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About UsHistory

Our Story

For over 50 years, we’ve proudly supported newcomers to settle, learn English, study and find work in British Columbia —supporting you every step of the way.

Our Foundation

We are one of the first and largest newcomer settlement agencies in British Columbia, established in 1968 as a non-profit.

We began with a group of volunteers who welcomed Ismaili refugees from Uganda. With our world-first Vancouver Welcome Centre, our rich history showcases a commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Explore some of the major milestones that have shaped our growth.

Our Journey

As one of Canada’s first newcomer and most innovative settlement agencies, we have much to celebrate throughout our long history. Here are just some of our key milestones:

  • 1968 – 1979

    The Early Years

    Even before incorporation in 1973 as the first immigrant-serving agency in BC, local volunteers, including Eleanor Strong (who became our first Executive Director), supported the resettlement of 1,400 Ismaili refugees fleeing Idi Amin’s regime in Uganda.

    We then started dedicated settlement and language services, playing a key role in welcoming the Vietnamese Boat People in 1978-79.

  • 1980 – 2000

    Building the foundations

    During this period, we developed new and innovative programs.

    These included skills training, the refugee-volunteer matching ‘HOST’ program, temporary accommodation for refugees, English language, the Bridge Community Health Clinic, our Language and Career College (LCC – Hyperlink: https://lcc.issbc.org/), and Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP).

  • 2001 – 2013

    ISSofBC expands across British Columbia

    We expanded, starting in Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Maple Ridge, Langley, and Squamish.

    This included initiatives such as high-level language classes, mentoring, a trauma information and support program for refugees, accreditation from Languages Canada, and greater engagement with Work BC.

  • 2014 – 2016

    A world-first Welcome Centre and a Royal visit

    In 2016, our ground-breaking Vancouver Welcome Centre opened as a new all-in-one innovation service hub for newcomers. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, visited the Centre.

    As one of Canada’s largest newcomer-serving agencies, we were at the forefront of Canada’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and in 2016, we received over 2,000 Syrian government refugees.

  • 2017 – 2020

    Global pandemic

    In response to COVID-19, we improved our online operations so clients could benefit. These changes included a new client record management (CRM) system, more online classes and workshops, and launching a digital skills program and curriculum.

  • 2021 – onwards

    Humanitarian crises and new beginnings

    As unprecedented humanitarian crises emerged in Afghanistan and Ukraine from 2021 – 24, we have taken a leading role in supporting those displaced by violence and war.

    In 2021, we also welcomed Jonathan Oldman as our new Chief Executive Officer, following Patricia Woroch’s retirement. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of ISSofBC, and in 2023, we launched our new brand identity ‘Welcoming Newcomers’ to ensure everyone understands what we do.

About Us

ISSofBC welcomes and supports newcomers to settle in communities, learn English, study and find work in British Columbia.

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