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Immigrant and Refugee Services Association Prince Edward Island

AKA: IRSA; IRSAPEI; PEIANC (former name); PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (former name) ; Immigrant & Refugee Services Association

Organization Description
List of Services

Provides a variety of services to help newcomers from other countries settle in Epekwitk / PEI in the areas of employment, housing, language, emotional support, and culture.

49 Water Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A3
Coverage Area: Epekwitk / Prince Edward Island
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
September to June: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
July to August: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
General Inquiries
902-628-6009
English * French * Other languages available on request
www.irsapei.ca
info@irsapei.ca

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Immigration Youth - Summer Program

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:

Art instruction
Environmental studies
Physical activities
Field trips
Overnight camp experience for teens

Enrollment preference is given to refugees and newly arrived student clients.

Immigration Youth - Youth Settlement Services

Provides a variety of programs and activities for newcomer school-aged children. Includes:

Social and educational workshops: Activities and information sessions exploring age-specific themes that create an educational and inclusive space for immigrant students to meet, learn and have fun
Boys Council: A support group for male immigrant students to share their needs and issues while working on skill-building including community involvement, overnight retreat and workshops
Girls Circle: A support group for female immigrant students ages 9-18 years to foster self-esteem and social connection while participating structures sessions
Summer program: Learn Canadian life skills while participating activities such as art instruction, outings to educational venues including overnight camping
Youth sport assistance: Helps income eligible newcomer families apply available funding for youth to participate in sports. (Example: Kidsport PEI)
Additional programs: Occasional opportunities may be available in partnership with other community organizations

Immigrations Youth - Youth Sport Assistance Program

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.

Language Programs - EAL Volunteer Tutoring Program

Free English tutoring service is provided in partnership with the public library service across Epekwitk / PEI. Volunteers help adult newcomers practice English. School-aged children have access to EAL tutoring within the school system.

Language Programs - Interpretation Services

Provides interpretation services for in the following areas:

Initial intake at IRSA
Completion of applications for essential documents and services (SIN, PEI Health Cards, Canada Revenue Agency forms, etc.)
Medical, vision and dental appointments
School registration
New student client intake process
Parent/teacher interviews

Language Programs - Translation Services

Provides translation services. Includes:

Foreign driver's licence
Employment-related documents and more

Translation of any document other than a driver's licence is provided at a flat rate of 20 cents per word.

Newcomer Seniors' Social Integration Program

Provides social integration for older immigrants through connecting them with older Canadians where both groups participate in workshops, classes, and activities. Social bonds are formed, cultural knowledge exchanged, and an opportunity for newcomers to practice language in a safe and supportive environment. Examples of past sessions include:

Dancing
Cooking
Rug hooking
Visual arts
Story telling
Financial literacy
Stress management techniques
Photography

Settlement Services - Canadian Life Skills Program

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 immigration status or length of time in PEI.

Settlement Services - Citizenship Test Preparation Classes

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.

The course is generally held at IRSA's main office in Charlottetown but special arrangements can be made to offer classes to groups of clients elsewhere in PEI if requested.

Settlement Services - Counselling Support Services

Counselling support workers 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.

Counselling supports are given at IRSA offices or at client's home, through individual interventions or the coordination of small support group sessions.

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We acknowledge that the land on which we learn, live and work is the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people of Epekwitk, represented by the Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation.