Media and News Stories Featuring DIVERSEcity
June 25, 2026
New transitional housing offers safe place for youth, young mothers in Surrey | Surrey Now-Leader
January 7, 2026
Black Brilliance in BC with DIVERSEcity’s Elliott Slinn radio interview (CJSF 90.1 Radio)
Note: Elliott’s interview portion begins at 10:15.
September 26, 2025
Immigrant changemakers celebrated at the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
September 25, 2025
Deltans receive DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact (Delta Optimist)
September 24, 2025
Changemakers celebrated at Surrey event (North Delta Reporter)
September 8, 2025
Ongoing support, services benefit adults with mental-health issues (Government of BC)
July 8, 2025
How to navigate Canada’s healthcare system as a newcomer: what you need to know (Canadian Immigrant)
June 18, 2025
The Canadian dream: Why support networks make all the difference for newcomers (Canadian Geographic)
This story, featuring DIVERSEcity’s Lenya Wilks, is part of Canadian Geographic’s “This is Canada” series, which aims to spark conversations about what it means to be Canadian.
More help for immigrants in the City of Delta (Delta Optimist)
The City of Delta has announced the launch of a new Settlement Services Outreach Program in partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) and five local settlement agencies … Earlier this year, it was also announced that Delta has been added to the list of cities that has a Local Immigration Partnership. The Delta LIP will help community groups, immigrant settlement agencies, local businesses and the city, “to connect and collaborate at one table to advance priorities for a thriving community,” a release from DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society explained.
May 17, 2025
Delta now has a Local Immigration Partnership (Delta Optimist)
Delta has been added to the list of cities that has a Local Immigration Partnership. The Delta LIP will help community groups, immigrant settlement agencies, local businesses and the city, “to connect and collaborate at one table to advance priorities for a thriving community,” says a release from Diversecity Community Resources Society.
“Delta is a dynamic, growing city with stunning natural beauty, a diversified business scene and a family-focused community,” said Neelam Sahota, CEO with Diversecity and co-chair of Delta LIP …
March 10, 2025
Surrey invests $4.5M in youth initiatives to strengthen community safety (City of Surrey)
The City of Surrey is proud to announce a significant $4.5M investment over three years in youth resiliency programs. Building upon the success of the SAFE program, this enhanced initiative takes a comprehensive approach to strengthening youth resilience by expanding services to proactively address risk factors, including harm, victimization, and exploitation. DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s SAFE Counselling receives $300,000 annually to provide structured and culturally sensitive clinical counselling to 6-17-year-olds and their parents.
January 18, 2025
10 great Black History Month events to check out in Vancouver (Daily Hive)
January 14, 2025
Provincial approaches to Trump’s tariff threats | Newcomer experiences in Canada (BC Today, CBC)
Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity sat down with Michelle Eliot at BC Today on CBC and discussed “the resources available as we ask new immigrants to tell us about their experiences.”
Listen to the full podcast here.
Note: Neelam’s interview portion begins at 29:54.
December 23, 2024
Neelam Sahota: Social Impact ICON (Icons Magazine)
“For Neelam Sahota, making a social impact is personal. As the chief executive officer of a 46-year-old registered charity DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, it’s a calling.
Inspired to move issues forward for social change, Neelam’s story is firmly grounded in her experiences as a first-generation Canadian, witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by her Sikh immigrant family” …
October 7, 2024
Surrey organizations teaching newcomers to Canada about Indigenous history (BCIT News)
The Surrey Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) will be hosting its second annual gathering on Friday, October 11 with the hopes of fostering connections between newcomers to Canada and Indigenous peoples. The Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is a member of the Surrey LIP and will be in attendance at this year’s event.
September 5, 2024
This Youth Justice alum is breaking barriers and combating domestic violence in B.C. newcomer communities (Douglas College blog)
“The check-ins with our clients, whether simple inquiries about well-being or prompts about self-care, are a tool for community-building. They take us back to that granular level when it comes to designing or delivering programs” she shares. “These small but consistent interactions build trust and are essential in my work.” Recently, Bobbi Terrell, DIVERSEcity’s Senior Manager of Counselling and Gender Based Violence services, sat down with Douglas College and shared about the Stories of Strength program.
Read the full story here.
August 1, 2024
How Sports Open Doors to Community and Safety (The Tyee)
DIVERSEcity’s partnership with the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon, and the City of Delta, is featured on The Tyee on “How Sports Open Doors to Community and Safety”.
“Every summer we see incidences of drownings, and often, they will be newcomers,” said Kirsty Peterson, Director of Career Advancement and Innovation at DIVERSEcity. One big reason is that swimmable water and water safety measures, including swimming lessons, are not necessarily as present or accessible in other countries as they are in Canada, says Peterson.
Newcomers may not be aware they can access — sometimes for free or at subsidized rates — swimming pools and lessons through public recreation facilities, Peterson said. This knowledge gap is just one more barrier newcomers face when it comes to participating in physical activities and sports here.
July 21, 2024
National Drowning Prevention Week (Global News)
With drownings a real risk in BC’s lakes, including for newcomers, DIVERSEcity and the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon have partnered to spread awareness and water survival skills. DIVERSEcity Director Kirsty Peterson and Leana Grace, Lifesaving’s Executive Director, came together for an interview on Global News during National Drowning Prevention Week.
May 21, 2024
Darpan Chat Central presents Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (Darpan)
Darpan Chat Central presents CEO of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Neelam Sahota on the perception around diversity and the work that needs to be done to push the dialogue of inclusion and diversity forward.
May 13, 2024
40 new Canadians take oath in Surrey with immigration minister (Surrey Now-Leader)
DIVERSEcity kicked off Canada’s Citizenship Week with a special citizenship ceremony for 40 new Canadians on Monday morning with Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
April 25, 2024
B.C. allots record $25.6M in annual funding for newcomer services (Chilliwack Progress)
Meheret Basrit, the senior manager of community development at Surrey-based charity DIVERSEcity, which is leading the Safe Haven program in the Lower Mainland, said she is excited about changes to mental health supports. Under the new programs, Ukrainians fleeing war, as well as regular visa holders and refugees, will be eligible for clinical counselling.
“Because historically, refugee claimants face extra barriers and more vulnerabilities in their claim process, there’s a huge impact on their mental health. They come from a history of war trauma or had to flee their country,” Basrit said.
February 5, 2024
Black Brilliance Awards for 4 at sold-out celebration in Surrey (Surrey Now-Leader)
Black Brilliance Awards were given to four people in three categories during a “Black in B.C.” celebration Feb. 1 at Surrey Arts Centre.
Winners of the inaugural awards were announced at the event, organized to kick off Black History Month in Metro Vancouver.
Dacious Richardson won the Rising Star award, Amos Kambere was named Luminary, and both Nataizya Mukwavi and Adebola Ige took home Trailblazer trophies …
January 29, 2024
Remembering Black history is important, but so is celebrating Black excellence (The Georgia Straight)
As a Black Canadian leader in the social services sector, it’s my hope that we advance equity for the Black community to overcome anti-Black racism and the barriers to Black individuals’ success.
There have been positive inroads in the last couple of years, including federal grants for Black organizations to support everything from entrepreneurship to mental health. At non-profit organizations like DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, we are working hard to create and deliver innovative and empowering programs and services to support BIPOC individuals, helping them overcome the existing barriers and discrimination to reach their goals …
January 29, 2024
B.C. strengthens quality standards for international education (BC Government News)
The Province is taking action to eliminate exploitive practices and improve the quality of post-secondary education by strengthening quality standards and bringing in new safeguards for international students in B.C.
“International students come here for a good education, but too many are being exploited or taken advantage of,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “That’s why we’re introducing more stringent requirements for institutions and robust safeguards to protect international students against bad actors, provide them with a better path to success, and make sure B.C. continues to attract the talented students we need to fill significant gaps in the labour market and drive our economy forward” …
January 23, 2024
Black History Month in British Columbia: Awareness, Support and Celebration (La Source)
January 18, 2024
Surrey stage for ‘Black in B.C.’ celebration, free for all on Feb. 1 (Surrey Now-Leader)
Garrison Duke, Chief Operating Officer of Surrey-based DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society. “What I would like to see now is that evolution where more Black people are represented at the tables that are important for making decisions,” he says. “We’re getting there.”
In Surrey, February’s Black History Month will kick off with a special event focused on Black excellence at the arts centre’s 400-seat Main Stage. Admission is free and open to the general public on Thursday, Feb. 1, starting at 3 p.m.
Home to the largest Black population in B.C., Surrey is a suitable city for such a celebration of Black talent, culture and achievements.
For a second year, the “Black in B.C.” event is brought to the stage by DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, which helps newcomers settle here …
June 24, 2023
Surrey used to be a destination for newcomers. Some settlement experts say rising costs are changing that (CBC News)
Surrey, B.C., has long been an affordable alternative to Vancouver. It’s also traditionally been an enclave for immigrants, many of them South Asian.
But as the affordable housing crisis deepens, some settlement workers and immigration experts say newcomers are moving further afield — and away from the services, communities and infrastructure that is there to support them.
“They’re being priced out of these historic cities where they felt a lot of safety,” said Meheret Bisrat, senior manager of community development with DiverseCity Community Resources Society …
June 18, 2023
Blaming immigration for the country’s housing crisis disguises the real problem, analysts say (CBC News)
It’s an argument that comes up time after time whenever there is a discussion about the housing crisis that plagues Metro Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada. If Canada can’t house the people who already live here, we should stop letting more people into the country.
Calls to keep immigrants out because of the cost of housing are frustrating for Meheret Bisrat, the senior manager of community development with DiverseCity Community Resource Society based in Surrey, B.C. Bisrat says immigrants are some of the people who suffer the most from the effects of the housing crisis.
“It is disheartening to hear those kinds of comments because I feel like it lacks a bit of compassion and understanding of … the realities of new immigrants,” said Bisrat, who oversees newcomer settlement and integration at DIVERSEcity …
October 10, 2023
Surrey charity celebrates 45 years of helping newcomers to Canada (Surrey Now-Leader)
Surrey-based charity DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is celebrating 45 years of helping newcomers to Canada. The organization first opened its doors on October 10, 1978, as the Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society and re-branded in 2007 as DIVERSEcity. To coincide with its anniversary, the City of Surrey proclaimed October 10, 2023, as the“Day of Inclusion.” This day serves as a reminder of the need for diversity and inclusion in Canada, Neelam Sahota, CEO of DIVERSEcity, said …
September 13, 2023
Canada’s Immigration Rules are Leaving International Students Vulnerable to Exploitation and Abuse (Press Progress)
Organizations representing international students in British Columbia are speaking out about immigration rules that leave them vulnerable to exploitation, with precarious students complaining about propositions for sexual favours by abusive employers and landlords. Women identifying international students have primarily been victimized in many cases, which advocates say are exacerbated by their precarious immigration status …
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, BC, works with newcomer communities including international students. They say there are major gaps in services to address complex issues like sexual violence among international students.
“It’s an area (where) we know there are challenges and gaps in services, but there hasn’t been a formal sort of approach to providing care,” said Richa Karkee, manager of Violence Prevention Services at DIVERSEcity. Thinking about how big of an international student community we have here in BC and (the) number of services that are actually available. I think there is a huge gap in that from that perspective.”
Grassroots organizations step in to fill funding gaps with limited resources at their disposal. “Traditional settlement programming, the funding is very specific. International students, they’re not able to access those traditional settlement based services,” said Karkee.
Neeru Muker, DIVERSEcity’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, said many clients struggle with coming forward because perpetrators stoke fear that they will be deported.
“In the workplace, they’re told, ‘if you report this, that I’ve sexually assaulted you, you’re going to get deported’,” said Muker.
With stigma around coming forward and a lack of data, the pair say the full number of students impacted by sexual violence is “really hard to find” …
August 3, 2023
Hope for newcomers: Dean Lin Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
When Taiwan-born Dean Lin started his career in Canada, he didn’t face many obstacles. After completing his business degree, and subsequent MBA, in B.C., Lin was able to launch a varied career in logistics and then in international development work. But, looking around at the experiences of other immigrants in his community, he was surprised to see the barriers they faced. “I was educated in Canada, so I didn’t encounter this problem myself. After witnessing the struggles of some of my relatives and friends in getting their credentials recognized here in Canada, it inspired me to shift my career and get into the training and employment field for newcomers.”
Lin now runs a social enterprise in Surrey, B.C., called DIVERSEcity Skills Training Centre, which offers in-person and online short-term computer and customer service training. Profits from the Buy Social-certified social enterprise support the charitable work of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society.
July 28, 2023
Sixty-eight organizations receive grants to help shape anti-racism legislation (BC Government News)
Racialized people can now share their perspectives in culturally safe spaces as 68 organizations across B.C. receive more than $300,000 to engage community members on the development of new anti-racism legislation …
June 18, 2023
Blaming immigration for the country’s housing crisis disguises the real problem, analysts say (CBC News)
Meheret Bisrat, Senior Manager of Community Development at DIVERSEcity, is featured on an article on immigration and housing on CBC News. Meheret emphasizes that the criticism of newcomers as the cause of the housing crunch is misguided. “It is disheartening to hear those kinds of comments because I feel like it lacks a bit of compassion and understanding of … the realities of new immigrants,” says Meheret. “They don’t fully know their rights, and they’re taken advantage of,” she says. “They are new members of our community. And we need them, actually, to be here.”
May 24, 2023
Newcomers, non-profits praise major funding boost for migration settlement services (CBC News)
DIVERSEcity client Rukshani shares her settlement story with CBC News, who says DIVERSEcity has “made a huge impact” in her life. “I was feeling isolated when I first arrived in Canada,” she says. “I was provided with resources to help me find affordable housing for my family in Surrey. DIVERSEcity has helped in preparing me for success in Canada in all aspects.”
May 9, 2023
Building your new life in Canada (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
DIVERSEcity client is featured in a story on settlement challenges in Canadian Immigrant magazine.
Chinese-born Xiaobing Feng says it was the “warm and friendly people and natural environment” that brought his family to Canada. Prior to the move, they visited Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Yellowknife and Vancouver to decide where they would live. “Vancouver has a suitable climate, especially in the winter. In addition, there is a unique natural landscape,” he says. The family immigrated in November 2022.
February 19, 2023
Jacky Essombe and Lenya Wilks on Surrey’s inaugural “Black in BC” event (CBC Radio)
CBC Radio host Margaret Gallagher meets with event organizer Lenya Wilks, Manager of Surrey Local Immigration Partnership, and dancer/keynote speaker Jacky Essombe on Surrey’s inaugural “Black in BC” event.
Listen to the full segment here.
January 18, 2023
Work to create ‘Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers’ wins B.C. Reconciliation Award (Surrey Now Leader)
A groundbreaking project in Surrey is among winners of the 2022 British Columbia Reconciliation Award. The creation of the “Surrey First Peoples Guide for Newcomers” has earned the award for Surrey Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), run by DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society. The goal of the guide is to address a lack of educational resources about First Peoples in Canada, created from an Indigenous perspective.
January 4, 2023
Surrey’s DIVERSEcity settles in with a new incubator program for BIPOC and immigrant entrepreneurs (BC Business)
BC Business features a story on DIVERSEcity’s revamped Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator …
December 7, 2022
Surrey Libraries’ laptop-lending program lauded
Through the Chromebook Lending Project (CLP), Surrey Libraries loans Chromebooks to partner organizations to help their clients find employment, connect with their community, or help them learn English, among other uses. Currently, seven local non-profit organizations are participating in the CLP: Options Community Services Society, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Umoja Operation Compassion Society, Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, Brella Community Services Society, Sources Community Resources Society and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. …
November 16, 2022
Nine immigrant women display their soup-erpower! (Camosun College)
The Women of the World (W.O.W.) Soup was awarded $1,500 prize in the 2022 DIVERSEcity’s new Business Pitch Competition that will allow the team to develop their small market business after graduation.
October 18, 2025
Settlement agency recognizes inspiring clients, champions and volunteers (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
Settlement services agency in Surrey, British Columbia, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, has announced its Awards of Impact to celebrate inspiring immigrants in the community. These awardees have benefited from the services offered by the agency and some of them are now even making an effort to give back …
October 6, 2022
‘Awards of Impact’ for 5 people who help Surrey’s DIVERSEcity help newcomers to Canada (Surrey Now-Leader)
Five DIVERSEcity ‘Awards of Impact’ winners, making an impact through leadership, community building, innovation or inspiration, featured in Surrey-Now Leader and Cloverdale Reporter.
September 13, 2022
Canada’s Immigration Rules are Leaving International Students Vulnerable to Exploitation and Abuse (Press Progress)
Richa Karkee, manager of Violence Prevention Services and Neeru Muker, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, address complex issues like sexual violence among international students.
August 23, 2022
As South Asian languages grow in Canada, parents want more learning options for kids (Global News)
DIVERSEcity’s Richa Karkee is interviewed in a Global News piece around South Asian language and identity for immigrants in Canada.
June 20, 2022
KPU announces first Community Impact Award winners
DIVERSEcity is proud to partner with Kwantlen Polytechnic University to receive the Community Impact Award each to the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) program and the Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships (NEVR).
March 27, 2022
To retain immigrants, decision-makers must address systemic failures (Surrey Now-Leader)
Neelam Sahota, DIVERSEcity CEO, spoke at the 24th Metropolis Canada Conference on migration, integration, and inclusion.
March 26, 2022
To retain immigrants, decision-makers must address systemic failures (New Canadian Media)
It’s high-time to recognize that it’s not so much Canada doing a favour for immigrants, but rather immigrants who are crucial to Canada’s labour market, according to a settlement advocate speaking at the 24th Metropolis Canada Conference on March 24.
“Immigration is predominantly driven by labour market needs, and this will be true more so than ever. People are coming here because we need them,” Neelam Sahota, CEO of the DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, said during the opening plenary session of the conference on migration, integration, and inclusion, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia …
2022
New grant program for credentialing in British Columbia (Immigrant Muse magazine)
Tina Balachandran, DIVERSEcity manager, employment programs, spoke with Immigrant Muse Magazine about DIVERSEcity’s new Express Grant for Foreign Credential Recognition for Women …
February 12, 2022
Multi-generational households face the next phase of the pandemic with care (Vancouver Sun)
Neelam Sahota, DIVERSEcity CEO, spoke with the Vancouver Sun about the struggles multi-generational households may face as COVID-19 pandemic ease for some.
February 4, 2022
Recording hate to fight hate — racism mapping tool launched in Surrey to help newcomers feel safe (CBC News)
Mariam Bilgrami, senior manager of innovation engagement at DIVERSEcity, and Neelam Sahota, DIVERSEcity CEO, speak with CBC about the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership‘s new Racism Mapping Project (RAMP), a community-led research project tool that gathers anonymously shared data around racism and hate incidents taking place in Surrey, BC.
February 3, 2022
Not ‘something you shake off’: Surrey Local Immigration Partnership launches racism-mapping tool (Surrey Now-Leader)
“Surrey LIP co-chair Neelam Sahota, who is also CEO of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, said the project has been in the works for several years after hearing anecdotal evidence from social service organizations and surveys in the community” …
January 28, 2022
There’s free and low-cost counselling for Surrey residents (Peace Arch News)
Surrey residents can benefit from free and low-cost counselling services after the provincial government extended funding for two local agencies. Moving Forward Family Services Society and DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society are two of 49 B.C. agencies to receive more funding to provide community counselling services as part of a $4.2 million government investment …
November 12, 2021
DIVERSEcity CEO Neelam Sahota wins the Trustee Excellence Award from the B.C. Library Trustees Association (Surrey Now-Leader)
Neelam Sahota, DIVERSEcity CEO and the Surrey Libraries board chair, is the 2021 Trustee Excellence Award recipient.
The annual award, chosen by the B.C Library Trustees Association, “recognizes a trustee who has made a major contribution to their public library and community through governance excellence” …
September 22, 2021
Surrey Board of Trade reveals finalists for 2021 Surrey Business Awards (Peace Arch News)
Finalists in the Not-for-Profit Resilience Category are DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, Phoenix Society Drug & Alcohol Recovery and Education Society, and the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society.
August 31, 2021
Surrey-born Olympian Wodak runs with immigrant/refugee youth at Green Timbers Park (Surrey Now-Leader)
Newcomer youth in Surrey got some tips from Olympic long-distance runner Natasha Wodak at Green Timbers Park during the finale event of DIVERSEyouth’s Run 5K program, planned in partnership with SportMedBC.
The Surrey-born Wodak placed 13th in the marathon at the recent Tokyo Olympics, becoming the second-fastest female marathoner in Canadian history.
At Green Timbers Park on Monday, Aug. 30, she surprised local immigrant and refugee youth with a visit and warm-up lesson, for an event they’d been training for since June 21 …
August 19, 2021
Meheret Bisrat, Manager, Refugee & Specialized Programs, DIVERSEcity spoke with CBC News about the settlement process and challenges faced by Afghan refugees as they come to Canada (CBC News)
Some organizations in B.C. will be among those stepping up to welcome Afghan refugees fleeing the Taliban. Our @DanBurritt spoke with Meheret Bisrat, manager of refugee and specialized programs at DiverseCity about what the group is doing to prepare. pic.twitter.com/cm6g09Qujb
August 18, 2021
Saleh Altaf, Manager, Community Programs, DIVERSEcity spoke with CBC News for an article on avoiding politicizing vaccines in the upcoming election (CBC News)
Canada’s political leaders could do serious damage to the country’s vaccination efforts if they engage in a charged and polarizing debate over vaccines during the federal election campaign, say people on the frontlines of outreach work and other experts …
2021
DIVERSEcity clinical counsellor, Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment Program (SAFE), explains what questions we should be asking around gang violence in B.C.
Pamela Sangha, a clinical counsellor with DIVERSEcity’s SAFE program, sat down with Carol Eugene Park and Rumneek Johal, the hosts of the Decomplicated Podcast, to discuss the current gang violence in B.C.
May 13, 2021
Saleh Altaf, Manager, Community Programs, DIVERSEcity on CBC Early Edition with Stephen Quinn
Saleh is interviewed about how DIVERSEcity is helping seniors and vulnerable communities in Surrey get accurate information on COVID-19 vaccines and access a free transportation shuttle service, a partnership between Translink and Fraser Health.
Listen to the full interview here …
April 21, 2021
Social prescriptions connect Surrey seniors to activities and other services they need (Peace Arch News)
Fraser Health-backed program involves GP referrals to a Seniors’ Community Connector with DIVERSEcity
We’re used to getting prescriptions for illness, but how about a prescription for wellness? Fraser Health is working with physicians and community stakeholders to ensure seniors stay healthier longer through social prescribing, a concept that connects seniors to community resources for exercise, socialization and improved nutrition.
Here’s how it works: Family physicians and nurse practitioners identify seniors who could benefit from a social prescription involving increased activity, social engagement, caregiver support and/or food security. The prescribing physician then connects the senior to a Seniors’ Community Connector with DIVERSEcity, to work with them on a wellness prescription. Just like a typical prescription, the dosage and amount is tailored to the individual’s needs …
March 26, 2021
Virtual volunteering during the pandemic (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
For Vancouver resident, Faheem Shah, his volunteering experience with DIVERSEcity, a registered charity that provides settlement services to newcomers was a source of great satisfaction. A senior, who had his own long-drawn struggles as a new immigrant in 2004, Shah is doing his part in pandemic times. He’s been part of food distribution programs and driving other seniors to and from appointments among other volunteering roles “Volunteering during COVID gave me a chance to explore the needs of the vulnerable members of our community – particularly seniors from different backgrounds, cultures and languages. I am also hoping to secure a permanent position and this experience will definitely help in that,” he says. …
March 25, 2021
The Power of Women: Neelam Sahota (Darpan Magazine)
“Women are the real architects of society and I truly believe we are on a journey in deconstructing societal norms of what a woman ‘should be.’ Womanhood is defining yourself on your own terms, unapologetically.” — Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity. Neelam was featured in Darpan Magazine’s International Women’s Day cover story, “The Power of Women” with seven other inspirational South Asian Women leaders in BC.
The other women featured are: Juggy Sihota, Vice President – TELUS Health; Dr. Madhu Jawanda,MD, CCFP,Co-founder of BC’s South Asian Covid Task Force; Dr Navdeep Grewal, MD, FCFP, CCFP(EM), Co-founder of BC’s South Asian Covid Task Force; Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers and Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives; Sonia Virk, Lawyer at Virk Viyas & Associate Lawyers; Robin Gill, BC Correspondent/Weekend Anchor at Global National; and Rabiah Dhaliwal, Mental Health Activist & Founder-Director at Voices for Hope Foundation.
Read the interviews with Neelam and the other women leaders here.
March 4, 2021
The Filipino Edition Show featuring DIVERSEcity (RED FM)
Listen to DIVERSEcity self-employment specialist Florence Kao and DIVERSEcity client, Rhona Doria, as they discuss the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the CWB Business Incubator for Women Makers and Creators. The Filipino Edition is a one hour weekly radio program that discusses relevant topics in the community. …
March 1, 2021
‘Complex barriers’: Spreading COVID-19 messaging to Canada’s non-English speakers (Global News)
January 22, 2021
Communication and other soft skills for skilled immigrants (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
It’s an all-too common scenario for skilled immigrants — they get accepted to Canada for their skills and experience, but then struggle to find work in their field. You’re told, “Sorry, you don’t have any Canadian experience.” This often translates to “you don’t have the soft skills we’re looking for.” Soft skills are the social skills and personality traits that help you interact with others and succeed in the workplace.
“Many skilled immigrants come here knowing the language and with expertise in their field. But they often lack the soft skills Canadian employers want,” says Rose Weiler, manager of specialized employment programs at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, B.C. Weiler has more than 20 years of helping immigrants, youth and mature workers find their place in the labour market.
In contrast to technical skills, soft skills are more about “how” you work, rather than “what” you do, and effective communication skills are at the heart of it all.
Let’s not confuse communication skills with English or French language literacy skills, though. It goes without saying that good verbal and written language skills are critical for your career success in Canada. …
September 22, 2020
CommuniCreate builds newcomer youths’ confidence and community connections (La Source)
The 2018 statistics from the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership show that youth make up over 60% of the area’s newcomer population. However, unlike for adult newcomers, there are limited options for these youth to learn English.
The lack of youth-accessible language learning opportunities led SFU students Saba Fatemi, Eunbee Baik and Rufaida Kheraj as well as alumni Trisha Dulku and Ricky Lalli to develop the CommuniCreate program.
“I was also a student who was struggling to find opportunities to learn English. So I was excited about creating a program that can help these students,” shares Baik.
Nurturing connection and self-paced learning CommuniCreate aims to foster youths’ success through hands-on activities that teach practical life skills beneficial in their daily lives. The program aspires to create a safe, enjoyable environment where youth can connect with other people in their communities, express their creativity and build confidence.
The program has partnered with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, a registered charity in Surrey that offers a wide range of services to empower newcomers and other diverse communities to build a life they love in Canada. …
August 19, 2020
Food hamper group effort helps feed Surrey newcomers (Surrey Now-Leader)
Food hampers are being assembled for Surrey families in need, thanks to a co-ordinated effort among several partner organizations in the city.
DIVERSEcity’s Newcomer Food Hamper program was recently given a $35,000 boost from the United Way’s Local Love Food Hub funding, and works in partnership with a nutrition coupon program for produce from Surrey Urban Farmers Market. The fresh produce is then organized into hampers, along with additional food supplied from Sources Food Hub.
The hampers are put together by DIVERSEcity staff and volunteers in partnership with Seeds of Change, at a City of Surrey-operated parkade in the City Centre area.
Staff and volunteers came together on Aug. 8, to sort, fill and distribute hampers. Serious co-ordination was needed to ensure each hamper was filled correctly, including abiding by any food restrictions the clients may have, according to Leo Ramirez, DIVERSEcity’s Community Kitchen Co-ordinator …
August 13, 2020
SFU student-community partnership creates local impact in Surrey (SFU News)
SFU psychology student Eunbee Baik struggled as a youth trying to learn English as a second language because she couldn’t find the resources she needed. She hopes a new program called CommuniCreate that she and a team of SFU students and alumni conceived will give others a better experience.
That’s where strong community partners made the difference. Thanks to support from the DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, through its long-standing partnership with the SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre (TD-CEC), the program is off and running and is already making an impact.
June 19, 2020
New chief medical health 0fficer report on overdose
Fraser Health’s chief medical health officer has released a new report that describes an increase in drug toxicity deaths in young adults, women and South Asian men in the Fraser Health region. The report, developed after reviewing medical charts of people who died from illicit drug toxicity in Fraser Health, provides valuable information to determine where efforts and focus should be to support our patients, families and communities …
In addition, as part of last year’s $10 million investment in affordable community counselling, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions provided funding to the Moving Forward Family Services Society and DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in the Fraser Health region.
March 18, 2020
Women in Business (Surrey Now-Leader)
Neelam Sahota: DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
A leader in the non-profit sector, Neelam Sahota drives positive change both directly and as an example. As CEO of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society since 2013, Neelam is continually looking to innovate, while maintaining the organization’s mission of inspiring belonging among newcomers. She’s a leader that uses both her head and heart, bridging her business acumen as a CPA, with her humanitarianism. In her work and community roles, she’s known as a collaborator and changemaker. She currently serves on several boards and advisory committees, including Surrey Libraries (chair), the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, OMNI Television, and the Kwantlen Polytechnic University NGO and Nonprofit Advisory Board. She’s a role model to women, especially racialized women, encouraging them with her support, mentorship and inspiration. She’s currently a finalist for the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards in the non-profit category, and recently won the 2020 Shakti Award for Leadership Excellence.
What book are you currently reading? In Pursuit of Empire by Davinder Toor
What is your favourite movie? Thelma and Louise
What is your dream job? Interior designer
Who is your mentor? I have many mentors for the different qualities they have. Professionally, I’ve been inspired by icons like Sheryl Sandberg.
Why do you do what you do? I like being able to apply solid business skills to the non-profit world to create maximum impact.
February 4, 2020
In Surrey, Norma Lize wins LGBTQ+ January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award (Surrey Now-Leader)
Norma Lize, a Vancouver-area journalist and activist, has won the 2020 LGBTQ+ January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award top prize. In Surrey, an award ceremony was held Monday afternoon (Feb. 3) at the DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society campus on 76th Avenue …
December 10, 2019
Everyone Belongs Here: charity advocates for newcomers (La Source)
With a history dating over 40 years in Surrey and the Lower Mainland and a promise to welcome newcomers with open arms, DIVERSEcity has been offering free, multilingual services in language, settlement, employment and counselling, with initiatives such as the RISE program. Standing for “Refugee & Immigrant Specialized Experience,” the RISE Program is close to “a mentoring program” explains Hermon Lay, case counsellor at DIVERSEcity.
It provides support to adult and youth newcomers who are experiencing complex and multiple challenges in settling into their new community: “We advocate for them. We go out with our clients, teaching and supporting them on how to do things on their own.”
A former refugee from Burma himself, Lay was exiled in Thailand where he spent some of his childhood years before immigrating to Canada at a young age. Working for the past 10 years with DIVERSEcity serving vulnerable populations and refugees, he is fluent in four languages and breaks down some of the services the RISE program provides: “Disability, mental health, access to healthcare, school, landlords, legal issues, a little bit of everything. We are a voice for our clients,” he says. “We refer them to experts and support them with their needs” …
November 25, 2019
DIVERSEcity winter campaign helps Surrey newcomers ‘Bundle Up’ (Surrey Now-Leader)
DIVERSEcity hosts annual donation drive for warm clothes, food hampers, hygiene products …
August 1, 2019
Child & Youth Empowerment Camp Abbotsford (Shaw Multicultural)
Our clinical counselor, Jasmine Atwal, and program coordinator, Ahmad Naji, talks about how our Child & Youth Empowerment Camp program empowers youth to learn about emotional regulation, stress, tolerance, mindfulness and more.
Presented by Shaw and in partnership of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley.
July 19, 2019
Skills for New Immigrants (ZEE TV)
A Conversation with Ish Kumar, assistant manager, DIVERSEcity’s Skills Training Centre with ZEE TV’s BC Roundup.
June 13, 2019
Let’s Talk! Mental Health & Substance Use in our Communities (Omni TV)
DIVERSEcity’s Varinder Kamboj from our Counselling Services and the Roshni Clinic, was interviewed by Omni TV as part of a story on a recent event in Surrey called Let’s Talk! Mental Health & Substance Use in our Communities, focusing on the South Asian community.
April 20, 2019
Debate on mental health services for newcomers (Global National)
DIVERSEcity’s Zainab Ibrahim, who works with refugee youth as a program coordinator, counselling services, is interviewed in this Global News piece about refugee mental health.
April 2019
House hunting hurdles for newcomers (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
Samar Kassem, who works with the immigrant community in Surrey, B.C. on settlement and housing issues, says finding a home for newcomers is a tedious process. And particularly for those who face difficulties communicating in English or who are of a certain race and colour. “Immigrants are vulnerable with added challenges when it comes to renting and buying. The families I work with have limited financial resources, they have big families, some of them are availing of government support and they have languages barriers. All these factors work against them when looking for a home. It’s heartbreaking” …
March 12, 2019
International Women’s Day theme this year: ‘You got this’ (Asian Pacific Post)
With a theme of #balanceforbetter, and Neelam Sahota, CEO of not-for-profit DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, says it takes planning and confidence — and a little risk-taking for women professionals to take their equal place at the table. She was speaking an International Women’s Day gathering at DIVERSEcity’s Community Campus …
March-April 2019
Swedish delegation visits DIVERSEcity (Surrey Business News (p. 14))
In January, a Swedish delegation studying the Canadian model of immigrant integration, visited DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey, BC …
March 1, 2019
Immigrant women find “Sewmates” in new VCC business program (Vancouver Community College News)
Shiva Kharajiani immigrated to Vancouver from Iran in January 2017. Even though the city was beset by ice and snow, she was thrilled to be here. “It felt good. Very good,” she says. In Iran, Shiva ran her own dressmaking business. She was eager to continue her profession but didn’t know where to begin. It was through her daughter’s school that Shiva learned about the Make It! Sewing Business Program, a new, no-cost opportunity delivered jointly by Vancouver Community College (VCC) and DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society …
February 9, 2019
DIVERSEcity Gets Funding (The Link)
Minister Bruce Ralston was on hand at the Community Campus of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society to announce the provincial government’s increased investments to expand settlement services for newcomers …
February 8, 2019
BC government earmarks more cash to help new immigrants settle (Vernon Morning Star)
Services to help new immigrants settle throughout B.C. will be expanded by 45 per cent, the provincial government has announced. Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston, NDP MLA for Surrey-Whalley, revealed the news at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society in Surrey Friday …
February 8, 2019
More funding dollars for immigrant integration in B.C. (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
Immigrants will get more help settling in B.C. and finding careers in their fields as a result of additional funding from the provincial government that expands settlement services by more than 45 per cent — the highest level since 2014 …
February 7, 2019
Surrey clinic for South Asians struggling with substance abuse expands hours (Surrey Now-Leader)
Roshni Clinic recently moved to a location across from Surrey Memorial Hospital …
January 22, 2019
$7.5 million in federal funding for Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program (Indo-Canadian Voice)
Bill Blair, federal minister of border security and organized crime reduction, and Harjit Sajjan, Defence minister, on Tuesday announced $7.5 million in federal funding for the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) Program. Meanwhile, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society said it will be providing clinical counselling services to vulnerable youth …
January 17, 2019
Swedish delegation studies Canadian model of immigration (Canadian Immigrant magazine)
A Swedish delegation of politicians and government officials working on immigrant integration in Sweden came to B.C. this week to study the Canadian model of immigrant integration …
January 11, 2019
Redesigning Cities to Support Seniors Stuck in Suburban Sprawl (The Tyee)
Rasiklal Joshi never took the bus. He always drove — until he reached his 80s and his doctor told him to stop. “I tried to persuade my doctor, but he said not now, not now,” said Joshi. “I missed it a lot.” Joshi and his wife live in the sprawl of Surrey. The city’s population is growing fast, and it’s densifying in pockets and on some arterials. But on the whole Surrey still suffers from suburban low density and car dependence …
November 15, 2018
By the Numbers: Metro Vancouver’s Increasing Inequality and Division (The Tyee)
Neelam Sahota, the chief executive officer of Surrey-based non-profit DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, says the car-oriented city is a challenge for locals and newcomers …
October 10, 2018
Surrey Business Excellence Awards nominees named (Surrey Now-Leader)
An Academy Awards-style event on Nov. 6 will celebrate the best of Surrey’s business community. Nominees for the 20th annual Surrey Business Excellence Awards were announced Tuesday, four weeks ahead of the gala at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel …
September 29, 2018
Fred Lee’s Social Network: Celebrating DIVERSEcity’s 40th anniversary (The Province)
To mark the society’s 40th anniversary, CEO Neelam Sahota along with board chair Shara Nixon welcomed supporters to the society’s celebration dinner staged at Eagle Quest Golf Course in Surrey …
April 20, 2018
$6.5M boost for crime prevention in B.C. focuses on violence against women (CBC News)
B.C.’s public safety minister is pledging more provincial money to fight crime, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence …
January 2, 2018
New career in B.C. made to measure for Syrian tailor (Business in Vancouver)
Canada has welcomed more than 40,000 Syrian refugees since November 2015 across 350 communities, according to the federal government. And Surrey has become home to the largest number of Syrian refugees over the past five years. Feras Nejebagh, who left Syria with his family in 2011, is among them …