The Better the Start the Better the Future

The Better the Start the Better the Future

OUR MISSION Delivering quality, innovative Immigration and Settlement Services in Manitoba. OUR VISION Manitoba's community leader in providing Immigration and Settlement Services for newcomers to connect, integrate and fully participate in Canadian Society.

Identity Crisis all newcomer children most importantly teenagers Who am I? Language Barriers Conflicting Values and Gender Issues Add to the Identity Crisis living in two cultures or maybe three Change in Family Dynamics Children have more Responsibility Parents changing Role and Newcomer Children's New Role Newcomer Youth looking for a place Gangs are more welcoming that their school peers Family Stress of Living in a New Country Parents Mistrust of their New Culture

Addressing Challenges and Gaps: 1. WORKING WITH NEWCOMER PARENTS 2. Events should be organized that bring together youth, parents and stakeholders 3. Orientation and education be provided to parents on all aspect of Canadian Life Focusing on diversity, family dynamics, Canadian Law, legal human rights, the requirement to send kids to school, corporal punishment Discussing with parents broader cultural difference and similarities Have a place where parents can go to seek help need to resolve issues early on 4. Youth related counselling and services for parents be launched and maintained 5. Parents should be introduced to various programs such as the YMCA, Library, Settlement Organizations such as Immigrant Centre 6. Programs to increase knowledge of and information on social issues such as drugs, gambling, gangs, bullying 1. WORKING WITH NEWCOMER YOUTH 2. Language Training Programs ensure where possible staff that linguistically reflect the demographics of the population 3. Introduce programs that are of interest to youth for example driving lessons 4. Introduce a buddy system of a Canadian Born to accompany newcomer youth to an outside activity such as sports, track and field, etc. 5. Youth should be involved in the planning and implementation of activities and programs 6. Establish a youth advisory committee both recent and long term arrivals and Canadian born

1. Programs and Activities Perceived by Newcomer Youth to contribute to their successful integration and school Experience: 2. Creating safe places at school for youth who may be bullied Buddy Mentoring System with Canadian students 3. Organizing activities that boost and show support for youth, finding role models mentors 4. Provide safe alternative for youth to hang out in summer and winter. Activities to be accessible, educational, motivating and free some ideas were Writing Clubs, Theatre Workshops, Sports, Swimming 5. Introducing programs that help parents learn about youth vulnerability 6. Teachers let newcomer youth know that they understand the cultural differences cultural workshops such as knowing that in some cultures you do not make eye contact, etc. 7. Teachers become culturally sensitive to the right words to say to a newcomer as well as teaching/ sharing with the Canadian students bring in workshops, have youth participate, have parents participate 8. Teachers understanding the challenges that a newcomer youth faces for example many come from countries where your neighbor is part of your family very social and now no family support or social context, feelings of guilt that my parents gave up everything for me, my parents had professional jobs now doing manual labor, changes in family dynamics, feelings of isolations and loneliness both at home and at school 9. Liaison position who speaks a number of language to connect parents and teachers Help Line. Must know resources for newcomer families such as settlement organizations 10.Information and guidance for student loans both for students and parents

We believe Immigrants and Newcomers, past, present, and future are valuable contributors to a vibrant and dynamic community and economy. We believe that investment in the early success of newcomers and immigrants will create lasting value for individuals and families and longterm benefits for the entire receiving community. The Better the Start the Better the Future We believe Immigrants and Newcomers help build and sustain our economy. They open new businesses. They contribute skills and effort to our existing enterprises. They pay taxes. They invest in our future. We believe the Immigrant Centre, through its services and positive collaboration and partnerships, remain a vital cornerstone for continued success in welcoming new Manitobans/Canadians.

2013 2014 HIGHLIGHTS 18,212 Client services 26,076 Calls to our front desk 45,000 Visits to our website, 55% from outside Canada, from 164 Countries 200% Increase in Clients in 11 years (each client counted only once) 73% Increase in Funding in 11 years

OUR SERVICES Newcomer Assessment and Referral Services Immigrant Settlement Services Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Workers Language Bank Services Volunteer Services Community Development and Community Liaison Nutrition Services Citizenship Classes Access English Centre Employment Services

First Steps Newcomer Assessment and Referral Services Immigrant Settlement Services Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Workers Newcomer Assessment and Referral All new clients of the Centre see a Newcomer Assessment and Referral Facilitator Initial assessment of client needs and appropriate referral to both on and off-site programs and services One-Stop Resource Centre Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday Saturday 8:30 to 4:30 Hours Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 8:30 Guidance to help newcomers settle as quickly as possible

First Steps Newcomer Assessment and Referral Services Immigrant Settlement Services Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Workers Settlement Services Provides integrated services to assist newcomers with their settlement and adaptation in Winnipeg. Our services are designed to help newcomers become active in Canadian society. Many clients meet with their facilitator 6-8 times a year receiving free services including: Assessment and identification of all of the newcomers settlement needs Form Assistance: Helping to apply for Social Insurance Number, Manitoba Health Card, Child Tax Benefit, Manitoba Child Benefit, 55+ and Manitoba Housing Orientations providing information on a variety of topics to familiarize newcomers to Canadian life and culture such as: housing, banking, transportation, weather, shopping, health, law, and education Referrals to various agencies and organizations providing settlement support service Supportive counseling, advocacy and links to community resources Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 to 4:30. Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 8:30

First Steps Newcomer Assessment and Referral Services Immigrant Settlement Services Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Workers Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Workers 23 Neighbourhood Settlement Workers in 11 areas of Winnipeg and 1 Coordinator at Immigrant Centre for centralized resources One on one support, home visits, accompany clients to various appointments as needed Hosts community events and programs to welcome newcomers such as Multicultural nights, picnics, conversation circle, cooking class, information sessions, social outings, gardening, sewing, food works, child minder training and others Programming based on the unique needs of each neighborhood through on going needs assessment, referrals and advocacy

Learning English Access English Centre (AEC) Innovative partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and United Way Funding Designed to meet the needs of newcomers who are waiting for accredited English programs, seniors, temporary workers, students and anyone else wanting to improve their English Coordinator for all EAL volunteer training in Manitoba A non-credited program focusing on listening and speaking Hours Tuesday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM Friday and Saturday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Phone 943-9969 ext. 222

Working In Manitoba Employment Services Employment Services Specializes in assisting newcomers to find employment Goal is to find employment based on education, language level, and experience Explore career options and develop an action plan based on client s needs Each client receives a resume, and daily job leads through email Individual and group employment counseling, as well as access to a Job Club, WHIMIS, Food Handling, First Aid and CPR Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday Saturday 8:30 to 4:30 and Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 to 8:30

Language Bank Services Volunteer Services Community Development and Community Liaison Nutrition Services Language Bank Services Services Provided include: Notary Public Services Translation Services Interpretation Services Preparation of invitations to visit, powers of attorney, permission to travel and statutory declarations Services are provided to clients and the general community in over 80 Languages and Dialects. A nominal fee may be charged. Jointly funded by CIC and United Way

Language Bank and Translation Volunteer Services Program Development and Community Liaison Nutrition Services Volunteer Services Did you know that Volunteers equal 5 full-time staff each year? Facilitation of Conversation Groups Access English Centre One-to-One EAL Tutoring Drivers Education for Learner s License preparation Citizenship Preparation Classes Diversity and Buddy Volunteering Work Experience Volunteers gain Canadian work experience Comprehensive Program to Prepare Clients to take the Canadian Citizenship test Develop Awareness through Presentations- United Way Spirit Award

Language Bank and Translation Volunteer Services Program Development and Community Liaison Nutrition Services Program Development and Community Liaison Community Presentations and Information Sessions Marketing Campaign Website, Bus Campaign, Media Facilitate Outreach Opportunities Online Social Media, Blogs, Client Success Stories

Language Bank and Translation Volunteer Services Program Development and Community Liaison Nutrition Services Nutrition Services On-Site Cooking and Nutrition Classes Grocery Store Tours Menu Planning Nutritional, Cost Saving, Ethnic Specific Nutrition Planning During Pregnancy and Infant Nutrition Individual Counseling Community Nutrition Presentations and Information Sessions

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS GOVERNMENT OF CANADA Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) PROVINCE OF MANITOBA Manitoba Entrepreneurship Training & Trade CITY OF WINNIPEG INVESTORS GROUP ROYAL BANK OF CANADA SHARE OUR STRENGTH UNITED WAY OF WINNIPEG WINNIPEG FOUNDATION

Our staff have a combined 200 years of working at IC!

IMMIGRANT CENTRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE Cec Hanec, President Robert Vineberg, Vice-President David Ashcroft, Vice-President Alan Fernandes, Treasurer Keith Solmundson, Past-President DIRECTORS Diana Wiesenthal Florence Carey Holly Toupin James Popel Leslie Wilder Milton Corado Namita Bhatnagar

Thank you for your Time Questions or Comments? 100 Adelaide Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3A 0W2 Phone: 943-9969 AEC Program Phone: 943-9969 Extension 222 www.