Moving Ahead Program (MAP)
The MAP can support you if you are facing unique challenges due to your identity or life experiences, such as language barriers or LGTBQ+ issues.
All MAP services are confidential.
When you contact MAP, please include your full name and contact information so the team can follow-up:
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What is MAP?
Our MAP program offers specialized support if you face additional challenges in your life, such as medical, family, or housing difficulties.
As a MAP client, you will work with a case worker or in group meetings and receive life skills guidance, crisis support, and referrals to specialized services.
We are dedicated to assisting individuals, families, youth, young adults, and LGBTQ+ newcomers, ensuring you feel welcomed and supported in your new community.
You can join MAP if you live in Vancouver, New Westminster, and the Tri-Cities (including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody).
Services include:
- Multi-language support in your first language with a dedicated case worker.
- Information on local public services, including schools, healthcare, and housing
- Confidential support to help you and your family adjust to living in Canada
- MAP works with newcomers with additional challenges, such as individuals who identify as LGTBQ+ or have mental or physical disabilities.
How can this program support you?
MAP offers you many benefits, including:
Who is MAP for?
MAP offers specialized support to the following statuses in Canada. Please note – Priority will be given to newcomers in Canada for five years or less.
MAP can support people with the following statuses in Canada:
- Permanent resident (PR)
- Protected persons
- Individuals who will become PRs, and have received a confirmation letter from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
MAP offers specialised support to newcomers facing multiple challenges, including:
- Family breakdown (eg divorce or separation)
- Language barriers (difficulty learning English)
- Social isolation (missing friends and family)
- Single parenting
- Domestic violence/abuse
- Medical/mental health concerns
- Pre-migration trauma (eg long stay in refugee camps)
- Economic pressures (low income, unemployment, and cost of living challenges).
Find answers to common questions
Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about MAP services.
MAP provides a variety of valuable services, including:
One-to-one meetings: Both online and in-person.
Individual action plans: We can give you step-by-step advice on settling in your new community in BC.
This includes advice on developing life skills, such as using online services.
Crisis intervention support: In extreme cases, MAP can support you during crises related to your family, housing, or job.
Referrals to specialized support: We have a network of organizations that can support you and your needs if you need additional support.
MAP locations
See below for the ISSofBC offices where MAP is available:
Languages available
MAP services can be provided in the languages below and other languages via interpretation and translators.
English
Dari
Farsi
Arabic
Spanish
Tigrinya
Pashto
Want to join the MAP program?
If you are facing additional difficulties when trying to integrate or build your life in British Columbia due to your circumstances or identity, contact your local MAP team:
Vancouver
- MAP@issbc.org
- 604-684-2561
New Westminster
- MAP@issbc.org
- 604-522-5902
Coquitlam
- MAP@issbc.org
- 604-416-2946
Funding partners
The Government of Canada funds our Moving Ahead Program (MAP).
IRCC – Government of Canada
