The strategies under the coordination of services priority area of focus aim to ensure that the community is on the same page when it comes to newcomer and immigrant supports and services by making sure:
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Newcomers and immigrants know where to go for services and are getting the supports they need
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Service providers know where to refer clients who may be newcomers to the community
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Employers know where to refer employees who may be newcomers to the community
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Businesses understand what supports are available to them when employing newcomers and immigrants
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Centralized Point of Contact
The LIP Council offers a centralized venue for discussions about immigrant and newcomer services and supports. Through its monthly meetings and its implementation activities, the LIP Council provides a space to share information transparently and creates the opportunity for organizations to partner together to their mutual benefit.
Information Dissemination
Over the past two years, the LIP initiative has compiled an extensive list of contacts and has utilized this distribution list to bring immigrant and newcomer issues to light in the community. This list has also been used to promote and market community events relevant to this project and all its stakeholders. A partnership with the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Portal has also increased the LIP's presence on the website and in the community.
Community Information Fair
In March of 2011, the LIP Council hosted a Community Information Fair, which invited the public, in particular service providers and employers, to get to know the people and organizations providing services and resources to Sarnia-Lambton's newcomers. Twenty-six vendors were present and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many in attendance requested that the fair become an annual event.