LGBTQ+ NEWCOMER SERVICES
To make an appointment or receive more information, please email:
Boban Stojanovic at b.stojanovic@centrefornewcomers.ca
The Centre for Newcomers offers services to the full range of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexually diverse newcomers to Canada. Whether you have permanent residency, filing for asylum as a refugee, or are here under any other status, then you can use our LGBTQ+ newcomer services. We provide service to those in Alberta from any country in the world.
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For individuals, we provide one-on-one support services, group supports, information, referrals, settlement advice, and mental health supports.
For organizations and professionals, we provide organizational assessments, training, information, referrals, and client advice.
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LGBTQ+ Newcomers Program
This service is oriented toward landed immigrants and permanent residents. LGBTQ+ immigrants may feel a sense of isolation and do not have social networks to help set them up in a new city when coming to Canada. Sometimes, LGBTQ+ people are fleeing extreme levels of persecution, have often experienced traumatic situations, and have virtually no one in Canada that they can be open with about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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We provide:
• Assessments and case management
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• Information and referrals to LGBTQ+ and other organizations
• Orientation to Canada
• One-on-one support
• Volunteer opportunities
• Support groups and mentoring
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• Mental Health Supports
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• Employment and career development plus referrals
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• Income support and referrals
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LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre
Like the services above, we specialize in addressing specific needs of LGBTQ+ refugees. This is a partnership with other organizations. It is oriented toward refugee claimants, asylum seekers, temporary residents, and those in Canada without official papers or status.
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• Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE) risk and needs assessments
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• Assist with Immigration and Refugee Board claims through assessments, helping to identify evidence, and introduce claimants to various hearing processes. Regarding requests for letters, we do not write support letters. However, can only write letters to your lawyers regarding evidence obtained after doing an assessment with you. Typically, an assessment period requires multiple meetings and at least 3 months working with you.
• Providing assistance and referrals with the aim of becoming a documented refugee or becoming a permanent resident
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• Information and referrals to LGBTQ+ and other organizations
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• Legal referrals
• Orientation to Canada
• One-on-one support
• Volunteer opportunities
• Support groups and mentoring
• Mental Health Supports
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The Calgary Rainbow Railroad Station
This is a partnership with the End of the Rainbow Foundation and others. It is a LGBTQ+ refugee assistance program. It works with privately sponsored (Rainbow RAP), BVOR, GAR, JAR or urgent protection refugees.
The chief aim is to bring refugees from countries outside Canada to Calgary and have them resettle in the city with the support of a group of five or more volunteers for a year, then to help ensure their successful settlement in Canada over the long-term.
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To make a referral, please complete the form in the link below:
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