O
ver the past year, amid continued changes in the immigration landscape, ISSofBC has remained focused on welcoming newcomers and supporting them to build a strong sense of belonging in their new communities. The stories shared here reflect our clients’ journeys and the critical role we play as a first point of connection in Canada. Our support has even inspired some to pursue careers in the settlement sector, ensuring that other newcomers are equally empowered and heard.
Moving Ahead Program (MAP)
A 35-year-old single mother of three from Afghanistan came to Canada seeking safety after escaping an abusive family situation. Determined to rebuild, she moved into a shelter and was referred to the MAP, where she urgently needed help finding housing, enrolling her children in school, and accessing language and driving resources.
With the support of her case manager, she created a tailored settlement plan. “It was the first time I felt like someone was really listening to what I needed,” she shared. She soon secured housing, started English classes, enrolled her children in school, and began studying to become an educational assistant.
She also passed her driving tests, obtained IDs for herself and her children, and regained the independence she had long been denied. Today, she is pursuing a diploma and working toward returning to the classroom as a teacher. Her journey from crisis to confidence shows the life-changing impact of accessible, compassionate settlement support—and the strength of a mother determined to build a better future.
Settlement (GAR) program
A 30-year-old former journalist from Iran became a Permanent Resident (PR) in September 2023 through the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) program. Fleeing political repression and threats to his safety, he arrived in BC seeking a new beginning. He and his common-law partner received early settlement support at the ISSofBC Welcome Centre, and later through the Coquitlam office after moving to Tri-Cities.
“ISSofBC is my first home in Canada” he said. “It provided excellent support, and now I want to work in this field to give back what I received.”
Back in Iran, he had been a passionate advocate for freedom of speech. Here, with help from ISSofBC’s Settlement and Employment programs, he is working to re-establish his career in journalism. Alongside his partner, he’s building a life rooted in stability, purpose, and community. His dream is not only to write again, but to help other newcomers find their voice, just as he did.
LINC student in Maple Ridge
A LINC Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 student reflects on the impact of community learning: “Last year, I joined projects that helped me use English in real life—like the Library Champions Project—where I shared local resources with other newcomers, and the Vancouver Writers Fest workshop, where I wrote about home and identity.”
In Summer 2024, while volunteering at a marketing event in Pemberton, the student met a Peruvian woman interested in starting a catering business. “Language was holding her back. We talked, and she enrolled in LINC the same day.” By September, she was thriving in CLB 6 Online, despite her demanding chef job.
Her growing confidence inspired her husband to join LINC as well. By December, he had joined CLB 7 Online. “Their progress has been incredible,” the student noted. While the catering business is still in planning, the couple’s improved communication has brought them closer to their goal. “They’re not just learning English—they’re building a life.”
From Lost to Employed:
A Career Restart.
Jing Li, 28, came to Canada in 2023 with a diploma in Community Development and years of experience in medical aesthetics in Shanghai. But, despite her strong background, she struggled to find a job. “I didn’t know how to write a Canadian-style resume or express my skills in English,” she explained.
This changed when she joined our B-Hired program. Through the program, Jing received support with job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation. “They even introduced me to job websites I hadn’t heard of,” she recalled.
With new confidence and tools, Jing landed a healthcare-related job in September 2024. “I finally learned how to present my experience in a way Canadian employers understood.” Today, she feels empowered and more prepared to grow her career in Canada.
From College Instructor to Specialist:
A Career Reinvented.
With a master’s degree and experience as a college instructor, this newcomer expected a smooth transition to working in Canada. But her credentials weren’t recognized, and the pandemic deepened the uncertainty. “I felt stuck,” she said. That’s when she turned to the Global Talent Loans program.
With the support of her employment counsellor, Lin Meng, she enrolled in an education assistant program and began working in special education. But, as a single mother, the pay wasn’t enough. “During a follow-up session, I discovered Vocational Rehabilitation—and it clicked.”
She enrolled in the program at Simon Fraser University (SFU), passed her College of Vocational Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) exam, and now works at Lifemark Health Group supporting veterans. “The financial support and guidance changed everything. Now I have a job I love and stability for my family.”
Workshops That Change Lives
After arriving in Canada in August 2024, this newcomer struggled to find reliable information about employment or education opportunities. “Everything felt uncertain,” she recalled. At a newcomers’ fair, she discovered ISSofBC and joined its employment and life adaptation workshops.
“I found trustworthy information and support,” she said. The workshops covered job market insights, resume writing, interviews, and confidence-building exercises. “We learned to know ourselves better and be assertive in our job search.”
Just one month later, she landed a job as an administrative assistant. Six months in, she’s thriving. “I feel confident and valued at work. These workshops didn’t just help me find a job—they helped me believe in myself again.”
A Supportive Learning Community
Daisy, a student from the Philippines in the Digital Marketing and Office Administration Co-op program at LCC, found more than education, she found connection. “What I truly appreciate about LCC is its hands-on, supportive environment,” she said. “The small classes help us interact with teachers, and they know us by name.”
The Co-op term gave her valuable work experience, and the supportive community helped her grow professionally and personally. “It’s a place where you’re not just another student, you’re really part of something.”
A Full-Circle Moment in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
“I gained the skills and confidence to begin teaching in Canada after completing my TESOL diploma at LCC,” said Hamid Moayedi from Iran. After graduating, Hamid not only found a job, but returned to teach English at that same school.
“The program opened doors I didn’t think were possible,” he reflected. “Coming back as an instructor was a full-circle moment I’m truly proud of.”