Today is International Volunteer Day, a time to recognize the role that volunteers play in helping to build communities. This year’s theme, “Volunteers build Resilient Communities”, recognizes volunteers across the globe – with a special focus on local community volunteers – who contribute to making their communities more resilient against natural … Read more
The rain didn’t dampen the fun at SupperNova Multicultural Community Potluck on Saturday, October 20. Community members new and old came together at the Bella Rose Arts Centre to share food, laughter, and traditions. Guests enjoyed performances by singer Iryna Gerus, belly dancing troupe the Halifax Shimmy Mob, and Syrian drummers … Read more
The smell of homemade pizza drifted throughout the Dartmouth Commons on Wednesday, August 1, as newcomers gathered at the Park Avenue Community Oven for pizza making and a picnic. Over 20 participants from seniors’ groups at ISANS and the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs came out to enjoy the sunshine, … Read more
Join us on Saturday, September 22 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm for the Social Justice in Focus forum! Hear from participants who will reflect on social justice through their photos and artwork. This research project supports youth who came to the Halifax Regional Municipality as refugees. Participants explored concepts and issues of social justice and … Read more
Congratulations to Dr. Margaret Casey, winner of this year’s ISANS Award for her exceptional efforts in welcoming immigrants to Nova Scotia and in assisting them to successfully integrate into the community. Dr. Margaret Casey has been supporting the immigrant community in Nova Scotia for more than 13 years. As an … Read more
On your mark. Get set. Go! ISANS is participating in this year’s Blue Nose Marathon Scotiabank Charity Challenge, May 18-20. This year our team is running for the ISANS Refugee Emergency Fund and want to raise $1,500. Help us reach our goal by donating. What is the Blue Nose Marathon? … Read more
Caroline Blair-Smith has been a mentor to many through our Professional Mentorship Program. She has been volunteering with our Practice Interview Program for more than 10 years and has been instrumental in helping newcomers navigate government job interviews. We asked Caroline to tell us a bit about about why she … Read more
Cindy Hirtle has been volunteering as an EAL tutor for twenty years! Thank you, Cindy, for your continued commitment to creating a welcoming community and for giving your time and energy. We asked Cindy to tell us a bit about her experience: “I first volunteered as an English tutor over … Read more
We asked Paul MacDonald, classroom assistant extraordinaire, about the benefits of volunteering. Paul shares some of the reasons you can find him three afternoons a week in a language classroom. “Retirees have unique skills they bring to the workforce and volunteer positions – skills that only a lifetime of experience … Read more
Gillian Power is a volunteer in our Community Connections program, and has been matched with a family to help them integrate and settle in Halifax. “I retired the same month the (Syrian) refugees arrived and just wanted to help. I helped with meals and outings through the refugee centre and … Read more
Neema Mwaungulu has been a volunteer EAL tutor and Conversation Circle Facilitator and shared what volunteering means to her. Why did you volunteer at ISANS? “I became familiar with ISANS through the ICE Program – a pilot career development program catered for International Students at Saint Mary’s University. Originally from … Read more
We are very lucky to have volunteers like Sue Rosson who contribute their considerable expertise and skills, connections and time to ISANS. Sue provides practice interviews for immigrant professionals who are have high stakes job and admission interviews. She has helped many professionals successfully navigate provincial and federal government interviews, … Read more