Impact Report 2023/24

Helping Newcomers Get Started

Arriving in Canada is just the first step in a journey to having a sense of belonging in a new country, and a new community. At ICA, we know that starting over can be hard and we are here to help. Our staff and programs work to support the newcomer journey from finding housing and learning English to nurturing mental health and building a sense of safety.

Download the PDF version                                       Testimonies

WHAT SETS ICA APART

Let’s delve into what makes ICA stand out and why your support is so vital. Over the past 53 years, we’ve proudly assisted refugees and immigrants as they embarked on starting new lives in Greater Victoria. But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our longevity; it’s our unwavering commitment to holistic support. We understand that resettlement is complex, which is why we provide innovative solutions to the challenges our clients face.

But we couldn’t do this alone. Our extensive network of community partnerships, with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, volunteers, and donors, plays a crucial role in our success. These connections, built over decades of collective work, enable us to offer a comprehensive range of support services, bringing people together to find solutions to the complex needs our clients have. It’s your support that helps us strengthen and expand these essential partnerships and programs, ensuring that we can continue making a difference in the lives of newcomers.

The journey newcomers take when they arrive in Canada is not easy and comes with many challenges. Learning a new language, finding housing, navigating a new healthcare system or finding work can all be hard. This is why ICA’s support is so important. When we work together with our volunteers, donors and community partners we can help smooth the journey to building rewarding new lives in Greater Victoria.

Language

ICA’s free English Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a vital bridge to opening the doors to employment, developing community connections, accessing services and
deepening a sense of belonging. Daycare is provided for language students.

• 715 Language students
• 4% increase over previous year
• 152 language students progressed to the next level

Employment

Our specialized employment services build on the assets and experience that newcomers bring, helping them be workplace ready in the Canadian job market to help newcomers find meaningful employment and furthering their career goals.

• 47% clients are unemployed at intake
• 115 clients found employment

Learning & Connections

From providing youth and family services, supporting family transitions into a new school system, learning new skills and developing a sense of belonging in the community, ICA’s programs make a real difference in what can otherwise be a challenging and isolating time for newcomers.

• 28% of clients are 24 years or under
• 1200 workshops

Working Towards Success

Throughout ICA’s 53-year history, it has always been more than only a settlement services agency. We have worked together with the community through arts programing, equity training and education, community research for social change that develops safer, more inclusive and equitable workplaces, social policies and access to services. ICA helps ensure that immigrants have a strong sense of belonging, worth, identity and are valued, contributing members of society.

WHERE WE ARE GOING

Looking ahead, we see endless possibilities for growth and positive impact. As the needs of our clients evolve, so do our services. That’s why we’re expanding our reach with a new location in the West Shore, making our services more accessible to newcomers who are building new lives settling in that area. With your support we will fulfill our vision to meet the increasingly complex demands for our clients, adding clinical counselling services and ensuring that no newcomer is left behind.

But our commitment doesn’t end there. We’re also embracing technology to offer online and virtual options, reducing barriers for clients accessing our services. Investing in the latest technology ensures that our services remain innovative and effective.

In the coming year, ICA will:

• Open a Westshore Office
• Expand services to 700 more clients (through BC Newcomer Services Program, BCNSP)
• Offer In-House Clinical Counselling Services
• Enhance online learning opportunities for clients