ICA Stories
So many rich and wonderful stories come from our work to welcome and support newcomers, work alongside community, and to offer programs that help to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive place to call home.
Here we publish the stories that reflect the wonderful accomplishments, the struggles, and the contributions of those who have come to our community from afar, and those who have been here all along, working to make the Capital Region a great place to call home for everyone.
Please visit regularly to see new, informative and inspiring stories.
Journey to Home
Latif’s happy childhood turned into a fight for survival when a bomb injured his father in Syria, and his family had to leave their home and travel to Turkey, in search of safety and medical care. Luckily, through the UN's expedited refugee process, Latif and his family finally found a new beginning in Canada, arriving as Government- Assisted Refugees.
Friendship makes home
Helen and Sherilyn first met at ICA through the English Pronunciation Practice workshop over the summer of 2023. Connecting over their experiences of growing up in and immigrating from the Philippines, they became friends quickly and started to keep in touch by texting and meting up outside of ICA.
Feeling At Home in Victoria
Bob first landed in Edmonton in 2013 while Lathika took care of their children back home. Through Bob's work on cruise ships before moving in Canada, he had the chance to visit Victoria and believed it would be the best place to raise their two children.
Ghfran's Story
I came to Victoria in 2018 from Turkey with my three children while my husband, who was in Germany arrived here in 2019. We were separated for almost 4 years after we fled Syria due to the civil war there. I arrived in Canada thanks to my wonderful sponsors who welcomed me, provided support, and showed us beautiful places.
Giving Back Starts At Any Age
When Callie and Karina Allen (ages 8 and 10) and Lillia White (age 10) learned about the Ukraine war at school, they wanted to help.