Conference presentation describing the Multicultural Association of Carleton County organization

2. Multicultural Association of Carleton County …but you can call us MACC

3. You may ask yourself . . . Where is Carleton County?

4. Carleton County Florenceville/Bristol Hartland Woodstock To Fredericton 100 kms

5. HISTORY OF MACC

6. It all started with a potato…

7. …from that potato a multinational company was formed – McCain Foods

8. Flash forward 50 years. Responding to the growing need for high-skilled IT personnel, McCain Foods searched the WORLD to fill their employment needs.

9. Soon companies from all around Carleton County joined the search to fill employment needs.

10. Now people from over 39 different countries make Carleton County home.A ‘mini’ United Nations amongst the potato fields!The region’s population growth is almost entirely due to the arrival of new immigrants

11. To embrace and celebrate this cultural diversity, the Multicultural Association of Carleton County (MACC) was formed. 2001 Meetings held to identify the needs of the newcomer community and develop a mandate 2003 Inaugural Celebration 2005 Citizenship Award 2005 ESL classes start 2006 NBELT program started 2007 NBELT expanded 2008 Settlement Services started 2009 ESL services expand to second site – Woodstock 2009 Community Involvement Program (HOST)

12. OBJECTIVES

13. To facilitate contact and communication between persons ofdifferent cultural backgrounds Different Cultures All Friends

14. To foster harmonious relationships among all cultural groups and individuals. Ethno Cultural Nights

15. To raise public consciousness and acceptance of multiculturalism. Information Sessions

16. To assist newcomers to become established in the community. Life Skills Lessons

17. To act as an advocate on issues dealing with multiculturalism. Community Support

18. But it was not all smooth sailing . . . Services were suspended in the fall of 2006.

19. A new approach was needed. Newcomer Services for Rural NB

20. Challenges Distance, our clientele are spread out over 3312 square kilometres. Accessibility - there are no public transit systems available. Small class sizes with a wide range of language levels. Clients who are isolated and not feeling connected to the community.

21. Challenges are meant to be overcome.

22. A New Vision Client-Centred Approach

23. MACC PHILOSOPHY OF SERVICE

24. Client Centred Approach ESL Family Supports Employment Services Client Social Networking HOST Settlement Services ISAP Community Inclusion Clients choose the services they need when they need them.

25. Organizational Structure Services are driven by the needs of the clients.

31. Multiple Sites Addresses transportation challenges

32. Settlement Services

33. Settlement Services Facilitate the contact and communication between persons of different cultural backgrounds. Foster harmonious relationships among all cultural groups and individuals. Raise public consciousness and acceptance of Multiculturalism. Assist newcomers in adapting to their new community, to acquire accommodations, educational services, health care. Act as an advocate on issues dealing with Multiculturalism. Coordinate bridging sessions between newcomers and services they require.

34. English Second Language Training

35. New Brunswick Employment Language Training - NBELT Focused on workplace language. Part-time classes 16 – 20 hours per week. Continuous Intake – Clients can start immediately and stay as long as they need. Available one-on-one instruction. Multi-Level classes – One room school house. Clients are sent out into the community on assignments. Internet based learning. Onsite language instruction available in the workplace.

37. Focus on local language characteristics and colloquialisms – What is a “Dooryard”?

38. Cultural bridging activities.

39. Workshops and field trips providing instruction and orientation on accessing community resources.

40. Multilevel and one-on-one classes; scheduled and drop-in.

42. Client-Centred Employment Services One on One sessions with Employment Counsellor. Cover letter and resumes are customized for each client. EC works closely with local companies to arrange for work placements – voluntary and subsidized. EC negotiates with employers to allow for ESL class participation to continue. Work Permit assistance. Professional Portfolio Development - PLAR. Arrange other employment training.

43. HOST Program

44. Community Integration Building friendly relationships through our Host Volunteer Program. Partnering with service groups and recreation groups to build community awareness and participation. Provide newcomers the opportunity to be involved in the community. Creating a sense of belonging in the community. Recruiting local individuals and families willing to offer friendship to newcomers. Facilitate communication between newcomers and the community. Talk, smile, laugh! Opportunities abound in Carleton County!

45. RESULTS

46. January 2007 7 Clients Part-time ESL classes Part-time Employment Services

47. July 2007 16 Clients in Employment Language Training All 7 of original clients advanced 2 Canadian Language Benchmarks! First 3 Clients found employment

48. March 2008 40 Clients being served in ELT 16 Clients obtain permanent full-time employment Families began to engage MACC services

49. New in 2008 ELT services offered in 2 locations: Florenceville and Woodstock On-line ESL training commenced Settlement Services (ISAP/HOST) commence Work Permit/LMO Assistance

50. 2008/2009 Fiscal NBELT 38 clients in ELT classes 45 clients served with employment services 20 clients obtained FT Permanent Employment 5 clients FT Seasonal employment Settlement Services 13 Information Sessions with 40 participants 13 Community Events with 330 participants 7 Socio/Cultural Events with 177 participants Settlement Activities with 20 Families, 25 Partial services, 90 individuals 5 Community Promo events with 60 participants 33 New Permanent Residents received services

51. New in 2009 ESL services expanded in Woodstock Satellite office opened in downtown Woodstock Full-time Community Integration Program (HOST) ESL on-line services expanded One-on-One ESL instruction program offered On-site language instruction offered Settlement activities expanded to include community pot-lucks, recreation events, social-cultural events Program Director position approved

52. 2009/2010 fiscal ELT/ESL 25 ESL students in Florenceville classroom 34 ESL students in Woodstock classroom 44 on-line students 20 one-on-one students Employment 18 client employed Full-time 5 Full-time Seasonal 3 Part-time 45 active clients in employment services

54. 4 clients connected in volunteer programs

55. 280 personal contacts made throughout the county

57. 15 Community Events with 400 participants

58. 24 Socio/Cultural Events with 740 participants

59. Settlement Activities with 30 Families, 55 Partial services, 305 individuals

60. 22 Community Promo events with 250 participants

62. Future Mentorships – professional and entrepreneurial Road Mapping of Social Services – e.g. accessing mental health, financial aid, child protection services Cultural sensitivity training – schools and workplaces Building community involvement Building community partnerships – local schools, governments, social and service organizations Potato fueled rocket ships

63. Thank-youMerci Beaucoup