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

Dali Qu

East Asian Communities – Mandarin (普通话)

Email: Daliq@burnabynh.ca

Phone: 236-889-4065

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

Ireri Rojo

Latino Communities – Spanish (español)

Email: Irerir@burnabynh.ca

Phone: 604-396-6955

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

Miguel Litonjua

Community Connection Coordinator

Email: MiguelL@burnabynh.ca

Phone: 236-833-6515

Mona

Newcomer Youth / Women Coordinator

Email: Monaa@burnabynh.ca

Phone: 236-877-2517

General Contact

Email: settlementprogram@burnabynh.ca

Phone: 604-431-0400

Recurring Programs

Welcome to BC – Orientation for Newcomers in their First Language

Learn about: Life in Canada BC community Resources. Rights and Responsibilities. Transportation. Social Norms. Schools. Renting. Indigenous Peoples
Learn More

English Conversation Circle

Click to learn more about our English Conversation Circle Programs.
Learn More

Youth Program

Come hang out in a fun and welcoming space for newcomer youth!
Learn More

My Small Business

Are you a newcomer woman who has a business idea or journey ready to launch? Join this supportive and empowering program, facilitated by Rasha and Aseel, to...
Learn More

Newcomer Welcome Space

Looking to meet new people and feel more at home in the community?..
Learn More

NEW Neighbours Podcast

Hosted by BNH’s Settlement & Integration Program, the New Neighbours Podcast provides a platform for newcomers to make their voices heard. Every month, we will be interviewing a community member […]
Learn More

Special Events

Mar
29
Special Events

Community Repair Cafe

10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Apr
1
Special Events

TEST tax eligible only event

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Apr
26
Special Events

Community Repair Cafe

10:00 am - 2:00 pm
May
31
Special Events

Community Repair Cafe

10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Jun
28
Special Events

Community Repair Cafe

10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sep
27
Special Events

Community Repair Cafe

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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. 

Funders and Sponsors

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Community Resources

BC Newcomers’ Guide to Resources & Services

BC Refugee Claimant Housing Referral System (BC CHARMS)

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants —Back in Motion

YMCA Newcomer Services

Moving Ahead Program (MAP)

Health Connect Registry

BC Center for Ability

YMCA – Child Care

Multi-Agency Partnership:

Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society

BC Services and Assistance for Humanitarian & Vulnerable Newcomers (BC SAFE HAVEN)

Legal Aid BC

604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver)
1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)

Racist Incident Helpline

1-833-457-5463

Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table (BIPT)

Victim Services - Burnaby Detachment

Phone 1: 604-646-9700
RCMP (non-emergency, 24-hour): 604-646-9999
Emergency (24-hour): 911