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Connecting Newcomers to Our Community since 1989.

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Our Mission

Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society is situated on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx Nation and we recognize, with gratitude and respect, that, for centuries, the Indigenous stewards of these lands have welcomed local settlers with kindness and compassion.


At VDICSS, we wish to honour this example of inclusivity of the Okanagan peoples by fostering a culturally conscious, equitable community that advocates for the rights of all. We support newcomers to Canada in becoming thriving, contributing members of the community. We are a catalyst for positive change driven by our 6 values: Equity, Empowerment, Progress, Inclusivity, Diversity and Collaboration.

Our Vision

We envision a culturally inclusive, equitable community for all. A community that respects and appreciates the value of diversity and supports the full participation of people from all backgrounds.

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Lecture

Our Values

  • EquityRecognizing that we do not all start from the same place but striving to provide access to the appropriate opportunities.

  • Empowerment: Fostering an environment where individuals gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.

  • Progress: Commitment to continuous learning, growth, and improvement.

  • Inclusivity: Working to remove barriers to include everyone in opportunity.

  • Diversity: Embracing the uniqueness which shapes our community for the better.

  • Collaboration: Working together for a common purpose.

Meet the Team

Amelia Sirianni

Executive Director

She/Her

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Languages: English/French

Anetha Kashuba

Community Connections Coordinator

She/Her

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Languages: English/French/Spanish

Rebekka Peter

Settlement Services Coordinator

She/Her

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Languages: English/Faroese/Arabic

Harriet Gutang

Settlement Worker

She/Her

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Languages: English/Filipino

Julia Reball

Settlement Worker

She/Her

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Languages: English/German

Oksana Khavruk

Settlement Worker

She/Her

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Languages: English/Ukrainian/Russian/French

Ramandeep Kaur

Settlement Worker

She/Her

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Languages: English/Hindi/Punjabi

Daniel Vallejo

Settlement Worker in Schools

He/Him

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Languages: English/Spanish

Laura Zimmer

Settlement Worker in Schools

She/Her

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Languages: English/Spanish

Enzo Vera-Valencia

TFW Outreach Worker

He/Him

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Languages: English/Spanish

Wendy Zarr

Language Services Coordinator

She/Her

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Languages: English/Spanish

Curtis Emde

LINC Instructor

He/Him

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Language: English

Alison Leslie-Uesson

LINC Instructor

She/Her

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Language: English

Joyce Caines

LINC Instructor

She/Her

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Language: English

Dave Ellison

LINC Instructor

He/Him

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Languages: English/Spanish

Carly Gare

Employment Services Coordinator

She/Her

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Language: English

Mackenzie Owens

YESS Employment Advisor

She/Her

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Language: English

Jade Hinds

YESS Youth Employment Advisor

She/Her

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Languages: English/French

Megan Priest

Childcare Manager/

Early Childhood Educator

She/Her

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Language: English

Patricia Cardenas

Early Childhood Educator Assistant

She/Her

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Languages: English/Spanish

Jacky Pereira

Marketing Coordinator/

Receptionist

She/Her

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Language: English

Martin Friedrich

Volunteer Coordinator

He/Him

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Language: English

Emma Heistein

Youth Program Facilitator

She/Her

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Languages: English

Amy Timleck

Special Projects Coordinator

She/Her

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Language: English

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