Settlement Services
About the Program
ISANS’ Family, Children and Specialized Settlement Services provide holistic, trauma-informed support for newcomer families as they adjust to life in Nova Scotia. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of children, parents, and individuals facing complex challenges during settlement and integration.
Through culturally responsive services—parenting programs, wellness support, home-based early learning, and crisis counselling—we empower families to build resilience, navigate systems, and strengthen their connection to the community.
Whether it's helping parents access language training with childcare, guiding families through the education and health systems, or offering emotional and legal support during times of crisis, ISANS ensures every newcomer has access to the tools and support they need for a successful settlement journey.
Explore What We Offer
Tell us about your journey:
Care for Newcomer Children – Long Term Care Program
Childcare support for newcomer families attending ISANS Language Services.
Care for Newcomer Children – Short Term Care Program
Childcare support for newcomer families attending ISANS settlement services, workshops and appointments.
Complex Case & Crisis Intervention
Providing crisis support to registered ISANS clients facing challenges during their settlement and integration process.
Family Support Program
Helping newcomer families adapt to life in Nova Scotia through supportive connections.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
A 30-week school readiness program that empowers parents of children ages 3-5 to support early learning at home.
Interpretation Services
Helping clients overcome language barriers by providing professional interpretation services for ISANS programs and services.
Newcomer Wellness Program
Helping newcomers and their families manage settlement-related stress through wellness education, support groups and individual counselling.
Settlement Support
Helping newcomers navigate their settlement journey by providing individual counselling, group sessions and access to essential services.
Translation Services
Providing translation services for essential personal documents to support clients in their settlement process in Nova Scotia.
Well-being for All (WBFA)
Supporting the mental health & wellness of diverse newcomers by offering welcoming, culturally responsive & affirming services, including dedicated programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
Support Services
Note: Not all clients are eligible to access all support services, please confirm with the program coordinator.
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Care for Newcomer Children– Long Term Care Program
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Interpretation/Translation
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Disability Support
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Care for Newcomer Children– Short Term Care Program
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Digital Navigation
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Tech Lending Library
Impact Story
Building a new beginning: Rouaa Bazid’s journey from isolation to empowerment in Canada
Rouaa Bazid left Syria in mid-2023 and arrived in Canada facing significant challenges, including language barriers, parenting responsibilities, and the need to build stability in a new environment. During her early days, she experienced social isolation and uncertainty about how best to support her children. “Many challenges affected my family and me, and I wanted…
Testimonials
I would like to thank Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for kindness and support through my case manager and employment manager, you did wonderful job to my family in this whole first year in Canada. You left me strong and with a hope that future is great I really appreciate from the bottom of my heart you deserve blessings, may God bless you.
I feel safe here. I am happy with my family. I like winter, and I enjoy snow. I go on walks with my daughters. It makes me happy to see them smiling. I know life is not easy for refugees, but I see hope here and positivity around me. I am happy that I found ISANS; otherwise, we might have felt lost.
Read full story
Marisa Carolina Enriquez Ramos
ISANS Client, Literacy Program & Health Navigation Services
Settlement
Dear Elizabeth and the ISANS team, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for organizing the recent Women’s Session at ISANS. It was a truly special experience that allowed us to express ourselves through art, connect with one another, and feel seen and supported.