Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)

Friday Conversation Circle – Online
2025-08-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our Online Fridays Conversation Circle via MS TEAMS! Connect, communicate, and grow your confidence in English through fun and friendly conversations. It’s a great way to meet others, share stories, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is required to receive the Teams link.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

Empowering Seniors for Resilient Future (Fridays)
2025-08-08 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-15 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-22 10:00 - 13:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
Join us in this 8-week series if you are 50+ senior who speaks Arabic & Tigrinya (Wednesdays), Farsi, Dari, Spanish & Ukranian (Fridays)

A program series for immigrants and refugee seniors to promote their health and wellbeing with the aim to:

•Celebrate diversity and social connectedness amongst newcomer seniors

•Promote digital literacy and inclusion

•Engage seniors to access parks and recreational facilities in their local community to increase their physical fitness

•Support seniors’ health and wellbeing by introducing a variety of self-care activities

•Improve English communication skills through Conversation group sessions

Program runs from July to August 2025 every Wednesdays or Fridays 10AM – 1PM

ISSofBC New Westminster Office: 280 – 610 6th St. New Westminster, BC

To Register: connect with kimberly.lopez@issbc.org

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2025-08-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual – Teams
Rental Assistance Program(RAP)​ and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters(SAFER)

​

​Join us online to learn about BC Housing Programs, Rental Assistance and Shelter for Elderly Renters ​

* Eligibility​

* How to apply​

* Application process ​

* The required documents ​

When:

Friday– August 8, 2025​

2:00 pm to 3:30pm​

Where:​

Virtual/Teams​

English/Persian (Farsi)​

Contact us: ​778-372-6536​Maryam.Keshtkar@issbc.org

Rental Assistance Program(RAP)​ and Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters(SAFER) ​Join us online to learn about BC Housing Programs, Rental Assistance and Shelter for Elderly Renters * ​Eligibility​ * How to apply * Application process ​* The required documents ​ When: Friday– August 8, 2025 2:00 pm to 3:30pm​​Where:​Virtual/Teams​English/Persian (Farsi)​Contact us: ​778-372-6536​Maryam.Keshtkar@issbc.org​

Women's Group - Mandarin
2025-08-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-22 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminstet, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
The Women’s Group aims to connect, support, and share experiences within Mandarin speaker’s women in the community, creating a safety space to feel seen, heard and included.

Monday Conversation Circle (Basic) - In Person
2025-08-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-25 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our In-person Mondays Conversation Circle in Maple Ridge! Connect, communicate, and grow your confidence in English through fun and friendly conversations. It’s a great way to meet others, share stories, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

Grupo de Apoyo para Mujeres en Español
2025-08-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-19 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada
Cuándo?Todos los Martes10:00 am a 12:00 pm

De Junio 17, 2025 al 26 de Agosto, 2025

Dónde?820 6th St, New Westminster, BC V3L 3C8

Únete a nosotras para compartir, apoyarnos y crear conexiones en tu propio idioma. Este es un espacio donde las mujeres pueden sentirse seguras, vistas e incluidas.

¡Nos encantaría que formaras parte!

10 Sesiones (En persona)

Para registrarte contacta a:Kimberly Lopezkimberly.lopez@issbc.org

O escaneael QR code

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Wednesday Conversation Circle (Lower Intermediate) – In Person
2025-08-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Maple Ridge, 110-22638 119th Ave, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our In-person Wednesdays English conversations circle in Maple Ridge! This in-person circle is perfect for lower intermediate speakers who want to build confidence, improve their skills, and connect with others in a supportive environment. Share stories, make new friends, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

Empowering Seniors for Resilient Future (Wednesdays)
2025-08-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 13:00 | ISSofBC – New Westminster, 280 - 610 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L3C2, Canada

Pitt Meadows Library Conversation Circle – In Person
2025-08-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Pitt Meadows Public Library – 2nd Floor, 12099 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows, V3Y 0E5, Canada
Are you a Newcomer who would like to:▪ Connect with others, and practice English?▪ Learn more about your community and Canada?▪ Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence?

We are here to support you!

Join our In-person Wednesdays English conversations circle at the Pitt Meadows Public Library! Connect, communicate, and grow your confidence in English through fun and friendly conversations. It’s a great way to meet others, share stories, and feel part of the community.

Eligibility Criteria

❑ Permanent Residents and Protected Persons living in the Lower Mainland, BC.❑ International Student, Refugee Claimants, and Temporary Foreign Workers ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.❑ Naturalized Canadian citizens ONLY living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows.

Note: Registration is strictly required due to limited space.

For Inquiries: Send an email to [yumiko.king@issbc.org] or call [778-372-6568]

Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities workshop online - in person (English, Farsi and Dari)
2025-08-13 14:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Workshop Details:

Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn about your rights and responsibilities when renting in B.C.

This workshop will be delivered in English, Farsi, and Dari.

When:

Wed – Aug 13, 2025

2.00 pm to 4.00 pm

In person and online

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

View https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Poster-Tenant-and-Landlord-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Aug-2025.pdfPoster

Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities workshop online - in person (Arabic)
2025-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Workshop Details:

Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn about your rights and responsibilities when renting in B.C.

This workshop will be delivered in Arabic

When:

Thursday – Aug 15, 2025

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

In person and online

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

View https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Poster-Tenant-and-Landlord-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Aug-2025.pdfPoster

Taxation System in Canada workshop online - in person (English and Spanish)
2025-08-19 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Workshop details:

Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how to process your taxes in Canada and British Columbia.

Detalles del taller:

Talleres gratuitos para solicitantes de asilo y solicitantes de refugio que viven en Vancouver y Burnaby.

Aprenda como procesar sus impuestos en Canada y BC.

Este curso se impartirá en inglés y español.

When:

Tuesday – Aug 19, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English and Spanish

In person and online

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Poster-Taxation-System-in-Canada-Aug-2025.pdfView Poster

Taxation System in Canada workshop online - in person - English and Arabic
2025-08-21 10:00 - 12:00 | ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how to process your taxes in Canada and British Columbia.

When:

Thu – Aug 21, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

English and Arabic

In person and online

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration, please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

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Health and Wellness series for Newcomers in Canada
2025-08-21 14:00 - 15:30 | BC
Arabic, Farsi, Eritrean, Rohingiya

We welcome you to join us for a short series of health information sessions at ISSofBC.

This will help you know more about healthy living and how to connect with health services in Canada.

Topics like introduction to health, accessing health services, health coverage, immunization, chronic diseases, and stress management will be included.

Attendees will be able to better understand their rights as patients in Canada.

When:

Every Thursday – August 21 to September 25, 2025

2 PM to 3:30 PM

Where: In-person and online

2610 Victoria Drive

Vancouver, BC V5N 4LS

For registration contact

Mazhar Iqbal at mazhar.iqbal@issbc.org

Or Call at 778.372.6580

See poster for full details: View Poster

"Protecting Yourself Online" Settlement Program in Collaboration with St. Mary's Migrant Ministry
2025-08-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Online, Canada
Staying safe online is crucial because Canada and other countries face numerous online scams that can result in fraud and financial theft.

This webinar is designed to help you learn how to stay online and on the phone to avoid scams and people trying to steal your money. This event is organized in partnership with St Mary’s Migrant Ministry and Next Infosec.

If you are a Permanent Resident, join us in a free webinar and learn:▪ How to outsmart the scammers: learn how to identify unsafe links, unsafe emails & attachments▪ How to build a wall against fraud▪ How to secure your story and prevent Identity theft▪ What to do if you are a victim of an internet scam

Speaker:Misgun TeklehaimanotCybersecurity ExpertNext Infosec,Information Security Solutions

When:Saturday – August 23, 20256:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: Online Webinar

To register, please contact:resochita.arma@issbc.orgor call: 778-372-6507

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Protecting-Yourself-Online-Flyer-August-23-2025-1.pdf

The Transit System in Metro Vancouver workshop online - in person - English and Spanish
2025-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | ISS of BC Vancouver, ISSofBC Vancouver Welcome Center 2610 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2, Vancouver, BC, BC V5N 4L2, Canada
Free workshops for Asylum Seekers and Refugee Claimants who live in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Learn how use the transportation system in Metro Vancouver:

•Transit zones,

•Payment Methods,

•Where to buy a COMPASS card,

•Skytrain lines, etc.

When:

Tuesday 26, 2025

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Workshop offered in English and Spanish

Online and In Person

Where:

2610 Victoria Dr.Vancouver, BC V5N 4L2

For registration please contact:

Ingrid Mutter

778-372-6530 Ingrid.mutter@issbc.org

View Poster

Trauma Informed Care for Newcomers
2025-08-26 15:00 - 16:00 | ISSofBC Coquitlam office, 258 3020 Lincoln Ave, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 6B4, Canada
Arabic, Farsi, Eritrean, Rohingiya

Did you know that trauma is a well-known cause of stress and mental health challenges?Do you need to learn more about stress caused by trauma and its effects on health?Do you know that there are many resources available to support people with mental health issues?

Join us in-person or online to learn more.

Where: In-person and online258-3020, Lincoln Ave Coquitlam BC V3B 6B4Contact Mazhar Iqbal:mazhar.Iqbal@issbc.orgPhone: 778-372-6580

https://issbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Poster-Trauma-Informed-Care-for-Newcomers.pdf
