Settlement Support
Support for your first steps in Canada
Starting a new life in Canada brings many questions. Our settlement team helps you understand the services around you, handle everyday needs, and connect with the right support. You can get help in your language, and every service is free.
What you can gain
A cross our settlement programs, you can:
- Get help with housing, health care, and income support.
- Get guidance on family and immigration legal questions.
- File your taxes and receive the benefits and credits you are entitled.
- Connect with community and other newcomer families
- Get support in your language, for free
Settlement Programs
Choose a program to learn more. Each one is free, and support is available in your language.
Settlement Support
What it is: Help understanding the services around you and how things work in Canada. Meet one to one or in a group, and get clear, reliable information to find your way and make confident decisions as you settle in.
Who it’s for: Permanent residents and refugees.
How it runs: One-on-one or group sessions. First-language support available.
Contact: settlementsupports@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Clear information about life in Canada, including housing, health care, education, and work
- One-on-one guidance built around your settlement needs
- Referrals to trusted programs, like income support, housing help, language classes, and health care
- Help understanding and reaching systems like Alberta Works, health benefits, and city services
Apply: Intake or registration form link, supplied by CIWA
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
Through ongoing support and guidance, I understood the services and community resources available in Canada. I became more confident making informed decisions about my settlement, my daily life, and my future.
– A CIWA client
Funded By
FamJam
What it is: A welcoming place for you and your family. Find support, resources, and friendship while you settle in, through family activities, parenting workshops, and help finding local services.
Who it’s for: Newcomer women and their families, including recent immigrants, refugees, and international students. Immigration status does not matter. All ages welcome.
How it runs: Group activities, workshops, and outings for immigrant women and their families.
Contact: FamJam@ciwa.org, 587-391-6840
What you can gain:
- Guidance to build and strengthen your family relationships
- Workshops on parenting, raising children in Canada, and daily life
- Family outings and events, from cultural activities to recreational trips
- Help finding local services: schools, health care, recreation, and community programs
Apply: Intake or registration form link, supplied by CIWA
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
CIWA has always been an incredible source of support for me and my children. From employment talks to educational opportunities, they foster both learning and community. One of our most memorable experiences was an outing to Telus Spark, where we could explore, learn, and bond as a family. We are truly grateful for everything they do.
– Sheila Salas
Funded By
Case Management
What it is: One-on-one support in a difficult or complex situation. Work with one person who stays with you, and build a clear plan for your safety and your future.
Who it’s for: Immigrant women who are permanent residents or refugees, facing legal, financial, housing, or social challenges.
How it runs: Ongoing, personalized support for as long as you need it. First-language support available.
Contact: settlementsupports@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- A personal plan, with goals and an action plan built around your needs
- Help reaching housing, income support, legal information, and other essential services
- Referrals to other CIWA programs and community partners
- Advocacy to help remove barriers and reach the right resources
- Help with urgent needs, such as shelter and financial support
Apply: Intake or registration form link, supplied by CIWA
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
For me, hope has been rekindled, and that is thanks to you. My children and I will have wonderful holidays. And even before that, we are already receiving help with our rent. It is thanks to you and CIWA that you are there for people in difficult situations.
– A CIWA client
Funded By
Legal Clinic
What it is: Free, confidential legal information and guidance on family and immigration matters. Understand your rights and your choices, offered with Calgary Legal Guidance.
Who it’s for: Newcomers, including permanent residents, refugees, temporary foreign workers, and Canadian citizens, and their family members.
How it runs: By appointment. First-language support available, and a translator can be provided on request.
Contact: settlementsupports@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Guidance on family and immigration legal matters
- Support to review important legal documents
- Referrals to further legal resources and support
- Help getting official documents notarized
Apply: Intake or registration form link, supplied by CIWA
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
I was pregnant, with four children, facing financial hardship, no job and no health insurance. CIWA staff guided me through the health benefit application. Now my children and I have coverage and access to medical care. This brought me peace of mind and stability.
– A CIWA client
Funded By
Tax Clinic
What it is: Free help filing your income taxes, so you receive the benefits and credits you are entitled to, like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST credit. Meet online or in person.
Who it’s for: Newcomers and community members who are eligible.
How it runs: One-on-one appointments, online or at our office. First-language support available.
Contact: settlementsupports@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Support to prepare and submit your income tax return
- Help receiving the benefits and credits you are entitled to
- Service in many languages, with a translator on request
Apply: Intake or registration form link, supplied by CIWA
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
No testimonial in the source. Add one, with consent, when available.
Funded By
Stories from the Community
Real stories from women in our settlement programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CIWA Settlement Services free?
Yes. All CIWA Settlement Services are provided free of charge to eligible newcomers and community members.
Who can access Settlement Services?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
Can I receive support in my own language?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
What kind of help can I receive?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
