LINKS
SPEC LINKS offers a wide range of services to newcomer refugee and immigrant individuals, children, and families to support their integration and participation within Canadian society. Services introduce individuals and groups to information and orientation services, and community connections activities. SPEC LINKS offer various life skills activities, encourage community awareness, assist with education and provide referrals to other community resources available in Brooks to meet their clients’ needs.
- English
- French
- Cambodian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Mandarin
- Somali
- Swahili
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Oromo
- Harari
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Tigrinya
- Hiligaynon
- Ukrainian
- Russian
- Polish
- English
- French
- Cambodian
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Hindi
- Mandarin
- Somali
- Swahili
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Oromo
- Harari
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Tigrinya
- Hiligaynon
- Ukrainian
- Russian
- Polish
Newcomer Family Liaison Workers provide assistance to refugee and immigrant families and children to help them settle and integrate in the Brooks community. Emotional support, advocacy, case management, referrals, educational programs, fun opportunities to practice English, translation and interpretation are some of the available services. Needs assessment, Orientation in a one-on-one basis or group settings, community connections and support services are also provided to refugee and immigrant families.
SWIS staff work in Grasslands Public Schools and Christ the Redeemer Schools to empower refugee and immigrant students and their families to adapt, adjust, and integrate in the school, the community, and Canadian society as a whole. SWIS services aimed at a smooth transition to the Canadian school system by providing support, assistance and services to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, in a one-on-one basis and group settings. Need Assessment Assets and Referral Services (NAARS) is offered by SWIS to students to help with the identification of needs and gaps in services to better serve the students. Interpretation and translation are available for refugee and immigrants students and their families.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is an evidenced based program that works with refugee and immigrant families in the home to support vulnerable and isolated parents, primarily mothers, in their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. HIPPY strengthens families by empowering mothers to enhance their English skills, to integrate, and to actively participate in Canadian Society, preparing their children for success in school and life. HIPPY is a free program that works with Permanent Resident families with children aged 3, 4, and 5.