ISANS Case Management & Settlement
Supporting stability, confidence, and independence
The ISANS Case Management Program provides intensive support to newcomers using a holistic, client-centered approach to help families integrate into their new community.
A family of six, who became ISANS clients in July 2025, has made significant progress in less than a year. They achieved key milestones, such as enrolling their four children in schools with extracurricular activities, where they are succeeding in both English and French systems. The parents also enrolled in English classes and are now managing daily routines with minimal support.
Many newcomer families, including those arriving from Ukraine under the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, face complex settlement challenges that require sustained, hands on support. A family experienced significant financial hardship due to difficulty accessing Canada Child Benefit payments and expired health cards. ISANS Settlement Support program provided critical assistance, liaising with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), supporting the family as they renewed their work permit information, and securing emergency shelter. ISANS provided much needed support, helping the family regain stability as they continued to build their lives here in Nova Scotia.
ISANS Orientation Program and Life Skills Support Program further supported the family by offering essential guidance, such as income tax education and helping them navigate Canadian life, services, and resources. These programs have empowered clients to build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. As one client shared, “the program welcomed me warmly like family and helped them feel confident and independent.”
By supporting newcomers through crises, enhancing their understanding of Canadian systems, and strengthening their confidence, ISANS helps families move toward stability and independence. As clients grow in knowledge and confidence, they gain the ability to advocate for themselves, access support, and plan for their future, contributing to the growth of the entire community.
Our staff from the Case Management and Orientation teams designed and implemented the Newcomer Tax Project in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This multi-phase initiative provided newcomers with clear, accessible tax information and hands-on support to help them file their income taxes for the first time. A total of 24 income tax information sessions were delivered to 314 clients in 11 languages, with extensive preparation to ensure accessibility, including interpreters and language supports so clients could fully understand and engage with Canada’s tax system.
In addition, case managers working closely with CRA volunteers facilitated an in-house Income Tax Clinic at the ISANS Mumford location. Over seven weeks, the clinic supported more than 200 Government-Assisted Refugees who arrived in 2025 in completing their first tax filings in Canada. By strengthening clients’ understanding of taxes, benefits, and social programs, this project fostered confidence, independence, and a stronger sense of belonging, demonstrating how collaboration helps communities grow and thrive together.
1,333
clients (423 cases) received client centered, comprehensive case management services for newcomers facing persistent multiple barriers to integration.
384
youth clients aged 18-30 received specialized case management services
95
individuals and families were matched with one of
25
active Life Skills Support Workers and received culturally specific hands-on orientations in their first language.
“The Life Skills Program was very helpful. I learned where to go and what services are available. I recently had a baby, so getting help with how to navigate places with her was good.”
ISANS Client.