Grey Bruce Settlement and Language Services has marked its 3rd Anniversary by celebrating the 650 families, youth, and adults they supported across Grey and Bruce Counties. The organization has been able to expand their free services to meet the needs and influx of new residents of the area.
Programs available include the Newcomer Workplace Support Program which specializes in supporting newcomers to engage in employment faster, or the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) which supports youth entering Canadian schools for the first time. There is also an Outreach Specialist who connects with community organizations and new residents. The Settlement Workers and Language Instructors are working, too, to help newcomers make Grey Bruce their new home.
The organization believes newcomers bring culture, diversity, new perspectives, ideas, and experiences to their new communities. As well, newcomers often can boost the local economy by starting businesses, creating jobs, and providing services that benefit the community as a whole.
For example, the Grey Bruce Settlement and Language Services helped Rahel improve her English skills and secure employment. She also lacked transportation, so the organization helped Rahel to register and complete the Driver’s Education course. She earned her G2, purchased a car, secured sustainable housing, and is working towards completing her Personal Support Worker training.
Settlement Workers and host families worked with Olha, Tatiana, and Hanna to identify their skills. The trio was encouraged and assisted in setting up a table at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market where they sell their Ukrainian inspired dishes and handmade clothing as a source of income.
Mostafa reached out to Grey Bruce Settlement and Language services for help finding employment so his Settlement Worker provided translation services to YMCA Employment Services staff to develop a professional resume and complete standard workplace safety training. He has now retained full-time employment at a local grocery store.
Grey Bruce Settlement and Language Services is free of charge. Settlement Workers travel throughout Grey and Bruce Counties to meet with newcomers , assess their needs and create an individualized settlement plan. The program is funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and operated by YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce in partnership with Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce.