Refugee Services

Refugee Services encompass the following unique programs:

• Resettlement Assistance support to all government-sponsored refugees destined to British Columbia;
• Pre-settlement support to primarily Farsi, 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, Farsi, 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:

Trauma - Information and Support Services
Mohsen Eslami, Multi-Cultural Health Care Settlement Counselor
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 Jobs, Tourism and Innovation (Immigrant Integration Branch)
• Vancouver Coastal Health