Temporary residents in BC face many of the same parenting challenges as residents. However, their experiences are often compounded by unique obstacles, such as limited knowledge of available resources, a lack of support networks, and the need to balance their own settlement challenges with their children’s needs. In 2022-2023, the previous BCSIS program supported over 2,000 clients aged 18 and under, highlighting the growing demand for parenting resources among temporary residents. 

This session will equip service providers across BC with insights into the common settlement needs of families, strategies to identify and address both family-wide and individual client needs, and practical resources that are accessible province-wide. 

Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the speakers.  

EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025  

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PST   

Location: Zoom Webinar - Event details will be emailed immediately after registration   

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SPEAKERS

Alejandra Pineda,

BA, Multicultural Settlement Counsellor 

South Vancouver Neighbourhood House 

Alejandra Pineda is a passionate multicultural settlement counsellor with experience supporting diverse populations, including refugee claimants, protected persons, permanent residents, work permit holders, study permit holders, and individuals with precarious status. She is deeply committed to immigration, advocacy, and empowering individuals through tailored programs and services that foster integration, access to resources, and community building. Alejandra is also a skilled trainer and facilitator, developing workshops and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by those she serves.

Laura Levera, MA 

Laura is an educator with more than 20 years of experience. Her past work experience includes roles such as language instructor, translator, sessional lecturer and program coordinator for students with diverse abilities. She currently works as a settlement worker for the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre as part of the Youth Focus Team. She holds a BA in English from Universidad Nacional de Asuncion and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Kansas State University. She is also a certified TESOL instructor. Born and raised in Asuncion, Paraguay, Laura is an immigrant herself who came to Canada 14 years ago. She understands the joys and challenges faced by newcomers.  She has a passion for working with vulnerable populations and a heart for serving others. Laura is a mother of 3 beautiful children and lives in Burnaby, BC.

QUESTIONS?

Send an email to Fernanda Hurtado at  fhurtado@amssa.org