Library partnership supports newcomers
Settling into life in a new country can be a daunting task. Everything can be different - the food in the grocery store, the language, the way you apply for a job, the transportation system, and even the weather. To help newcomers integrate into the community, access support and services, and develop a sense of belonging in their new home, the Strathcona County Library (SCL) and the Edmonton Immigration Services Association (EISA) developed the Library Settlement Program.
This program is a fantastic example of organizations collaborating across different sectors while working to address the Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Strategy’s strategic priorities of Basic Needs, Connection, and Complexity.
Through this partnership and program, Settlement Practitioner, Grazyna Pakos from EISA, works two days a week at the library where she meets with newcomer clients. By having Grazyna located in the library, newcomers can access settlement services beyond traditional service points and office hours, making it easier for immigrants and refugees to get the information and services they need.
Highlighting the impacts of the program, one newcomer shared, “I completed my virtual citizenship ceremony on Monday, so I am finally a Canadian citizen. Thank you for all the care and support you have shown me. Moving here was tough, and I am so grateful for the kindness and guidance that you gave me in navigating the system as a newcomer. I recently started my PhD and part of my success in getting into the program is as a result of your help, [and] finally getting comfortable in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Thanks again, for everything.”
The Library Settlement Program enables EISA to provide settlement services closer to home and start the settlement journey for community members in Strathcona County. Grazyna supports newcomers with a variety of topics including:
- Finding a place to live
- Obtaining an Alberta Health Card, Social Insurance Number, and driver’s license
- Receiving the Canada child tax benefit
- Setting up bank accounts
- Registering for English language classes
- Assessing work skills, accreditation, and licensing
- Helping students adjust to a new school
- Accessing supportive counselling
- Preparing for winter
- Connecting with established newcomers and Canadians in their community
Participants in the Library Settlement Services program frequently report that the service has helped them to secure employment, meet basic needs, and to feel like they belong. One program participant expressed their appreciation by saying, “I will never forget how effective your presence was in my family life. Your kind attention towards my family, your advice and help through libraries and other institutes encourage me and my family to become more involved in Canadian society and made our lives happier and easier here.”
Last year, 41% of the people who used this service had been in Canada for less than one year. Another 40% had been in Canada between one to three years. And interestingly, 18% had been in Canada for over five years, indicating an ongoing need for support.
In 2023, almost half (48%) of clients in the Library Settlement Program were Ukrainian. Grazyna also worked with clients from India, the Philippines, and Columbia. These newcomers came to Canada under a variety of categories, from temporary workers to economic immigrants to refugees, and more.
The Library Settlement Program is funded by the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is completely free of charge to clients.
Questions?
For more information about this program and partnership, contact Grazyna at 780-410-8603.