
New Horizons for Seniors funding.
Meanwhile, Campbell River S.A.G.E. continues to meet at Robron
Centre the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. This is an
informal drop-in gathering for folks to share something new, review
the basics or ask questions!
SAGE Group
2016 Spring Program Information
The Immigrant Welcome Centre has programs for all ages and language abilities in Campbell River and the Comox Valley. English speaking newcomers are also
encouraged to participate. Programs provide support to newcomers with fun activities as well as informative workshops. This is a great way to meet new
people, learn about Canada and our community. There is no cost to attend but registration is preferred to help us with planning each session. For more
information, please visit our office in Campbell River at the Robron Centre, Room A124, 740 Robron Road, 250-830-0171, or in Courtenay at Unit C-1001 Lewis
Avenue, 250-338-6359. Our offices are open Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
***Please note that some program dates and locations may change for special events.***
Follow us on Facebook, sign up for our e-news or check our website www.ImmigrantWelcome.ca for up to date program details and information.
Campbell River Programs
International ESL Seniors Group Campbell River
Ready for some fun and games? This popular program provides a great
opportunity for seniors to meet and enjoy a potluck lunch and discuss issues as
they relate to life in Canada and from abroad!
The Senior’s Group meets at the Campbell River Community Centre in the
upstairs Lounge. Please contact our office or Program Coordinator Zenaida Lim
for dates and activities planned. Email: Zenaida.Lim@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Comox Valley Programs
BOOK CLUB
Courtenay
The group is intended as a social and educational gathering where
community members, newcomers and immigrants can come together
in a safe environment to read and discuss books of the group’s choice.
Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island
Regional Library, 300 6th St.
First Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
CONVERSATION GROUP
Courtenay
This popular program provides a great opportunity to practice English
in a safe and welcoming environment. Meet other newcomers, gain
confidence, have fun!
Courtenay Branch of the Vancouver Island
Regional Library, 300 6th St.
Every Friday at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
To register contact for the Book Club or Conversation Group contact
Jean at 250-338-6359
International Family Recreation
Campbell River
Offered in partnership with the Vancouver Island Regional Library
Fun activities, games and learning opportunities for the whole family, and a
great way to make new friends!
Family Recreation is held at Robron Centre, Room A114 every other Friday
evening from 5:30-8:30 pm except when we have scheduled special events.
To register or for more information contact our office or Program Coordinator
Zenaida Lim. Email: Zenaida.Lim@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Make sure you become a part of our Facebook group for updates and
notification of changes to events.
Facebook Group Name: International Family Recreation
International Women’s Group
Campbell River
Drop in program for women to get together for support, friendship and
learning. This group meets twice a month on Tuesday mornings. Contact our
office or Program Coordinator for upcoming dates and more information.
Where: Robron Centre, Room A114, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Program Coordinator: Khammy Quan Email: khammyquan@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Walk Away from Racism 2016
20th Anniversary
Saturday, March 19th
Campbell River Community Centre
10:30am-2:00pm
Outdoor Walk at 12:00
International Adult Co-Ed Indoor Soccer
Campbell River
All adults welcome! This program is for both men and women to come out and
play some fun indoor soccer. Come and meet people from all over the globe!
Where: Robron Centre gym, 740 Robron Road
Tuesday evening 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Program Coordinator: Graham Lindenbach Email: getbach6@gmail.com
This is a free family event
Interactive Cultural Booths
Entertainment Face Painting
“Walking Together” Tapestry creation
“Take away” art works
Refreshments
MEET OUR NEW STAFF
Introducing Sarah Callander
I was born in Victoria, BC, and, besides short stints on the mainland, have always resided on Vancouver
Island or surrounding Gulf Islands. Six years ago, I moved to Campbell River to be near family. My 8-year
old daughter is actually the 6th generation of my family to call Vancouver Island home. Other members
of my household include a 100-lb. Husky cross named Bailey and a teddy bear hamster named Blondie.
Following high school, I became somewhat of a professional student and spent 9 years at the University
of Victoria, where I obtained both a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a Double Major in English and Anthropology, and a Law Degree. During that time, I also worked on campus in a number of student services
(including library, housing and conference, and employment services), volunteered for organizations with
a focus on social justice, and fit in an odd assortment of adventures, including travel, whenever I could.
After law school, I articled at a large, downtown Vancouver law firm. My articling year completed, I promptly moved from my office on the
19th floor to a home office on Gabriola Island, where I did legal research/consulting and online editing. Though I continued working from
home until my daughter was of school age, I really missed working directly with people. Eager to be of service in my immediate community
again, I ventured out, first into the field of Victim Services and now into Immigrant Services. Prior to becoming the new Settlement
Assistant, I did some volunteer work at the Immigrant Welcome Centre. Previously, I also volunteered as an ESL tutor for the Campbell
River Literacy Association. I am a bit of a bookworm. I also enjoy gardening. My favourite place to be, though, is camping. I love kayaking
and swimming at the lake. And to me, sitting by a campfire and looking out over a lake in the silence of early morning is perfection.
North Island
Immigrant Service Report
April 2015 to September 2015
Client Services Available:
Help with Forms & Documents
Citizenship, Immigration & Refugee Protection Support
Interpretation & Translation
Employment Services
Housing Information
Health Care Information
Addressing Education Needs
Counselling Services
Child Care & Family Concerns
Income Tax Preparation
Access to Legal Advocate & Canadian Law
Human Rights
Call to book an appointment
Campbell River: 250-830-0171
Comox Valley: 250-338-6359
North Island Toll Free: 1-855-805-0171
Campbell River
A114-740 Robron Road
Campbell River, BC V9W 6J7
250-830-0171
Info@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Comox Valley
Unit C - 1001 Lewis Ave
Courtenay, BC V9N 5R4
250-338-6359
Admin@ImmigrantWelcome.ca
Toll Free 1-855-805-0171
Subscribe to our emails for upcoming events, workshops and program information.
Membership renewal and donations can also be done online. www.ImmigrantWelcome.ca
The Immigrant Welcome Centre is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada,
Welcome BC, Province of British Columbia, RBC, donations from community members and fundraising efforts.