Pathways | Immigrant Services

Immigrant Services - South Okanagan

Child Services, Education, Employment, Financial, and Immigrant and Refugee Services

Provided by South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS)

Provides free settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees in South Okanagan

English Language Training: SOICS provides interactive English language training for eligible immigrant adults through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.

The language instruction incorporates topics such as housing, banking, transportation and community resources that are essential to function and participate in Canadian society. Language levels include beginner's (levels 1 to 3), intermediate (levels 4 to 5), and advanced (levels 6-8).

Free childminding is available for children from one month of age to five years of age, for those parents/grandparents attending LINC class.

Settlement and Integration: SOICS offers settlement and integration services to help immigrants understand, navigate and access the social and economic systems of British Columbia.

Our settlement program assists with:

Needs assessment and orientation to the community
Completion of government forms and applications
Making appointments
Referrals to community agencies and resources

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS): SWIS program primarily provides school-based support to assist immigrant parents and their children integrate into the Canadian school system. Also, the program provides information on referrals, accompaniment to community services, assistance with completing forms, referrals to extra-curricular activities, help in the adjustment and transition process, and cultural interpretation to schools.

Community Connections: This service provides immigrants and refugees the opportunity to improve their language skills and helps to build connections in the community through volunteer mentors. We match clients and mentors based on criteria such as similar interests, age, professional background, and occupation. Mentors support and encourage mentees in their goals and connect them to established Canadians, and share information on:

Canadian workplace culture and occupational practices
Local job market and networking opportunities
Role of public institutions and community resources
Local culture and values

Employment Services: Our employment services provide assistance with pre-employment services such as job search, information on trades and entrepreneurial opportunities, information about financial literacy, understanding details of a paycheque, taxation documents (T4), and budgeting, workshops on obtaining certifications such as First Aid and Food Safe, information about Canadian workplace culture, and mock interviews and guidance on writing resumes and cover letters.

250-492-6299 (Penticton Office)

Public email: admin@soics.ca

Website: http://www.soics.ca/

340 Ellis Street, Penticton, British Columbia, V2A 4L7

Wheelchair accessible.

250-498-4900 (Oliver Office)

583 Fairview Road, Oliver, British Columbia, V0H 1T0

Wheelchair accessible.

Service is available in Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Slovak, Spanish, Tagalog, and Urdu.

Cost: No cost