Over 200 ISSofBC staff from all locations in Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan and Squamish gathered together for an afternoon of networking, speeches, activities, and a Years of Service Awards Ceremony during the All Staff Meeting today at the Hilton Hotel in Burnaby.
The annual awards recognize employees who have dedicated their careers to helping build a future for newcomers in Canada with ISSofBC.
20 staff were recognized this year for five years, four for 10 years, seven for 15 years, five for 20 years and first time in the history of ISSofBC, one for 25 years of service to the organization.
Janet Massaro, ESL Teacher for the ISSofBC Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program (LINC), received the 25 years of service award. During the event, board of directors and senior management spoke highly of Janet’s strength and passion in her work.
“You have demonstrated extraordinary commitment in mentoring numerous students, clients and colleagues,” said Clifford Bell, ISSofBC Director of the Language College & Career Services.
In addition to the awards, the meeting showcased the New Welcome House project with guest speaker Gregory Henriquez from Henriquez Partners Architects—the lead design firm for the building.
“I feel so proud to be a part of working with you to give you a home to do your work,” he said during his speech.
An additional highlight of the meeting featured a presentation by Thea-Lynne Fiddick, ISSofBC Settlement Manager, on the Volunteer Connections program and staff orientation video explaining the process of requesting volunteers within ISSofBC.
