NEWCOMER SERVICES AND SPONSORSHIP
Pictou County has become home to many newcomers arriving from countries around the world. Whether folks are immigrating to Canada for an employment opportunity or being resettled as refugees, Pictou County has a number of community groups and activities to serve newcomers. Local employers take pride in going above
local groups in the area: Westville Warm Hearts, CAiRN (Pictou), and Pictou County Safe Harbour. The three groups have been active since 2016, and altogether have resettled more than 75 individuals from Syria, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The groups are made up
and beyond to ensure any newcomer
of community members who volunteer
employees – and their families – are
their time to support the welcoming and
made to feel welcome in the workplace
integration within the County. Volunteering
and beyond. As well, Pictou County has
with a sponsorship group is a great way
gained a reputation for its active role in
to get involved and meet others, while
sponsoring refugees. There are three
helping newcomers find their way.
In addition, The YREACH program is offered locally through the Halifax YMCA, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, serving all refugees and immigrants in the area. YREACH works with local partners to create welcoming communities and have staff in multiple smaller centres across the province. They provide inperson settlement and integration support to newcomers, in addition to formalized language instruction that is offered at no cost. Their other services include community orientation, social events and recreation activities, school settlement, advocacy and referrals to outside agencies.
To learn more about any one of these initiatives or to get involved, please contact info@pcsafeharbour.ca
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PICTOU COUNTY, WELCOME HOME
