Newcomer parents of children with severe and permanent disabilities find out how to apply, access and use available financial and health benefits supports through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.

Supports Provided Include:

1. Accessing youth and adult benefits
2. Health benefits
3. Personal benefits—like money over and above monthly living allowance for specific needs such as special diet or assistance in an emergency for youth and adults with disabilities.
4. Living allowances

AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:

• Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or underlying health conditions

 Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Info Sessions provide tailored supports for newcomer children, youth, and families. These info sessions provide culturally-sensitive and tailored support to meet the unique needs of parents and caregivers to understand better a child’s needs and benefits, such as respite, assistance with the cost of going to medical appointments, accessible transportation, personal care assistance, and so much more. 

Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.

AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:

• Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or children with underlying health conditions

Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

Newcomer parents and caregivers learn about the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital’s (Glenrose) mission, services, and commitment to supporting children with disabilities and their families.

• Gain insights into discovering a range of services available at the Glenrose and in the community, including therapy, education, and social supports.
• Explore ways to manage stress, enhance resilience, and prioritize self-care while caring for their child.

Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.

Benefits of the Session:

1. Knowledge Enhancement: Parents better understand their child’s disability and available support services.
2. Empowerment: Parents feel empowered to advocate for their child’s needs and navigate the healthcare system more effectively.
3. Community Building: Parents are connected with other parents, share experiences, and build a sense of community and solidarity.
4. Self-Care: Parents learn strategies to manage stress and prioritize self-care, ensuring you can continue to support their child effectively.

AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:

• Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or underlying health conditions

Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre’s ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

The Newcomer Centre’s ESWIS program provides psychosocial group-based support info sessions tailored for newcomer parents for their children with disabilities or underlying health conditions to cultivate social, emotional, and cultural prowess, enabling them to excel academically, pursue their chosen career paths, and emerge as active participants in society.

These sessions are delivered in partnerships with:

• AISH—Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

• FSCD—Family Support for Children with Disabilities

• PDD—Persons with Developmental Disabilities

• Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

• Alberta Health Services

• Service Canada

Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) info sessions help eligible newcomer adults gain insights to plan, coordinate and access services to live independently in their community, helping them navigate the system and access the supports and services.

Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.

AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:

• Individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Individuals with other developmental disabilities

 Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

Newcomer children and youth students (of all grades) can join the ESWIS Social Wellness, Education, Learning  & Leadership Program (SWELL) group info sessions in public, Catholic, and chartered board schools for a journey of growth, learning, and connection. These info sessions cover vital aspects of programs that help students thrive while learning the following topics:

• Supporting Healthy Lifestyles: learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and discover practical tips for maintaining personal well-being.
• Reducing Risky Behaviours: gain valuable insights into making informed choices and building resilience to navigate challenges such as bullying, managing conflict, identity and cultural integration.
• Communications: identify and communicate similarities and differences, set goals and values, build relationships.
• Internet safety and Browsing: learn to understand cyber security threats, exposure to harmful online content, and excelling academically.

The Newcomer Centre works with school administrators with many schools in the Metropolitan Edmonton area and with parents to determine needs on a student-by-student basis. Although we have established relationships with many schools in the Metropolitan Edmonton area, we are always available to any school or parent who requires supports.

As the demand for services changes from year to year, so does the list of schools in which our program operates.

 Register:

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com

These info sessions support newcomer fathers in making a difference in their children’s lives through a four-week parenting program for fathers and parents, and are facilitated by the ESWIS program team.

Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.

Topics covered are focused on how a dad can positively impact their children’s lives, such as:

• The Role of a Dad – Positive Parenting Strategies for Dads
• Effective Communications
• Positive Parenting – Mastering Your Child’s Emotions.               
• Family and Work-Life Balance    

Fathers are taught how to engage the lives of their children, building strong, vibrant bonds, learning how to listen, assess, and emotionally connect with their children and spouses while encouraging mutual respect between parents in supporting their children with understanding the distinct roles fathers play in the upbringing of their children, inspiring their participation in all aspects of their children’s lives.

Register

• Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com