Connecting Newcomers to Our Community since 1989.
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.
Our Values
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Equity: Recognizing that we do not all start from the same place but striving to provide access to the appropriate opportunities.
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Empowerment: Fostering an environment where individuals gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices.
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Progress: Commitment to continuous learning, growth, and improvement.
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Inclusivity: Working to remove barriers to include everyone in opportunity.
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Diversity: Embracing the uniqueness which shapes our community for the better.
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Collaboration: Working together for a common purpose.
Meet the Team
Amelia Sirianni
Executive Director
She/Her
Languages: English/French
Elizabeth Koop
Executive Assistant
She/Her
Languages: English/French
Anetha Kashuba
Community Connections Coordinator
She/Her
Languages: English/French/Spanish
Rebekka Peter
Settlement Services Coordinator
She/Her
Languages: English/Faroese/Arabic
Harriet Gutang
Settlement Worker
She/Her
Languages: English/Filipino
Julia Reball
Settlement Worker
She/Her
Languages: English/German
Oksana Khavruk
Settlement Worker
She/Her
Languages: English/Ukrainian/Russian/French
Ramandeep Kaur
Settlement Worker
She/Her
Languages: English/Hindi/Punjabi
Daniel Vallejo
Settlement Worker in Schools
He/Him
Languages: English/Spanish
Enzo Vera-Valencia
TFW Outreach Worker
He/Him
Languages: English/Spanish
Wendy Zarr
Language Services Coordinator
She/Her
Languages: English/Spanish
Curtis Emde
LINC Instructor
He/Him
Language: English
Alison Leslie-Uesson
LINC Instructor
She/Her
Language: English
Joyce Caines
LINC Instructor
She/Her
Language: English
Dave Ellison
LINC Instructor
He/Him
Languages: English/Spanish
Megan Priest
Childcare Manager/
Early Childhood Educator
She/Her
Language: English
Patricia Cardenas
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
She/Her
Languages: English/Spanish
Mackenzie Owens
Customized Employment Advisor/Case Manager
She/Her
Language: English
Carly Gare
Employment Services Coordinator
She/Her
Language: English
Laura Zimmer
Employment Case Manager
She/Her
Languages: English/Spanish
Lemlem Gemechu
YESS Employment Advisor
She/Her
Languages: English/Amharic/Oromo/Tigrigna
Jacky Pereira
Marketing Coordinator/
Receptionist
She/Her
Language: English