Newcomers are able to contribute their skills and abilities to enhance and enrich Canadian culture and society.

Volunteers are able to share their experience, knowledge and passion about being Canadian with newcomers, who may one day return the favour.

Who is the program for?

The Adult Host Program is aimed at newly settled adults or their families to help them better understand Canadian life and make new friends.

The Youth Buddy Program is aimed at newly settled teenagers from the ages of 13 to 18 to help them better understand Canadian life and make new friends

Who Benefits?

For more information contact: Terry Ketteringham at (250) 753-6911 ext 114 or email here

Come and visit our new office at:
197 Harrison Avenue
Parksville BC
Telephone: (250) 586-1122
Fax: (250) 586-1566

Open:
Monday and Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday 8.30am to 12.30pm

For more information contact: Meena at (250) 753-6911 ext 111 or email here

Tuesday, November 4, 2008
7:00 - 9:00 pm
CVI Multicultural Society
Auditorium - 2nd Floor
285 Prideaux St. Nanaimo

For more information or to make a nomination contact: Cecilia at (250) 753-6911 ext 1 or email here

Do you know a business, government office, non-profit society, or other organization that wants to take a leadership role in making communities welcoming and inclusive?

• Can they commit to treating their customers in an equitable manner?
• If a concern is expressed regarding a lack of equitable treatment, can they commit to taking this concern seriously and to taking steps to address the problem?
• Are they willing to offer a community member who has experienced mistreatment, a helping hand such as: a place to sit, a telephone to use, or information about how they can seek further assistance?

Then they are ready to become a Safe Harbour.

For more information contact: Terre Flower at (250) 753-6911 ext 102 or email here

Jennifer Bricker - Settlement Worker, Nanaimo & Parksville
I was born in Ontario, and am a 7th generation descendent of Mennonite immigrants. I moved to Vancouver Island with my father and my sister when I was ten, and have lived here ever since. Over time, more and more of my relatives have moved from Ontario to settle in BC. I have 2 boys, 17 and 12 years old. My oldest son’s father emigrated from India with his parents when he was 15. I met my husband when my oldest son was 4 years old. He is the father of my younger son. He is the child of immigrant parents. My father-in-law was born in Suriname, and my mother-in-law was born in Indonesia. My relationship with them had helped me understand some of the experiences of immigrants. I graduated from high school in Chemainus, and I have a Social Service Worker Diploma from Malaspina University-College. I did my practicum for my diploma with the Multicultural Society in 2005. I was fortunate to have both Cecilia Chong and Terre Flower as my practicum mentors. With such great teachers it was, of course, a wonderful experience. I am excited to be back at the Multicultural Society as an Immigrant Settlement Worker, and I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces.

Terry Ketteringham – Intercultural Connections Coordinator
I was born and raised on Vancouver Island. I grew up in Port Alberni, but moved to Prince George after high school. Once I realized how much I missed island life, I hopped on the next bus to Nanaimo where I have lived since 1996. In 2002, I graduated from the Child and Youth Care degree program. I spent the next 6 years moving up the ranks of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island. My most recent position with the Boys & Girls Clubs was in fundraising and information technology. Although I enjoyed the work, I missed the relationships I developed helping people directly. As a result of this shift in focus, I have found myself working as the Intercultural Connections Coordinator for the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society. I look forward to the upcoming challenges and getting acquainted with the team. I have a lot of family in the Central Island area and my pride and joy are my two sons, Nick and Isaac. I enjoy cooking, eating, and spending a lot of time outdoors hiking in the local mountains and golfing. Unfortunately, I rarely have the time to hike or golf, so I spend more time cooking and eating.

The visual theme of the 2009 edition of the Multifaith Calendar is Reflections of Joy.

All religions, cultures and societies recognize that human beings have a huge capacity and need for joy. It is in joy that we can find inspiration, peace and love. It is joy that often propels us to connect to one other, to our natural surroundings and to the divine. Our very souls can virtually burst in response to a child's sound, to the intensity of color in the rising sun or to a musical interlude.

Printed in full colour, with captivating photography, an easy to follow layout that will provide quick reference, The Multifaith Calendar will be a valued addition to any office or home ... and makes the perfect gift!
Available from CVIMS Reception for just $15.95

Welcome Back to all of Our Returning Students and a BIG Welcome to Our New Students!

Meena Ollek, Coordinator English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) along with teachers Mary Peters, Maggie Wouterloot, Kamal Parmar, Karen Whyte and Dawn Fulton welcomed returning and new students for the fall term.

ELSA Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4/5  is for adult immigrant newcomers to help them with their settlement and adaptation to Canadian society. These classes provide English instruction for daily living, with an overview on Canadian services, systems, life, and culture (e.g. accommodation, banking and health services, etc.)

Often immigrants identify that their accent is holding then back from communicating effectively when speaking English. We all want to be understood when we speak, and strong oral communications skills are essential in the workplace.

CVIMS is certified in the CVIMS is certified in the Krieger Method© AndyKrieger.com to provide Accent Reduction Training through our agency.

Training delivered in a private session and includes: a three hour lesson, a CD/ DVD to take home for practice, and one hour follow-up lesson. Group sessions in your workplace are also available.

For more information contact: Pat at (250) 753-6911 ext 105 or email here

Looking for a job? We can help!

- Help with Resumes, Interviews and Job Searching skills
- Computers, Internet, Job Postings
- Employment Counselling
- Career / Trade Talks with local employers
- Credentials Evaluation Assistance
- and much more

Contact: Carolina at (250) 753-5503 or email here

Monday to Friday: 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

• Would you share your professional experience and welcome the opportunity to meet with new people entering their career field?
• Have you at least 2 years of experience in your profession?
• Can you offer 2 hours a week over 8 weeks?

Contact:
Angelika Valchar, Employment Consultant
(250) 753-5503 or email here

If you would like to support our programs and services, you can become a member or make a donation online via paypal. We are a registered charity and your tax deductible donation is important to us.