ISAP
Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP)
The Afghan Women’s Organization’s Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP) helps over 100 newly-arrived landed immigrants and convention refugees every month in settling and integrating into Canadian society. Language barriers and a lack of knowledge about the process of accessing basic services such as health care, transportation, education, employment and shelter, often make the course of settlement difficult for newcomers. Our ISAP staff is well-trained and equipped to meet their special needs.
ISAP services include:
- Orientation
- Counseling
- Interpretation
- Translation
- Referrals
- Advocacy
- Filling forms
- Accompaniment (escorting)
- Employment counseling and support.
Needs Assessment
ISAP staff complete a Needs Assessments for newly arrived immigrants. This is the first step in the settlement and adaptation process. During this meeting, immigrants are informed of their rights and responsibilities as Permanent Residents in Canada. They are also made aware of all the documentation needed to access health care, employment and training, as well as programs and schooling for their children. The ISAP staff member acquaints the newcomer with the services offered by the Afghan Women’s Organization to help in the settlement process.
Facilitating Access to Services
One of the most important functions of ISAP is to help newly arrived immigrants acquire the proper identification cards and assist in accessing and completing the necessary forms to access government services. Clients receive assistance in acquiring their Health Card, Social Insurance Number (SIN), Interim Federal Health (IFH) benefits, and Child Tax Benefit.
Adjustment and Orientation Services
ISAP eases the settlement process for newcomers by holding orientation and information sessions on Canadian law, finances, recreation and shopping, access to transportation, health care, housing, and employment. Staff members also provide one-on-one advice and guidance related to the listed topics as requested.
Client Support
A large part of our ISAP staff’s duties include liaising between clients and government and non-government institutions. The staff also advocate on behalf of clients while providing interpretation services. AWO staff and volunteers also provide accompaniment (escorting) services to clients for medical and immigration appointments, social service and school meetings, and more.
An ISAP Counselor is available at our Head Office, Scarborough, North York and Mississauga locations on a full-time basis.
FREE CHILDMINDING is available for ISAP clients at our Mississauga location.
Please call to make an appointment.
