Youth Settlement Services
Our Youth Settlement Services program supports the needs of newcomer families, children, and youth between the ages of 3 to 25. Our services address their academic, social, and emotional needs as they transition into Canadian society.
School Assistance (Pre-school to Post-secondary)
Assist in school registration and provide school orientation
Provide information and guidance on the education system to students and parents
Facilitate communication between parents and school personnel
Provide practical, culturally sensitive guidance, referrals, and intervention
Increase understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students and their families
Refer students and their families to available programs and services in their community
Increase parents’ involvement in the education of their children and increase the families’ participation in the community
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) Program
HIPPY is a free early literacy curriculum designed to promote children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. The curriculum consists of a set of easy-to-use educational activity packets and storybooks developed for parents of children ages 2-5.
We provide isolated newcomer mothers with essential teaching skills to develop their ability to support their children’s readiness and success in school. HIPPY builds bridges with communities and families who face socio-economic challenges, helping parents and carers to nurture their children into reaching their highest potential.
Our HIPPY program breaks the cycle of poverty and low-level literacy by:
Providing employment and training to barriered individuals.
Improving adult literacy.
Preparing children for school.
Reducing social isolation.
To learn more about HIPPY or get involved, email dgteran@lfsfamily.ca or call 403-320-1589.
Youth Empowerment (All Ages)
Summer camps, out-of-school camps, activities, orientations, and field trips
Connect to community resources and programs while providing opportunities to make and meet new friends
Promote self-advocacy to encourage independence through resource sharing and support
Out-of-School Programs (All Ages)
Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program
We assist newcomer students and their families so they are prepared for their first weeks in Canadian schools. This can include rapport building, peer connections, school readiness assessment, bussing orientation, and school tours.
Newcomer Girls Club
Our Girls Group program aims to help prepare newcomer girls, aged 10–18 years old, to be active members of their communities and society as a whole by:
Connecting with their peers (other newcomer youth)
Building communication skills
Expressing themselves through arts and crafts
Engaging in a variety of fun and educational field trips
Receiving assistance with basic needs and supplies
In spaces where they feel safe, nurtured, and mentored, our free program for newcomer girls runs every Friday afternoon.
Friendship Group
Social and emotional groups that support friendships between newcomer children and their peers.
Community Connection
Referrals to community partners and collaborating service providers.
Employment Referrals
We help youth gain Canadian work experience by connecting young job seekers with community organizations that specialize in employment support to youth.
Our YSS Team
Schools Districts
Lethbridge School Division
Holy Spirit Catholic School Division
Contact: Vic Rizal
Email: vrizal@lfsfamily.ca
Phone: 403-320-1589
Service Location: #108, 920 2A Ave North, Lethbridge, AB
Office Hours:
8:30 am—4:30 pm, Monday—Friday
Closed Statutory holidays
Cost: There is no fee for this service
