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Newcomers & Immigrants

What We Do

Essential services to newcomers and immigrants, including adult English classes, parenting support for students, and one-on-one and group support in English, Mandarin, Tagalog and Spanish.

Our Settlement team helps newcomers and immigrants understand and identify their needs in areas such as immigration, health, housing, English skills, employment and career development. We also help to develop community connections and networks. All programs and services are free.

For more information, call 604-435-0323.

Community members are seated together for a dinner. The room is decorated with colourful table cloths and flowers and vases

Ongoing Programs

Art Classes for Newcomers

Newcomers who are interested in meeting new people, practicing English and learning new skills in the arts can sign up for free art classes.

Facilitated classes include sewing, watercolour painting, card making and more!

Contact: 604-435-0323

BC Settlement & Integration Services (BCSIS)

Supporting Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW), Refugee Claimants, Provincial Nominees (PNP), International Students and Naturalized Citizens

To support the social and economic integration of these newcomers, we offer orientation (online and available one- to-one or with a group), information-and-referral services, topical workshops, and help with navigating immigration and work permit applications.

Contact: Guadalupe Chebib, 778-707-9142


Funded by the Government of British Columbia.

Community Kitchen for Newcomers

Explore collective cooking, learn from neighbours and share food traditions through this monthly program.

Registration required and priority is given to newcomers to Canada (received Permanent Resident status within the last 5 years).

Contact: 604-435-0323

Employment Program for Newcomers

Settlement workers are available to help newcomers with resumes, interview skills, employment resources, and referrals. They also offer group employment sessions on topics such as job finding and resume building.


Funded by the Settlement Program– Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada.

Immigrant Women Leadership Development

This program supports immigrant women to develop leadership skills and career and personal planning. This program also provides an opportunity for participants to work with a mentor to support their integration in Canada.

Contact: Karen Caguioa, kcaguioa@cnh.bc.ca or 604-657-9142


Funded by the Settlement Program– Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

LINC offers free English classes for newcomers aged 19+. Students learn from certified and experienced teachers in a supportive environment. Free preschool provided for children (30 months to 5 years-old) of LINC students attending in-person classes. Contact for requirements and eligibility.

  • LINC levels 3, 4, 5 & 6
    Monday to Friday, 9 am – 12:15 pm
    Classes delivered in-person
  • LINC levels 6 & 7
    Monday to Thursday, 6 – 8 pm
    Classes delivered online

Contact: 604-366-9142 or linc@cnh.bc.ca


Funded by the Settlement Program– Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada.

Settlement Services for Newcomers

Settlement workers are available for online and in-person help including:

  • Navigating social services
  • Finding employment resources
  • Referrals for English language training and support
  • Life skills training and group workshops on topics such as housing, health, education, citizenship and legal information
  • Digital literacy skills training on different programs and computer/phone applications

Contact:

  • Farrah Gutierrez (English, Tagalog), 778-386-9142 or 604-435-0323 ext. 247
  • Helen Su (English, Chinese), 778-288-9142 or 604-435-0323 ext. 288
  • Karen Caguioa (English, Tagalog), 604-657-9142
  • Maria Alpirez (English, Spanish), 604-562-9142
  • Yndira Arteaga (English, Spanish), 604-366-9142

Funded by the Settlement Program– Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada.

Youth Settlement Services

We offer a range of programs aimed at younger newcomers and immigrants.

After-School Mentorship (Ages 10-14)

Through engaging activities and dedicated mentors, this program fosters participants’ sense of belonging, while it promotes diversity and inclusivity. Program leaders create a safe, fun, and engaging environment where preteens not only excel academically but also build lifelong friendships and gain invaluable life skills. We’re not just a program; we’re a family, a place where every teen can thrive, learn and embark on an exciting journey of personal growth.

  • CNH Main Site
    Thursdays, 3:30 – 5 pm
  • Renfrew Elementary School
    Tuesdays, 3 – 4:30 pm
  • Sir Wilfred Grenfell Elementary School
    Wednesdays, 3 – 4:30 pm
Level Up Leadership & Pre-Employment Mentoring

Pre-employment training for youth allows them to participate in volunteer opportunities, build life skills, and get support with resumes, cover letters and employment planning.

Neighbourhood Sports

Activities are provided in collaboration with the Youth Centre and led by the Youth Settlement team. It’s a fun and learning opportunity to play basketball and volleyball together with mainstream youth. Leadership and mentorship skills are gained through the experiences of sportsmanship, teamwork, appreciation for cultural differences.

Contact:


Funded by the Settlement Program– Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada.