Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)

Message From the Chairperson and the Executive Director Annual Report 2003/2004

During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, EISA provided direct services to a total of 1,565 newcomers and other immigrants requiring settlement and integration services. We continue to work cooperatively with community and ethno-cultural organizations, as well as with the funders in our efforts to make our services more accessible to newcomers and effectively respond to the increasing and complex demands.

One way to evaluate our programs and projects is to measure their outcomes. The need for ongoing evaluation and readjustment in programs and services lead program staff to develop outcome measurement frameworks and tools for most of the programs/projects, with technical support from the City of Edmonton and Alberta Learning. As we looks towards the future, EISA faces organizational as well as financial challenges. While traditional sources of funding continue to shrink, the need to develop income-generating activities is EISAs immediate priority. To respond to this challenge, EISA needs to explore non-traditional sources of funding such as corporate donations and partnerships. EISA also needs to explore a range of long-term income-generating strategies such as fee-for-service workshops that can generate substantial revenues for the organization.

Our Clients: Without you, there would be no EISA. Over the years you made the choice to allow us to provide you with the services you require. When successfully adapted to life in Canada, most of you return to us as volunteers and supporters a heartening affirmation for our programs. Our Volunteers: Volunteers from the community are essential to the work of EISA, contributing time, effort, enthusiasm and support to both the clients and staff. Without these dedicated individuals providing a wide range of skills, languages, cultures and experience, it would be

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association Annual Report 2003/2004

impossible for EISA to offer the same range and depth of services. We count on our volunteers to assist with meeting the varied needs of the newcomers and providing organizational support. In 2003-2004, 376 volunteers donated 3,964 hours toward organizational governance, various programs, projects and special events. Volunteers were involved as translators, proofreaders, interpreters, resource persons, support providers, fundraisers and administrative support personnel. Special thanks to our committed volunteers. Our Board Members: All non-profit organizations need a dedicated, committed Board of Directors to provide direction and guidance. This year unfortunately due to personal commitments, our board shrunk in numbers. Those that remained formed a strong core with the competencies necessary to fulfill their role and help deal with the strategic initiatives pursed by the association. Our Staff: EISA has been extremely fortunate to an incredibly hard-working and caring group of people. These individuals frequently put forward efforts much in excess of what would normally be expected, and they repeatedly demonstrate their compassion for the clients they serve. EISA is truly fortunate to have such a talented, friendly and supportive staff. Our Partners: EISA continues to work in partnership with many community organizations in Edmonton, thus strengthening its own mandate and providing valuable services to meet the changing and complex needs of our clients and the community.

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Programs and Services

English as a Second Language and Citizenship Education

During 2003, EISA provided 864 hours of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and Citizenship Education Instruction to beginners and intermediate level learners. A total of 240 students attended classes. The classes provide a relaxed atmosphere in which students can learn English while adapting to the culture and customs of their new country. Grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing and conversation are part of the curriculum. Students are tested at intervals to measure progress. The course content includes practical topics such as health and wellness, citizenship, violence prevention, community services, money management and banking, occupations, relationships, lifestyles, geography, history and many more. The classes continue to be very popular among adult learners, with class sizes ranging from 13 to 27 students. Unfortunately, at certain times of the year the need for English instruction exceeds our capacity to meet it. We continue to offer ESL classes at McKee Elementary School, 10425-51 Avenue and at Nazarene Church, 10712 - 29 Avenue.

The Language Bank Program

2003-2004 has been a very busy year for the Language Bank program. The number of clients served increased by 11.69% over last year from 590 to 659 clients. The clients came from 80 countries and spoke 33 languages. 158 dedicated volunteers contributed 2,260 hours and helped the clients with translation, interpretation and referral services as they establish themselves in a their new country. Approximately 25% of these volunteers have been in Canada less than three years. The program continues to provide services of a Commissioner for Oaths on site through the Language Bank Outreach Worker. EISA notarized 650 affidavits during the year 2003-2004. We extend our tremendous gratitude to all volunteers who assisted in the Language Bank activities. We welcome 73 new volunteers to the program who have been assisting with translation and interpretation. The number of new volunteers increased by 128% from 20022003. The Program continues to actively recruit volunteer translators and interpreters especially in languages that are in high demand. At present we need more volunteers in these languages:
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Serbo-Croatian, Russian, Ukrainian, Somali, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Hindi, Punjabi, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Laotian, Pashto, Persian and Polish.

The New Neighbours Program

The New Neighbours program continues to facilitate the integration of newcomers according to its mandate. The services provided by the program include the matching of Canadian volunteers with newcomers, information and referral, supportive counseling and other supports of various kinds. In 2003 2004, the program welcomed 82 newcomers and 52 new volunteers. A total of 700 newcomers from different parts of Asia, Africa and Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the West Indies and Caribbean have been involved in the Program. The services and activities provided includes the following: 51 new matches; Two volunteer training sessions; Three public education forums and workshops on Starting a Small Business, Mental Health, and Buying a House for the First Time; Two educational tours of the Ukrainian Cultural Center and Jasper National Park. The coordinator edited three issues of Patchwork and distributed 300 copies of the newsletter. The New Neighbours hosted volunteers, friends and families to an Autumn BBQ, besides other social functions. Some participants attended a number of events in the city on issues of human rights, multiculturalism and elimination of racism, prevention of family violence as well as the folk arts /music performances, and games. The coordinator made 6 presentations at 4 post-secondary institutions and represented EISA at a number of inter-agency meetings.

Seniors Project

A follow-up to the research study, The Third Age: Realities and Challenges, the Seniors Project aims to reach out to immigrant seniors to help prevent a crisis that may result from stress and isolation. The project is designed to promote the seniors well-being by helping them stay active and involved in and with the community and to provide personal and social support through various activities such as supportive counselling, information and referral to available community services and resources, educational enrichment, social and recreational activities, intercultural exchange, volunteer opportunities and periodic special events.

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To date, 56 seniors from 5 different communities have participated in different activities. Services and activities included the following: an information session on elder financial abuse facilitated by two senior volunteers from the Kerby Centre in Calgary; a summer picnic at Rundle Park; four afternoon dance sessions; intercultural exchange and celebration of special events including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Mothers Day. An information session on how to apply for seed grants for small projects was also held in conjunction with the summer picnic and the celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Likewise, the afternoon dance sessions were also occasions for the seniors to exchange information and/or to perform physical fitness exercises apart from dancing. Brochures and resource booklets sent by seniors agencies and organizations in the community were also handed out to participants or mailed to those who requested for information. In addition, two ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for seniors were organized and ten (10) seniors received their ESL certificates last year. With funding from ECALA, ESL for seniors is being offered again this year. Some participants attended the workshop, Communities against Racism: A Collaborative Encounter organized by EISA. Volunteers for the project have assisted in various capacities such as translation, facilitation, food preparation, providing transportation, ESL instruction and project promotion and dissemination. The co-ordinator made a presentation of the study on immigrant seniors at an International Week Celebration at the University of Alberta and attended and participated in workshops, forums and meetings concerning seniors.

Youth Development through Education, Social, Recreation and Outdoor Mentoring

The project provides children and youth with experiences and opportunities they need to grow up healthy, competent, and caring. It also provides opportunities for young people to interact with caring adults and to form positive relationships with peers. More than 110 immigrant children and youth from diverse backgrounds, between the ages of 7 and 17 years and older youth 18 to 25 year, will benefit directly from the project activities.

In order to get a reliable participant base during the school term, the project coordinator formed partnerships with St. Catherines Junior High ESL Program, McCauley after School Program and Michener Park Youth Group. The youth groups meet once a week to meet other youth from
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around the world, to plan for the camping trips, to learn various life skills, share information and experiences, play soccer, games and musical instruments. Once a month the youth participate in recreational activities such as swimming, campfire cookout and film nights. The summer months will be packed with activities for youth, children and volunteers. Two youth groups will be going on outdoor camping trips and the childrens two week long day camps will be held in July and August. The camp counsellors will be undergoing leadership training in June.

Anti-Racism and Multicultural Education

EISA conduct a workshop entitled Communities against Racism: A Collaborative Encounter in partnership with the Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations. The purpose of the event was to foster and sustain awareness and a deeper understanding of the issue of racism by providing a forum for people from different communities to engage in critical dialogue and sharing of experiences and to explore possibilities for collaboration to deal with its challenges. In all, over 30 clients, volunteers and interested individuals from the general public participated in the event. Strategies employed included group discussions and drama, which provided the impetus for the group to explore other creative strategies to combat racism.

Annual Special Events

Volunteer Appreciation was held on July 3, 2003, more than 150 volunteers and their families attended the event. Each volunteer was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a plant. Four volunteers received the Daryl Campbell award - a special award. A Christmas Open House was held on December 11, 2003. 190 clients, volunteers and their families, funders and other invited guests attended the celebration.

In keeping with our commendable history as a settlement and human service provider, there is no doubt that EISA will remain an organization that will strive to offer quality programs and services for newcomers and the community at large. Once again, a very special thank you to all our volunteers and staff for their commitment and dedication and to my colleagues on the Board for their support- they are an integral part of the organization's future - I thank you all for making EISA a successful organization.
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On behalf of the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association, it is with pleasure and pride that we present to you our annual report for 2003-2004.

Alan McInnes Board Chairman

Christina Nsaliwa Executive Director

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Acknowledgements
W would like to acknowledge our funders and their staff for ongoing support of EISA in fulfilling our mandate. We would also like to extend our thanks to the EISA Board of Directors, volunteers, partners and staff. A special expression of appreciation also goes to all our clients over the years.

FUNDERS Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Alberta Learning - Department of Canadian Heritage Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship - The City of Edmonton - Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association - Edmonton Community Lottery Board - Alberta Human Resources and Employment - Wild Rose Foundation.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Alan McInnes Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Vice-Chair: George Somkuti - Cummings Andrews & Mackay Barristers & Solicitors Treasurer: Marilda Victoria Millwoods Welcome Center for Immigrants Members at Large: Cheri Harris, Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta - Olga Rabeson, Association Canadiene Fracaise de LAlberta - Augustine Ebinu, Community Board Development - Darcy Knoll, - Rorogu Ngeno, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Indira Puri, Canadian Multicultural Educational Foundation.

PARTNERS Catholic Social Services Changing Together - ASSIST- Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers Scout Canada St. Catherines School McCaulley School McKee School Nazarene Church Mitchener Park City of Edmonton Prairie Center of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement -

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STAFF Christina Nsaliwa, Executive Director - Molly Koo, Director of Finance & Administration Lidia Pizarro, Clerical Assistant/Receptionist - Dulari Prithipaul, Coordinator of New Neighbours Program - Rene Abada, Language Bank Coordinator - Caridad Bernadino, Senior's Project Coordinator -Shyam Autar, Language Bank Outreach Worker - Debbie Lishingman, ESL Instructor - Sheila Gamez, ESL Instructor - George Slomp, Youth Project Coordinator

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