This October the Immigrant Welcome Centre of the Comox Valley opened its doors to provide services to immigrant newcomers in the community.
The diversity of this area continues to grow and meeting the needs of newcomers is an important component to building a rich community. “Often we assist newcomers with the basic needs when settling in a new community,” says executive director Rachel Blaney. “This can include simple issues like getting your drivers license, to more complex issues like finding a translator to assist with a visit to the doctor.”
This non-profit society offers services for individuals and their families, who are new to Canada, to help them settle into our community. Settlement workers are available to assist in finding housing, linking immigrants to employment services and multiple orientations to our community.
Settlement workers also assist with other issues such as: the immigration process, citizenship classes and language services. Immigrant clients have a variety of needs and helping them settle, integrate and become a part of the community is the mandate of the organization.
The centre is at the corner of 10th Street and Lewis Avenue, above the Puntledge Veterinarian Clinic. Call 250-338-6359, e-mail admin@ImmigrantWelcome.ca or drop in.
— Immigrant Welcome Centre of the Comox Valley