History of ISSofBC

ISSofBC History

Since Immigrant Services Society of BC’s incorporation in 1972, the organization has developed considerable expertise and experience in the delivery of services and programs for immigrants and refugees. Highlights over these years are as follows:

  • 2009 - held the New Faces of Vancouver photography exhibit in conjunction with Centre A, opened ELSA office in New Westminster, introduced ELSA for the Workplace in Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Richmond and New Westminster;
  • 2008 - opened employment centre in Burnaby/New Westminster;
  • 2007 - introduced Labour Market Focused ELSA in Vancouver, Richmond and Coquitlam, and International Studies, Language College is accredited with Languages Canada;
  • 2006 - opened Settlement office in Burnaby;
  • 2005 - opened joint ELSA and Settlement office in Coquitlam.
  • 2005 - opened ELSA office in Richmond;
  • 2005 - opened up the Surrey Multilingual Employment Resource Centre;
  • 2004 - introduced Enhanced English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) 4-5 programming in Richmond and Coquitlam;
  • 2003 - introduced the deployment of Settlement Workers into New Westminster, Burnaby and Coquitlam;
  • 2002 - accredited under the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA);
  • 2001 - opened up the Richmond Employment Centre;
  • 1997 - celebrated 25th year of service;
  • 1995 - introduced the Adult and Continuing Education Program (ISSofBC’s fee-for-service language and training program) in 1995;
  • 1990 - underwent considerable expansion and opened two new locations;
  • 1987 - opened Welcome House: temporary accommodation for government-assisted refugees;
  • 1985 - registered as a Training Institute;
  • 1983 - started the first training program for immigrants: Housekeeping services;
  • 1979 - played a key role in response to the plight of the “Vietnamese Boat People”;
  • 1975 - set up branch offices in South Vancouver, Surrey and Kamloops (which have since gone on to become their own agencies);
  • 1973 - initiated the first English as a Second Language (ESL) language classes; and,
  • 1972 - registered as the first immigrant serving agency in BC – pioneered the concept of “settlement services” in the province;