Our Programs

Building belonging at every stage of the journey

IHCI offers five programs that work together. Our programs run at several points during the year and are designed around the needs of immigrants and newcomers. Contact us to find out what is available now.

Newcomer Settlement, Integration and Life Skills Program

Who it is for

Immigrants, refugees and newcomers to Canada, with priority for people and families facing barriers to settling and integrating.

What we offer

Orientation workshops on everyday life in Canada: institutions, community resources, rights and responsibilities
Help understanding and finding healthcare, education, housing, government benefits and community services
English conversation groups and communication workshops, with referrals to formal language training
Employment readiness: resumes, cover letters, job search, interviews and workplace expectations
Financial literacy: budgeting, banking, credit, saving, taxes, fraud prevention and eligible benefits
Community connection activities that reduce isolation

How we deliver it

Group workshops, information sessions, one-on-one navigation support, resources, referrals, peer support and community events, with language assistance where resources permit.

What participants gain

Better knowledge of Canadian systems, stronger communication and employment skills, better financial knowledge, more independence in finding services and supportive community connections.

Please note: we provide information and referrals, not legal advice. When someone needs legal, health, or other specialized help, we refer them to qualified providers.

Immigrant Children and Youth Education, Development and Mentorship Program

Who it is for

Immigrant and newcomer children and youth, and children from immigrant and newcomer families. Activities are adapted to age.

What we offer

Tutoring and homework help in reading, writing, mathematics and science, plus literacy and language support
Hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities
Language and cultural enrichment through storytelling, arts, music and heritage activities
Age-appropriate workshops on confidence, healthy relationships, resilience, bullying and discrimination
Youth leadership: workshops, supervised volunteering and community projects
Supervised sports, recreation and healthy-living activities
Cultural exchange and intercultural learning
Mentorship and learning exchanges with immigrant seniors

How we deliver it

Tutoring sessions, workshops, small groups, mentorship, supervised recreation, cultural sessions and community projects, led by staff, trained volunteers, facilitators and partners in safe, accessible, culturally responsive settings.

What participants gain

stronger academic and communication skills, STEM knowledge, leadership and interpersonal skills, better well-being, cultural understanding and a sense of belonging.

Please note: when a child or youth needs professional mental-health or counselling services, we refer the family to a qualified provider.

Immigrant Women's Skills, Well-Being and Leadership Program

Who it is for

Immigrant and newcomer women, particularly those facing settlement, employment, language, social or economic barriers.

What we offer

Skills workshops on confidence, communication, decision-making, financial and economic empowerment, and understanding Canadian systems
Structured mentorship with trained mentors, monitored by IHCI
Employment readiness: resumes, interviews, transferable skills and connections to employment services
Health and wellness education: stress management, healthy relationships, self-care, and finding healthcare and mental-health resources
Rights awareness: workplace rights, discrimination, family violence and abuse, housing rights, and where to find legal and community help
Leadership and community engagement: public speaking, teamwork, volunteering and supervised community projects

How we deliver it

Workshops, small-group sessions, structured mentorship, employment-readiness sessions, information and referral, peer learning and community projects, with language assistance where resources permit.

What participants gain

Knowledge of Canadian systems and rights, employment and leadership skills, stronger networks, better access to health and community resources, and greater confidence to take part in economic and community life.

Please note: IHCI provides general information, education, and referrals. We do not give legal advice or representation, medical diagnosis or treatment, or professional counselling unless services are delivered by appropriately qualified professionals.

Immigrant Seniors' Inclusion, Skills and Healthy Aging Program

Who it is for

Immigrant and newcomer seniors (primarily adults aged 55 and older), particularly older adults facing social isolation, language barriers, digital exclusion, difficulty navigating Canadian systems, or limited culturally responsive supports.

What we offer

Seniors' groups, cultural activities, peer gatherings and community events
Beginner-friendly digital literacy: phones, computers, email, video calls, online government and health services, protecting personal information and spotting scams
Health and wellness navigation: finding services, preparing for appointments and understanding community supports
Information on seniors' rights, income and retirement benefits, housing supports, transportation programs, elder-abuse awareness and fraud protection
Leadership and volunteering opportunities that let seniors share their knowledge
Walking groups, games and gentle exercise adapted to ability
Intergenerational cultural exchange and mentorship with children, youth and families

How we deliver it

Workshops, small groups, digital-literacy training, one-on-one help, peer support, supervised recreation, community events and structured intergenerational activities, with language assistance where resources permit.

What participants gain

Stronger digital and system-navigation skills, better knowledge of services, benefits and rights, less isolation, closer intergenerational connections and more independence.

Please note: we provide education, navigation and referrals. We do not provide medical diagnosis or treatment unless delivered by appropriately qualified professionals, and we refer people to qualified providers for legal, financial or health needs.

Immigrant Seniors' Inclusion, Skills and Healthy Aging Program

Who it is for

Immigrants, newcomers and members of immigrant and newcomer families who take part in IHCI programs: children, youth, adults, women and seniors.

What we offer

Structured mentorship and peer learning
Workshops on financial literacy, budgeting, banking, credit, fraud prevention, benefits, Canadian institutions and cultural orientation
Intergenerational learning: storytelling and oral-history projects, cultural-learning workshops, digital-literacy exchanges, arts and educational projects, and community-service projects
Community engagement and volunteering connected to our purposes
Rights awareness and public education: human rights, discrimination, workplace rights, women's safety and seniors' rights
Mental-health and wellness education: workshops, facilitated peer-support groups and information sessions

How we deliver it

Workshops, supervised mentorship with screening and safeguarding suited to participants’ ages and needs, peer-learning groups, community projects, intergenerational activities, information sessions and referrals.

What participants gain

Practical knowledge and financial literacy, supportive mentoring relationships, stronger community and intergenerational connections, a better understanding of systems and rights, and easier access to resources.

Please note: we provide general education, information, and referrals. We do not provide professional legal advice, clinical diagnosis, psychotherapy or regulated mental-health treatment unless delivered by appropriately qualified professionals.

HOW WE SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Core Pillars for Every Stage of Life

Tailored support, developmental spaces, and relational frameworks that ensure dignity, autonomy, and communal growth from youth through elderhood.

Children's Program

Our children’s programs provide spaces to learn, build friendships, explore identity and develop skills that support success at school and in the community.

Women's Program

Our programs create opportunities for women to build practical skills, strengthen their networks, support their well-being and participate more fully in community life.

Newcomer's Program

Our newcomer programs provide information, navigation, learning opportunities and community connections that help people move forward with greater confidence.

Senior's Program

Our seniors programs create opportunities to connect with others, learn practical skills, access information, stay active and continue contributing to community life.

Community & Intergenerational Program

IHCI creates opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors to learn from one another, share culture and experience, develop relationships and contribute to their communities.

Intergenerational Mentorship

Seniors sharing life wisdom and traditional recipes while youth offer tech guidance and digital fluency.

Cultural Exchange Gatherings

Celebrating rich cultural heritage, culinary arts, folklore, and multicultural neighbourhood festivals.

Community Volunteer Drives

Collaborative neighbourhood cleanups, community gardens, and civic engagement projects across Calgary.

100% Community-Driven

Programs shaped directly by lived newcomer experience and ongoing community feedback loops.

Calgary-Rooted

A localized grassroots network linking newcomers across wards, cultural associations, and public libraries.

Intergenerational Focus

Empowering children, youth, women, working professionals, and seniors under one holistic umbrella.

SIMPLE & WELCOMING PROCESS

3 Steps to Getting Started

Joining any IHCI program is free, confidential, and straightforward. Here is how we welcome you:

Reach Out & Inquire

Fill out our brief online inquiry form or call our Calgary office directly. Tell us what stage of your journey you are currently navigating.

Personalized Intake

Meet one-on-one with a dedicated community navigator who listens to your family’s unique language, career, and settlement aspirations.

Connect & Thrive

Join your program cohort, attend weekly workshops or peer circles, and build lifelong relationships across Calgary.

Ready to Find the Right Program for You or Your Family?

Whether you need one-on-one settlement navigation, women’s empowerment circles, youth activities, or senior connections, our Calgary team is here to walk alongside you.