Settlement Program
New to Canada and want to learn more about life and culture here?
MHHS Newcomer- Settlement and Transition Enrichment Programs and Services (STEPS) is designed to help newcomers settle and adjust into their new surroundings and integrate successfully into Canadian Society.
STEPS aims to support our eligible clients: New Immigrants, Permanent Residents, Protected Persons and Live-in Caregivers.
MHHS Settlement services helps newcomers settle and adjust in their new surroundings and integrate successfully into Canadian Society.
Services Offered:
Need Assessment & Referrals
MHHS Settlement Workers provide newcomers to Canada with a thorough needs assessment aimed at identifying client needs followed by relevant and appropriate referral to community services and programs based on identified needs. Our Settlement Workers can also help answer specific questions about life in Canada.
Information & Orientation
MHHS Settlement Workers provide our clients orientation on a one-on-one basis with timely, accurate and relevant information on how to access and engage with community resources and services. We provide information and assistance with the following:
- Employment and Income
- Housing
- Education/ Sign up kids for school
- Get a language assessment
- Social Benefits applications/ Filling out forms
- Improving Language Skills/ Register for language classes
- Accessing immigration documents
- Social and recreational activities
STEPS Group Information Sessions
We also provide workshops/group orientation on topics covering various aspects of life in their community and in Canada. Workshop topics include:
- Finding a home/ accommodation
- Canadian education system for yourself and your children.
- Transportation system in Canada
- Applying for a Canadian driver’s license.
- Understanding community resources and services
- Social Benefits for newcomers
- Employment Standards and Labour Code
- Immigration processes and options
- Permanent Resident Card Renewal
- How to apply for Canadian citizenship
Employment Related Services
- One-on-one counselling on pathways to employment including: Client’s Interview skills, Resume/Cover letter writing skills, Job Search Skills
- Networking Opportunities- Job Fair
- Mentoring Sessions
Community Connections
MHHS- STEPS provide many Community Connections activities for participants to learn about local resources and events, while making new friends and practicing their English. It is also a great way for newcomers to learn about culture, make meaningful connections with long-timed Permanent Residents and established Canadians. Activities include:
- Tours of local libraries and community recreation centres and other resources
- Sharing information about volunteering in the organization and community
- Participation in community events: Sports and Recreation, Multicultural Events, Inter-Faith Dialogues and Intercultural Dialogue, Conversation Circles
Please bring your Permanent Resident card, landing papers or Immigration documents, if you wish to avail of MHHS Settlement Services.
All services are free.
Meet our IRCC settlement officers:
Shahana Akter shahanaa@helpinghouse.org Settlement Officer-Bangla/English speaking 604.879.3277 ext. 226 | Avelina Dioces avelinad@helpinghouse.org Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking 604.879.3277 ext. 227 |
Maylinne Deocareza maylinned@helpinghouse.org Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking 604.879.3277 ext. 228 | Bessie Pinon bessiep@helpinghouse.org Settlement Officer-Filipino/English speaking 604.879.3277 ext. 223 |
*Our services are available in English, Filipino, Bangla, Mandarin, and Cantonese