We had the pleasure of hosting a Speaker Series with four panelists from different newcomer serving organizations. We discussed the very important topic of issues facing newcomers while applying a food security lens to the conversation.
When newcomers arrive in Manitoba, acquiring a steady source of food is a lower priority than other important tasks, such as securing housing or a steady income source. Employability is also affected by language proficiency, which is another issue for some newcomers. Although there are organizations that offer services to address these issues, some newcomers may not be aware of their existence. This speaker series explores how newcomer experiences are influenced by local public policy and other societal factors, and how these in turn impact their sense of food security.
A huge thank you again to Roselyn, Sue, Zebiba, and Carol for the amazing discussion!
Other Links and Resources:
Below are some notable links and resources that came up in conversation during the Speaker Series that may interest you!
Winnipeg Food Atlas
Winnipeg Traditional Newcomer Food Map
Common Difficulties Overview from the Immigrant Centre
EVENT PANELISTS
Roselyn Advincula | Immigrant Centre
Roselyn is the Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Coordinator at the Immigrant Centre whose work focuses on helping newcomers succeed through personalized settlement plans and community partnerships.
Sue Hoang | Winnipeg 1 School Division
Sue is the Newcomer Service Coordinator at the Winnipeg 1 School Division. The Newcomer Services program at the Winnipeg 1 School Division proactively and collaboratively fosters partnerships with government and community stakeholders, settlement sector organizations and schools to ensure student academic success. The program helps to ease family and student settlement by providing additional support.
Zebiba Ibrahim | Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute
Zebiba is the Capacity Building Administrator at the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute. The Institute provides programs and services to the community. It aims to foster sound emotional health, stability, and personal development to achieve self-sufficiency and financial independence in order to assist the newcomers to Canada in their settlement period.
Carol Reimer | Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM)
Carol is the Community Resource Program Manager at IRCOM. IRCOM works to empower newcomer families to integrate into the wider community through affordable transitional housing, programs, and services.
