We value settlement services which are inclusive, respectful, and empower immigrants and refugees to participate fully in Canadian society.

The ICA Settlement Program provides services to immigrants, refugees and refugee claimants residing in the Capital Region. We offer services on an individual, family and group basis. Settlement workers provide services in English, French, Cantonese, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish, Persian, Arabic, Punjabi, Dari, Vietnamese, Swahili, German, Korean, Russian, Nuer, Ukranian, Dinka, Kinyarwanda and Urdu. We can also arrange interpretation and translation services in many other languages. Settlement workers bridge the gap between mainstream services and the immigrant and refugee newcomers in our service area.

Information and referral is available for English classes, housing, school for newcomer children, and other community services. ICA workers support families as they make the adjustment to life in Canada.

• Health & Health Care Information
• Human Rights
• Housing
• Education, Upgrading & Training
• Canadian Law
• Income Tax
• Child Care & Family Concerns
• Social Benefits
• Labour Market Information
• Citizenship, Immigration & Refugee Protection
• Community Skills & Resources
• Dealing with Isolation and Culture Shock

There are support groups for immigrant women, immigrant seniors and multicultural youth.

For more information please contact:

Gaylene Turner
Settlement Services Coordinator
(250) 388-4728 ext.113

Classes

Parenting Classes
Thursdays, 9 - 11am / March 29 - May 3, 2012
Are you a parent of a TWEEN (ages 7 - 12?) Come to my Tween and Me, a free parenting program, and learn how to build lasting connections with your child. Includes 6 weeks of information and sharing in a safe and supportive place. For more information or to register, please contact Ruth Miranda, ICA Settlement Worker, at 250 388 4728 ext. 109 or rmiranda@icavictoria.org. 

Prenatal Classes for Immigrant Expectant Mothers
Fridays, 9.30 - 11.30am / March 16 - April 13, 2012
Classes giving information for expecting and new immigrant mothers about what to expect during pregnancy, labour and after birth. Topics covered include how a woman’s body changes during pregnancy, proper maternal diet, exercises, fetal development, and what to expect during labour. Interpreters are provided for the sessions and a tour of a hospital will be included. Free, by registration only. For more information or to register, please contact Lien Tran, ICA Settlement Worker, at 250-388-4728 ext. 110 or ltran@icavictoria.org.

Baby Talk Classes
Fridays, 10.00 - 11.30am
The next Baby Talk classes for immigrant parents and their babies one year and under will run soon, every Friday morning for five weeks. Topics include: feeding your baby, dental care, car seat safety, immunizations and parenting information and much more. For more information or to register, please contact Lien Tran, ICA Settlement Worker, at 250-388-4728 ext. 110 or ltran@icavictoria.org.

Ready to Rent Classes
Mondays, 9.30 - 11.30am / January 30 - March 5, 2012
A free 6-week program for immigrant newcomers who are interested in learning about rental housing in Victoria. You can expect to learn about: tenant rights and responsibilities; individual housing needs and wants' housing budgets; Credit, banking and finance; completing a rental application; communication skills; and, tenancy agreements. For more information or to register, please contact Fanny He, ICA Settlement Worker, at 250 388 4728 ext. 132 or fannyhe@icavictoria.org.

Foodsafe Classes
Friday, February 17, 2012 / 9 - 4pm
Looking for work? Many places require Foodsafe training, such as hotels, restaurants and some volunteer jobs. This class is for youth clients with a minimum level 3 English and is offered at a lower rate of $30 per person (regular $60). The price includes a $10 registration fee, not refunded if cancelled. Please bring your own lunch and snacks. Space is limited - priority given to youth, though adults can register after February 6. For more information or to register, please contact William Goldiet, ICA Settlement Worker at 250 388 4728 ext. 108 or wgoldiet@icavictoria.org or ICA Reception at ext. 0.

Citizenship Classes
ICA Citizenship classes are designed to help applicants prepare for the Citizenship Test. The sessions cover such topics as the Rights and Responsibilities of Canadians, Canadian history and geography, government, politics, economy, and society. Translation services may be available upon request for those who will be instructed to attend a hearing. Fee $15 / person or $25 / family, pre-registration required. Please contact ICA to register at 388-4728 ext 0.

Other Services

Free Legal Clinic
Thursdays 12:00 – 2:00pm, by appointment only.
Call ICA Reception for more information at 250-388-4728 ext. 0