Settlement Services

Settlement and Integration Program- a Canadian model of settlement and integration which aims to enable newcomers such as newly arrived immigrants, refugees, new Canadians and live-in caregivers to adapt, settle and integrate into Canadian society socially, economically as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Services include:

• Needs Assessment
• Referrals
• Information and Orientation (one-on-one and group sessions)
• Community Connection Activities for Youth and Seniors

Settlement services are provided in Filipino, Bangla and English.

The Settlements Services Program helps newcomers get started in their new surroundings in British Columbia and successfully integrate into Canadian Society.

Service Offerings

Newcomer Orientation and Information

Get started on the right track.  Learn about the basics of settling in Canada.  This service provides clients with help in:

• Finding housing
• Transportation
• School information for children
• Tax information and benefits
• Learning how to find employment
• Childcare resources and child tax benefits
• Citizenship and immigration

Form Filling Assistance
Settling in Canada will require registration with various agencies.  This will entail filling a variety of forms which will be filed with the concerned institutions.  The MHHS Newcomer Resource Centre Settlement Services team members provide assistance in explaining the rationale for each form and how to properly accomplish these.  Come over to the MHHS Newcomer Resource Centre office, and speak to our Settlements Services counselors to help you in filling-up forms for your:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• MSP/Premium Assistance
• Canada Child Tax Benefits (CCTB)
• BC Housing/Rental Assistance Program
• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Childcare subsidy
• Immigration applications
• GST/HST Credit application

Adjustment and Social Support
One of the challenges faced by newcomers is adapting to Canadian culture.  Homesickness, coping with a new environment, dealing with community members from different ethnicities are just some of the hurdles new immigrants face as they adjust to their new life in Canada.  MHHS Newcomer Resource Centre provides support services to clients such as:

• Cross-cultural orientation
• Family adjustment issues
• Significant life changes

Life Skills Workshops
Be armed with the basic tools and help ease your adjustment into the community.  The MHHS Newcomer Resource Centre Life Skills Workshops provides information that eases the integration of newcomers.  Workshop topics include:

• Community resources
• Employment Standards and Labour Code
• Immigration process and options
• Legal rights
• Parenting
• Values and self-esteem
• English communication skills
• Basic computer courses
• Preparing for citizenship

Other Programs and Services

• Employment service centre
• Social mentoring or job mentoring
• Tax Clinic
• Legal advice
• Youth Program
• Seniors Program
• Respite Housing

Staff Directory

Shahana Akter Officer-Bangla/English speaking	shahanaa@helpinghouse.org 604.879.3277 ext. 226
Maylinne Deocareza Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking	maylinned@helpinghouse.org 604.879.3277 ext. 228
Avelina Dioces Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking	avelinad@helpinghouse.org 604.879.3277 ext. 227
Bessie Pinon Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking	bessiep@helpinghouse.org 604.879.3277 ext. 223