LUSO Community Services

LUSO Community Services celebrated 30 years of service in the community on November 4, 2010. Originally the organization was established to support the Portuguese community with adapting and integrating into Canadian Society. In 1996, the organization expanded its mission, mandate, programs and services to serve a broader population in London. The focus today continues to be on supporting those who are newcomers, immigrants and those facing social economic barriers.

LUSO offers programming under four key areas:
1. Newcomer and Immigrant Services
2. Children, Youth and Family Services
3. Community Development Initiatives
4. Education and Outreach Programming

Over the last two years, LUSO’s Newcomer and Immigrant Services has grown considerably to include the Library Settlement Program and Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS).

The Library Settlement Program was implemented in January of 2009 and is a partnership between public libraries and settlement agencies. The program provides one on one settlement information and referral as well as group sessions. The program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. LUSO currently has a Library Settlement Worker at Beacock Branch Library in Northeast London.

The Settlement Workers in Schools program was implemented in March of 2010 and is a partnership between both school boards, settlement agencies and is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. LUSO has School settlement workers in 11 schools in the Northeast area of London.

LUSO also offers Newcomer Settlement Services at its offices on Oxford Street as well as Employment Support Program. “Career Connections” assists Ontario Works recipients to enhance their employability, with an emphasis on assisting immigrants, refugees and foreign trained professionals. The program works extensively with individuals to support their access to employment and education opportunities.

LUSO staff speak a variety of languages including: English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Somalian, Twi, French and Polish.

LUSO Community Services is a United Way member agency, and receives funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, City of London, Ministry of Citizenship, Status of Women, Thames Valley District School Board (OFIP funding) as well as a number of social service clubs, private foundations and private donors. There is no fee to access our services

If you are Interested in learning more about LUSO’s programs and services or in Interested in volunteering. Visit their website www.lusocentre.org or contact LUSO directly at 519-452-1466.

"Evening in India 2011"

The 2011 India Health Initiative team is proud to announce that it will be hosting the annual cultural program "Evening in India" on Friday, March 25, 2011 in the Clarke Road Secondary School Auditorium.

This evening will feature performances by the London community, a silent auction and of course Indian snacks to delight your palate. Be prepared for an entertaining, fun-filled show!

We are looking forward to our summer trip to India, during which we will be visiting various organizations to learn more about health care delivery in India. Along with this, we will be offering some financial support in terms of medical supplies and health-related educational materials to these worthy organizations. "Evening in India" is our biggest fundraising event, and we'd love for all of you to attend, help us with various aspects of the show, and lend us your support and encouragement! 

Visit website and blog spot>
 

Launched: SWAVE online community dedicated to issues of violence against newcomer, immigrant and refugee women

In this site you will find various resources about violence against women that will help you in your work, information about the Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign, as well as the opportunity to access online professional development opportunities provided by OCASI on the issue of violence against immigrant and refugee women. Learn More>

The Area’s Heritage at Your Fingertips by Melania Daniel, The Londoner

The London Heritage Council will today (Jan 13, 2011) launch a new website so innovative in its class that even software giant Microsoft Corporation asked to be let in on its development. The portal will facilitate access to information about heritage sites and cultural events in London and nearby areas. According to Andrea Hallam, …  Read More> of Melania's article
Visit Heritage Council website> http://www.londonheritage.ca/

Creative City Network Conference Summit

The Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC) is presenting the 2011 Creative City Summit here in London on May 10th-12th. The City of London Culture Office, the London Heritage Council and the London Arts Council are working together to showcase London's culture and the City of London's Culture Office commitment to local cultural development to a broad audience of CCNC members, the local community, and the larger community of practice from across Canada. Learn More>

Welcome to London’s first IEP Conference - A Unique Conference for Internationally Educated Professionals and Local Employers

When: Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 12:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: Lamplighter Inn, Best Western

The Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference will provide interactive learning for IEP’s on ways to access meaningful employment and bring employers and immigrants together.
Learn More>
 

We're eager to help you Put your English to Work!!

Thames Valley District School Board Adult ESL offers free ESL classes that include work placements, Vocation Specific English, and also Job Preparation. We work with our community partners - The Bay , Home Depot , and the Police - to provide these courses. There is also a course for Internationally trained Medical professionals with a lead into a credit co-op program or bridging programs at Fanshawe or University of Western Ontario.

The purpose of these programs is to help newcomers get experience in the careers they eventually want to pursue.

An example is a former Home Depot learner who was a plumber in his home country. He was logically placed in the plumbing department during his Home Depot work placement. He was able to learn the necessary vocabulary, gain product knowledge while meeting home owners and plumbers alike in his department. Following the work placement, he had a short period of employment with the Home Depot. He has resigned and is working full-time as a permanent employee with a factory which has committed to training him as a plumber for their corporation.

These are great programs. They are free and Thames Valley District School Board Adult ESL been able to get people jobs!

For more information, contact the ESL office

TEL: 519-452-2660 ext. 69674     EMAIL: adultesl@tvdsb.on.ca
 

InMyLanguage.org – New 11 Language Website for Newcomers to Ontario!

InMyLanguage.org has settlement information for newcomers in 11 languages. You can view the entire website in any of these languages! Sign up to create a list of your favourite articles in the language you want.
 

Languages include: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), English, French, Gujarati, Pilipino (Tagalog), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu.

Visit the website>

Simple steps to avoid frozen pipes by London Free Press

Did you know that frozen water exerts thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch on a pipe and can easily burst it?
With the freezing cold temperatures we've had this past month, some homeowners...
 Read More>

More than Money: Mining the human and financial potential of Canada’s education savings programs for low-income families

A 20-page report published by Maytree: December 2010
Prepared by: May Wong & Sheila Murray, Omega Foundation

Executive Summary
Children from low-income families are less likely than their more affluent counterparts to attend post-secondary education, even when their parents put a high value on education and even when their grades are equally high. Education savings can encourage these children to pursue post-secondary education, by helping them overcome the high costs of tuition and by encouraging them to perceive that post-secondary education is within their reach. Read More>

Being Physically Active During the Colder Months

It is important to prevent frostbite and hypothermia when being active during the colder months. Follow the acronym COLD next time you want to be active outdoors during the colder weather:
   Cover your face, neck, head, and hands to prevent your body from losing a lot of heat when outdoors. Wear a scarf, mittens/gloves, and a hat.
   Overexertion can make you sweat which will wet or dampen your clothes. Being active outdoors with damp or wet clothing can make you get cold faster.
   Layer your clothing to protect you from the cold and wear loose layers so that they can easily be removed.
   Dry clothing that is not too tight will provide good circulation to your feet and hands. Waterproof clothing such as waterproof gloves and boots can help keep you dry
.. Learn More>
 

Healthy Recipe: Ontario Vegetable Borscht

This big batch of a richly coloured, full-flavoured soup provides enough extras to freeze for hurry-up mid-week suppers. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and crusty bread. Cooled borscht can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For Recipe click here>
 

London Community Orchestra March Symphony Concert

When: March 6, 2011
Where: Centre United Church, 482 Dundas at Maitland, London, ON
Tickets: $18
At the Dundas Street Centre United Church, the LCO will be accompanying Victoria Gydov (Soprano) performing six lovely orchestral songs by Richard Strauss. Also on the program are Vaughan Williams' Symphony No. 5 in D, and Sibelius' cheerful Andante Festivo... For More Information>
 

Orchestra London - Masterworks - Sibelius' Violin Concerto

When: March 26, 2011 at 8pm
Where: Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St, London, ON
Tickets: $45-$68 (tax inc.)
website: http://www.orchestralondon.ca

Violinist Annette-Barbara Vogel masters Finnish composer Sibelius’ virtuosic Violin Concerto.
For more information phone (519) 679-8778 or email: boxoffice@orchestralondon.ca
 

For other events happening in London and surrounding area:

Visit www.londonarts.ca

Pillar Nonprofit Network Publications: Getting started on your 40 hours

Volunteering benefits you & your community! You gain new experiences, learn new skills, & build your resume & references. Organizations get help raising funds or providing services to those in need. Learn More>

Making Ontario Home: Survey for Newcomers to Ontario launched: Wednesday, January 26, 2011

OCASI has launched the Making Ontario Home survey, a province-wide study of immigrant service needs and usage. The survey will gather information about the service needs of immigrants and refugees to Ontario and will assess their satisfaction with services, and identify how services might be improved.  Learn More>

Survey ends: February 28, 2011