Reach Out! To newcomers The voice of MOSAIC s Family & Settlement Services FALL Thanksgiving. Staff Spotlight.

Transcription

1 Reach Out! To newcomers The voice of MOSAIC s Family & Settlement Services FALL 2018 Thanksgiving Staff Spotlight Looking Forward As we finished our summer breaks and entered into September, I would like to highlight the importance of strengths immigrants and refugees contribute to the community. We are resilient champions in building and enriching the social and economic fibres of Canada. When our clients participate in any of our MOSAIC programs, such as attending an information workshop, getting a referral from a settlement worker, receiving emotional support from a counsellor, getting guidance from a case manager, learning ESL from an English instructor, contributing as a volunteer, or joining children, youth, seniors, and family activities, we are helping them get engaged in an important first step of a resilience process to adapt their lives in Canada. Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone. Experts have suggested the following ways that you may work towards resiliency. Make connections Avoid seeing stress or crises as insurmountable problems Accept that change is a part of living Move toward your goals Take decisive actions Look for opportunities for self-discovery Nurture a positive view of yourself Keep things in perspective Maintain a hopeful outlook Take care of yourself We can learn from our immigrant and refugee clients in growing our resiliency. The key is to find ways that are likely to work well for us as part of our own journey for fostering resilience. Warmly, Sherman Chan, MSc., RSW Director, Family and Settlement Services

2 Settlement + Moving Ahead Settlement and Moving Ahead Programs had a joint picnic in August. It was organized by the practicum students who were with us for the summer. Besides the food, there were team games which built cooperation and sharing of resources. The teams explored inside and outside Central Park, to complete the tasks listed in the scavenger hunt. Settlement and Moving Ahead Program Group Picture They spelled out M-O-S-A-I-C! Look! A squirrel! One of the tasks was to take a picture of a squirrel. 2

3 Settlement + Moving Ahead Our Teams Team #1 Team #2 Team #3 Team #4 3 Some of the games tasks we had to do: Wear green and take pic in front of Telus building Find a sign that has numbers which give 42 Find City of Burnaby logo

4 Where your SWs are Did you know that MOSAIC Settlement Workers (SWs) can be found in many community organization sites besides our own MOSAIC offices, striving to be where our clients are. Here is a list of their locations: BURNABY VANCOUVER Burnaby Neighbourhood House Thursday, Friday Formosa Academy Wednesday Brentwood Community Resource Centre Monday Friday VCC Wednesday CCM Centre in Crystal Mall Monday, Thursday, Friday MOSAIC WorkBC Northeast Thursday, Friday Brentwood Language Centre Monday, Wednesday, Thursday MOSAIC Language Centre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday MOSAIC Burnaby Centre for Immigrants Monday Friday MOSAIC HQ Boundary Monday Friday SURREY TRI-CITIES Douglas College Monday, Wednesday Douglas College Various days Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre Wednesday AVIA WorkBC, Port Coquitlam Monday, Friday Newton Recreation Centre Tuesday MOSAIC Newcomer Centre Monday Friday MOSAIC in the Fraser Valley... MOSAIC has expanded into the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission areas. Funding has been received from the BC Government, Jobs, Trade and Technology, to provide settlement and specialized employment support to refugee claimants. In addition, psycho-social trauma support services will be available to refugee and refugee claimants. MOSAIC s team, under Saleem s leadership, will consist of one coordinator and two part-time settlement workers who will provide services from Surrey and HQ offices. Our partners, Options Community Services, Inasmuch Community Services, Abbotsford Community Services and Kinbrace will round off the team, bringing in specific connections to communities and local resources. A network of organizations, government services and local groups will be established, supported and strengthened, creating a fabric of knowledge and skills realizing that it takes a community to integrate a community. 4

5 Staff Spotlight Miriam Jurigová, J.D. Legal Advocacy Program This quarter we turn the spotlight on Miriam. You have probably seen her at meetings, in the hallways, and maybe spoke to her over the phone. As our legal advocate, Miriam works tirelessly on behalf of our clients, checking everything is in order and is our bridge to the legalese world. Specializing in poverty law and immigration law in the non-profit sector since obtaining her law degree from University of Ottawa, Miriam has assisted clients with public benefits issues and also assists refugees with legal issues related to settlement. We find out a bit more about Miriam in her own words: 1. Who inspires you to be a lawyer? I was first inspired to go to law school because of a movie called, In the Name of the Father, (with Daniel Day-Lewis). It was based on a true story of the Gilford 4 being wrongly accused, and their lawyer Gareth Peirce, a mild mannered woman that was incredibly tenacious. Also in Canada, Elizabeth May inspired me when she was a young environmental lawyer and then the Executive Director of the Sierra Club of Canada. 2. What do you hope to see in the future? An ideal future would include justice for all species and the natural world. We have so much work yet to do! Humanity's true moral test, its fundamental test, consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect humankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it. Milan Kundera (Unbearable Lightness of Being) Miriam was born in the former Czechoslovakia and came to Canada as a child refugee with her parents. Growing up in Canada, she has developed a lifelong passion for nature and environmental issues. Her deep love for animals makes her believe one must respect all animals, not just the ones we share our homes with as companion pets. Spiritually and philosophically, Miriam s belief in the interdependence of all living entities and her passion for the outdoors motivate her desire to protect this planet for the sake of all species. How we strive to achieve our end results is important to her; she prioritizes remaining kind while maintaining a joyful and open heart. 5 MOTTO I breathe, therefore I care.

6 A Moment of Gratitude... Settlement Cluster staff took time to reflect and give thanks for the months past as we come close to celebrating Thanksgiving, which is on October 8 this year. 6

7 Looking Forward Upcoming Activities: September to December 2018 CAPC Somali Group Fall Series For the last 15+ year, MOSAIC has partnered with community agencies to provide Community Action Program for Children. It is a weekly group for families with their 0-6 children to come, socialize, and learn about topics such as early childhood development, parenting, school-readiness, health, and community resources in a welcoming environment. At the moment, we have groups in Somali, Vietnamese, and Korean. All groups run 3 series a year and have a more extended break in summer. For more information, please visit: family-children-youth/community-action-program-for-children/. When: Fridays, September 21 December 7, 9:30 to 11:30 am Where: Robert & Lily Lee Community Health Centre 1669 East Broadway, Vancouver Contact: Xalima xmohamud@mosaicbc.org Homework Club for Newcomer Youth Students in Grades 8 to 12, and continuing education can join the Homework Club and get assistance and guidance from Canadian university graduates in these areas English, Mathematics (Algebra, Pre-Calculus), Science, research papers, preparing presentation, interviews, resumes, etc. When: Thursdays, September 13 December 20, 4:00 to 6:00 pm Where: MOSAIC 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver Contact: Angel atse@mosaicbc.org ext 2121 or text Free use of resources Free bus tickets Free snacks To best support LGBTQ newcomers The I Belong program offers a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ immigrants, refugees and newcomers to meet new people, share experiences and explore ways to make changes. Peer Support Social Group When: September 10, November 12, 5:30-7:30 pm Counselling Support Group When: September 24, October 29, November 26, 6:30-8:30 pm Where: MOSAIC 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver Please contact Masashi for more information and registration: ext 1024 or myoshida@mosaicbc.org 7

8 Looking Forward Upcoming Activities: September to December 2018 Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation Two 3-hour sessions or a full day to help prepare for Canadian citizenship. We will go over Canada s history, symbols, geography, governing system, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and other topics that may be part of the test. A PR number is required for registration. When: September 10 and 14, October 12 and 15, 5:30-8:30 pm Where: Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway, Burnaby Contact: Angel or atse@mosaicbc.org When: September 15, 10:00 am-4:00 pm Where: Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave., Burnaby Contact: Eliza or or echan@mosaicbc.org When: September 17 and 18, 9:30 am 12:30 pm Where: Mount Pleasant Vancouver Public Library, 1 Kingsway Contact: Tim ext 114 or tchow@mosaicbc.org When: September 26 and 27, 1:30 pm 4:30 pm Where: MOSAIC Surrey Office, King George Blvd. Contact: Attif or aihsan@mosaicbc.org When: October 18 and 19, 10:00 am 1:00 pm Where: MOSAIC Surrey Office, King George Blvd. Contact: Faustin or fbilikano@mosaicbc.org Multicultural Women s Support Group When: September 11 24, 2:00 to 3:00 pm Where: MOSAIC 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver Sewing Class Learn simple hemming and minor repairs on your clothes. This is open to all women. You do not need to be new to Canada to join. Contact: May msalari@mosaicbc.org

9 Looking Forward Upcoming Activities: September to December 2018 Moving Ahead All workshops are held at MOSAIC Highgate Office: # Kingsway, Burnaby Accessing Healthcare in BC When: September 14, 3:00-5:00 pm Language: Dari / Farsi Contact: Rafi /Zarif Parents Rights in Canada When: October 7, 3:00-5:00 pm Language: Arabic Contact: Amal / Suhair How to Deal in an Emergency When: November 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm Language: English Contact: Gidion Job Readiness Series for Youths When: November 11 16, 4:00-6:00 pm Language: English Contact: Monica IETLS Webinar Need to prepare for your IELTS test? Register for our free NEW webinar: The webinar will cover: - What to expect during the IELTS test - How to prepare for the IELTS test - Where to take the IELTS test, and how to register Presenters will provide participants with IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking strategies and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Catch us at these events on September 29 CCM Seniors Fair CCM Centre, 2nd floor Crystal Mall 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby 10:00 am 3:30 pm Immigrant Professionals Conference Hilton Vancouver Metrotown 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby 8:30 am 4:00 pm Newcomers Canada Career & Settlement Fair Vancouver Convention Centre East Building 999 Canada Place, Vancouver 10:00 am 4:00 pm Seniors Connect: My Community, My Home Bonsor Recreation Complex, Banquet Hall 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby 10:00 am 2:00 pm 9

10 Looking Forward Upcoming Activities: September to December 2018 The Seniors Club has a wide range of activities to encourage participants to make new friends, learn new skills and join community events. It is for immigrants and refugees aged 55 years and above. Fall Term (September 19 - December 6, 2018) DAY ACTIVITY & TIME LOCATION MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY English Conversation Circle (Upper Beginner) Time: 9:30-11:30 am Knitting Circle Time: 1:00-3:00 pm Arts & Crafts** Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm English Conversation Circle (Beginner) Time: 9:30-11:30 am English Conversation Circle (Lower Beginner)** Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm MOSAIC Buller 5902 Kingsway, Burnaby MOSAIC Head Office 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver MOSAIC Head Office 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver Rosser 2055 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby MOSAIC Head Office 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver THURSDAY English Conversation Circle (Intermediate)** Time: 2 :00-4:00 pm MOSAIC Head Office 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver FRIDAY FRIDAY Wai Dan Gong Time: 9:00-10:00 am Tai Chi Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm Rosser 2055 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby Rosser 2055 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby FRIDAY English Conversation Circle Time: 1:00-3:00 pm Rosser 2055 Rosser Avenue, Burnaby For more information and registration, please contact: Eliza or echan@mosaicbc.org Jennifer or jng@mosaicbc.org ** Daisy ext 1005 or daisyau@mosaicbc.org 10

11 Looking Forward Upcoming Activities: September to December 2018 IM.POWER.ED This free drop-in English Conversation Circle is designed for Work Permit Holders, including international students with a work permit, people on working holidays and open work permit holders. Registration is required before the first visit. When: Mondays, till October 22 Where: MOSAIC 5575 Boundary Road, Vancouver Contact: Rey or or rblasco@mosaicbc.org Staff Training Do sign up for these workshops if you are interested to know more about responding and supporting clients, especially to seniors Volunteer Impact Workshops for Volunteers and Service Providers Connecting Seniors: Managing Pain When: Thursday, September 13, 11:40 am-3:00 pm Where: Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main Street, Vancouver Learn about chronic pain and how it can impact one s quality of life Examine effective self-management techniques Identify helpful support groups and community resources Companioning Grief: Supporting those experiencing loss When: Tuesday, September 18, 11:40 am-3:00 pm Where: 2121 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver Identify the central needs of those who are grieving different forms of loss Appreciate different grieving styles an dthe mutli-faceted way individuals experience grief Explore helpful ways to support a senior who is grieving Diversity and Inclusion When: Thursday, October 18, 11:10 am-2:30 pm Where: Bonsor Recreation Centre, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby Explore how we are affected by power and privilege Learn about various barriers that contribute to seniors isolation Strengthen your ability to support seniors in the face of these barriers Contact: Jennifer ext 1157 or jng@mosaicbc.org 11