Newcomers Settlement Services
Newcomers Settlement & Integration Program Overview
We support immigrants, refugees, and protected persons in Canada with personalized settlement plans, application for eligible federal and provincial benefits, language support, community connections, and referrals. Our services help you navigate life in Canada, connect with your community, and access programs for all ages to support long-term integration, inclusion, and civic engagement.
Service
As part of our ongoing support, we assess your needs and strengths to better understand how we can help. This process allows us to recognize your skills and abilities, so we can make helpful referrals—either within our organization or to other services that may be beneficial to you.
Information and Orientation services assist newcomers in resettling confidently. We provide accurate, up-to-date, and language-friendly information to help you make informed decisions. Offered through one-on-one meetings, family sessions, and group workshops, our services are tailored to meet your specific needs as you settle into your new life. Services include:
- Wrap around settlement services and support in first language and English.
- Support with applying for federal and provincial benefits and programs.
- First language and English Welcome to BC orientations.
- Information and referral to various local community resources.
Resettling in a new country can be a challenging journey, but connecting with others through community involvement can help ease the transition. Our services aim to empower newcomers, promote inclusion, and foster a sense of belonging. We offer a range of programs and services to support this process:
- Volunteering and community involvement opportunities.
- Employment services such as pre-employment readiness career planning, employment connections, assistance with resume and cover letter writing, and vocational training opportunities.
- Participating in youth and women programs offering leadership training and job-readiness skills.
- Sharing and promoting your cultural values through various community programs.
- Joining events like English conversation circles and workshops on health, employment, education, Indigenous-newcomer relations, and more.
Settlement Services
Arman Zamani
Senior Coordinator/Manager – Settlement Services
Email: Armanz@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 604-657-2163
Mona
Middle Eastern Communities – Arabic (اَلْعَرَبِيَّة)
Email: Monaa@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 236-877-2517
Elham Vahabzadeh
Central Asian Communities – Farsi/Dari/Pashto – فارسی/دری/پشتو
Email: Elhamv@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 236-877-2531
Blenn (Avelina) Dioces
South Asian Communities – Filipino/Tagalog
Email: AvelinaaD@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 236-889-4065
Community Connections Services
Osama Alshantti
Senior Coordinator/Manager – Community Connections and Outreach
Email: Osamaa@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 604-396-6853
General Contact
Email: settlementprogram@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 604-431-0400
Recurring Programs
Welcome to BC – Orientation for Newcomers in their First Language
English Conversation Circle
My Small Business
Newcomer Welcome Space
NEW Neighbours Podcast
Special Events
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Settlement & Integration Program History
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and supported by various partners - the Settlement and Integration program of BNH was launched in April 2020 during a pandemic. The program has positively impacted the process of remaking home in Canada for thousands of newcomer immigrants and refugees landed in BC.
Over the past years, the program has expanded provision of first language settlement counselling services, strengthened various community connection initiatives, and extended various opportunities for newcomers’ engagements and active participation in shaping the story of their migration in their new home. Centered with Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and including decolonization, anti-racism, feminism, and equity - our services continue to address complex issues of migration and displacement.

