MINISTRY IN ACTION
Welcoming the World
The Salvation Army’s Immigrant and Refugee Services extends a much-appreciated helping hand BY KEN RAMSTEAD, EDITOR, FAITH & FRIENDS AND FOI & VIE
M
oses Bukenya arrived in Canada from Uganda in December 2006 seeking asylum. He had no family, friends or means of support in Canada. The shelter where he was staying referred him to The Salvation Army’s Immigrant and Refugee Services (IRS) in Toronto. “Moses was looking for help and information, but, just as importantly, he craved the extended family he had left behind in Africa,” says Florence Gruer, director. “He found it all here at IRS.” Newcomer Needs In the 1980s, IRS was born when a Salvation Army assessment indicated that many immigrants and refugees were falling through the gaps of society. While the settlement field has expanded since then and numerous agencies now address the needs of newcomers, IRS’ strength is its flexibility. IRS is there at every step in the settlement process, from arrival to applying for citizenship. “Naturally, we provide English-as-a-second-language courses,” says Gruer, “but we have orientation and information sessions that address issues most Canadians take for granted, such as filling out income-tax forms. Even finding a family doctor or a dentist can be daunting if you are a newcomer.” In addition, IRS offers other essential services such as employment referrals, immigration information, short-term crisis counselling, chaplaincy services and Bible study. Family Matters In Moses’ case, IRS provided information concerning housing and the refugee-claim process, guided him with his studies and search for employment and explained the various government forms he encountered along the way. Armed with this knowledge, Moses put himself through school while holding down part-time jobs in the evening. He now has full-time employment and owns a condo in the city.
IRS clients and staff
As Moses’ story illustrates, IRS is not about handouts; it’s about people taking the information provided and using it for their betterment. “We didn’t do this for Moses,” emphasizes Gruer. “Moses did it for himself, with a strong faith, a positive attitude and a great work ethic. “We rejoiced when he was officially recognized as a refugee in January 2009 and again in December when he became a permanent resident of Canada.” Celebrating positive events such as birthdays and baby showers is important at IRS. Many newcomers have no extended family with them, and so clients and staff become “family.” When Moses first met Gruer, for instance, he started to refer to her as “Aunty”—his ultimate term of respect. Clients, in turn, look after one another. When one ESL student’s sister overseas passed away, her classmates passed the hat to collect enough money to help to pay for the funeral costs. A Nation of Immigrants Because IRS is part of the Toronto Harbour Light Ministries, there has been opportunity for joint participation. Both Harbour Light Community Church and IRS participate in Christmas
Moses Bukenya
events, for example, where the members of the church and the ESL students have supper together, giving both groups an opportunity to share the Christmas story. Students have also attended events such as a Sunday morning service featuring the Canadian Staff Band. Through this type of exposure, IRS clients experience the wider Salvation Army world and learn about God. Gruer is proud of the IRS track record. “Last year, we served 1,552 households, which represents 2,034 family members. Out of that total, 495 were new households, totalling 709 family members. “The Salvation Army has always had a heart for newcomers to the country,” says Gruer, “and IRS continues that tradition. Ultimately, Canada is a country of immigrants and helping newcomers find a future here is really about our commonalities— sharing love and sharing hope.” Salvationist I July 2011 I 11