A Closer Look at the Programs & Services of the Neepawa & Area Immigrant Settlement Services

On Sept. 11, 2023, the Neepawa & Area Settlement had their first Show & Tell event which was held at ArtsForward. It’s a one day event where all the managers and staff provided information to our newcomers about the services of each department or unit.

The Neepawa and Area Immigrant & Settlement Services (Neepawa & Area Settlement) is a rural-based settlement agency that assists Permanent Residents, Temporary Foreign Workers & Refugees with their pathway to integration into a new country. It hopes to empower clients to make informed decisions regarding settlement in Canada. All the programs and services are free of charge for our newcomers which is funded by the Canadian government, Temporary Foreign Worker by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and other programs by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Don Walmsley, Executive Director of the Neepawa & Area Settlement mentioned that it has been existing since 2008 and has grown immensely since then. “Settlement services are essentially the information and referral organization which basically means we can be the first touch base for a newcomer family or individuals", said Walmsley.    

For those who just arrived Canada, they provide assistance or advise in processing their health card, benefits and other important documents they need to properly settle in Canada. The newcomers are also informed about the various programs and services of the Settlement which includes English as an Additional Language, Volunteer program, Employment Assistance and Settlement Workers in School (SWIS).  For young families they have the Home Instruction For Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) and the Early Years Program which provides activities for their kids and parents as well as information sessions on parenting with the goal of helping families integrate well into Canadian society.

Aside from these, there is a program that specifically caters to the Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) since their concerns are often different from those who already have the Permanent Resident status. The program is called Prairie Community Services for Temporary Foreign Workers so they work with the TFW across the Prairie region.  

Overall, the Neepawa and Area Settlement covers a wide variety of services to different age groups and immigration status and they do referrals to other organizations when needed.