Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society

The Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society (VDICSS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1989, dedicated to supporting newcomers, immigrants, refugees, visible minorities, and first-generation Canadians in Vernon, British Columbia, and its surrounding areas. The organization focuses on facilitating settlement, integration, and community engagement to help new Canadians become thriving, contributing members of their communities.

Mission and Values

VDICSS operates with core values including equity, empowerment, progress, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. It serves as a catalyst for positive social change by providing personalized, holistic supports that address service gaps for newcomers in the North Okanagan region.

Services

VDICSS offers a wide range of services across several key areas:

• Settlement Services: The society provides guidance and support to individuals and families adjusting to life in Canada. This includes assistance with housing, schooling, immigration and citizenship applications, and general orientation to the Vernon community.

• Language Services: Through the federally-funded Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, VDICSS offers free English language training to help newcomers improve their communication skills and participate fully in Canadian society.

• Employment Services: VDICSS delivers one-on-one and group employment support, including labour market information, career planning, credential recognition assistance, coaching for certificates and licenses, and workshops. It aims to enhance employment readiness and access to the local labour market.

• Community Connections: This program fosters social, cultural, and professional interaction between newcomers and the established community, promoting a sense of belonging and active engagement.

• Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Outreach Support: VDICSS supports migrant and temporary foreign workers and employers in the North Okanagan with specialized outreach services.

Additional supports include interpretation and translation services, access to a resource centre with internet and job-posting boards, and targeted programs for newcomer women and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Impact and Strategic Development

VDICSS has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of newcomers. Through strategic initiatives such as the LIFT partnership, the organization has enhanced its data-driven decision-making capabilities, allowing for more effective program development and strategic partnerships. These efforts have expanded the society’s capacity to deliver inclusive services and foster diverse workplaces in the region.

Community Role

As a prominent social service provider in Vernon, VDICSS plays an essential role in helping immigrants and newcomers integrate into Canadian society socially, economically, and culturally. Its multilingual staff and volunteers provide vital assistance connecting newcomers to various community services, thus facilitating smoother transitions and meaningful community participation.

Business Registration

The Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society operates under Business Registration Number 136402880RR0001.

This overview encapsulates VDICSS as a key nonprofit organization committed to immigrant settlement and community support in Vernon, British Columbia, with a comprehensive suite of programs aimed at fostering inclusion and empowerment for newcomers.