Resettlement Assistance Program for Refugees

In This Section

• Program Description
• Am I eligible?
• Where is the service provided?
• How much will it cost?
• How do I access this program?
• Who do I contact for more info?
• Program Outcomes

Program Description

• Referred GAR’s are met at the airport and welcomed to Lethbridge. Arrangements are made for temporary accommodations and transportation during the first two weeks of residency in the city.
• Clients attend an initial intake and needs assessment at the LFS – Immigrant Services office.
• Clients are accompanied to Alberta Health Care Services for an initial health assessment. 
• Assistance is provided to secure Canadian documentation, such as a Social Insurance Number, an Alberta Health Care Number, Child Tax Benefits and other federal and provincial programs that clients may be eligible for.
• Clients attend initial information and orientation sessions to learn about living and working in Canada, Alberta and Lethbridge. Topics covered include banking, public transportation and getting around the city, housing, health, accessing education and employment, Canadian culture, the legal and justice system and citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
• After the initial period, clients are assisted in securing permanent accommodation and in moving.
• Interpretive language support is provided to attend meetings or appointments (i.e. Doctor’s visit, counseling, and other appointments)
• Enhanced Life Skills orientation and in-home services are provided to clients who need additional support.
• Ongoing support is provided through:
  • Referrals are provided for GAR’s who need help to access community resources and services such as banking, health care, locating a home, acquiring government services and family benefits or cultural, educational, and recreational programs.
  • Referrals are also made to partner agencies so that newcomers can access English language assessment, English language instruction organizations and community employment programs.
  • Clients can also access other LFS – IS programs such as the Integrated Services (settlement services)Program (ISP), Interpretation and Translation services, the Youth Based Settlement Support program (YBSS), the Community Connections Volunteer program and the Bhutanese Senior’s project.
  • Solution focused counseling services help both individuals and families develop and implement strategies for adjustment to Canadian life. This may include social and personal support and linking with specialized services.

Am I eligible?

• Government Assisted refugees who have moved to Lethbridge from within the province of Alberta, are within the first 12 months of their arrival to Canada, and who still receive financial support through the Resettlement Assistance program.
• Government Assisted refugees who have moved to Lethbridge from another province in Canada, are within the first 12 months of their arrival to Canada, and who still receive financial support through the Resettlement Assistance program.

Where is the service provided?

All services can be accessed at the Immigrant Services office at 1107 2nd 'A' Avenue North, Lethbridge. Some program activities may take place at other facilities/partner organizations. 

Based on the needs of the individual client, Settlement Practitioners may also provide support in the community and at the clients’ home through the Enhanced Life Skills (ELS) program.

How much will it cost?

All government assisted refugees are welcome to access this free service funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

How do I access this program?

Generally, refugees are referred by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
 
However most government assisted refugees are eligible for this program (see eligibility above). Refugees referred by other settlement agencies, friends or family can contact LFS –Immigrant Services to find out if they are eligible.

Who do I contact for more info?

Working with Our Community