Every day, hundreds of people begin a new life in Canada. Some are refugees fleeing persecution, others have come to join family, while others may seek a better life for themselves and their families. Their backgrounds and personal histories may be widely different; each newcomer’s experience on arrival is unique.
In 2007, Balmoral Aid and Support Services (BASS) was officially launched and recognized as a registered not-for-profit organization with a mission to support newcomers coming to Canada. This mission serves as a guiding light for newly arrived refugees and immigrants, fostering a sense of togetherness, and creating a bridge for them to be included into the vibrant tapestry of Canada. Our primary goal is to ensure that newcomers to Canada are provided with the necessary community support and resources to ensure that they develop the tools to flourish in their new home.
For many new Canadians, there are certain shared experiences, as they make a home for themselves in this country. They must find somewhere to live, find gainful employment, familiarize themselves with a likely unknown society and culture, create a new network of friends and acquaintances, and often learn a new language. In the process, they may experience success – but also alienation, loneliness, frustration, anxiety and discrimination. Refugees and newcomers often face particular challenges in adapting because their arrival was not planned or a matter of choice, but a matter of survival. They may be deeply traumatized by their past experiences. They often arrive separated from their immediate families whom they have had to leave behind, perhaps in the country of origin, perhaps in a transit country.
At BASS, we strongly believe that the path to success for newcomers is a collective effort made up of a community of supporters, compassionate friends, and knowledgeable leaders. Through this network, we can ensure that every person who has chosen to make Canada their home will have access to the assistance they need to create a safe and successful life for themselves and their families.
