Agenda Package - City of Vernon

Cultural Diversity/Faith Gro¡'tps
lmmigration
During the last census in 2006, Vernonl population
People immigrating to Vernon can have many of
numbered nearly 36,000. Approximately 12 per
their questions ânswered by the Vernon and District
cent was made up of people who had emigrated
lmmigrant Services soc¡ety. This non-profit society
from outside of Canada. lmmigrants from the
offers many services for newcomers, immigrants,
United States, Central and South America, Europe,
refugees, visible minorit¡es and first-generat¡on
the Un¡ted Kingdom, Africa, Asia, the Middle East,
Canadians, helping with their settlement ¿nd
Austrâlia and New Zealand had all chosen Vernon as
integration intoVernon.
their new home.
serv¡ces are offered in a muhitude of languages, and
First Nations people make up approximately five per
rêcommendations can be m¿deto link newcomers to
cent ofVernon's population. Half of the bandl 1
necessary community serv¡ces. Staff and volunteers
'ó88
members live on the reserve, while the other half live
provide ässistance with c¡tizenship and ¡mm¡9rãtion
with¡n the community.
applications, accred¡tat¡on of diplomas and degrees,
coaching for certificates and licenses ¿s well as
As a result, numerous cultural groups exist, providing
translation and interPretâtion.
people with opportunities to meet others and share
familiar customs and traditions. ln addition, more
English as a Second Language and Employment
than 70 churches and places of worship are located
Service programs are avail¿ble. Newcomers are
in Vernon and area, representing a wide vâriety of
encouraged 10 use the resource centre which
provides
religions and fa¡ths.
internet access, a job-posting board and
labour market information' Numerous workshops
are also scheduled and st¿ff cân help with foreign
credent¡al recogn¡tìon, career planning and provide
information on self-emPloYment.
I n Io r tn a ti o n Âesources
Can We Help You D¡rectory: www.(¿nweh€lpyoü (a
. Faith Groups
. Multicultural orgãn¡zations
. F¡rst Nãtions Groups
. Gay and Lesbian organ¡zat¡ons
lnformation Resources
Citizenship and lmmigration Canada: www'dcgc cà
Vernon and District lmmigrant Services Society:
wwwvdiss.com
citv ofVernon:
ww'uvernon.caldoorway/d0cs/immigr¿ti0n.pdf
Welcome BCr www,welcomeb( (a
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