Staff at CVIMS recently spent some of their valuable time to answer questions about the organization and their work.
- What is the mandate for CVIMS?
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) is a non-profit settlement organization located in Nanaimo, B.C. Established in 1979, CVIMS provides support to newcomers and refugees. Services include settlement, employment, family, language and community engagement programs.
2. How does CVIMS offer settlement support to newcomers?
Newcomers in the community are welcome to visit CVIMS’ office or website to register for our services. Newcomers will meet with an Intake Worker to learn about our programs and services, discuss their needs and be assigned a Settlement Worker. Following this initial meeting, the Settlement Worker will connect with the newcomer(s) to develop a Settlement Plan based on their identified needs to support them in settling in the community.
3. What kinds of programs does CVIMS provide for youth?
CVIMS provides programs geared towards youth including Youth Connections and Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS).
Youth Connections is designed to create a welcoming and safe space where youth can thrive. This supportive community allows youth to connect with peers, share experiences and enhance their mental health coping skills.
SWIS connects newcomer students and families to school, community and government resources in Nanaimo-Ladysmith area. Programs offered by SWIS include Friendship Clubs at local Elementary Schools, Student Lounge at local Secondary Schools as well as summer, winter and spring camps for children and youth.
4. Does CVIMS help families with kids? How?
Yes, CVIMS helps families with kids through a number of different programs offered by our Family Services Department.
For families enrolled in our LINC classes, childminding is available.
For families with 3-4 year olds, CVIMS offers a program called Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngers (HIPPY) designed to empower parents with tools and confidence to prepare their preschool children for success in school.
SWIS connects newcomer students and families to school, community and government resources in Nanaimo-Ladysmith area and provides school registration services for newcomer families.
5. Can CVIMS help newcomers with forms and applications?
Settlement Workers will go through forms and applications with clients and can assist with translation of forms, search for any missing information, transcribing responses and guiding a client on how to find information on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website. Please note, Settlement Workers cannot provide immigration advice including which immigration program suits a client’s need or how to present information in applications.
6. How can the community offer support to CVIMS?
CVIMS relies on community organizations and individuals in various areas, including individual and corporate memberships, volunteering, referrals, donations, and most importantly, supporting newcomers in their neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and the community.
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