PICS Settlement and Integration Program opens to offer both virtual and in-person services

With BC having successfully flattened the curve and initiation of the restart plan, Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society has now resumed in-person services for clients with issues in cases where they cannot be resolved through remote services.

PICS is a CARF accredited, non-profit organization working diligently to provide responsive programs that address various issues in the community ever since its inception in 1987. The organization provides programs and services that assist immigrants, seniors, women and youth through a broad spectrum of programs and services which includes Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs, Employment Programs and Housing.

During the current challenging times, arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, PICS continued to support a wide range of clients which include all newcomers; permanent residents, naturalized citizens, refugees (including claimants), Temporary Foreign Workers and international students remotely whichever way possible via email, phone and web options. We are able to offer help to navigate government COVID supports such as Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Employment Insurance (EI) and employer supports as well as supporting clients with official paperwork and responding to their queries.

The mission of PICS is to promote harmony and intercultural understanding for the purpose of building a more inclusive and mutually respectful society which values and respects all cultures.

PICS Settlement and Integration Program encompass a range of services that promote integration, independence, and active participation for persons in their new land providing a full suite of direct client services aimed at addressing a broad range of client needs – from verbal orientation about prevalent systems to assisting clients to access government agencies and other resources within the organization and outside. Other services also include employment supports, and English and digital skills acquisition services. Preferably, services are offered in the first language of the person served by multilingual and culturally diverse staff. Interpretation and translation services may be offered to help limit language and communication barriers.

To ask for an appointment to be served in-person by one of our first-language settlement workers, please call 604-596-7722 Ext.145 or Email: [email protected]

Both remote and in-person services are available Monday to Friday-8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For updates, visit  www.pics.bc.ca.

The following services are also available via online platforms:

Digital Connect- A 12-week long program delivered virtually online aims at basic computer training for newcomer women 19+ to help them gain confidence with basic computer skills for employment success. Women with PR, Work permit and Refugee Claimants are all welcome to join. Please call 604-404-1215 or email [email protected]

CALP – Virtual English Conversation Classes –Learn English with a Friend – delivered on line, is a free program offering ongoing registration to anyone who would like to practice or improve their English skills and is open to PR, Work permit, Refugee Claimants, Canadian Citizens. Sessions tailored to client needs are held online once a week. Please call 604-596-7722 or email [email protected]