St. John's LIP Newsletter: November 2020
The St. John’s Local Immigration Partnership is a broad-based partnership designed to support the well-being and participation of newcomers in all aspects of life in the city, as well as to strengthen the city’s ability to integrate newcomer needs into municipal planning processes. The St. John’s LIP is co-led by the City of St. John’s and the Association for New Canadians and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
In this Newsletter:

You will notice that there will be more links than usual, if bolded or in colour, it often means they are active and meant to be clicked. Given things are constantly evolving in our Post Pandemic response to COVID-19, please be aware that workshops and webinars will, too.

 #communitymatters #createcollaboratecare
MyNewStJohns.ca
Carte de service "Mon nouveau St. John's" - Disponible
The St. John’s Local Immigration Partnership is pleased to promote their interactive, online and mobile-friendly services map to help newcomers easily find and access existing programs and services in both official languages.

With the support of La Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador and made possible through financial support from the City of St. John's, the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Check out BOTH sites at Mon Nouveau St. Jean AND My New St. John's

Let us know if there's anything else you would like to see
added/edited - our site is currently undergoing some updates - so here's your chance to add your ideas!

Partners: News and Updates
Skills Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Introduction:
SCNL is a non-profit organization that encourages people to explore the growing opportunities in skilled trades and technology careers by offering an immersive approach to learning.

We run various programs that help individuals discover and develop the skills that will help them pursue successful careers in NL.

Skills Canada NL has hired a new employee on the West Coast of Newfoundland! His name is Jeff Young and his role is take all of our programming and competitions and deliver them virtually and in-person to folks on the West Coast of the island!

If you live on the West Coast and would like to connect with SCNL, please reach out: jeffy@skillscanada.com
 
We would love for you to check out our website for more information on SCNL: https://skillscanadanl.ca/
SCNL has launched its quarterly newsletter!

If you’d like to subscribe to our newsletter and get information on our programming, competitions, upcoming events and contact information for our Program Coordinators, we encourage you to subscribe so you don’t miss out!
Introducing Another New Partner!
Essential Skills with ABC Life Literacy Canada

(1) Recharging your community with our free soft skills program
Free webinar (hosted by Erica Kelly!)
When: Thursday, November 5, 2:30-3pm NST

You'll learn:
  • The importance of soft skills, especially in our new work landscape
  • What UP Skills for Work has to offer
  • Details on our ABC Skills Hub - our new platform for online learning
  • Special guest, Krista Butler from the Ability Employment Corporation in Clarenville, NL will share some of their organization's best practices for sharing soft skills in your community.


(2) Get your mitts on our free new Internet Matters Workbook!

  • What is it? An introduction to digital literacy, this bilingual workbook answers questions like: What can I do online? How can I get online? How can I stay safe online?
  • How do I get it? Order it here.

(3) Introducing ABC's new Skills Hub!

  • What is it? ABC recently launched an online learning portal that offers at-home delivery of its adult literacy programs. 
  • What does the Skills Hub offer? The ABC Skills Hub offers two courses so far: Stress Management, and Spending Plans.
  • How can my learners access it? The ABC Skills Hub means that learners will now be able to access the program directly online, either on their own or with the help of a literacy practitioner.
  • Great! Where do I sign up? To start learning on the ABC Skills Hub, please visit the website at www.abcskillshub.ca and create a free account.

(4) Support your community with financial literacy!

  • How? Celebrate financial literacy month (it's November!) with your community by attending our free series on financial literacy. 
  • When? Every Thursday in November, starting at 4:30pm NST.
What will we learn? 
  • November 4: Building your budget, finding ways to save
  • November 11: How to build credit
  • November 18: Avoiding scams online
  • November 25: Money technology and ways to pay

Sign up here. If you cannot attend live,
you will still receive a recording.



A Message from Kaberi Sarma-Debnath, Executive Director:

In addition to our regular activities, we added one new initiative to help women, who are interested in jobs or to start their own business. This time, we are taking participants for these programs who will continue to take part in each session and get training.

The title of our new project is “Employment Mentorship and Leadership, funded by the Department of Advanced Education and Skills (from Oct 2020 to March 2021). 

We will offer the training and employment activities in partnership with Stella's Circle, NL Organization of Women Entrepreneurship (NLOWE) and other organizations, as needed. 

As mentioned in our October notice, we finished our report on “Life During the Pandemic for Immigrants and Newcomers: A collection of personal stories. The stories described how members/participants are combating loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic. If anyone is interested in reading this document, please contact me. 
  
Please see the following MWONL Monthly Activity Calendar
November 2020
 
Tuesday, November 3
11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Art/Craft for Moms and Children program (Art class for adults #1, On-site, limited space
Instructor: Shobhana Sariya

Wednesday, November 4
12:00pm-1:00 pm, Yoga for Adults and Seniors,On-site, limited space
Facilitator: Rita Lester

Tuesday, November 10
10:00-11:00 am, English Conversation Café
Instructor: Volunteers

Thursday, November 12
11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Information session: Services for Women at the St. John's Women's Centre
Presenter: Natasha Bader, Coordinator, St. John’s Women's Centre

Tuesday, November 17
11:00 pm-12:00 pm, Art/Craft for Moms and Children program Art class for adults #2, On-site, limited space
Instructor: Shobhana Sariya

Thursday, November 19
12:00pm-1:00pm, Employment Mentorship and Leadership Session #1
Sarah Mills, Program Manager - Employment Services, Stella’s Circle

Thursday, November 26
11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Employment Mentorship and Leadership Session #2, Sarah Mills, Program Manager - Employment Services, Stella’s Circle

Monday, November 30
11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Healthy Cooking for Adults and Seniors, Instructor: Carolyn Jerrett, Registered Dietitian

Thursdays, November 5, 12, 19
10 am - 12 pm, Virtual/on-site Counselling Sessions
Kaberi Sarma-Debnath, RSW, Executive Director, MWONL


To register for all activities, please contact mwonl.outreach1982@gmail.com or call/text 709-749 5458. For more information, please contact mwonl2019@gmail.com. For appointments for virtual/onsite counseling, please email kaberi.debnath@gmail.com
Association for New Canadians







New radio program/podcast
Launching November 4, Global Frequencies is a project of the Association for New Canadians and CHMR-FM, with funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

The program will air on CHMR and be available as a podcast. It will feature stories of newcomers and special guests, focusing on immigration, multiculturalism, and economic and cultural diversification.

Football (soccer) for newcomers
Friday afternoons, when weather permits, join the ANC at Churchill Square for a few hours of “the beautiful game.” We’re on the field from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, but please register in advance so we can let you know about changes to the schedule: https://forms.gle/1pACvUMJDPjPSFHK8

Credential recognition
A program accessible through the Association for New Canadians is designed to address the financial barriers newcomers encounter getting their workplace credentials recognized. The Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund is a community-based micro-loan program that assists internationally trained immigrants in Atlantic Canada overcome those financial barriers so they can practice and/or enter the workforce in their field or a related field. For information on the AICLF, contact AXIS, the ANC’s employment and careers division, at 709-579-1780 or axis@nfld.net

Anti-Racism Training
Hundreds of people signed up for the ANC’s anti-racism training in scheduled online sessions in June. This same training is available for your organization’s employees or members – and best of all, there is no charge to you! Email: diversity@ancnl.ca to book a session or to inquire about the various training options. 

Supports for Atlantic Immigration Pilot 
The ANC continues to offer Atlantic Immigration Pilot program supports at no charge to both employers and employees. Employers interested in learning more about the AIP program can contact Zack Noel, the ANC’s AIP Officer, at 709-552-2262 or znoel@ancnl.ca. Endorsed employees who are permanent residents can contact Sonia Krajewska at skrajewska@ancnl.ca

CELPIP and CAEL testing
CELPIP and CAEL testing have resumed at the ANC’s ESL Training Centre. To register, go to www.celpip.ca or www.cael.ca.

Free Evening English classes
The Association for New Canadians offers FREE evening English conversation classes to all newcomers. This is the perfect opportunity to practice English by speaking with others.

Monday classes are in-person from 7-9 p.m. at the ANC’s ESL Training Centre 148 Elizabeth Avenue (off Smithville Crescent). Register for Monday classes here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5WXGVbmlQnqeeLRycsBsIPE_T3vh6r1Ic90IGH8W6Ec2qhw/viewform

This month, the ANC is piloting an online conversation class on Zoom; this group will meet Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. Register for online Thursday conversation here: https://forms.gle/TxaALZaRJ2NfrzTX7

For more information, e-mail: linc@ancnl.ca or phone 726-6848.

Here You Are: Immigrant Innovation in NL 
November 19, 2-3:30 p.m. (Zoom event)

Join Genesis and the Association for New Canadians for a virtual panel featuring immigrant entrepreneurs who are building amazing technology companies right here in Newfoundland and Labrador!
Moderator Hasan Hai, Head of Customer Success, Inclusion & Diversity at Clockwork Fox Studios, leads a discussion featuring stories, learnings and advice from people who have chosen NL as their home, including:
o Isaac Adejuwon, Founder of MetricsFlow
o Lian Delos Reyes, Founder of Milksta
o Nikitha Kendyala, Co-Founder of Nucliq Biologics

There is no charge to sit in on and learn from this Zoom session, but please register so we can send you the link and event updates.

Programs & Initiatives
CALL TO JOIN MEMBER VALUE TASK FORCE – NEWCOMERS  

MusicNL has created a new Member Value Task Force. Its purpose is to help guide the organization in creating an enhanced value proposition for its over 300 members. David Smallwood, Chair of the Task Force states “if you are interested in creating positive change and have 3 hrs per month to give back to the music community we are interested in hearing from you.” 

Selected individuals will help create the mandate and terms of reference for the committee. Interested to learn more? Please email stating why you want to be part of the Task Force to Rhonda Tulk-Lane, Executive Director, Rhonda@musicnl.ca.

MusicNL supports a diverse and inclusive music industry.
Deadline: Friday, November 6th, 2020
 

techKNOWtutors offers free digital literacy training for the community! We are continuing to offer our sessions as Zoom Webinars in November!

 Join us for our upcoming virtual sessions:

  • Social Media Sessions: Do You Speak Internet?, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more!

  • Using Google Apps: Introductions to Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Photos!

  • All About Smartphones: Are you getting the most out of your smartphone?

… and much more!

 
Please note that all sessions are ESL Learner Friendly!


Get registered for out classes on our website!

Need support joining our webinar? Click here!



Contact us on Facebook or by e-mail for more information!
The Francophone Economic Development Network (RDÉE TNL) has responded to the recent global transition to virtual platforms and COVID-19 restrictions by successfully hosting Virtual Job Fairs via videoconferencing. This format allows several job candidates to interact with employers in private discussions about their business and job openings. We partner with organizations such as AXIS Career Services, Connector NL, and the St. John’s Board of Trade to successfully meet the hiring needs of employers by connecting them to qualified candidates with corresponding profiles.

Eligible job candidates who attend:
  • Are legally entitled to work in Canada
  • Are looking for work in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Meet the hiring requirements of the employer

Please contact Alyson (services@rdeetnl.ca) or Diego (dg@rdeetnl.ca / (709) 763-4457)
for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!

Start your basic Spanish classes, advance your communication skills and practice your Spanish with a native speaker.
 
In November we offer Spanish classes, one on one.
We adjust to your schedule.

For more information contact: 
amparo.codynamics@gmail.com or call 709-764-9956

YWCA is Seeking 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomers for Project Advisory Committee
 
YWCA St. John’s is currently seeking two-spirit, lesbian, bisexual, gay, trans, asexual, intersex, and/or queer (2SLGBTQIA+) newcomers to participate in our Project Advisory Committee regarding a new project “Fostering Collaboration of Services for 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador”. Members will assist in program development, identify barriers and gaps in service, and share their experiences to inform and guide the project. Members will receive an honorarium (payment) for participating, and various support services can be provided if needed (i.e. transportation, access to technology, translation, etc.).
 
For more information, click here. If interested, please contact Kimberly Offspring at kimberly@ywcastjohns.ca
CLICK the above to go to calendar of events and register for the next Ask an Expert
Community Engagement

 
St. John's Food assessment: Food First NL
has announced two aspects of the St. John's Food Assessment
to support community engagement. 

Through Eat the City! individuals or organizations can explore an element or need within their community, by hosting an event or sharing their food story. Whether a meeting, workshop, or a creative expression, the aim is to share a personal look at how food is made, distributed, celebrated, and disposed of in St. John’s. 

Due to COVID-19, engagement and community meetings have shifted to online and small groups series. Support for small equipment, materials, and a honorarium for participation is available; there is a short application form on the webpage: https://www.foodstjohns.ca/eat 

Short-term contract opportunity: This work and more will be supported by a team of “food animators”, tasked with enhancing the work of individuals, and community groups. This innovative approach provides training and networking to increase community capacity in addressing local food issues. Food First NL is now seeking a Team Leader to support and mentor this team in a short term contract from November through March 2021 - head to foodfirstnl.ca/jobs for details 

“A food assessment captures the complexity and diversity of our food system,” says Sarah Crocker, Program Coordinator and Food Assessment lead, “By working together and using our strengths this process helps us take on complex issues and develop a plan to help everyone take action on food”

For more information please contact Sarah Crocker sarahcrocker@foodfirstnl.ca
And visit the project webpage: foodstjohns.ca


Sharing Our Cultures Inc. has two exciting new projects!
Are you looking for learning resources on multiculturalism, the value of cultural diversity, or community engagement by individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds residing in our province?

Watch the videos and subscribe to http://youtube.com/sharingourcultures

Sharing Our Cultures™ on Rogers tv. Watch this engaging television program for stories by amazing individuals from around the world who make significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic development of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This weekly Rogers tv program airs
Thursdays at 8 pm.
TESL Conference
Newfoundland Public Library
Online Events for St. John’s Libraries

Go to the A.C. Hunter, Marjorie Mews, and Michael Donovan Facebook pages for more information about the events and how to register!

Wednesday, November 4 @ 7pm
Fall Trivia Night
A.C. Hunter Library

Thursday, November 12 @ 7pm
Overdue for Murder (Murder Mystery Party)
A.C. Hunter Library

Wednesday, November 18 @ 10am
Wellness Wednesday Chair Yoga
A.C. Hunter Library

Wednesday, November 18 @ 6pm
Emily Hepditch Author Reading
Michael Donovan Library

Tuesday, November 24th @ 10am
Library Knit Group
A.C. Hunter Library

Wednesday, November 25th @ 7pm
Cold Case Club
A.C. Hunter Library

Thursday, November 26th @ 7pm
Ask the Expert: Financial Advice with Rob Tizzard
A.C. Hunter Library

Submit Your Events and Get Involved

Do you have an upcoming event the community should know about? Would you like us to highlight a successful program or initiative? Get in touch if you wish to have your organization's work or event included in our newsletter.

We send out a monthly newsletter, so please send your November updates by November 27, 2020!

The St. John’s LIP also has many opportunities for you to get involved. It is comprised of over 60 volunteers who participate through involvement on the Partnership Council or on one of our three working groups: Welcoming + Wellness, Employment + Skilled Labour, and Education + Training - we welcome your passion in one of these areas to help us uplift and empower our newcomer community.

Contact sgardner@stjohns.ca for more information or to get involved.

Follow us on Twitter @StJohnsLIP - tweets organized by Communications Dept of The City of St. John's - communications@stjohns.ca