Community Bridging Program

Our Community Helps

Immigrants

Through the

How the program can help

· Match you to an individual or family (a personal level to build friendship)

· Introduce you to other matched families (opportunity to meet others in similar situation as yourself)

· Invite you to participate in inclusive community events (opportunity to know the community)

· Refer you to other beneficial and fun programs such as:

· English Classes (ALSA),

· Settlement services

· Multicultural Leadership Drop-in, and many other programs

Intended Outcomes:

· A sense of belonging and well-being in our community

· Participation in the broader community

Increased feelings of safety and respect

What Happens after Participants are Matched

Matched families are suggested to meet at least twice a month to have some fun together. You can watch a movie, sightsee, tell stories, go swimming, share a meal, visit, play sports, go shopping, hiking, biking, walking or anything else as long as you spend time together. Also, all participants are invited to attend our group events which take place on the first Friday of each month. We plan to alternate between a socializing night that includes a meal, and an activities night held at the Khowhemun School gym.

To participate, immigrants need to be one of the following:

· Permanent residents (& PR applicants)

· Refugees or refugee claimants

· An immigrant who is now a Canadian citizen

Local volunteers need to be:

· A local person/family with clean criminal record

· Open to other cultures and interested in multicultural and global issues

· Motivated to help someone adjust to living in this community

Steps to Participate:

1. Complete the application

2. Obtain and complete the criminal record check (only volunteers do the check)

3. Participate in a short interview to determine who might ‘pair’ well with you or your family, and participate in a short orientation to the program.

Contact:

Pema Wangchen

(CB Coordinator)

Cowichan Intercultural Society

205/394 Duncan St. Duncan B.C

Website: www.cicduncan.ca

Email: pema.cic@telus.net

Phone: 250-748-3112

Fax: 250-748-1335

Project sponsored by: