Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) are resettled in Canada by the Canadian Government, based on their vulnerability and need for protection. Here, they find renewed hope and the opportunity to create better lives for themselves and their families. These new members of our community have much to offer, but need our help to access available services and make informed decisions that aid in their settlement and integration while tapping into their potential.

A team of highly-skilled CSS program Case Managers deliver assistance and support to GARs as part of the services by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. They provide up to one year of intensive case management, based on level of need, to clients as they transition into Canadian society. CSS Windsor is also part of a network of community-based organizations that are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of immigrants in the Windsor-Essex area.

The CSS case management model utilizes a social work, strengths-based empowerment approach in providing assistance to GAR clients. Additionally, community capacity building initiatives support a more positive settlement experience of GARs in Canada who generally have high-needs and experience significant challenges in their settlement, adjustment, and adaptation. In meeting initial and immediate needs of newcomers there is an on-site Nurse Practitioner who works in collaboration with Case Managers to provide post-arrival health assessments, referrals to medical specialists, and orientation to the Canadian healthcare system.

Fact: Between April 2018 and March 2019, CSS local site in Windsor delivered 13,824 services to over 800 clients and provided 4,644 referrals.

The CSS program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and implemented in fourteen sites across Canada (Calgary, Fredericton, Halifax, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Moncton, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, St. John’s, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Windsor). The CSS program is coordinated by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, where the National Coordinator is based.