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 over the last year. We have observed a growing need for trauma-informed support, English language learning, specialized employment services as well as financial and legal aid.
In response to these evolving needs, Impact North Shore expanded programs and services to offer customized support and information for im/migrants. In the last year, we have expanded our service offerings in the following ways:
- Increased trauma-informed support for vulnerable families. Over the last year, we have assisted families with multiple barriers to settlement with case management support to address financial, housing, health, and family challenges. A new outreach worker position also ensures we are reaching im/migrants in need who are not yet connected with services.
- Increased investments into our employment services have ensured that we are meeting the needs of walk-in clients who are seeking employment support. We have started a new program for entrepreneurs to assess the viability of self-employment in Canada and increased our programming to support professional im/migrants find employment pathways to their pre-arrival professional fields.
- Increased Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) programming to address the expanding needs in our school districts. This year saw an 87% increase of im/migrant youth and parents accessing support to integrate into the Canadian education system.
- Increased English language learning opportunities offered including formal Language Instructor for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes and informal language programs like conversation circles.
Over the last year, im/migrants to the North Shore have been utilizing services at high levels across all Im/migrant Service Centre services and programs. During this period, we have experienced an overall increase of 45% in the number of im/migrants accessing services compared to the previous fiscal year. Surveys, focus groups, consultation with community, and review of evolving service needs and trends allow us to continually adapt our service offerings in accordance with the changing needs of im/migrants living and working in our communities.
