When first arriving in Calgary, many people have to juggle numerous tasks simultaneously: finding housing, finding a job, learning English, and getting acquainted with the school system, healthcare, transportation, and daily life procedures. The good news is that Calgary has many community organizations that provide support. Free services for newcomers to Calgary, or sponsored programs for eligible individuals.
Here are five helpful resources to know about if you or your family have recently moved to Calgary.
1. Center for Newcomers – Free service for newcomers to Calgary
Center for Newcomers, CFN, often abbreviated as CFN, is one of the largest organizations supporting newcomers in Calgary. The organization offers a variety of programs related to settlement, community integration, English language learning, job searching, and family support.
If you're unsure where to begin settling in Calgary, this is a great place to contact first.
Some forms of support may include:
- A guide to getting acquainted with life in Canada.
- Job search assistance and resume preparation.
- English language learning and practice programs
- Connect with those community services Fit
- Programs for families and new immigrants.
CFN also offers Career Development and Job Search services for immigrants who are eligible to work and study in Canada.
2. Immigrant Services Calgary – Comprehensive support for newcomers
Immigrant Services Calgary It's a familiar address for many families who have recently moved to the city.
The organization currently offers programs such as beginner planning, language assessment and learning, job search support, and several other support services.
In particular, if you want to improve your English but are unsure of your current level, the Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre can help assess your language ability and recommend a suitable program.
This is also a useful place if you need to find out the next steps after arriving in Calgary, instead of having to search for information from many different sources.
3. CIWA – Supporting Immigrant Women and Families
CIWA – Calgary Immigrant Women's Association It is an organization that is particularly helpful to immigrant women, refugee women, girls, and their families.
CIWA states that they have over 50 programs related to settlement, language training, employment, family, and many other needs of newcomers.
These programs may be suitable for people who are:
- Want to improve your English?
- Job search
- Need help adapting to life in Canada.
- We need programs specifically for women or families.
- I want to improve my skills to re-enter the job market.
Some of CIWA's specialized programs are offered free of charge to eligible individuals. For example, CIWA once implemented a free Digital Marketing training program for immigrant women in Calgary.
4. Calgary Public Library – More than just a place to borrow books
Many newcomers to Calgary often think of the library as just a place to borrow books. In reality, Calgary Public Library There are many resources available for newcomers and those learning English.
The library has a program. New to Canada, guidance sessions for newcomers, and resources related to language, employment, and study.
In addition, there is Drop-In English Practice, where adults can practice their English listening and speaking skills in a relaxed environment with volunteers.
Another noteworthy service is Newcomers Desk At the Central Library, newcomers can meet with staff from settlement organizations for guidance on language, employment, education, child support, and community connections.
5. Settlement organizations recommended by the City of Calgary
If your needs don't fall into any of the four categories above, City of Calgary It also maintains a list of organizations that support newcomers.
According to the City of Calgary, settlement organizations can provide information and guidance to newcomers; staff at many organizations are likely to be multilingual, and services are often offered free of charge or at a low cost.
This list is very useful when you need more specialized support, such as:
- Settlement and integration
- Job
- Language
- Family and children
- Connecting cultures and communities
- Programs specifically for refugees or new groups.
Conclusion
Starting life in a new city isn't always easy, but you don't necessarily have to figure everything out on your own.
Organizations such as Center for Newcomers, Immigrant Services Calgary, CIWA and Calgary Public Library This can help newcomers access information, learn English, prepare for job hunting, and adapt to life in Calgary. The City of Calgary also provides a list of many settlement organizations to help newcomers find the right support for their needs.
Note: Each program may have different eligibility requirements depending on residency status, age, or funding source. It is advisable to contact the organization directly to confirm eligibility before applying.
Classified Ads – Calgary Advertising We will continue to update information on the community, jobs, services, and helpful support resources for Vietnamese people living in Calgary.