[ Browse by Service Category : Individual and Family Support Services : Sub-Topics of Cultural Transition Facilitation (47) ]
Immigrant/Newcomer Accompaniment Programs
Programs that accompany people who are new to the country and may face language and other cultural barriers when establishing themselves, particularly during the first months of following arrival. Escorts are generally volunteers with a shared ethnocultural background who provide assistance in key areas such as housing, employment and education as well as help with other necessities of daily living such as understanding the local public transit system, opening a bank account and learning the location of stores that sell familiar items.
Immigrant Mutual Assistance Associations
Programs developed and staffed by former refugees and immigrants that help newly arrived people from their previous country or region of residence begin a new life in Canada. Mutual assistance associations address the unique cultural needs of the specific immigrant/refugee population they serve and provide a variety of services including cultural adjustment support, English or French language instruction, interpretation/translation services, housing and employment assistance, transportation, clothing and furniture, as needed, small business development assistance and help in accessing other social services.
Newcomer Settlement Services
Programs that help newly arrived immigrant and refugee individuals or families make the adjustment to their new home and community. Services may include reception upon arrival; provision of a "welcome kit" of immediate necessities and information; collection and provision of household goods; cultural orientation and ESL or FSL classes; and assistance in locating housing and employment, using public transportation and identifying other needed services.
Pre-Arrival Settlement Services
Online programs that help those approved to live permanently in Canada feel informed and prepared before arrival. Services may include interactive e-learning courses, webinars, videos, information sessions, community forums and resource links. Programs specific to trained professionals may also offer individualized employment acceleration, Canadian job sector information and trends, live chat, and matching with established mentors in the same occupation and province/territory.
The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.
