English as a Second Language classes are an important first step towards participation in Canadian life for newcomers who require English language training when they arrive. C.A.R.E. offers free part-time English as a Second Language instruction to adult newcomer permanent residents through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program. Free on-site child-minding is available for these classes. Students who are unable to attend LINC can attend a part-time evening class at a very moderate cost. The ESL classes use a practical, functional approach to language learning, and focus on settling in Canada and participating fully in Canadian life. Class levels range from basic literacy through intermediate (LINC Level 4). To ensure that students are referred to classes at an appropriate level, adult learners are tested at C.A.R.E. using an assessment tool which is standardized across Canada, the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Assessment. Interpreter Bank The Interpreter Bank assists newcomers with volunteer interpreters for medical, educational, legal and other appointments in the community, and provides translation of documents. Volunteers in this program are recruited from the community and are often former clients of the Immigrant Centre. Some are newcomers to Canada, while others are second, or even third generation Canadians! C.A.R.E. has over 120 interpreters on call, who speak approximately 50 different languages and dialects. These volunteers help newcomer clients and community agencies in need of interpretation and/or translation at little or no cost. Connecting Newcomers Program 
The Connecting Newcomers Program assist newcomers (immigrants and refugees) in their adjustment to life in Canada. It offers individual support, group activities, and practice of English language. While visiting and practicing English one-on-one or in small group settings, community volunteers will provide encouragement and support to newcomers in their social and cultural adaptation. This program often provides newcomers with their first valuable link to Canadian society. Community Volunteers also benefit from the experience because they often feel satisfaction of making a difference in newcomers’ lives. They also gain worthwhile opportunities to learn about other countries and their customs. This program provides orientation and training sessions for volunteers, and sponsors field trips, picnics, and Christmas parties to facilitate interactions between newcomers and volunteers to support the successful settlement of newcomers Client and Volunteer Testimonials "We like to visit with our Canadian family and practice English. Practicing English is very important to me, helps me speak better. We learned a lot about Canadian culture and lifestyle. Now, we appreciate more how great country Canada is..." "Volunteering with my refugee family really opened my eyes to some of the hardships they had to endure...and learning how much I take for granted like being able to drive, go shopping, get groceries, etc. My overall experience as a volunteer with C.A.R.E. was an amazing one that I will cherish forever." General Volunteers C.A.R.E.’s General Volunteer Program recruits volunteers to assist with C.A.R.E.’s diverse programs and services. For example, volunteers may assist individual students in ESL classes, help the Youth Program Coordinator organize games and activities, or assist with sewing and crafts in the Learning Together program. Volunteers also serve as cultural consultants in public and rural community awareness workshops, and assist with fundraising. Each year, between 400 to 500 people get involved in volunteer activities at C.A.R.E. They are different people from different places, united in their desire to get involved in and create a positive impact on the lives of others. Click here for Volunteer Opportunities. We truly value and appreciate the giving of time and talent from our many volunteers!! Whether they have a lot of time to give or just a little, the contribution they make is priceless. Public Awareness Program The Public Awareness Program is designed to inform, educate, raise cross cultural awareness and sensitivity and create more welcoming and inclusive communities. The Public Awareness Coordinator delivers workshops on cross cultural topics to schools, colleges, agencies, businesses and community groups. C.A.R.E. offers a wide range of workshop themes which are constantly evolving and expanding according to the growing needs of the communities we serve. A diverse group of volunteer “cultural consultants” are trained and assist in the delivery of many workshops. These individuals share their unique stories and cultures with participants, adding a human element to the program. Workshops help to sensitize Canadians to the special challenges that immigrant and refugee families face over and above the daily stresses which affect all of us. Click here for a list of Workshop Suggestions for Students and Youth Groups. Click here for a list of Workshop Suggestions for Employers and Staff. Click here to view a list of our Upcoming Events. 
SAFE HARBOUR: RESPECT FOR ALL C.A.R.E. was chosen to be one of five Community Organizers for a new initiative in Alberta called Safe Harbour: Respect for All. It has been promoted largely through our existing network. The Launch was in March 2009 and orientation workshops are offered every month. For more information go to: www.safeharbour.ca Rural Community Awareness Program 
In response to the growth of cultural diversity in rural communities, C.A.R.E.’s Rural Community Awareness Program offers workshops to smaller communities in Central Alberta. The coordinator delivers workshops to rural schools, colleges, and community groups. Workshops are uniquely designed to suit the needs and interests of a particular community.
Both Awareness Programs hold multicultural events throughout the year where the public are invited to attend. Please refer to the “Special Events” section for a list of upcoming events being hosted in your community. Immigrant Family Program The Immigrant Family Program provides individual services and group activities to immigrant and refugee families. Individual/Family Support Services include supportive non-therapeutic counselling, information, referral to other community services, assistance in becoming connected to the community, and help with the completion of forms and other documents. 
A weekly life skills and support group for immigrant women, “Learning Together”, offers access to a sewing lab where they undertake individual and/or group projects to produce low-cost items for themselves and their families or raise funds for the program. It offers a safe environment where immigrant women can make friends, share their experiences, learn from one another, and practice English language skills. For some immigrant and refugee women, isolated in their homes, this program provides their only opportunity for social contact with others outside of their families. The program offers childcare for preschool children of mothers who attend, and lends sewing machines to participants. Immigrant Seniors Program 
This program provides individual and group activities for immigrants and refugees who are older adults or seniors. It facilitates social integration into the community and offers opportunities to make new friends, share and learn about each other’s culture, improve English language skills, and feel more a part of the community. Weekly group activities and special events are held at local venues. Information, referrals, support, and outreach services are also provided. Interpretation and transportation services are coordinated as needed. Settlement Support in Schools This dynamic team acts as a liaison between the student, their families, and schools to provide guidance, promote the well-being of the family, and encourage active participation in school. The Settlement Support in Schools Program works in coordination with the Public and Catholic School Divisions in Red Deer to support newcomer families as they make the transition into the Canadian school setting. Assistance with assessment, registration, interpretation, culturally sensitive problem solving and counselling, information, and referrals to community services may be short term or ongoing as needed. SSIS workers also help school staff become acquainted with cultural issues and provide crisis intervention when needed. Immigrant Youth Program The Immigrant Youth Program assists immigrant youth in adapting to Canadian society through weekly group activities and social events, information sessions, support and referral. Settlement in a new country offers unique challenges for young people who have one foot in the culture of their parents, and the other foot in the culture of their peers. The program provides valuable opportunities for immigrant youth to share their adjustment challenges and offer support to each other. The program also provides opportunities to improve English skills for youth who are challenged by learning their studies in a new language. 
C.A.R.E. is not able to sponsor those wishing to come to Canada. If you are interested in immigrating to Canada or would like to find information about sponsorship, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration website at: www.cic.gc.ca Home | Our Services and Programs | Contacts | Location Map |