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Settlement Services are provided at VIRCS'
Aaron Gordon Settlement Centre, located on the third floor (#303) of 531
Yates Street. Well-qualified workers provide settlement and adjustment
services to immigrants and refugees in the Greater Victoria area.
The services are client-driven and aim to enable clients to become
independent and contributing members of the community. The services
are provided in strict confidentiality and with great sensitivity
to the immigrant and refugee experience.
The settlement workers assist with emergency needs, housing, education, health
care, refugee, immigration and citizenship procedures, legal issues, day care,
transportation and travel, finance and benefits, and the many stresses refugeeism
and migration put on individuals and families. They provide assessment, orientation
and information, referrals, adjustment support, and service linking and bridging
including accompaniment and occasionally home visits.
Services are provided mostly on an individual or family basis. Regular group
workshops are held to provide information on family class sponsorship. A community
kitchen is being organized to help parents provide affordable balanced meals
for their families. Some advanced adjustment support services are provided in
group format depending on need.
A separate project coordinated by our settlement workers is Project ENABLE, offering
supports to immigrant and refugee students in primary and secondary schools in
Victoria. Group adjustment support, homework clubs and a weekly recreational
evening provide opportunities for newcomer children and youth to overcome social
and academic barriers.
The Settlement Programme is funded by the BC Ministry for Community, Aboriginal
and Women’s Services
View Volunteer Opportunity as a Settlement Volunteer
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