Immigrant and Refugee Services Association Prince Edward Island

Microloans for newcomers to Canada to help cover the cost associated with having their international education/credentials recognized so that they can work in their field or related field and enhance their skills and education in a related field.

Newcomers are paired with an individual who is an established resident in the community so they can spend time together. Volunteers and clients may be single, couples or families. Matches are made based on similar interests, location and other factors. The program helps newcomers:

Provides guidance and support to refugees within their first 12 weeks of arrival. Topics vary depending on the needs of clients but may include hygiene, apartment living, parenting norms in Canada, or public transportation. Workshops are also offered that are open to all newcomers regardless of immi...

Individuals preparing for the citizenship test attend four classes to cover material in the "Discover Canada" citizenship booklet produced by the Government of Canada. Sample tests, study aids and other resources are also included during the classes.

Volunteers help adult newcomers practice English.

Employment counsellors help newcomers to Canada prepare for job searching in PEI by sharing information about the Canadian job market and opportunities, identifying educational options, and explaining how to become licensed in a specific profession. Includes:

Workshops are offered to newcomers on topics about employment and job seeking. Includes:

Provides an online directory with contact information for a wide variety of ethno-cultural organizations in PEI. The contact information included in the directory is considered reliable but is not guaranteed.

A counsellor works with families, children, and youth to help newcomers deal with challenges of adapting to life in Canada. The counsellor can help with pre-existing or new concerns and help with problem solving and working towards goals and personal skills.

Staff help new immigrant families with school-aged children to figure out children's needs and requirements for school-related matters. Includes:

Provides outdoor activities for newcomers who want to explore get to know PEI.

Connects newcomers to Canada with settled resident volunteers who wish to invite newcomers into their home for the holiday season so they can experience Canadian holiday traditions by sharing a meal, seasonal activity or party invitation together. Typically individuals and their hosts get together e...

Intake Workers help newcomers by determining eligibility for services, conducting a needs assessment, and developing a settlement plan for each eligible client. Services include:

Provides interpretation services for in the following areas:

Group brings together newcomer men and males who are established in the community to build relationships, socialize and participate in activities. Activities take place roughly once every three months and vary based on the interests of the current members. Examples of past events include:

Settlement Workers help new immigrants to Canada though orientation, translation, interpretation, referrals to community resources, para-professional counselling, and general information. Specific areas of assistance may include but are not limited to:

Provides an opportunity for immigrant women to be social, make friends, practice language skills, and learn more about Canadian culture and other cultures. Group is hosted by female IRSA staff and volunteers, and activities are held from once per month (summer) to one or more times per week during m...

Provides information for newcomers to Canada on various topics including:

Provides support and education to newcomers about parenting in Canada. Organized parenting groups and workshops are offered to cover topics such as:

Provides temporary accommodations, an initial assessment and the delivery of orientation and information needed in order to begin the resettlement process, as well as linkage to other existing programs and services.

Support groups, summer programs, activities, and workshops provide information sharing and socialization to help immigrant youth learn and meet others.

Provides an opportunity for newcomer youth to learn life skills, practice their English, learn about Canadian social norms, and learn more about Canada. Activities include:

Provides translation of foreign driver's licences and employment-related documents.

Helps low-income clients apply for external funding to allow children and youth to participate in sports programs in PEI. Also offers a program to loan equipment needed for some organized sports.