Refugee Services

Posted Mon, 09/14/2009 - 12:21 by ISSofBC

Refugee Services encompass the following unique programs:

  • Resettlement Assistance support to all government-sponsored refugees destined to British Columbia;
  • Pre-settlement support to primarily Chinese and Spanish speaking refugee claimants through Settlement Orientation Services;
  • Primary health care screening and treatment through the Bridge Community Health Clinic;
  • Settlement enhancement support to multi-barriered refugees & immigrants through the Step Ahead pilot program, which began in the fall of 2007; and,
  • Trauma - Information and Support Services - a new program to assist Government Assisted Refugees and Refugee Claimants residing in the Vancouver and Burnaby areas.

Who is eligible/can apply?

  • The Resettlement Assistance Program supports government–assisted refugees during their first year in Canada;
  • Settlement Orientation Services (SOS) targets refugee claimants who are primarily, but not exclusively, Chinese and Spanish speakers;
  • Bridge Clinic services are limited to refugees, with or without legal status;
  • Step Ahead: a Settlement Enhancement Pilot Program services Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) families identified during the initial settlement orientation process;
  • Trauma - Information and Support Services participants will be identified from referrals made by community individuals, professionals and staff; and as well, refugees can also request services for themselves or their families.

Contact Information:

ISSofBC’s Main Settlement Office
530 Drake St., Vancouver, BC
E-Mail: settlementprograms@issbc.org
Telephone: 604.684.7498
Settlement Orientation Services (SOS) Office
411 Dunsmuir St., 4th Floor, Vancouver, BC
E-Mail: acharlton_sos@vrsa.ca
Telephone: 778.328.8888
Bridge Community Health Clinic - c/o Raven Song Community Health Centre
2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604.709.6542
Step Ahead: A Settlement Enhancement Pilot Program - c/o Marc Larrivee, Project Manager
E-Mail: mlarrivee@mosaicbc.com
Telephone: 604.720.2933

Trauma - Information and Support Services
Mohsen Eslami, Multi-Cultural Health Care Settlement Counsellor
E-Mail: mohsen.eslami@issbc.org
Telephone: 604-684-7498 (ext.1644)
Mobile: 778-321-3235

Funded By:

  • Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada
  • Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development – Immigrant Integration and Multiculturalism Branch
  • Vancouver Coastal Health