“My change is in all aspects: better communication with my children, be a better mom... It is truly possible to make changes.”
Empowering immigrants
and refugees
Empowering immigrants
and refugees
Debra Finlayson Member Relations Manager of BC Human Resources Management Association (BCHRMA) presented to MOSAIC job seekers on "How to Develop your Human Resources Career". Debra stressed the importance of setting career goals, volunteering to build work experience, networking to make valuable contacts, and conducting informational interviews to gather "inside" information. BCHRMA offers many services to members including a Career Advancement Network where job seekers have an opportunity to meet HR professionals. Debra left job seekers with a list of "88" tried and trusted networking tips from HR professionals.
Wendy Barker (VP of Human Resources) and Nimmi (Director of Operations) of SERVANTAGE visited MOSAIC Employment Programs to talk about employment opportunities at their company. SERVANTAGE provides comprehensive janitorial services for both commercial and health care facilities. Wendy indicated that cleaning positions start of on an on-call basis but their is great opportunity for career development with SERVANTAGE. To apply, visit www.servantage.ca
The Summer edition of our newsletter is now available for download.
CIBC’s Risk Management Division has given $1200 to MOSAIC to help young immigrants find jobs. Pieter Kleinschmidt, Vice President, Agriculture and Western Canada Credit, presented the cheque to Joan Andersen, MOSAIC’s Director of Employment and Language Programs.The money was raised as part of Diversity Month celebrated by CIBC’s Risk Management Group. The Group involved co-workers on two floors of the bank’s downtown offices.
Part of the celebrations was an auction with items donated by CIBC staff. The proceeds of the auction went to MOSAIC.Joan thanked CIBC staff for their generosity and for CIBC’s leadership in promoting diversity in the workplace and in the community. She also acknowledged the passion and commitment of Leonora De Lorenzo, the Senior Risk Manager in Western Canada for CIBC. Leonora organized the auction and other events aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of diversity.
MOSAIC just built a community garden in one day along with volunteers from FISKARS, Canadian Tire and posAbilities! We turned a bare field into a beautiful garden with over 1300 plants. MOSAIC's Culture Connections Program also has one bed (4' x 12') full of vegetables, including tomatoes, green peppers, eggplants, cabbages, lettuce and more. MOSAIC should have some fresh organic vegetables available very soon.
There are two more raised beds in the garden that belong to MOSAIC's FreeRunning Program and ELSA 1 Class respectively.
MOSAIC is improving its offices at 7297 Kingsway in Burnaby. Throughout the summer, we'll be renovating our space to make it better for clients. We'll be creating more private spaces and a new classroom so that we can offer more services. In order to get the work done, we have to close the office from July 1st to July 9th inclusive. Service will be provided at our other locations. Clients should check with MOSAIC staff to find out where services will be available. If you want to reach any staff during the time we're closed, please leave a voice mail at 604 626 4712. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we couldn't get the improvements done any other way.
He introduced clients to the City of Vancouver's online application process and walked through the series of steps required to successfully submit a résumé and application. Parker also encouraged clients to conduct informational interviews to gather more detailed information, and to make critical networking contacts, prior to applying to job openings with the City of Vancouver. Parker encourages clients to be persistent and regularly check for job openings with the City of Vancouver.
FreeRunning, MOSAIC's innovative new pilot program for refugee young adults, held its first student graduation on Thursday June 10, 2010. Graduates and staff celebrated with traditional music, food and dance reflecting the cultures and communities of the participants. A highlight was learning traditional Eritrean dancing called "quda". Guest speakers, Amal Kago and Charles Lomudak, shared their stories of resettlement and encouraged graduates to dream big and pursue their goals. We are proud of their courageous effort and progress and wish them continued success as they strive to create fulfilling lives for themselves in Canada. 40 students participated in the program this year and our contract has been renewed to serve a further 50 in 2010/11.
MOSAIC Settlement Services has started a conversation with posAbilities regarding collaboration opportunities for "Can you dig it" to be replicated with the immigrant and refugee communities with the goal to facilitate newcomers' integration and community participation.
The project is in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and Fiskars, a garden tool manufacturer. Fiskars' Project Orange Thumb is a grant program that provides community garden groups with the tools and materials they need to reach their goals for neighborhood beautification and horticulture education. To know more about the initiative, please visit: http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Project-Orange-Thumb.
MOSAIC is pleased to announce, Pathway to Employment, a new program for high school students in New Westminster Secondary School. Through a partnership with the School District, MOSAIC is helping immigrant and refugee students learn how to find a job. We are looking for employers who could benefit from the services of energetic and eager young people. If you are a potential employer, please contact us at employmentprograms@mosaicbc.com or post your position on our website by clicking here.
MOSAIC believes in providing support to clients while receiving services. Please visit our dedicated client subsection that provides information on
MOSAIC
1720 Grant St., 2nd Floor
Vancouver BC V5L 2Y7
Phone: 604 254 9626
Fax: 604 254 3932
mosaic@mosaicbc.com
