As we reflect on 2025, we do so with deep gratitude for our clients, community members, partners, funders, donors, staff, and volunteers. This year was shaped by collaboration, meaningful transition, and a shared commitment to welcoming newcomers with care and respect.

Early in the year, CVIMS engaged in focused advocacy and planning with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These efforts resulted in securing a three-year contract in April for our Resettlement, Settlement, and Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) programs, ensuring stability and continuity of services across the region.

Guided by Indigenous teachings and working alongside the wisdom and guidance of Snuneymuxw Elders, CVIMS continued to embed reconciliation, learning, and respect into our programs and community gatherings.

February’s Newcomers Wellness Fair welcomed over 300 clients and 40 vendors, while March marked a bittersweet farewell to the HIPPY program after 12 impactful years, along with valued staff whose contributions will be long remembered.

Throughout the year, cultural and community events brought people together, including the first-ever Settlement Providers Organizations Conference on Vancouver Island with 150 attendees, the SWIS Lantern and Lights Festival in partnership with SD68 with 120 newcomer youth bondingand connecting together, and Winterfest at Nanaimo Ice Centre, where newcomer families gathered for skating and creative festive activities.

After a 13-year pause, in December CVIMS was honoured to host a Citizenship Ceremony, welcoming 40 new Canadian citizens from across Vancouver Island—a powerful moment of belonging and shared celebration.

2025 also marked a leadership transition. We extend our sincere thanks to outgoing Executive Director Mikaela Torres in September and warmly welcome Angelika Valchar as CVIMS’ new Executive Director in December.