AMSSA is a provincial association that strengthens its member agencies and stakeholders, who serve newcomers and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources and support they need to fulfill their mandates.
ACS provides Counselling, Employment support and some Basic settlement services in Abbotsford.
As part of The Salvation Army, we exist to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. At Belkin Communities of Hope, we are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus through our Core Values of Hope, Service, Dignity, and Stewardship.
Since 1971, Burnaby Family Life has been offering quality community social services in Burnaby and in neighbouring communities.
Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a community driven and community funded agency with a unique focus on neighbours supporting neighbours.
Since 1992, CANN has provided services to over 750,000 newcomers arriving in Canada through the Vancouver International Airport. CANN also began providing services to government-assisted and privately-sponsored refugees in 1997. The program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and its services are provided by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a major settlement and community services organization with over 20 locations in British Columbia and overseas.
Collège Éducacentre is the only francophone college in British Columbia. It offers a wide variety of courses and college programs tailored to the needs of the job market . All courses and programs are offered remotely and only in French!
Covenant House works with Vancouver’s homeless and at-risk street youth. It helps young people aged 16 to 24 who have fled physical, emotional and sexual abuse; those who have been forced from their homes; and those who have aged out of foster care.
DIVERSEcity exists to “To inspire belonging in a strong integrated community by empowering newcomers to Canada.”
Edelmann and Company is a progressive law firm located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood. Edelmann represents individuals at all stages of immigration, refugee and citizenship processes, assisting to acquire or retain status in Canada.
First Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic church community that provides helps and support for refugee claimants in Vancouver.
As part of The Salvation Army, we exist to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. At Illuminate, we boldly disrupt the cycles of human trafficking by illuminating public awareness through education, providing relentless intervention strategies, creating safe spaces for Survivors to heal, and establishing networks that build back extraordinary lives for those affected in Canada. We defend and uphold the freedom and intrinsic value of all human beings to end human trafficking and transform our world.
Impact North Shore is a for-purpose, social impact organization with locations in North and West Vancouver. We are a registered charity providing services for newcomers and inclusive community building. We believe everyone thrives in strong communities and that all people have the right to fairness, equality, and dignity. We believe in the strength and capacity of newcomers to thrive and succeed and we are dedicated to creating links for meaningful connections.
Inasmuch Community Society provides transition housing, settlement services, customized employment counseling and basic living support in the first six to eight months following an asylum seeker’s arrival in BC. Its purpose is to create a family, a home and a supportive community for refugee claimants.
The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) helps individuals and organizations to connect across cultures. It provides information, support and tools to help immigrants and refugees reach their goals. By engaging people through networks, education, employment, and arts programming they create a welcoming community.
The SOS Settlement Team provides first language support with all aspects of the refugee claim process as well as general settlement services for refugee claimants.
Journey Home Community Association was created in of 2005 to assist newly arriving refugee claimant families with essential resources such as transitional housing, food and clothing if necessary, and relational support.
Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a refugee led non-profit organization. Founded in 2016, we focus on the economic empowerment of newly settled refugees in Canada by connecting them to meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Jumpstart began as an organization focused on supporting Syrian newcomers and has since grown to encompass refugees from all backgrounds within its scope. Jumpstart is the only national organization exclusively serving refugees seeking meaningful employment.
Kinbrace, is a Vancouver-based non-profit charity, that assists people arriving in Canada seeking refugee protection. It facilitates transition by providing help with housing, integration, well-being, and access to refugee protection.
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House is a grassroots, multi-service community agency that has been providing a broad range of free or low cost social services and programs to children, youth, adults, seniors and families in East Vancouver for 60 years.
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House on Main Street in Vancouver exists to connect, engage and empower community members to create a vibrant, inclusive and caring neighbourhood.
La coopérative d’immigration francophone de la Colombie-Britannique Le Relais, travaille pour faciliter votre établissement et votre intégration au Canada en vous accompagnant dans les différentes étapes de votre installation (emploi, logement, taches administratives…). Nous jouons aussi un rôle actif afin de sensibiliser et mobiliser l’ensemble de la communauté pour qu’elle soutienne l’immigration francophone en C.-B.
The MCC Newcomers Food Bank is attached to Sherbrooke Mennonite Church in Vancouver. You can find out more by clicking the link below
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs takes leadership in supporting local governments and residents to build vibrant and healthy communities that are well governed, liveable, safe, economically resilient, and socially and environmentally responsible.
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction focuses on providing British Columbians in need with a system of supports to help them achieve their social and economic potential.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House has been connecting, celebrating, engaging and developing leaders for more than four decades—since 1976.
MOSAIC is a multilingual, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees with their settlement and integration needs. Through a variety of programs and services, MOSAIC helps its clients participate fully in Canadian society. Since its inception over 40 years ago, MOSAIC has become one of Canada’s largest immigrant-serving organizations.
Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society (“MFBCS”) is a non-profit, charitable organization. Its goal is to support its clients become self-sufficient, dignified members of Canadian society by assisting with immediate needs for food through its Food Bank operations and providing a holistic range of support services through its ASPIRE Community Services and Youth Support programs.
New Hope Community Services Society provides transition housing and housing support to refugee claimants.
Options Community Services is a non-profit society and registered charity dedicated to making a difference. They are committed to empowering individuals, supporting families and promoting community health through a wide variety of programs.
PICS Society provides a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs and Housing Services. Our services assist new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women and youth.
Since 1975, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) has been helping immigrant and refugee women integrate and grow into Canadian society.
We are a caring community dedicated to creating learning programs that are responsive to our participants’ unique needs.
QMUNITY values and celebrates the lives of queer people, and is committed to creating inclusive spaces and programming. QMUNITY supports a person’s right to self-define their own sexual and gender identity, gender beliefs, gender pronouns and gender expression; and to have their personal boundaries respected.
QMUNITY provides information and Referrals, Peer Support Groups, and/or counseling for refugee claimants.
Founded in 2000, Rainbow Refugee is a Vancouver based community group that supports people seeking refugee protection in Canada because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression (SOGIE) or HIV status.
REACH Community Health Centre is a community-governed organization that believes that good health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. We provide innovative, high-quality primary health and dental care, and social and educational services to support the physical and mental health and well-being of our community and the individuals within it.
Roots Community Health Centre provides person-centered, longitudinal care to vulnerable newcomers through an interdisciplinary, culturally safe team of family practice clinicians, specialists, allied health, social service professionals, and patient medical home attachment services.
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) is a community-based organization that focuses on connecting people and strengthening the neighbourhoods in South Vancouver. Their mandate is to develop harmonious relationships among community groups of different cultural, economic, religious, and social backgrounds.
SUCCESS provides labour market, settlement & immigration services.
A cooperative community health centre, delivering culturally-appropriate health care to immigrants and newcomers in the Lower Mainland. Donors have helped them provide patient-centered care to over 3,000 families.
Vancity is a values-based financial co‑operative serving the needs of its more than 525,000 member-owners and their communities in the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw territories, with 59 branches in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Squamish and Alert Bay.
Based in Vancouver, VAST supports the mental health of refugees who arrive in BC with psychological trauma as a result of torture, political violence, and other forms of persecution on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) is a non-profit organization founded in November 1989 by three former refugees. The centre helps immigrants, refugees and new Canadian citizens, settle and adapt into new lives in Greater Victoria.
The YMCA is committed to strengthening the foundations of community by:
- Helping children and families thrive
- Promoting healthy living
- Fostering belonging and connection.
Zaytuna Services Society is committed to providing professional settlement and immigration services to newcomers including immigrants, refugees and refugee claimants. We embrace diversity and provide a client centered approach, helping facilitate engagement in the work force, schools and the Canadian society. We aim to create conditions leading to successful outcomes for anyone in need, ultimately fostering a welcoming environment.
AMSSA is a provincial association that strengthens its member agencies and stakeholders, who serve newcomers and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources and support they need to fulfill their mandates.
Archway Community Services is a non-profit, multi-service and multi-funded community based social service agency. Archway provides services to refugee claimants through BCNSP and BC SAF HAVN programs. Archway’s purpose is to support the social and economic integration of refugee claimants who are not eligible to receive services under federal settlement programs. Services are intended to wrap around refugee claimants in a way that supports them in all aspects of their initial settlement needs, including navigating immigration and legal processes, seeking authorization to work, mental health support, and access to services that provide food and housing.
The Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table or Burnaby Local Immigration Partnership works with multiple organizations, institutions from different sector to support the settlement and integration process of newcomers. The Host agency Burnaby Family Life serves families, children and women from different backgrounds, cultures and status in Canada.
Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a community-driven nonprofit organization that brings people together through inclusive programs, volunteer opportunities, social support services, and community engagement initiatives that foster connection, belonging, and well-being.
We offer services for newcomers, including refugee claimants in the Sea to Sky & Sunshine Coast communities through support, information, referrals to local resources, community connections and language support.
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C, Canada. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family and language programs.
Chimo Community Services is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families through a wide range of social services, counselling, and violence prevention programs. Through initiatives like the BC Safe Haven Program, Chimo provides wraparound, trauma-informed support to refugee claimants, helping them navigate settlement, access housing and healthcare, build community connections, and move toward stability and independence. This holistic approach ensures that vulnerable newcomers receive compassionate, coordinated care as they rebuild their lives in British Columbia.
Outreach staff offer services to self-referring adults aged 19+ with assistance to find housing options, securing income supports, obtaining ID, and referrals to health and support services, including emergency shelters.
Covenant House Vancouver is a non-profit organization that provides support to young people, age 16–24, who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, youth who are experiencing human trafficking, and youth in need. Our mission is to champion every young person’s right to health and well-being. Our continuum of programs and services support youth on their journey to dream of a brighter future. We take a one-size-fits-one approach to care to support youth reaching their specific needs and goals. We incorporate evidence-based practices to ensure that we care for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
Workers organization that provide workers’ rights education, representation and advocacy to Migrant Workers, including refugee claimants
Gordon Neighbourhood House began in 1942 as a place for residents in Vancouver’s Downtown-West End neighbourhoods to drop by for a cup of coffee. Today, we work closely with local residents, businesses and organizations to create dozens of programs, services and initiatives that respond to the needs and dreams of our neighbourhood. From childcare to seniors programs, we walk with our community through every chapter of life.
The Multicultural & Immigrant Services Association (MISA) provides settlement services to eligible newcomers across North Vancouver Island, helping individuals and families build successful lives in their new communities. We support refugee claimants by providing accurate settlement information, referrals to community resources, assistance navigating essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and employment, and connections to legal, mental health, and social supports.
We offer legal advice to people who are in Canada with temporary or no immigration status and who would face serious harm if they are forced to leave Canada.
Inasmuch provides transitional housing and wrap around supports for refugee claimants for 3-4 months in Abbotsford. We operate a home for single men a home for single women and a second stage house for 2 families. Our men’s and women’s houses have live in hosts.
Our wrap around supports include access to our free weekly food pantry, referral for seasonal clothing, assistance from our settlement worker, referrals for counselling and employment services, access to our classes, mental health supports, and weekly coffee connection gatherings and conversation circles. We help residents furnish their next home and supply the truck and volunteers to help residents move.
For more than fifty years, the Inter-Cultural Association’s purpose has been to support the full integration of newcomer immigrants and refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region of British Columbia. Our BC Newcomer Services offer direct settlement services, access to labor market information and resources, English language training, and assistance addressing diverse needs to help newcomers including refugee claimants transition to living in Greater Victoria.
For over 50 years, ISSofBC has welcomed refugees and newcomers in British Columbia, including refugee claimants and asylum seekers facing complex settlement challenges. Through integrated, trauma-informed services — including housing support, settlement assistance, employment services, English language training, and community connections — ISSofBC supports individuals and families to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. Through initiatives such as the ISSofBC Welcome Centre, BC SAFE HAVEN, and the BC Refugee Hub, ISSofBC continues to work collaboratively with partners to strengthen coordinated support for refugee claimants across the province.
At Journey Home Community, we offer transitional housing, settlement assistance and relational support to refugee claimant families. Our vision is to welcome refugees into a community where they experience hope and belonging, meaningful relationships, a place to give and receive, a safe place to call home, and access to available systems and resources.
Jumpstart Refugee Talent is an international, refugee-led charitable organization, headquartered in Toronto, Canada with a network of offices throughout Canada and around the world. Our work is dedicated to support the economic inclusion of refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced individuals, by connecting them with meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Kamloops Immigrant Services (KIS) supports refugee claimants as they navigate the uncertainty of the claim process and begin building their lives in Canada. We provide timely information, help clients understand their rights and responsibilities, and connect them to essential services such as legal supports, housing, healthcare, and income assistance. Through one-to-one guidance and community-based programs, we help individuals and families build stability, reduce isolation, and move forward with confidence while their claims are being processed.
The BC Services and Assistance for Humanitarian and Vulnerable Newcomers (BC SAF HAVEN) program is designed to provide comprehensive support for refugee claimants in all aspects of their initial settlement needs. This includes navigating immigration and legal processes, finding employment opportunities, accessing housing services, and receiving mental health support. Additionally, the program offers mental health support to other vulnerable newcomers and extends its vital legal and housing support services to asylum seekers, ensuring a holistic approach to their integration and well-being.
Kinbrace, is a Vancouver-based non-profit charity, that assists people arriving in Canada seeking refugee protection. It facilitates transition by providing help with housing, integration, well-being, and access to refugee protection.
La Boussole is a French-speaking community centre that has been serving the Greater Vancouver area for the past 34 years. Our primary mission is to support French-speaking individuals experiencing vulnerable or precarious situations through a comprehensive range of services and community programs. We provide social services including administrative support, housing assistance, access to rights and essential services, employment support, food security programs, and settlement services for newcomers.
Santé Ouest is a Community Health Centre that provides accessible and inclusive primary care services to diverse populations. The Centre supports refugee claimants by offering low-barrier access to medical care, mental health support, and social services, regardless of their coverage status.
The team works closely with individuals and families to help them navigate Canadian health care system, while also connecting them to community resources and addressing broader needs. With a strong focus on culturally safe and trauma-informed care, Santé Ouest CHC aims to create a welcoming space where refugee claimants feel supported and respected.
Santé Ouest is a Community Health Centre that provides accessible and inclusive primary care services to diverse populations. The Centre supports refugee claimants by offering low-barrier access to medical care, mental health support, and social services, regardless of their coverage status.
The team works closely with individuals and families to help them navigate Canadian health care system, while also connecting them to community resources and addressing broader needs. With a strong focus on culturally safe and trauma-informed care, Santé Ouest CHC aims to create a welcoming space where refugee claimants feel supported and respected.
Legal Aid BC is a provincial crown corporation. LABC was created in 1979 to provide information, advice, and representation services. Our priority is to serve the interests of people experiencing barriers accessing the legal system. LABC can support refugee claimants by providing information and creating applications for a legal aid lawyer to support refugee claims and related immigration matters where possible.
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House provides a welcoming low barrier environment that provides a range of settlement services in a variety of languages as well as free or low cost services that could be supportive to refugee claimants e.g. food distribution, youth, older adults and family programs. We have served refugee claimants for more than 40 years and value their contributions while recognizing their unique needs and challenges. We work in collaboration with a network of 8 neighbourhood houses (Vancouver Neighbourhood House Settlement Consortium) which collectively serves every neighbourhood in Vancouver. Principles of equity, access and collaborative approaches are centred in our work through practical support for those using our services as well as engaging in collective advocacy for systemic change.
Mission Community Services Society provides settlement services including customized employment search support for newcomers in Mission BC . For more information. website
MOSAIC is a multilingual, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees with their settlement and integration needs. Through a variety of programs and services, MOSAIC helps its clients participate fully in Canadian society. Since its inception over 40 years ago, MOSAIC has become one of Canada’s largest immigrant-serving organizations.
Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) is a registered non-profit society and charitable organization dedicated to serving the diverse needs of newcomers to Canada. For over 26 years, MHHS has provided comprehensive support to thousands of immigrants and refugees, helping them navigate the challenges of settlement and build stable, successful lives in their new communities. MHHS offers a wide range of services including settlement assistance, employment support, social services, skills enhancement, respite and housing assistance, legal support, educational programs, and specialized refugee assistance for individuals and families fleeing crisis, conflict, and displacement.
Muslim Food Bank and Community Services Society (“MFBCS”) is a non-profit, charitable organization. Its goal is to support its clients become self-sufficient, dignified members of Canadian society by assisting with immediate needs for food through its Food Bank operations and providing a holistic range of support services through its ASPIRE Community Services and Youth Support programs.
Nabat Health Center is a private multi-disciplinary clinic providing services to BIPOC clients by BIPOC practitioners in a way that is gender affirming and culturally inclusive.
New Hope provides 18 months of transitional housing to refugee claimants and refugees, as well as a community of care, support, and intentional neighbouring.
Nia Counselling provides mental health consulting to the settlement sector working on projects such as staff wellness debriefs, frontline capacity training, as well as creating content, toolkits and e-learnings on various refugee mental health and frontline staff needs.
For Refugee Claimants and Asylum Seekers facing vulnerability and multiple barriers, we provide wrap-around support including settlement, immigration, employment, language training, housing assistance, community connections, and psycho-social trauma counselling for eligible clients, including Refugees and CUAET Visa holders.
Through SAFE HAVEN Program, PICS provides free, specialized support in multiple languages for refugee claimants and asylum seekers in British Columbia who are ineligible for federal settlement services. It offers wraparound assistance, including urgent housing support, settlement and employment help, referrals for language training, and counseling for trauma.
Rainbow Refugee Society is an organization that exclusively supports LGBTQI+ refugee claimants and refugees. Founded in 2000, Rainbow Refugee was the first organization in Canada established to assist individuals seeking refugee protection due to persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics (SOGIESC), and/or HIV status.
Based in Vancouver, Rainbow Refugee promotes safe and equitable migration while fostering communities of belonging for individuals fleeing persecution related to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, and/or HIV status.
Website
The Health Equity and Community Engagement Department (HEED) works to address the social determinants of health through tailored programs and cultural, social, health and wellness support.
Our HEED is comprised of two teams: Multicultural Family Centre (MFC) and Health Equity & Community Engagement.
Multicultural Family Centre (MFC): Support with healthcare/social service navigation for immigrant, refugee and Indigenous communities and victims of gender based violence.
Health Equity & Community Engagement: Educating and supporting vulnerable community members through workshops, health events, and connections to further health resources.
We support and empower our communities in overcoming the impacts of HIV and HIV stigma. Programming to support refugee claimants includes peer navigation, case management, supplemental grocery program, tax clinic, and others. Any person living with HIV, or motivated to work on their HIV prevention can come to our location and get connected to supports.
Roots Community Health Centre (Roots CHC) is a non-profit Community Health Centre in Surrey, British Columbia, dedicated to providing comprehensive, culturally safe, and trauma-informed primary healthcare to refugees, refugee claimants, newcomers, migrant workers, and other underserved populations. Through an interdisciplinary team of family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and cross-cultural health brokers, Roots CHC supports refugee claimants by providing accessible primary care, mental health support, health system navigation, interpretation, referrals to community resources, and assistance in addressing the social determinants of health to promote equitable access to healthcare and successful settlement in Canada.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. offers programs and services for individuals and families who are preparing for Canada, temporary residents, permanent residents, or who are already Canadian citizens. BC Safe Haven provides specialized support for refugee claimants to navigate the refugee claim process and get help with their immediate needs. Locations: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows.
Support for Refugee Claimants and Asylum Seekers in Canada
SOURCES Legal Navigator Program offers free, confidential support to refugee claimants and asylum seekers navigating the Canadian immigration system. Our experienced team provides guidance in multiple languages, including English, Farsi, Dari, and more.
What We Offer:
Step-by-step guidance for refugee claim applications
Help filling out immigration forms, including the Basis of Claim (BOC)
Assistance applying for Legal Aid BC and connecting with refugee lawyers
Support using the IRCC Portal for online submissions
Referrals to trusted community and legal services
Help preparing for hearings at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD)
Information and application Support on income assistance, health coverage (IFHP), and housing
SVNH is a community based organization that provides programs, services and support to all members of our community irrespective of their citizenship status. Our settlement team provides free services, resources and programs for refugees, new immigrants, International students, migrant Workers and Citizens.
Spanish in Vancouver Language Consulting has years or experience providing translation services of critical evidence for refugee files as well as interpretation services when working with legal representative in the preparation of their BOC, narrative and for the actual hearing day.
Surrey Libraries can help refugee claimants find English language learning tools, connect to settlement services and other community resources. Visit our Newcomer Welcome Centre in the City Centre branch for more information.
As part of The Salvation Army, we exist to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. At Belkin Communities of Hope, we are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Refugees accessing shelter and transitional housing at Belkin House receive settlement case management and navigation support.
As part of The Salvation Army, we exist to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. At Illuminate, we boldly disrupt the cycles of human trafficking by illuminating public awareness through education, providing relentless intervention strategies, and creating safe spaces for Survivors to heal.
For refugee claimants who are survivors of human trafficking, we offer navigation support, safe housing, subsidies and access to essential and continued healing supports.
The Vancouver Board of Education’s Settlement Workers in School (SWIS) Program is a school-based settlement service that provides direct and immediate professional assistance to immigrant, refugee and eligible temporary resident students and their families after they arrive in Vancouver and register in the public schools. Settlement workers facilitate the adjustment, adaptation, and integration of newcomer families during their initial years in Canada.
Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op is a community-governed Community Health Centre in British Columbia that provides culturally and linguistically responsive care to diverse populations, including refugee claimants. Through its Cross-Cultural Health Broker model, Umbrella supports refugee claimants by offering health system navigation, interpretation, and advocacy, while also addressing social determinants of health such as housing, income, and settlement needs. By integrating healthcare and community-based supports, Umbrella helps refugee claimants access essential services with dignity and improved health outcomes.
Founded on the conviction that ‘healing is an act of resistance’, for over 40 years VAST has employed a province-leading model of trauma-informed mental health service provision. We do not believe in working alone and our mission supports a range of advocacy and capacity building activities to strengthen BC’s mental health sector for newcomers, and encourage understanding of our work amongst government institutions. VAST is a convener of voices with lived experience of torture and trauma, and an influential advisor to multiple levels of policy makers and practitioners
The Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR) provides accessible, culturally responsive mental health services to immigrants and refugees across Vancouver Island. Through individual, family, and group counseling, as well as community workshops and outreach, VICCIR supports clients in addressing trauma, resettlement stress, and experiences of racism and displacement. The organization works with a diverse team of counselors, supervisors, and interpreters to deliver services in clients’ preferred languages and uphold cultural humility. VICCIR also provides clinical supervision and specialized training to its staff and other organizations, strengthening capacity across the sector. Its work is rooted in fostering resilience, healing, and meaningful community integration.
YWCA BC supports refugees through housing and employment programs. The Safe Haven program helps refugee claimants and asylum seekers find immediate accommodation in BC, supporting newcomers who are not eligible for federal settlement programs. On the employment side, free programs support immigrants and refugees — including women, gender-diverse people, and LGBTQIA+ newcomers — with a focus on career readiness, connection, and empowerment, through programs like Aspire, Believe, and Tech Connect.
Zaytuna Services Society is committed to providing professional immigration, settlement and translation services to newcomers in Canada. Our services are available to everyone including immigrants, refugees, refugee claimants and Canadian citizens. We embrace diversity and provide a client centered approach.