Settlement Services

David Lopez came to the settlement program after being referred by friends. He and his family, who were accepted by IRCC under Protected Person status, received information about our services through these referrals. They needed assistance with applying for Permanent Residency for the whole family, which consists of six members. Olga addressed their needs by gathering detailed information about the necessary paperwork and family details, then provided comprehensive guidance on the application process. She utilized various resources, including phone consultations, computer research, and face-to-face meetings. Additionally, Olga referred David to the center’s interpretation and translation department for document assistance and connected them with external resources like Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, and YMCA programs for children. The services were successful, with Olga helping them with all six applications. The support and resources provided led to a smooth and efficient process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall experience. David appreciated the comprehensive and streamlined approach, which allowed for effective communication and access to all necessary services.

"Excelente atención al cliente, la señorita Olga nos ayudó mucho con el proceso de registro para Ontario Works y también para hacer el trámite de residentes permanentes. Lo recomiendo mucho para todas aquellas personas que necesiten ayuda con todos los procesos gubernamentales de este bello país de Canadá."

"Excellent customer service; Miss Olga helped us a lot with the Ontario Works registration process and also with the Permanent Residency application. I highly recommend this for anyone needing help with all the governmental processes in this beautiful country of Canada."

This is a Mexican family who arrived in Canada in the early 2000s. They have been facing challenges related to immigration, pension income, and subsidies, specifically the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Ontario Old Age Security (OAS). The family had been reaching out to our settlement workers for assistance over the years and turned to our center once more to clarify a complicated situation due to language barriers. We met in August at the Kitchener Public Library to address their pension doubts and process.

The unique aspect of this case was the long-standing relationship with this family as a legacy client. They knew how to reach out to us for help, given our past assistance. To address their problem, I first contacted the social worker to determine their eligibility for specific benefits. After gaining clarity, I guided them through the application process, helping them fill out the necessary forms and ensuring they were mailed correctly. Simultaneously, the social worker advised us to remind the family to update their information with Service Canada.

We serve as the bridge between this family and the complex Canadian forms for this procedure, primarily due to language barriers. The family’s familiarity with our services and their trust in us as a legacy client made them feel comfortable seeking our help. As a result, we were able to provide guidance, clarify the pension application process, and assist in reminding them to update their information with Service Canada. While it may not be a "happily ever after" story, it demonstrates how even small victories can significantly impact someone's life for the better. The family’s ongoing connection with our center highlights the sense of belonging and community we offer, making us their go-to source for support.

Asha’s Story

I would like to share my experience with Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre. Firstly, I want to nail a fact, the people in this center working like members in one big family. I am going to list the people who helped me from earlier to lately.

First time I entered the center was in early 2018, it was after two months of my arrival to Canada. The first person I met was a lady her name Wasan, she welcomed me and explained to me what the center services for the newcomers. She introduces me to another lady her name Eunice, she welcomed in in her office (March 2018 before COVID-19). She helped me a lot till the moment I am writing this letter. At the beginning she explained the claim process , applied for the work permit, social number, fill out forms, find accommodation, apply for my Permanent residence. More than that, any question I have she been replying by email or phone. I mean she is available any time in the day.

During my refuge case, my lawyer asked me for documents translation, so I approach the Multicultural Center, I met Fatah, he was just like a brother that I left behind in my former country, he translates all my documents to English, and my Toronto-based lawyer stated calling Fattah to fax the translated documents and Fattah replying like it is his own case.

When I applied for permanent residence, the government asked for Police Clearance Certificate, and I tried to apply online, but I failed to get any reply from the country that I was resident before I come to Canada. And again, I approach the Multicultural Center and call them, and a lady her name Suha Al-Hindawi, she was ready to help and immediately correctly applied for me and within one day I received my Police Clearance Certificate.

For them it’s their job to help but for people like me refugee newcomers feeling lost in a new country new environment, they open their arms to make feel home talking to you in eyes to find the exact way to help you. I have to thank my GOD for two things, first, to guide me to come to this peaceful country. Secondly, to put me among Multicultural Centre’s family.

Note: the people in the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre are happy to help, they are willing to help more than their duties. And always each one of them reminding me at the end of their help if I have anything to ask or anything I need.

Never felt that I am alone.

Thanks a LOT!!

Jamal is a refugee from Syria who came to Canada with his family in 2018. He had good work experience as a bus driver and limited English language skills upon arrival to Canada.  Jamal immediately started attending ESL classes to improve his English language skills. 

Jamal first came to KWMC looking for some settlement support. He was referred to our Pre-Employment Program and attended our “First Job in Canada” workshop, “Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” and WHMIS Symbols training to become job-ready.  

Jamal’s employment counsellor helped him apply for a position at Linamar. After the job interview, he was hired by Linamar as a full-time machine operator and forklift operator. After working for Linamar for about two years, he was laid off due to the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Jamal reconnected with his employment counsellor at KWMC to get support updating his resume and applying for jobs in the manufacturing field, but due to the pandemic, there were not enough opportunities. A few months later, he was hired by Toyota Boshoku as a full-time forklift operator.  The fact that Jamal is able to work and support his family in his mid-sixties makes him very happy and proud of himself.