Annual Impact Report 2023-2024

Together We Thrive: Nurturing Belonging for a Prosperous and Interconnected North Shore

Our Impact: Integrated Services

Our Impact: Community Engagement

Our Priorities

Financials & Acknowledgements

Impact North Shore respectfully acknowledges the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, who’s traditional, unceded and ancestral lands we are honoured to work on.

  • We are committed to growing authentic and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, recognizing that our journey is shared with all those who have come before and those who will come after us. 
  • We acknowledge Canada’s history and the oppressive colonial systems and framework in which we work and our responsibility to work toward decolonization.  
  • We value our connection to this land as the foundation of our identity, linking us to our roots, and grounding and shaping our organization.  
  • We recognize, that as a settlement organization, we have a duty to create learning opportunities for im/migrants to understand the effects of inequities and injustices that are experienced by Indigenous people in the form of genocide, systemic racism, and trauma.  
  • We strive to explore and embed decolonized approaches and multiple worldviews into our work of building equitable and inclusive communities.  
  • We are grateful for the relationships, guidance and support of Indigenous leaders and partners as we grow in our organizational efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation.  
     

Impact North Shore humbly commits to the work as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and takes on our responsibility to “weave a stronger and more vibrant social fabric based on the unique strengths of Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.” 

Chair and Executive Director Message

The 2023-2024 fiscal year held many moments of significance, important learning opportunities and occasions to collaboratively nurture well-being and belonging for all. 

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Our Impact: Integrated Services

Integrated Services

Impact North Shore offers comprehensive services that support im/migrants with their settlement experiences to establish roots and connections across the North Shore. 

10300

im/migrants received support through our Im/migrant Service Centre

8800

increased knowledge of life in Canada through our settlement services

3100

enhanced knowledge, skills and connections through our employment services

2300+

improved English language skills through our language services

1300

received information and support for navigating school systems through our school support and parenting programs

540+

received support adjusting to life in Canada through our youth services

Immigrant Service Centre

Cultivating New Growth

Settlement, employment, school support, and English language services are all customized to the needs of im/migrants with diverse im/migration statuses and life experiences. Our Im/migrant Service Centre responds to the unique needs of individuals and families and offers specialized service approaches for women, youth, and seniors.  

  • Improving the Way Forward: Enhancing Services for Im/migrant Success

      Everyone’s immigration story is unique, with many im/migrants coming from war-torn and high conflict areas in search of a safe place to raise their families. In response to this reality, along with the lasting effects of the global pandemic, our focus on providing support for mental health and well-being for all families has increased…

  • Showcasing Entrepreneurship as a Viable Pathway to Economic Inclusion for Im/migrants

    Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business; it is a powerful way for individuals to integrate into their new environment while driving economic progress for the North Shore. At Impact North Shore, we are proud to shine a light on our new Welcome to Entrepreneurship: Newcomer Self-Employment Program, an initiative designed to guide im/migrants…

Our Impact: Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Through our community work, we are creating spaces for relationships to grow. We focus on building equity through interactive, community-led activities and projects that honour and elevate the voices and experiences of racialized im/migrants, ensuring that every initiative fosters meaningful connections. 

60,000+

social media interactions and engagements designed specifically to educate, empower, and raise awareness of anti-racism responses 

900+

volunteer hours donated to building inclusive and equitable communities 

700+

participated in community connection activities

400+

community partners and employers supported community engagement efforts 

75

local community service providers engaged in the North Shore Im/migrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP)  

50

community members participated in design teams and advisory councils to guide our work

Community Engagement

Strengthening the Ecosystem

Our Community Engagement team works to increase equity and belonging for im/migrants through partnership and collaboration, strengthening the ecosystem of our community. Our projects and programs explore anti-racism and decolonizing practices and foster positive relationships between residents to increase understanding and promote communities where everyone thrives. 

  • Medium shot of a mixed ethnic group of business professionals at a networking conference/meeting room in the North East of England. They are standing holding books/digital tablets smiling while discussing business together.

    The Power of Collective Action: Collaboration for Im/migrant Inclusion

    Over the course of the 2023/2024 year, we established larger community connection events held in partnership with over 50 local service providers, residents, and leaders. These events connected over 1000 im/migrants to information, resources, and opportunities in the community.  In-person events are crucial for im/migrants as they provide opportunities for direct interaction, helping to build essential…

  • Radiating Strength: Building Collective Support for Racialized Im/migrants 

    In a world where racism persists, the #STEPUpNorthShore Racism Response campaign, spearheaded by the North Shore Im/migrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP) and the North Shore Anti-Racism Network, sought to shine a light on the path toward a more inclusive and anti-racist North Shore.  14,000+ online interactions with the #STEPUPNorthShore Campaign  2200+ video views on Instagram, making…

Our Priorities

Health

We believe that a focus on holistic health (physical, emotional, and in interpersonal relationships) builds healthy individuals, families, and communities.

Learning & Innovation

We believe that by increasing our collective knowledge and wisdom, and by striving for innovation, we will find new pathways to achieving inclusion and equity for all.

Leadership

We believe that our communities need strong, wisdom-based leadership.

Sustainability

We believe that future-focused planning will build our capacity to fulfill our vision.

Priority

Health

We are committed to integrating health-promoting practices into every facet of our work. We believe that a focus on holistic health (physical, emotional, and in interpersonal relationships) builds healthy individuals, families, and communities. 

  • Group of multigenerational friends smiling in front of camera - Multiracial people of different ages having fun together - Main focus on latin mother and daughter faces

    Enhancing Mental Well-being: Expanded Mental Health Programming for Im/migrants

    In response to the increasing mental health challenges faced by im/migrants on the North Shore, we have broadened our range of culturally responsive mental health programming.  Our programs are offered to children, youth, adults, temporary and permanent residents alike and provide opportunities for im/migrants to build connections, share stories, and access resources that support their…

  • The Role of Family and Supporting Healthy Family Relationships for Im/migrants

    Our family programs are offered to families with teens, middle years, and younger children, and support connection and understanding in family relationships.  We also deliver literacy programs for families with young children, post-partum support groups for mothers, and school integration support for families with children who are going to school in Canada for the first…

Priority

Learning and Innovation

We are committed to continuous learning and innovation to find new pathways for achieving inclusion and equity for all.

Improving Services for LGBTQIA+ Im/migrants & their families

In our on-going efforts to foster a North Shore where everyone belongs, a highlight of this year was our Rainbow Research Project.  This highly successful project developed recommendations for a new service model to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families.

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Priority

Leadership

We are committed to working with the community through wisdom-based leadership.


Community Service Providers as Champions of Im/migrant Inclusion

The North Shore Service Providers’ Forum 2024, hosted by the North Shore Im/migrant Inclusion Partnership (NSIIP), a project of Impact North Shore, in February 2024 focused on the theme of, “Leveraging Collective Impact: Community Service Providers as Champions of im/migrant Inclusion“.  

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Priority

Sustainability

We are committed to growing and developing our service and operational environments and diversifying our funding base.

Building a Strong and Safe Digital Foundation for the Future

As we continue to grow and evolve at Impact North Shore, we recognize that information technology (IT) plays a critical role in ensuring our sustainability and enhancing our capacity to meet the ever-increasing demands on our services. 

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Our Organization

Impact North Shore is a for-purpose, social impact organization dedicated to creating opportunities for success for im/migrants. In the last year, we touched the lives of over 12,000 people, including im/migrants, volunteers, partners and staff, providing comprehensive and innovative services and community engagement opportunities that cater to the unique needs of im/migrants.  

We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. By responding to the needs of im/migrants, we have supported thousands in their journey to make Canada home.  Through engaging with organizations, governments, and businesses, we create an interconnected network that encourages the growth of an inclusive and barrier-free community for all.  

Vision

We envision an inclusive and equitable North Shore

Mission

We are dedicated to offering comprehensive and innovative services for newcomers and to strengthening inclusion and equity.

Values

Our values shape and guide our work. 

Diversity

We value diversity; building a community that values the diversity of all people and believing that it’s the vibrant threads of different backgrounds and experiences that enrich our community.

Respect

We uphold respect; standing firm in the belief that all people have the right to fairness, equality, and dignity.

Excellence

We strive for excellence; delivering high-quality services to im/migrants and refugees while maintaining high professional standards through listening and responding to the needs of im/migrants and refugees in our community.

Pillars of Excellence

Our pillars of excellence represent the foundational elements that allow our organization to thrive and grow. These six pillars are tenets embraced across all areas of work at Impact North Shore: 

Equity

Promoting fairness and justice in all aspects of our work

Improvement

Continuously enhancing our services and programs to meet evolving needs

Engagement

Actively involving community members, partners, and stakeholders

Innovation

Embracing new ideas and creative solutions for growth

Evaluation

Assessing impact and outcomes to inform decisions and improve practices

Information

Providing accurate, relevant, and timely information to inform im/migrants and newcomers

Financials & Acknowledgements

These figures illustrate the depth and breadth of our impact.

They reflect how our resources and initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the community, ensuring that our roots remain strong, and our efforts continue to reach new heights.  

Impact by the numbers

12,000+

Lives were touched by Impact North Shore in 2023-2024

10,300+

im/migrants accessed services and programs

8,800+

im/migrants accessed Settlement Services 

3,100+

im/migrants accessed Employment Services 

700+

individuals participated in community connections activities

400+

community partners and employers worked with us

Acknowledgements

It is through generous partnerships and commitment from the following individuals and organizations, in addition to staff and volunteer efforts, that make the work of Impact North Shore possible.

  • Yang Wang, Chair
  • Laurence Wang, Vice Chair & Treasurer
  • David Walker, Secretary
  • Joan Coert, Director
  • Zubin Daruwala, Director
  • Amanda Liang, Director
  • Betsy Gibbons, Director
  • Raheil Moradi, Director
  • Raji Sohal, Director Director

Federal

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • Department of Canadian Heritage
  • Employment and Social Development Canada

Provincial

  • Ministry of Attorney General, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch
  • Ministry of Children and Family Development
  • Ministry of Municipal Affairs
  • Ministry Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • United Way British Columbia | Lower Mainland

Municipal

  • City of North Vancouver 
  • District of North Vancouver 
  • District of West Vancouver
  • AMSSA
  • BC Epilepsy Society
  • BC Federation of Labour
  • BC Housing
  • Canadian Mental Health Association
  • Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge
  • Capilano Community Services Society
  • Capilano University
  • City of North Vancouver
  • DECODA 
  • District of North Vancouver
  • District of West Vancouver
  • Enhance West Van
  • Families in Need Society
  • Family Services of the North Shore
  • Harvest Project
  • Hollyburn Family Services
  • Immigrant Employment Council of BC
  • Immigrant Services Society of BC
  • Labour Law Rights Office
  • Legal Aid BC
  • Lighthouse Park Preservation Society
  • Maplewood Flats
  • Migrant Worker Centre
  • MONOVA: Museum & Archives of North Vancouver
  • MOSAIC
  • North Shore Black Bear Society
  • North Shore Community Resources Society
  • North Shore Emergency Management
  • North Shore Neighbourhood House
  • North Shore Restorative Justice Society
  • North Shore Women’s Centre
  • North Van Arts
  • North Vancouver Chamber
  • North Vancouver City Fire Department
  • North Vancouver City Library
  • North Vancouver District Public Library
  • North Vancouver Foundation
  • North Vancouver RCMP
  • North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission
  • North Vancouver School District
  • Options Community Services
  • Parkgate Community Services Society
  • Parks Canada
  • Polygon Gallery
  • Presentation House Theatre
  • Pride @ Work Canada
  • Providence Health Care
  • Rainbow Refugee
  • Reconciliation Canada
  • SALAL
  • Seymour Art Gallery
  • Shelter to Home
  • Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre
  • Skilled Immigrant Info Centre
  • S.U.C.C.E.S.S
  • Squamish First Nation
  • Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre
  • St. Andrews United Church
  • Tenant Resources Advisory Centre
  • The Foundry
  • Translink
  • Vancity
  • Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture
  • Vancouver Coastal Health
  • Vancouver Community College
  • Vancouver Public Library
  • Village of Lion’s Bay
  • West Vancouver Art Museum
  • West Vancouver Community Arts Council
  • West Vancouver Community Foundations
  • West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services
  • West Vancouver Foundation
  • West Vancouver Memorial Library
  • West Vancouver Police Department
  • West Vancouver School District
  • West Vancouver Youth Hub
  • Westside Senior’s Hub
  • YMCA Employment Services
  • YWCA Employment Services