Settlement Resources

Language

• Cowichan Intercultural Society
  Level 1-3 morning English classes, Level 4-7 afternoon/evening classes. 250-748-3112  www.cis-iwc.org
  English Language Mentoring Program.  Free tutoring for English language learners. 250-748-3112 | www.cis-iwc.org

• LINC Home Study
  For those unable to attend classes in person. www.linchsnational.ca

• Literacy Now
  FREE one-to-one lessons with a volunteer tutor.  213B-80 Station Street, Duncan BC V9L 1M4. 250-597-1776 | http://literacynowcowichan.com/

• Cowichan Adult Learning Centre
  English upgrading to the grade 12 level. 756 Castle Place. 250-746-0277. www.studycowichan.ca

• Vancouver Island University
  English upgrading to the grade 12 level as well as university courses beyond that. 2011 University Way. 250-746-3500 | www.viu.ca

• Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC
  Directory of certified translators and interpreters. www.stibc.org

Children Under 18

• Child Care Subsidy
  Monthly payment to assist eligible families with the cost of child care. 1-888-338-6622 https://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy/index.htm?WT.svl=Body

• Canada Child Tax Benefit
  Tax-free monthly payment to eligible families with children under 18.  http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/cctb/

• Child Care Resource and Referral
  Provides referrals and support to parents in their selection of appropriate child care 5856 Clements St. (in Clements Centre). 250- 746-4135 ext. 231
  http://www.clementscentre.org/children/child-care-rr/

• School District 79
  To register students for public school (grades K-12), contact the International Student Program at Cowichan Secondary. 2652 James St. 250 746-0744 | http://www.sd79.bc.ca/

• Community Options Society – offer counseling to youth aged 13 to 19 and their parents. 554 Trunk Road,. 250-748-0232 | http://coscowichan.ca/ 

• Wendy’s House – FREE – A trailer near VIU that has been set up with different play spaces for children.  Children play in the different spaces with their parents supervision.  http://sd79.bc.ca/programs/early-learning/wendys-house-2/  

• Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Group for children 0-4 – a FREE, magical 8-10 week group experience for babies, young children (0-4 years) and their parents/caregivers. It is a well-recognized and respected oral language program that returns to tradition by using rhymes, songs and storytelling as a base for enriching parent-child lives and relationships. No toys, just parent and child having fun interacting together.  To Register please call Bonnie at Margaret Moss Health Centre. 250-709-3050 http://sd79.bc.ca/programs/early-learning/parent-child-mother-goose/

• STRONG START – StrongStart is a free, drop-in early learning program for children 5 and under and who are accompanied by a parent, or caregiver.  Parents and caregivers attending StrongStart centres can expect to participate in organized sessions like story time, play-based activities, and in serving a healthy snack. They are likely to discover new ways to support their children’s learning at home, and may make valuable connections with other in the community who are also attending the centre. Qualified Early Childhood Educators lead learning activities such as stories, music, and art to help your child prepare for success in Kindergarten. http://sd79.bc.ca/programs/early-learning/strongstart-programs  

• Health Beginnings – FREE – Healthy Beginnings is a relaxed drop in program for moms and dads of infants and children under 3 years of age. Come and join us for a  fun group with play, songs, friends, parent support and a friend.  We bring experts such as infant development consultants and nutritionists to the groups. Topics include car seat installation and safety, crafts and more.  Tuesday at 10:30 to 11:30 is for infants under one and their families, Friday at 1pm to 2pm is for infants and children under 3 and their families. Siblings are always welcome. http://cv.fetchbc.ca/service.html?i=413

• Mother’s Morning Out – FREE – 9:30am-11am (weekly September-June) $2.00/week; Relaxed drop in group at the Duncan United Church with snacks, coffee/tea, and childminding for children up to 5 – find information on facebook

• Tea with the Doulas – FREE – 10am-12pm (3rd Friday of each month); Relaxed drop in group at the Cowichan Library with speakers and activities. Snacks and coffee/tea are provided. Pregnant families, infants, toddlers, kids, and their caregivers are welcome.

• Jump Into Music – http://jumpintomusic.ca/classes   a music and movement program for parents and tots 9 months – 4 years at the Island Savings Centre Thursdays from 10 – 10:50 am – 7 sessions for $84

• Kindergym – Island Savings Centre 1-5 year olds – Does your little one have an extreme amount of energy in the morning?  Join us for endless fun as we bring out our preschool equipment for your little ones to burn off some energy.  Mondays and Wednesdays Sep 6- Dec 20 9:30 am- 11 am; 10 visit punch card $40 or drop in $5

Adult Education/Training

• Vancouver Island University – offer a variety of credit and non-credit courses. 2011 University Way. 250-746-3500 | viu.ca
• Cowichan Adult Learning Centre – have scheduled classes and also an option for working at home with instructor support. 756 Castle Place.  250-746-0277 | studycowichan.ca

Employment/Self-Employment

• International Credential Evaluation Service
  Evaluates for-credit educational programs for people who have studied outside Canada. 1-866-434-1610 | www.bcit.ca/ices

• World Education Services
  Designated by CIC to provide Educational Credential Assessments for degrees earned outside Canada. http://www.wes.org/ca/index.asp

• Cowichan Intercultural Society
  Settlement program offers help with all aspects of job search. Make an appointment with Michelle Redfern, our Settlement Coordinator. www.cis-iwc.org

• Global Vocational Services/Work BC
  Offers a range of services to job seekers. 301-80 Station St., 250-748-9880 www.gvsjobs.com

• Community Futures
  Helps those wanting to start a business: services include advice, small business training, and loans. 135 3^rd St, Duncan., 250-746-1004 | www.cfcowichan.ca

• Skills Connect – provides help with training, foreign credential recognition, and employment assistance. 250-753-6911| skillsconnect@cvims.org

• MOSIAC Micro-Loans
  Provides low-income immigrants with access to loans to start a small business or fulfill career goals. 604-254-9626 | www.microloans@mosaicbc.com

• STEP
  Assists immigrants who want to have a career in the skilled trades. 250-361-1607 www.STEPvanisle@bccassn.com

Financial

• Open a bank account
  If you need to open a bank account or apply for a credit card but not quite familiar with the banking system in Canada, we could help you with the communication. Please make an appointment with your bank manager and staff in CIS for it. 250-748-3112 | www.cis-iwc.org

• RESP
  An RESP is an education savings account that is registered with the Government of Canada. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/resp.shtml

• CPP
  The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension provides a monthly benefit to eligible applicants. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/services/pensions/cpp/retirement/index.shtml

Transportation

• BC Driver’s License
  You have 90 days to switch over your license after moving here. Service BC 5785 Duncan St., 250-746-1400 | http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-another-country.aspx

• Cowichan Valley Regional Transit – local bus service and commuter route to Victoria. 250-746-9899 | http://bctransit.com/cowichan-valley/home

• Transit Pass Rebate Program
  For residents of the City of Duncan only. Purchase a monthly bus pass and the city will refund the money. 200 Craig St., 250-746-6126 | http://www.duncan.ca/pdf/Press%20Release%20Transit%20Pass%20Rebate.pdf

• Greyhound
  For the transportation between cities (like to Victoria or Nanaimo). Tickets could be booked on line. Bus station is at the Village Green Mall (by the London Drugs) https://www.greyhound.ca/

• Other choice to Victoria
  BC Transit bus route 66. http://bctransit.com/cowichan-valley/schedules-and-maps/route-overview?route=66

Community Connections

• Social Planning Cowichan: Guide to Community Resources

• Home Away From Home
  A community connection program offered by the Settlement Office of the Cowichan Intercultural Society. 394 Duncan Street, 250-748-3112 | http://cis-iwc.org/

• Community Connections and Bridging program
  Long term residents of the Cowichan Valley Region connect and welcome new immigrant residents to the Valley. Local volunteer families and individuals are matched with new immigrant families or individuals in our community. Program offered by the Settlement Office of CIS. 394 Duncan Street, 250-748-3112 | http://cis-iwc.org/

• Island Savings Centre
  The recreation centre of the town, including Library, Fuller Lake Arena, Aquatic Centre, gymnastics, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, etc. 2687 James Street, 250-746-0440. https://www.islandsavings.ca/

Housing

• Rental Information
  – Websites for the two rental companies in Duncan: www.rowanproperty.ca, www.cowichanphpm.ca
  – Website where the house owner publish their rental information: www.usedcowichan.com/classifieds/apartment-rentals

• Residential Tenancy Branch
  Information about both tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. Also help resolve disputes. 1-800-665-8779 | http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=FE38AA18AC2B437A8C274E030254B3DD

• Rental Assistance Program
  Provides low income working families with cash assistance towards rent. 1-800-257-7756 http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Rental_market/RAP

• Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters
  Provides subsidies for low income seniors who rent their homes 1-800-257-7756 http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Rental_market/SAFER

Documentation/Legal

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  A nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. www.servicecanada.gc.ca/sin

• BC ID card
  Government ID for those who don’t have a driver’s license. http://www.welcomebc.ca/Live/Daily-Life/First-Few-Days-Introduction/basic-id/bcid.aspx

• Service BC
  Please feel free to contact Service BC for assistance that the provincial government offers to residents, businesses and visitors.  5785 Duncan St., 250-746-1400

• Library card
  Borrow print and digital library books, use computers. Free to residents. 2687 James St. 250-746-7661| http://virl.bc.ca/branches/cowichan

• Citizenship and Immigration
  All immigration related issues from sponsoring your family to becoming a citizen. 1-888-242-2100 | http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

• Legal Services Society
  Provides legal information and access to legal aid for certain issues if on a low income. 1-866-577-2525 | http://www.lss.bc.ca/