Newcomer Settlement Services
Newcomer Settlement Services 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.
Blenn (Avelina) Dioces
South Asian Communities – Filipino/Tagalog
Email: AvelinaaD@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 236-889-4065
Elham Vahabzadeh
Central Asian Communities – Farsi/Dari/Pashto – فارسی/دری/پشتو
Email: Elhamv@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 236-877-2531
Osama Alshantti
Senior Coordinator/Manager – Community Connections and Outreach
Email: Osamaa@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 604-396-6853
Email: settlementprogram@burnabynh.ca
Phone: 604-431-0400
Services
Information and Orientation
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.
Needs and Asset Assessment Referral and Services (NAARS)
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.
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.
Community Connections
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:
Programs and services include:
- Volunteering and community involvement opportunities.
- Youth and women’s programs offering leadership training and job-readiness skills.
- Opportunities to share and promote your cultural values through community programs.
- English conversation circles and workshops on health, employment, education, Indigenous-newcomer relations, and more.
Upcoming Programs
Ready to boost your English skills?
Join our Intermediate Conversation Circle and engage in diverse topics about life in Canada, all in a friendly and welcoming environment. Connect with fellow newcomers and make new friends as you improve your language skills.
Date: August 6 – September 24, 2026 (every Thursday).
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM.
Location: #100 – 4460 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0B8 (South House).
Eligibility:
We are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, in accordance with their requirements, we focus on
supporting permanent residents and convention refugees.
Ready to kick start your journey to learning English?
Start speaking with confidence at our new cohort of the Beginner English Circle. Learn basic words and phrases for everyday use, practice simple conversations, and enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment that makes learning easy and fun.
Date: August 10 – September 28, 2026 (every Monday).
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM.
Location: #100 – 4460 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0B8 (South House)
Eligibility:
We are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, in accordance with their requirements, we focus on
supporting permanent residents and convention refugees.
For more information and registration, please contact Osama at osamaa@burnabynh.ca
Have you thought about food as a way of practicing English? Join us for a fun program designed to bring the community together through food, culture, and language. This program aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where participants from diverse backgrounds can connect, share, and learn from each other while practicing conversational English.
Date: July 16 – July 30 (Every Thursday).
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM.
Location: #100 – 4460 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0B8 (South House, third floor, Banquet Hall 1).
Eligibility:
We are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, in accordance with their requirements, we focus on supporting permanent residents and convention refugees
For more information about
this program and how to
participate, contact Osama at
OsamaA@burnabynh.ca
Recurring Programs
Newcomer Youth Programs
make friends, practice English, discover Burnaby, and
participate in exciting activities and gain hands-on skills
NEW Neighbours Podcast
Welcome to BC – Orientation for Newcomers in their First Language
Settlement & Integration Program History
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and supported by various partners, the Settlement & Integration Program at Burnaby Neighbourhood House was launched in April 2020 during the pandemic. The program has positively impacted the process of making Canada home for thousands of newcomer immigrants and refugees who have settled in British Columbia.
Funders & Sponsors
