Our Services

At our Welcome Centre we offer free:

• English (ESL) tutoring
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Online
• Conversation Club, ESL Book Club, Cooking Club, Family Group, Health/Yoga Club
• Preparation for Exams
• Information about life in Canada and the community
• Help accessing other services
• Help with documents and applications
• Post-secondary studies, and employment support
• Community connections
• Crisis support
• Help for vulnerable and abused Temporary Foreign Workers

We have an ESL library, community information, and other resources for clients and volunteer tutors, including:

• relevant and level-appropriate materials for tutoring and self-study
• computers and meeting rooms for study, tutoring, or exams
• iPad loan program
• free exam invigilation (for example, Food Safe)
• space and support for online Citizenship oath ceremonies
• baby change table and supplies
• family room and children’s play area
• kitchen and tea/coffee centre

English (ESL) tutoring
We have one-on-one tutoring, group conversation practice, and access to online English programs.

LINC Online
We partner with Immigrant Services Society of B.C. for language benchmark assessments and placement in LINC Online. LINC is a government-funded English class.

Clubs
Our clubs meet weekly or monthly. They provide fun opportunities for English practice, meeting people, and learning something new.

Exam Preparation
Volunteer tutors can help clients prepare for International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), Citizenship, Food Safe, Driver’s Knowledge test, etc.

Information Classes (groups, or one-to-one)
Classes include: Health and Family Services; Wildlife Safety; Employment Standards; Renters’ Rights; Laws in Canada, etc.

Help Accessing Services
Staff can join clients for appointments with other service providers. For example: Work BC, Service Canada, Family Place, RCMP, Victim Services, School District 47, etc.

Help with Documents and Applications
Staff can help clients find the application forms they need for Permanent Resident card renewals, Family Sponsorship, etc. Language support can also be provided to understand forms and requirements.

Post-secondary Studies & Employment Support
For clients who are not eligible for Work BC services (or not quite ready), our staff can provide support exploring study and work options, preparing first resumes, etc. We can also help with Work BC appointments and setting up BCeID.  Through outreach at our Centre, Temporary Foreign Workers can learn about the Work BC services that will be available when they become Permanent Residents.

Community Connections
We host clubs, social & cultural events, field trips, and other activities to meet people and connect to the community.

Crisis Support
We provide a safe space and confidential support for clients during difficult times. We also provide referrals and help accessing other services (e.g. Legal Aid, Victim Services, Employment Standards, Resilience B.C., etc.).

Computer Access
Clients are welcome to use the computers in the Centre. We have an i-Pad loan program for clients studying online.