S.U.C.C.E.S.S. launches new Ukrainian-language help line to serve newcomers to B.C.

Media release

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. launches new Ukrainian-language help line to serve newcomers to B.C.

For immediate release

July 5, 2023

Vancouver, B.C. – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has launched a dedicated help line in B.C. to support Ukrainian arrivals from the war-torn country who are settling in the province.

Our Ukrainian Help Line service is now available 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends to serve the Ukrainian-speaking community, particularly newcomers to the province who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Services are available by calling 1 (888) 721 0596 Ext. 5. Since the CUAET was established, more than 164,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada – more than 11,000 of these to B.C. – and more than 775,000 applications have been approved.

“More than 164,000 Ukrainian arrivals have landed in Canada since March 17, 2022 and over one million applications were received from others waiting to travel,” said S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo. “Our Ukrainian Help Line is another way to ensure person-centered, wrap-around support services are available for newcomers to Canada, especially those facing the additional hardships of fleeing war in their home countries.”

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Help Lines were initally founded in 2002 and last year celebrated 20 years of serving clients in need over the phone. In fiscal 2022-23, our trained volunteers provided 9,000 hours of service answering more than 7,100 calls. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. currently operates five Help Lines with service in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi/Dari, and now Ukrainian.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. held a public launch event for the new service at our head office in Vancouver at 28 West Pender St. from 6 p.m. on July 4, with the Honorable Senator Yonah Martin, Consul General of Ukraine and City of Vancouver councillors among the attendees. This service is made possible thanks to our dedicated, trained Ukrainian-speaking volunteers. The support we received for this initiative was overwhelmingly positive.

Our Help Lines provide a safe and supportive environment for residents who are in need of mental health or social support but who experience language or cultural barriers to access services. Through our Help Lines, callers are bridged to appropriate community programs and supports. The Help Lines are supported by the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation charitable organization and the goodwill of our generous supporters and donors.

For more information
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[email protected]

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. Our multicultural, non-profit charitable organization offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people at all stages of their Canadian journey. Programs and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care and affordable housing. Learn more at successbc.ca.

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation
Incorporated in 2001, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funding for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations supporting S.U.C.C.E.S.S. mandates that focus on strengthening our diverse communities. For details, please visit successfoundation.ca.

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