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Welcome to the fifth issue of Fresh Start!

As Canada marks Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we shine a light on the Centre for Refugee Resilience (CRR), a program at CCIS dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees as they navigate the complex journey from trauma to healing. CRR’s work is a testament to the power of culturally informed, trauma-focused care, providing hope and practical tools to those rebuilding their lives in a new country. 

As we honour Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that taking care of your mental wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional actions each day can make a big difference in how we feel, connect and thrive—especially as we navigate the challenges of resettlement new routines, or simply the ups and downs of life.

CCIS YYCTrades Training is a leading provider of innovative training programs, helping individuals redefine their goals and set a path to success in various trades. They offer industry-recognized training and certification to build a successful career and contribute to Alberta's economy.

2025 Programs List:

• Pre-Apprenticeship Carpentry Training Program
• Pre-Apprenticeship Electrician Training Program
• Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing Training Program
• Building Maintenance Worker (BMW) Training Program

(Application Open date - Continuous – Please apply in person! or online)

This month, we hosted our inaugural Youth Employment Summit (YES) at Platform Calgary, bringing together newcomer youth, employers and community partners for a day of inspiration, skill-building, and real opportunities. With a keynote from University of Calgary Chancellor Jon Cornish and on-the-spot hiring, YES was more than a job fair-it was a movement to empower young newcomers and connect them with the support they need to thrive.

Our team recently welcomed 78 Temporary Foreign Workers from Mexico at YYC through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. These arrivals are vital contributors to Alberta’s farms and communities. From their first steps in Canada, we ensure TFWs feel supported and connected through our Airport Reception and Community Support Services. 

With the help of community partners, six Guatemalan temporary foreign workers in Medicine Hat are now building their English skills and confidence. Weekly classes and dedicated volunteers are making a real difference in these newcomers’ journey to connect, work and thrive in Canada. 

Partner with CCIS – Your Gateway to Skilled Talent and Inclusive Workplaces!

At Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), we connect businesses with job-ready professionals from diverse backgrounds, helping you:

✅ Access skilled candidates across industries

✅ Drive innovation through diversity

✅ Meet your hiring needs with customized support

💼 Partner for Talent Today!

Discover how we can help you build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

🔗 Learn more: Partner for Talent



📩 Connect with Bibiana Cala, Corporate Outreach Liaison for next steps or questions:

📧 Email: bcala@ccisab.ca

Stress Management for Migrant Workers

May 13, 2025 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM

CCIS Main Office, room 315 | 1111-11 Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0G5

Join this interactive workshop and walk away with practical tools to help you recognize and manage stress with confidence.

Guest Speaker | Yvonne Yiu Yam Hau

For more information, please contact: tfwcalgary@ccisab.ca

CELPIP Test Info & Preparation Classes For Migrant Workers



Are you preparing to write CELPIP Exam?

This is an opportunity for you to get your exam preparation for free and take an opportunity to ask questions in a live online class setting!

Instructor | Trina Carandang | Prometric

CELPIP SCHEDULE

Overview || May 20 | 6:00pm

Listening || May 27 | 6:00pm

Reading || June 3 | 6:00pm

Writing || June 10 | 6:00pm

Speaking Tasks (1-4) || June 17 | 6:00pm

Speaking Tasks (5-8) || June 24 | 6:00pm

All classes will be held online

(link sent upon the registration)

Seniors Book Club – The Little Immigrant

Ongoing:

Fridays: May 9 & 23, June 6 & 20 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Location: CCIS – Main Office, Room 315 || 1111 11th Ave SW, Calgary

Join our welcoming book club where we explore the inspiring journey of “The Little Immigrant.” Share your own stories, make new friends, and enjoy lively discussions in a supportive community.



Minimum English Level: Intermediate

Registration: Pre- Registration is required Contact: Karin Valer | kvaler@ccisab.ca

Asian Canadian Journeys: Identity, Belonging, and Everyday Integration

Who are you when cultures collide?

This Asian Heritage Month, we invite you to a powerful virtual panel discussion:

Asian Canadian Journeys: Identity, Belonging, and Everyday Integration

May 15th, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM MDT | Via Microsoft Teams

Join us for an honest conversation about identity, belonging, and the lived experience of integration in Canada. This event features special guest who will share their personal journeys of navigating life across cultures

Featuring:

William Ebong, Sameer Nizamuddin, Jennifer Mah, Jo Pham, and Moderated by Dr Sinela Jurkova.

Come listen. Come reflect. Come connect.

Got questions? Contact | Sinela Jurkova | sjurkova@ccisab.ca

Our Canada Connects program introduces newcomers to a volunteer – a partner who is well-established in the Calgary community. It is designed to create opportunities for broader integration of newcomers who have arrived as refugees, and to help them adjust to living in Calgary and make new connections. 

As a Canada Connects Volunteer, you will become a guide to life in your community and our city at large. It is an exciting chance for you or your whole family to meet new people and see your own community from a unique perspective.