Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established to provide settlement and integration services to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in Edmonton, Alberta, and surrounding areas. Founded on December 16, 1976, EISA operates under the Societies Act as a registered non-profit society and is dedicated to supporting newcomers regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin[1].

History

EISA was established by five individuals who recognized that immigrants and refugees in Edmonton faced unmet needs and barriers that affected their lives and integration into Canadian society. The organization’s founding purpose was to address these challenges by offering support services tailored to the realities faced by newcomers[1].

Since its inception, EISA has developed and implemented numerous programs to assist thousands of newcomers annually in adapting to life in Canada. These initiatives promote cross-cultural understanding and aim to bridge cultural gaps through multiculturalism and anti-racism efforts. Over the decades, EISA has worked in close partnership with immigrant communities, other immigrant-serving agencies, funding bodies, and stakeholders to maintain services that are responsive, accessible, and affordable[1][5].

Programs and Services

EISA delivers a variety of client-centered settlement services targeted at newcomers from all immigration categories and of all age groups, including children and youth. Notable services and programs include:

• Interpretation and translation services unique to the organization’s offerings.
• The New Neighbours Program and Supporting Newcomer Integration initiatives that foster community connections and support.
• Delivery of services within community schools and public libraries, increasing accessibility by bringing support directly to clients.
• Settlement services that address a wide range of newcomer needs to facilitate full social, cultural, and economic integration[1][2][5].

Reach and Impact

With a staff complement of approximately 60 employees and numerous volunteers, EISA’s programs reached over 8,000 immigrants and refugees in the 2017-2018 period alone. Their footprint extends beyond Edmonton to include service delivery in community schools, public libraries across the city, Fort McMurray, St. Albert, Strathcona County, and Fort Saskatchewan, ensuring broad regional access to their programs[1][5].

EISA continues to be an essential component of Edmonton’s immigrant-serving infrastructure, contributing actively to building inclusive and welcoming communities through its comprehensive services, partnerships, and advocacy[1][5].

Business Registration

EISA is registered under the Business Registration Number 123161432RR0001.

This entry summarizes the history, mission, programs, and impact of the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association, highlighting its ongoing commitment to newcomer integration and community building in Edmonton and surrounding areas.