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In Montreal, the CSAI is the only organization mandated by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) to welcome and to settle government-assisted refugees.
During the first year of settlement, the team dedicated to them provides local support (finding housing, registering for various public services, opening a bank account, making appointments for health check-ups, etc.). Once the family is housed and settled, the integration process begins with the necessary support and follow-up depending on the case. This support is spread out over several years.
The CSAI team ensures that individuals and families move towards autonomy, receive the assistance and benefits to which they are entitled, and facilitate their access to health services, francization, education, daycare, labour market integration and other relevant services.
We offer services to meet the needs of refugees and ensure their successful integration:
Our intervenants communautaires scolaires interculturels (ICSI) are an essential link between parents and schools. ICSIs provide support, notably for school registration or during parent-teacher meetings. They facilitate the understanding of the rules and expectations of Quebec society as well as communication between immigrant students, their parents, the school and the community.
Our health liaison officers provide refugees with personalized assistance in dealing with the various health care institutions and social services, particularly with regard to making appointments, accompanying them to medical appointments and interpreting. Acting as cultural mediators, they facilitate communication between refugees and health care professionals and ensure that information is properly understood by both parties.
Le Collectif familial is a homework and francization support service offered by volunteers and funded by Réseau Réussite Montréal and Centraide. On Saturday mornings, immigrant and refugee parents and children receive individual or small group help from the team of volunteers. This support is adapted to each child’s needs and helps develop self-confidence through academic improvement, socialization and the acquisition of new skills.
In order to fight against isolation, to facilitate the integration of government-assisted refugees and to promote intercultural rapprochement, the CSAI has set up an intercultural twinning project with the financial support of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). This project offers the possibility for immigrants and Quebecers to meet in a friendly atmosphere and allows newcomers to avoid isolation and to be accompanied in their integration and adaptation process, while improving their knowledge of the French language and promoting their autonomy.
6201 Laurendeau Street
Montreal QC H4E 3X8
(514) 932-2953
csai@centrecsai.org
