Pathways | Immigrant and Refugee Services

Immigrant and Refugee Services - Victoria

Child Services, Employment, Immigrant and Refugee Services, Seniors Services, Social / Recreational, and Youth Services

Provided by Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)

Services that aim to help immigrants and refugees adapt to life in Victoria.

The following services are offered:
Digital Literacy for BIPOC Seniors: Program is a new initiative developed to support older adults in building digital literacy, increasing community engagement, and fostering independence in an increasingly technology-based world. They learn: Using smartphones and tablets, accessing online health services, navigating government sites, staying safe online, joining virtual and in-person events. To register, send an email or call the contact below.
Who Can Join?

Newcomer, immigrant, refugee, or BIPOC Seniors
55 years old and above
Living in Greater Victoria or Saanich

BC Newcomer Services Program (BCNSP): Support the social and economic integration of newcomers to the BC province who are not eligible for federally funded settlement services. The program aims to help clients achieve their best possible settlement outcomes.
Program Eligibility:

Work Permit Holders
Study Permit Holders
Naturalized Canadian Citizens
Refugee Claimants
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders
BC Provincial Nominees or BCPNP Entrepreneur Immigration candidates.

Newcomer Women’s Project: The Newcomer Women’s Project at VIRCS supports immigrant and refugee women in the Greater Victoria area through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive case management, counselling, and referral services. The program offers community programs and educational workshops on mental health, wellness, and safety. In addition, participants receive essential items and can join workshops focused on safety, art therapy, life skills, and overall wellness.
Services Include:

Case Management: personalized support for your needs
Referrals: connections to local community partners and resources
Workshops & Education: skill-building and personal growth opportunities
Community Programs & Initiatives: building connections and support

Pathways 2 Professions & Trades (P2PT): Provide employment services to newcomer, Indigenous, and disabled youth between the ages of 18 and 30 who face multiple barriers to employment through the provision of employment, language testing, and training. For 6 or 8 weeks, participants study in class to learn about employment-related skills and career exploration while being paid a living allowance. At the end of this training, they have the opportunity to complete a work experience which can lead to permanent, long-term employment.
Program Eligibility:

Youth 18- 30 years of age.
Must be eligible to work in Canada.
Permanent residents, Canadian Citizens, Protected Persons.
Not currently employed or attending school full time.

Enable Program for Children and Youth: The Enable Program supports immigrant and refugee children and youth between the ages of 6 and 19. Its services are designed to meet academic, social, and emotional needs as participants transition into Canadian society. Using a holistic, client-centered approach, the program meets young people where they are in their journey and provides opportunities to strengthen their sense of identity, belonging, and community in their new environment.

Welcome Gardens: The program welcomes people of different origins. From children to seniors are welcome to participate. Immigration status does not matter. The program encourages primarily the participation of newcomers, refugees and new Canadians. Established Canadians are also welcome to participate with us.

The Volunteer Program A vital, dynamic part of the larger VIRCS portfolio of activities designed to meet the specific needs of individual immigrants and refugees, their families and the wider community with targeted, client-driven services.

250-361-9433

Public email: info@vircs.bc.ca

Website: https://www.vircs.bc.ca/

1004 North Park Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8T 1C6

250-361-9433 (Digital Literacy for BIPOC Seniors) ext. 202

Public email: iman@vircs.bc.ca

Website: https://www.vircs.bc.ca/test-digital...

Welcome Gardens

Public email: cenitgardens@gmail.com

Website: https://www.vircs.bc.ca/welcome-gardens

Pathways to Professions, Trades, and Entrepreneurship (P2PTE))

Public email: nahlah@vircs.bc.ca