W.R.I.P. @ C.I.E.S.

At CIES we are always searching ways to better serve the immigrant community. The Welcome Resources Information Program (WRIP) is an initiative launched by CIES with the objective of helping new immigrants experience smooth settlement and integration into Canada. The program provides information and orientation, needs assessment and referral, along with community connection. The services are being delivered come at the pre-arrival, on arrival and post- arrival stages of an immigrant's journey to Calgary.

The program has become successful in achieving its goal. Increased numbers of immigrants visit us inquiring about the program and the website has been viewed by thousands of  people in countries around the world.

Here at CIES we strongly believe that ethno-cultural community organizations play important role in settlement and integration sector.  Hence, the program partners with many of them to identify the needs of the immigrants and find amicable solution to address those needs. The WRIP advisory committee comprising the representatives from ethno cultural communities, faith based organizations and non-profit agencies are continuously providing guidance for the smooth implementation of the program.  

For more information on the WRIP program visit our website, check out Calgary Connects or give us a call at 403-291-0002.

CIES Photo Contest - What is Canada?

What is Canadian Culture to you? Newcomers to Canada will often have a unique perspective on what represents Canada. They are much more aware of culture than those born and raised here and for that reason we have launched the CIES What is Canada? Photo Contest.

The rules are simple. The contest is open to any CIES client at both our SE and NE location. Photos can be of anything - people, places, things - the entrant feels is representative of Canada / Canadian culture. Only one photo can be submitted per person and the deadline to do so is August 15th, 2015. The top three photos will be announced at the annual CIES Summer Festival on August 25th with those chosen being presented with prizes. Photos can be submitted to our Facebook Page, Tagged with our Twitter Account emailed to davidhohol@immigrant-education.ca or a hard copy can be dropped at the reception desk of either location.

Best of luck to all applicants and keep your eyes open for all things Canadian! 

CIES Volunteers at the Calgary Children's Festival

The Calgary International Children's Festival was held over the weekend from May 20th through the 23rd. Children's Fest is a wonderful performing arts festival with professional theatre, music and dance for young audiences.

Since its inaugural year 1987, the festival has grown into an international leader in presentation arts with productions tailored for preschoolers up to 16 years of age. The festival's success is due to its respect and empathy for young people, as they are treated as a singular audience in their own right, who need access to the best creative talent available.

CIES has always been a strong supporter of community events and clients from Graham Mackenzie's class in our SE location volunteered at the festival and a fun time was had by all. More pics of the event can be seen here.

CIES Summer Festival - Celebrating Diversity

COMING SOON...

Fire Drills @ CIES

Fire drills are an important part of of fire safety procedures for any organization and at CIES we conduct drills on a regular basis at both our SE and NE locations. Not only do fire drills ensure that all staff, clients and visitors to our locations understand what they need to do if there is a fire, but they also help you to test how effective your fire evacuation plan is and to improve upon it.

As well as testing that your fire alarms are working, carrying out a full fire drill will help you to check other equipment such as emergency exits or lighting. Knowing how often to carry out a fire drill will depend on the level of risk that is present in your building, with an often suggested minimum a minimum of at twice a year. CIES conducts at least a half dozen per year, far exceeding such standards.

Our SE location carried out a surprise fire drill just today and as per usual was done in both a timely and efficient manner. Great job everyone, most especially out littlest clients!

CIES Offers Coaching at Job Seekers Boot Camp

At the Calgary Immigrant Educational Society, being a part of the city of Calgary's community has been an ongoing priority for nearly three decades now. We recently attended the Boot Camp for Job Seekers, a two day event that took place on May 20th and 21st at the Civic Centre on Third 3rd Ave SE in Chinatown. The event covered all kinds of resources for job seekers and was sponsored by the Government of Alberta (Alberta Human Services Department).

David Wright, our very own Employment Skills Training Coordinator,  spoke at the event on behalf of CIES and served as a coach and mentor at one of the several stations set up to offer and advice and counselling in landing a job here in Calgary. Things like labour market information, self assessment, social media networking, researching employers,  resume writing,  interview skills and an HR panel for Q and A were all part of the workshop. We look forward to attending again next year and invite all those newcomers in their search for work to come down to CIES any time. We're always here to help you.

Shell Supports CIES with Community Service Fund

Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemicals companies, with around 90,000 employees in more than 80 countries and territories. The volunteer efforts of employees, retirees and retailers/agents are recognized and rewarded by the Shell Community Service Fund (CSF), which provides grants to support not-for-profit organizations where Shell people regularly volunteer.

John Mannix, a recent retiree who worked out of the Shell Calgary office. has put in more than 52 hours of volunteer time for us at our SE location, teaching in our Drop in ESL Program. For his efforts, Shell has donated $1000 to CIES. Both John and Shell believe that by going out and volunteering in your community, you are doing the important job of helping to create stronger communities. In doing so, John is setting a wonderful example not only for all Shell employees, but for all Calgarians, to do the same.

Thank you John, we salute you for you efforts. It is people like you who make CIES possible!