ISSofBC

10/20/2026

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon!

“I use the same password for everything. What could go wrong?”

Using the same password can be convenient — but if someone gets access to it, several of your accounts could be affected.

Simple habits like using different passwords and adding extra sign-in protection can make a big difference.

Our upcoming free online Cyber Safety Training for newcomers to Canada will cover practical ways to protect yourself online.

👉 Learn more and check out our cyber safety tips: https://buff.ly/jZ4ZDmp

Cyber-Smart. Cyber-Safe.

10/16/2026

On May 1, a refugee client walked into our Careers Services office seeking employment support while relying on the food bank.

By May 15, he had secured a job—and that was the last time he needed to visit the food bank.

For many newcomers, food insecurity isn't a new challenge. It is often a reality faced long before arrival due to conflict, poverty, or climate displacement. Arriving in Canada doesn't automatically bring relief—navigating an unfamiliar job market alongside the high cost of living means the struggle to afford essentials continues.

Immediate food relief and long-term employment support must go hand in hand.

Through our partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB)—which supports over 800,000 client visits annually—and their FRESH Start Program, we work together to bridge the gap between emergency aid and long-term self-sufficiency.

So far, ISSofBC Careers Services has referred 32 clients to volunteer at the GVFB alongside our team members. These placements provide Canadian workplace experience, practical communication skills, and community connections—leading several clients directly into paid roles in retail, logistics, and warehousing.

As our team shared about the experience:

"It not only encouraged care for the community, but it reminded us that we are part of something bigger—creating a deep sense of purpose, pride, and belonging for everyone."

Food assistance keeps families fed today. Employment builds their tomorrow.

What concrete steps can community organizations and employers take to turn food programs into launchpads for career opportunities?

🔗 To build a stronger Canada for everyone, please donate today: https://buff.ly/YjbXFMC

10/15/2026

Announcement: Winner of the "Building a Stronger Canada for Everyone" Art Contest! 🇨🇦✨

We are thrilled to announce the winner of our art contest, Jessie Li, a young and talented local BC-based visual artist! Jessie's powerful and imaginative pieces beautifully capture what it means to build an inclusive, vibrant future together.

Here is a glimpse into the winning works and the inspiration behind them:

Foundations of Tomorrow: This striking artwork bridges traditional Indigenous heritage with futuristic technology, showcasing how diverse roots and innovation strengthen Canada. The young sapling cradled in the hands symbolizes our shared commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for all.

🔗 View Foundations of Tomorrow: https://lnkd.in/gd3N4PHx

The Colour of Democracy - Belonging: A vibrant celebration of community, this piece depicts a young artist painting people of all ages and backgrounds coming together under a rainbow, highlighting how inclusion creates a welcoming Canada where everyone truly belongs.

🔗 View The Colour of Democracy - Belonging: https://lnkd.in/g7bGstDq

About Jessie:
Jessie Li is a young BC-based visual artist passionate about storytelling through creative expression. Her work explores the intersections of cultural heritage, community, and the future, aiming to bring people closer together through art.

Join us in congratulating Jessie for her incredible contribution and for inspiring us all with her vision of a stronger Canada! 👏❤️

10/14/2026

Economic inclusion isn't just about financial metrics—it's about dignity, equity, and building a stronger community together.

On October 17, the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This reminds us that poverty is a structural challenge that requires collective action, systemic solutions, and compassionate community support.

Recent data from Statistics Canada’s Market Basket Measure underscores the urgency of this work. Source: https://buff.ly/T80Fckk

While the overall low-income rate for all persons sat at 11.0% in 2024, deep disparities persist across specific communities:

Newcomers (immigrants aged 15 and over) experience low-income rates at 12.3%, frequently navigating systemic barriers like credential recognition, food and housing affordability.

Indigenous populations continue to face disproportionately high low-income rates (17.9% overall, and 18.1% for those aged 15 and over).

At ISSofBC, we believe economic self-sufficiency is the foundation of successful settlement. We work alongside our clients to bridge these gaps through services including:

Housing support: Supporting individuals and families to find secure, safe, and affordable housing.

English language: Equipping clients with essential language skills needed to navigate the community and the Canadian workforce with confidence.

Careers & employment: Providing targeted job search training, job fairs, upskilling, loans, and professional networking to connect newcomers with sustainable employment.

Community partnerships: Collaborating with vital networks like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) to ensure food security and basic needs are met.

In addition, our Truth & Reconciliation strategy works towards a more inclusive society and understanding of the Indigenous peoples: https://buff.ly/TMb5IlR

Why does this matter? We want to build a stronger Canada for everyone.

We want to hear from our community:

What is one policy, program, or community initiative you believe has the most transformative impact on closing economic gaps in our region? Let’s share ideas in the comments below! 👇

If you want to donate to build a stronger Canada for everyone: https://buff.ly/YjbXFMC

10/14/2026

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon!

Public Wi-Fi can make it easy to stay connected when you’re away from home. But how do you know your personal information is safe?

Mark, an ISSofBC client, asked:
“I use public Wi-Fi to stay connected with family overseas. Could someone access my personal information, and how can I stay safe online?”

Our upcoming free online Cyber Safety Training for newcomers to Canada will explore practical ways to protect your information and make safer choices online.

👉 In the meantime, check our blog for tips on staying safer online and recognizing common scams: https://buff.ly/mwyoE7u

Cyber-Smart. Cyber-Safe.

10/13/2026

Celebrating Plain Language Day through teaching and communication

"We create an atmosphere where students support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and build lasting friendships," she says. "Teaching is about helping people communicate, connect, and succeed. That's what continues to inspire me."

For more than two decades, Ljerka Anic has helped future English language teachers learn how to communicate clearly, effectively, and with confidence through the TESOL Diploma Program at ISSofBC's Language and Career College.

A former refugee, volunteer, ISSofBC client, and now instructor, Ljerka's journey reflects the power of education and belonging. Since 2006, the TESOL Diploma Program has trained more than 1,500 teachers from around the world, many of whom have gone on to support learners in their own communities.

On Plain Language Day, we're celebrating the educators who make communication accessible and help others build the skills to connect, learn, and succeed.

Read Ljerka's story and discover how clear communication changes lives.

Read her story here: https://buff.ly/v13fNg3

Discover our English language programs and TESOL training at LCC:

Discover how the TESOL diploma program has trained over 1,500 teachers through practical learning, supportive classes and teaching practicums.

10/09/2026

What are you thankful for?

Most of our clients are grateful to be welcomed to Canada and given a new future with hope:

"I would like to thank Canadians for the kindness, opportunities, and support that so many newcomers receive when they arrive. " - Rasha Youssef

Read her story here: https://buff.ly/hDMOMyb

"Today, Jana and I are in Canada, and we are very happy to be here. For me, Canada represents safety, peace, and a new beginning. After years of war, fear, and uncertainty, I am so thankful that my daughter and I can breathe, rebuild our lives, and look toward the future with hope."- Fatima Khalifa, Syrian refugee.

Read her story here: https://buff.ly/uCiC2VL

Small actions unite and build a stronger community for everyone.

Events this weekend: 🔗 https://buff.ly/BJOyRhf.

Holiday Closure: ISSofBC will be closed on Monday, October 12. We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, October 13.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful long weekend!

🔗 Read our stories to see what our clients are thankful for: www.issbc.org

10/06/2026

Starting your career again in a new country isn’t always easy.

Sumir arrived in Canada from India in March 2026 with a master’s degree in pharmacy and five years of experience in clinical research and pharmacovigilance. But like many newcomers, he faced a familiar challenge: employers looking for Canadian experience.

Through ISSofBC’s B-Hired program, Sumir strengthened his resume, interview and communication skills, and learned how to better present his international experience to Canadian employers.

He has now taken an important first step in Canada’s healthcare sector as a Pharmacy Assistant with Wellness Pharmacy Group.

💬 “My advice to other newcomers is to stay positive, keep learning, and not give up, even when the job search feels difficult.”

Read Sumir’s story and discover how B-Hired supports newcomers in their job search: https://buff.ly/UJkxBGU

10/05/2026

“In December 2006, I felt safe and truly happy for the first time in my life. But very soon, my psychological problems started to surface.”

Content note: This post discusses war, trauma, abuse and child labour.

After arriving in Canada, the writer began experiencing panic attacks without understanding what was happening. It would take more than 17 years to receive a full assessment and appropriate support.

In Why Don’t You Go Home?, the writer reflects on surviving violence and displacement, how running became a way to cope, and the long journey towards understanding mental health.

The story is part of VOICES AGAINST TORTURE (VAT), a platform from the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture VAST_BC that shares the voices and experiences of survivors.

The writer’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, this story reminds us that reaching safety does not always end the effects of difficult experiences. Listening to lived experience can build understanding, reduce stigma and strengthen mental health support for people from all backgrounds.

Read the complete story:
🔗 https://buff.ly/JgEf6hI

Explore mental health services and resources from VAST:
🔗 https://buff.ly/WKrEuFS

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10/01/2026

🔐 Cyber Safety Training is coming soon to ISSofBC!

Rosa recently moved to Canada when she received a text saying she owed money to the CRA:

“I was scared and almost paid it. How can I recognize government impersonation scams?”

Messages like this can create fear and pressure you to act quickly.

Our upcoming free online Cyber Safety Training for newcomers to Canada will provide practical skills to recognize scams, protect personal information, and make safer choices online.

👉 While we get ready to launch, read our tips on recognizing and avoiding online scams: https://buff.ly/jd9y3oW

Cyber-Smart. Cyber-Safe.