Settlement Programs & Services
Fostering Well-Being Through Trust and Community
ISANS offers personalized Family and Children Specialized Settlement services to support newcomers in their transition to life in Nova Scotia. Using a holistic, family-centered approach, services include needs assessments, one-on-one support, and referrals tailored to each family.
The Family Support Program provides culturally responsive parenting programs for families with children from infancy to adolescence, along with workshops on topics such as family law, screen time, car seat safety, and youth issues. Over the past year, more than 70 sessions were delivered, supporting 437 clients.
Prevention work on gender-based violence remained a priority, with over 200 participants engaged in promoting healthy relationships and non-violent conflict resolution.
Our new initiatives included a five-week parenting series for parents of teenagers, developed with community partners, and a wellness series for parents of children affected by stress or trauma.
Our Well-being for All (WBFA) project, in partnership with the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS), supports the mental health and wellness of diverse newcomers through culturally responsive and affirming programming. With dedicated initiatives for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, WBFA promotes resilience through inclusive education, early intervention, and tailored support. The 2SLGBTQIA+ group keeps going, reflecting the time and trust required to build safe and welcoming spaces.
WBFA has reached over 596 clients through its “Living Well in Difficult Times” sessions, engaging 50 language classes and creating supportive environments for shared experiences and peer connection. Participants reported feeling less isolated and more confident in seeking help, with several referrals made to mental health services.
Additionally, the “How to Support Your Child When Life Feels Hard” workshop engaged parents and received highly positive feedback. Participants reported increased confidence, improved understanding of trauma-informed parenting, and greater awareness of practical strategies to support their children’s emotional well-being. These early outcomes highlight WBFA’s growing impact at both client and organizational levels, reinforcing the value of inclusive, trust-based approaches.
Programs like Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) support families, especially mothers, by preparing children for school and empowering parents as educators. All services are supported by interpretation, translation, and childcare. As HIPPY client, Rouaa Bazid shares, consistent guidance and support especially through collaboration with a home visitor. Her journey highlights how setting goals, accessing the right programs, and building connections can lead to greater community engagement. Rouaa’s story reflects the power of connection, support, and shared effort demonstrating how, together, we grow and build stronger families.
All services are supported by ISANS Interpretation and Translation team, as well as childcare services, ensuring accessibility for all families.
56
children were supported through the HIPPY Program
596
clients attended Living Well in Difficult Times Workshop Series
30
Living Well in Difficult Times Workshops
HIPPY parents come from
17
countries and speak over
16
languages
Building a new beginning: Rouaa Bazid’s journey from isolation to empowerment in Canada
“Many challenges affected my family and me, and I wanted to prevent them from affecting my children,” shares Rouaa. “I suffered social isolation; I wanted to learn English because that was the bigger barrier for me to settle down but I helped myself to overcome these challenges.”