SVNH provides settlement support for our neighbours who have moved to Canada. Whether you’re applying for citizenship, learning about life in Canada, or wanting to improve your English language skills, we’re here to support you.
Check out our full list of settlement programs below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (604) 324-6212.
Programs
Cultural Buddies
Lunch program for newcomer preteens to eat lunch, meet new friends, and play games. Program at Douglas, Tecumseh and Captain James Cook Elementary School.
When
Douglas Elementary School – Fridays at 12:00pm to 12:47pm
Tecumseh Elementary School – Tuesdays at 12:00pm to 12:47pm
Captain James Cook Elementary School – Wednesdays at 12:00pm to 12:47pm
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact anthony.lai@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 151
Cultural Buddy Chefs
Weekend food skills program for newcomer preteens to learn about nutrition, cooking, meet new friends, learn about cultural recipes, and develop their leadership skills under the mentorship of high school youth volunteers
When
Sundays at 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact kathy.do@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 121
Cultural Buddy Leaders
Weekend program for newcomer preteens to meet new friends, learn about Canada, and develop their leadership skills under the mentorship of high school youth volunteers.
When
Sundays at 11:30am to 1:30pm
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact kathy.do@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 121
Family Skate Time
Exercise, connect with others, and have fun with your family with skating time at Killarney CC Ice Rink!
Priority given to families who are newcomers or PR.
When
January 12, 19 February 9, 16 March 9, 16
2nd & 3rd Thursday of the Month at 11:30am
Where
Killarney Community Centre 6260 Killarney St. Vancouver, BC
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
Registration will open at slotted.co/fdiskate the Monday of the week of the program at 9AM.
Contact marie.mah@southvan.org or fdi@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 149
Food Skills for Newcomer Youth
Cooking group for newcomer youth who are permanent residents. Youth explore how to make healthy food from various cultures. Group members make and enjoy a family style meal at the end of each session, and have opportunities to lead the group in trying new recipes.
When
Sundays at 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House - Kitchen
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact felix.huang@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123
Information and Orientation to Canadian Citizenship in Punjabi/Hindi
Canadian Citizenship Workshop. Permanent Residents will learn about citizenship eligibility, the application process, required documents, and other frequently asked questions. Sessions will also cover how to prepare for the citizenship test and what to expect on the test day. Resource and help will be provided.
When
Mondays at 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House - Rec Room
Cost
Free with SVNH membership
Contact
Humaira, email humaira@southvan.org
Information and Orientation Workshop for Newcomers from Afghanistan
Learn about Canadian information in this program for newcomers from Afghanistan.
When
Tuesdays at 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where
Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact feroza.quraishi@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 160
Job Search Session for Newcomers
Small group sessions on Zoom for newcomers looking for jobs.
When
By appointment only.
Where
Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact eric.lau@southvan.org
Labour Market Conversations with Local Professionals
Learn about how local professionals started their careers in Metro-Vancouver. (HR, Mining Company, Business Consultants and Vancouver School Board, etc)
When
By appointment only
Where
Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact eric.lau@southvan.org
Labour Market Volunteer Placement Program
Volunteer referral program to help newcomers gain Canadian experience in the community.
When
By appointment only
Where
Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact eric.lau@southvan.org
Newcomer Employment Mentorship Program
Matching job-ready skilled immigrants in BC through MentorConnect (IECBC) with established local professionals for one-on-one occupation and industry specific coaching. The main purpose is to share information, insights, ideas and networks to increase employment opportunities in BC for skilled immigrant participants.
When
Online Information Session (by appointment)
Contact
Charlene Pineda, charlene.pineda@southvan.org
Roland Lasaca, roland.lasaca@southvan.org
Newcomer Leadership (David Thompson)
Volunteer by helping others in the community. We make things to donate to people in need. Support in English and Arabic.
When
Saturdays at 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact salma.ismail@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123
One-on-one Settlement Support for Youth
New to Canada? Have questions about school, life and making friends?
Book an appointment with our Youth Settlement Worker Salma for support. She can help with:
- Mental health support
- Academic support
- Resources and referrals for any concerns
When
By appointment
Where
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House and Virtual on Zoom
Cost
Free with SVNH Membership
Contact
To register contact salma.ismail@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123
South Asian Women’s Mentoring Program
Weekly program from South Asian Women. Newly arrived permanent residents and integrated immigrant women learn about mental health, how to deal with stress, self-care, family law, and raising a healthy family. Healthy activities, like Yoga, Zumba, and Bhangra are also part of this program.
When
Last Friday of the Month at 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Where
Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre
Cost
Free with SVNH membership
Contact
To register contact humaira.imtiaz@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 134
Other Details
Languages: Punjabi / Hindi
South Asian Settlement & Family Counselling Services
Settlement services for newly arrived and long-term permanent residents is provided in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English at Sunset Community Centre and Ross Temple. Naturalised citizens can also access our services. Confidential counselling on family issues and parenting is also provided.
When
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where
Ross Sikh Temple - Sunset Community Centre
Cost
Free with SVNH membership
Contact
Humaira Imtiaz, email humaira@southvan.org
Other Details
Serviced in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English.
Welcome Circle (John Oliver)
Fun introduction to Canada for newcomer youth who are permanent residents. During lunch hour, newcomer youth socialize, play games, and learn about Canada. The program is led by newcomer youth leaders.
When
Tuesdays at lunch time
Where
John Oliver Secondary School
Cost
Free
Contact
To register contact salma.ismail@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123
Welcome Circle (Killarney)
Fun introduction to Canada for newcomer youth who are permanent residents. During lunch hour, newcomer youth socialize, play games, and learn about Canada. The program is led by newcomer youth leaders.
When
Wednesdays at lunch time
Where
Killarney Secondary School
Cost
Free
Contact
To register contact salma.ismail@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123
Welcome Circle (David Thompson)
Fun introduction to Canada for newcomer youth who are permanent residents. During lunch hour, newcomer youth socialize, play games, and learn about Canada. The program is led by newcomer youth leaders.
When
Fridays at lunch time
Where
David Thompson Secondary School
Cost
Free
Contact
To register contact salma.ismail@southvan.org or (604)-324-6212 EXT 123