Our History
CIIRSA was founded in 1985 under the name St. Barnabas Refugee Society. The name was changed to Canadian International Immigrant & Refugee Support Association (CIIRSA) in 1992. At that time, a new board of directors was elected to represent CIIRSA’s goals. Since the name change in 1992, CIIRSA has been actively settling refugees.
We are a non-profit governed by a board of directors. Our many volunteers bring the required skills knowledge to ensure that we are able to help all refugees. Since 1992, our organization has not had sponsorship breakdown or any of our sponsored refugees collecting social services.
CIIRSA Believes...
1
The Legal and moral rights of immigrants and refugees include the right to a job, to an education, and the freedom of religion.
2
In aiding immigrants and refugees by protecting their legal rights, providing them with food and shelter and finding them new homes.
3
Immigrants and refugee children have a right to food, clothing and medical supplies.
4
Assistance for child development and care and a happy family environment.
5
Assist families and individuals with family class sponsorship to reunite them.
6
Immigrants and refugees have a right not to be sent back to a country where their life or liberty would be threatened.
7
Every individual has intrinsic worth and has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
8
To help newcomers adapt and integrate into the mainstream of the Canadian way.
9
Raise funds for sponsorships from all segments of the community.
Goals & Objectives
- Unity between Edmonton, Calgary, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray & Kitchener members
- Assist newcomers to adapt and intergrade into the mainstream of the Canadian way.
- Provide support to the women and children of CIIRSA
- Find the needs of the community and work towards fulfilling them
- Review resumes and provide consolation
- Explore training opportunities to help women find better jobs
- Encourage English classes to a min. of LINC 5
- Assist with employment searches
- Provide orientation to newcomers
- Encourage women to explore education and employment in their chosen field
- Basic safety courses before entering the workforce.
- Computer classes
- Establish a fundraising committee to fulfill the financial needs of the group