About

Dotted Line

Mission & Vision


Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) assists newcomers settling in the Eastman region, making the transition to a new community a positive experience, both for the newcomer and the receiving community. We empower newcomers and create welcoming communities where everyone is valued.

 

EIS is funded by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, and has been supporting newcomers and immigrants in Southern Manitoba for 20 years. In addition to working with newcomers, EIS is invested in working together with community partners to support welcoming newcomers to Eastern Manitoba.

 

Core Values


Respect – Honoring Eastman’s history and heritage, while embracing our growing diversity.
Integrity – Accountability to newcomers and the community by operating in a fair and ethical manner.
Service – Actively identifying and meeting the needs of our newcomers.
Cooperation – Creating synergy between newcomers, residents, employers, and government to achieve mutual success.
Inclusiveness – Creating awareness of barriers faced by newcomers, encouraging respect for all people.

Our Staff

Gwen Reimer | Program Director

Languages spoken: English, Low German,

Gwen has lived in Canada all her life but loves the cultural diversity of the country. She received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies in 2013 and taught English as a Second Language for 15 years before she started her role as the Program Director for Eastman Immigrant Services. The time in the classroom impacted her love and understanding of different cultures and gave her a greater awareness of the joys and challenges of newcomers to Canada. Gwen and her husband live in Blumenort, MB, love to ride motorcycle and have two sons. She loves to read, garden and travel.

CONTACT

Tessa Masi | Steinbach Chamber Executive Director

Languages spoken: English

Tessa lives in Steinbach with her husband Isi and their two daughters. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Providence College, TESOL certificate from Steinbach Bible College and worked in HR before starting the charity of Island Breeze Manitoba in 2009. She is involved in the newcomer community through her volunteer work with Cultures in the City each year as well as pioneering other events that feature the sharing of different cultural expressions in the community. Tessa finds joy in seeing people learn new things about other cultures for the first time, as well as learning herself.

Tessa has had many cross cultural experiences in the last 20 years spending time in Fiji (where her husband is from), Thailand, Ukraine, Australia, Cuba, and Nunavut to name a few examples. She is also connected to the business community and has served on the Steinbach Chamber’s Community Relations Committee for seven years and on the Board of Directors for two years. Tessa enjoys traveling, reading books on leadership and spending time with her family.

CONTACT

Emily Schott | Settlement Lead / Communications Coordinator

Languages spoken: English, High German,

Emily was born in Bielefeld, Germany. At age 11, she moved to Canada with her parents and siblings. After living in both Alberta and Manitoba, Emily’s family decided to make Steinbach their home. She completed her studies in Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba and has since found her biggest passion to be helping others. Her career has enabled her to be involved with several non-profit organizations including working with families in crisis, teen support work in the north end of Winnipeg, and assisting those with physical and mental disabilities. She is passionate about using her skills and experiences to help newcomers make Canada their home. In her spare time, Emily enjoys gaming and playing with her dogs, Pippa and Nori.

CONTACT

Andrii Kovalskyi | Settlement Facilitator

Languages spoken: English, Russian, Ukrainian,

Andrii grew up in Ukraine and also lived in Turkey, Istanbul briefly before moving to Canada with his wife in 2022. He received a degree in Computer Systems from Cherkasy Stage Technological University in 2017. Andrii loves living in Steinbach because of the kind people, the peacefulness, and the beauty of winter (when it’s not -35, of course!). He enjoys helping people and getting to know new people.

CONTACT

Itrat Anwar | Settlement Facilitator

Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Russian, Bengali/Bangla,

Itrat is originally from Bangladesh. He has a masters degree in business administration from IBA. Bangladesh is famous for the RMG (readymade garment) industry and Itrat began his career in the same industry as an executive. Together with his wife and daughter, he emigrated to Canada in 2023 during winter. Although initially it was hard to adjust to the climate, his family now enjoys the snowy weather. Living in Canada, Itrat really enjoys Christmas and how individuals from different countries bring their unique cultural traditions to Christmas festivities. In his spare time, Itrat loves spending quality time with his wife and two daughters and enjoys traveling. He has been to Poland, Nepal, Czech Republic, India, Russian Federation, Turkey, UAE, and Slovakia and hopes to visit more, especially Latin American countries and many places in Canada. Itrat enjoys geography because it helps him to understand people and their cultures. He is kind and helpful and looks forward to helping you!

CONTACT

Sarah Simbi Nakure | Settlement Facilitator

Languages spoken: English, French, Swahili, Kinyarwanda,

With roots in Kenya and Rwanda, Sarah is currently married with one child and resides in La Broquerie, MB. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Ste Mary’s University in Halifax, NS, as well as a Missionary and Evangelism Diploma from Mount Hope Bible Training institute in Lansing, Michigan, USA. Sarah is an author and has written two books, “Miracle Escape” and “The Teenager’s Progress.” She loves to help other people and her golden rule is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

CONTACT

Amira Salvi | Settlement Facilitator

Languages spoken: English, Tagalog,

Amira was born and raised in the Philippines, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Before moving to Canada, she lived in Dubai for seven years with her family. During her time in Dubai, Amira worked at a firm that allowed her to engage with people from different walks of life, enhancing her ability to understand and respond to the unique needs of others. Her passion for cultural diversity and understanding others has been a driving force throughout her life. Now living in Canada, Amira continues to embrace cultural differences and uses her background in psychology to better support those around her.

CONTACT

Roxanne Buhler | SWIS Lead

Languages spoken: English

Roxanne grew up in southern Manitoba and spent the majority of her adult life in various communities throughout the province. Living in different ethnic towns gave her perspective on what it means to “come from away”, and this was further enhanced when her family spent a year in Mexico as missionaries/teachers. Steinbach is now her home of 16 years. Roxanne and her husband live on the south side of the city where they love working in the yard and taking walks with their two dogs. She also likes to read, play video games, knit and crochet.

CONTACT

Maria Zhosan | SWIS Worker

Languages spoken: English, Russian, Ukrainian,

Maria moved to Canada from Ukraine in 2023. She lives in Steinbach with her husband, three sons, mother and younger brother.

Maria’s is an open, cheerful person known for her sociable personality. She focuses on being open with and kind to others and is always willing to help where needed.

With a pedagogical education, Maria understands the basics of child psychology and development. She enjoys connecting with people and learning about different cultures. Maria believes that every person can make the world a better place through their actions.

CONTACT

Pam Einarson | SWIS Worker

Languages spoken: English

Pam recently retired from the Evergreen School Division after a successful run of 37 years in the classroom and gym. Pam’s teaching career allowed her to work with students at all levels. Her passion for learning and teaching to help students succeed makes this new position a good fit.

Pam is a proud Canadian born Ukrainian who has always been immersed in the rich culture from an early age. When Gimli received Ukrainian citizens into the community due to war, the urge to help “her people” led to many hours of volunteering with the families and their children. Pam enjoys walks in nature, biking and all kinds of dancing. She loves to be with people and enjoys celebrating her many friendships and family relations.

CONTACT

Donna Pae | HIPPY Coordinator

Languages spoken: English

Donna is originally from England, where she achieved a BA Honours in Journalism. She started her career in the healthcare field working as a medical secretary, first in a medical center and then in a specialized cancer hospital. Donna emigrated with her husband and young son to Canada in the fall of 2017, which provided them with a short period of time to acclimatize before their first Canadian winter! Before joining the EIS HIPPY program, Donna was a stay at home mom, looking after her two young children. In her spare time, Donna enjoys reading, playing with her children and going on adventures to explore Manitoba and its wildlife.

CONTACT

Angela Plett | HIPPY Home Visitor

Languages spoken: English

CONTACT

Magali Escareno | HIPPY Home Visitor

Languages spoken: English, Spanish,

Magali is originally from Mexico. She emigrated with her husband and three kids to Canada in December of 2022, so they were introduced to Canadian winters immediately! Before starting with EIS as a HIPPY Home Visitor, Magali enjoyed participating in the HIIPY program as a client. In her spare time, she enjoys playing and watching Disney movies with her children. Magali says she loves living in Steinbach because it is a peaceful place and people in the community help each other.

CONTACT

Marjut Kontola | HIPPY Home Visitor

Languages spoken: English, Finnish,

Marjut is originally from Finland. She emigrated with her husband and three kids and dog to Canada on January 2024. She has a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and she also completed her studies as a practical nurse in field of Care and Upbringing of Children and Young People. She enjoys being in nature, participating in any sports activities, spending time with her family and meeting new people. One of her mottos is “Work for what you believe in.”

CONTACT

Ritu Kumar | Volunteer & Integration Coordinator

Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Punjabi,

Ritu was born and raised in India. She finished her degree in Humanities, with Sociology and English Language as her majors. Before moving to Canada in 2021, she was independently running a successful event management business in India. She loves to socialize and is willing to take on any new task with special attention to the details. Ritu believes that communication is the key to success in her life and is a joyful and enthusiastic person who is always willing to help others.

CONTACT

Olesja Schwabauer | ERIP Coordinator

Languages spoken: English, High German, Russian,

Olesja, born in Russia and raised in Kazakhstan and Germany, has played a key role in Manitoba’s settlement and immigration sector for over 12 years. After completing her education in Germany, she began her career working with immigrant children before moving to Manitoba. She coordinated settlement, employment, refugee support, SWIS, and integration programs, contributing significantly to the successful integration of newcomers into the community. Passionate about newcomer integration, Olesja believes effective immigration is vital for community success. She enjoys spending time with her two grown children and grandchildren and takes pride in her role as a marriage commissioner, helping to create new families.

CONTACT

Iryna Sosnii | Employment Lead

Languages spoken: English

CONTACT

Barb Plett | English Teacher Lead

Languages spoken: English

Barb was born and raised in Canada but moved several times as a child. Each new place had its own culture and she learned to adapt and discover the nuances of each new place. She graduated from Red River College with a diploma in Business Administration and has several years of experience as an Administrator. Barb enjoys learning new things and her desire to grow and learn about new cultures developed from traveling and working with an international organization. She is passionate about helping immigrants find meaningful work in Canada. Barb resides in Linden, MB with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, watching a good movie, spending time with family, and hanging out at home.

CONTACT

Opportunities

Opportunity Closing Date

Settlement Facilitator – Interlake Region (0.6 FTE)

Eastman Immigrant Services Logo

Settlement Facilitator – Interlake Region (0.6 FTE)

SETTLEMENT FACILITATOR (26 hours/week)

Eastman Immigrant Services is seeking a Settlement Facilitator for the Interlake region, operating out of Arborg, MB. Reporting to the EIS Program Director, this person will:

26 hours/week

Reports to: EIS Program Director

 

Responsibilities:

Client Management

  1. Intake, assessment, one-on-one counselling and creating solution focused action plans for clients.
  2. Ensure clients sign all consent forms and that the forms are filed in an orderly and accessible manner.
  3. Assist with completion of applications forms for MB Health, Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST Credit, Rent Assist, etc.
  4. Provide information and orientation regarding life in Canada, customs, laws, health and education systems, housing and employment, etc.
  5. Refer clients to other community services as required.
  6. Provide clients with ongoing support in the community during the settlement process, either in-person, over the phone, or over email.
  7. Provide home visits to clients, when needed, to meet settlement needs.
  8. Travel to EIS Interlake office, when needed, and surrounding communities to meet settlement needs.
  9. Follow up on clients based on previous appointments and address any new needs.
  10. Provide informal/casual interpretation services for clients at the office and in the community.
  11. Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
  12. Follow organizational standards and regulations during interactions with clients and when working on behalf of the organization.
  13. Promote all programs and services offered by EIS to each client.
  14. Engage in any other settlement related activities as needed.

    Administration

  1. Provide a written monthly summary report to the Program Director or delegate
  2. Maintain and update client files as required by the funder.
  3. Complete daily data entry outlining information given or activities performed with clients.
  4. Assist in updating settlement resources on an ongoing basis.
  5. Provide feedback on potential future program and services.
  6. Provide front desk support as the backup receptionist.
  7. Participate in team meetings; staff meetings as required.
  8. Participate in the distribution, collection, and analysis of participant surveys and other evaluation and tracking procedures

    Community Liaison

  1. Direct clients and the greater community to translation and interpretation services.
  2. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and network.
  3. Develop partnerships with service providers and with ethno-cultural groups in the community to ensure access to programs and supports and to prevent duplication of services.
  4. Attend immigrant community events and greater community events when appropriate/approved by supervisor.
  5. Identify community educational opportunities EIS could facilitate as identified by immigrant communities or the greater community.

    Responsibilities may extend beyond the outlined duties to reach our Vision, fulfill our Mission, align with and uphold organization’s Values.

 

 Qualifications:

  1. Fluent in English (minimum CLB 9 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
  2. Strong cultural competency, and be able to assist newcomers in accessing resources for social integration and successful relocation.
  3. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams)
  4. Minimum typing speed of 40 wpm
  5. Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
  6. Experience working with newcomers (preferred).
  7. Experience in federal and/or provincial government applications (preferred).
  8. Ability to problem-solve
  9. Current Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check

Please send your resume to Gwen Reimer, EIS Program Director, at hiring@eastmanis.com.

Applications accepted until job is filled.

Settlement Partner (Volunteer)

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Settlement Partner (Volunteer)

The Settlement Partner Program is designed to match an Eastman resident with an individual who has recently settled in the area. Partners assist newcomers in learning about the community and about Canadian culture.

Primary Responsibilities
– Introduce newcomer to resources and activities in the area
– Assist newcomer in understanding Canadian culture
– Provide friendship and encouragement

Qualifications and Skills
– Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– A valid and current criminal record check may be required

Location and Time Commitment
– Settlement partner meetings will be held at various locations in the community, depending on the preference of the applicant and volunteer
– 3-month commitment
– Meet 1-2 times per week
– 1.5 hours per meeting

One-to-One Citizenship Tutor (Volunteer)

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One-to-One Citizenship Tutor (Volunteer)

In order to become a Canadian citizen, each applicant must pass a test on various aspects of Canadian history, geography, and government. Many individuals appreciate the assistance of a tutor in their preparations for the test.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Familiarize yourself with the material in the ‘Discover Canada’ guide
  • Assist permanent residents who are applying for Canadian citizenship in their preparations for the citizenship test
  • Ensure that participants are aware of the citizenship test requirements and expectations

Qualifications and Skills

  • Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting
  • CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 6 or higher, if applicable
  • A valid criminal record check may be required

Location and Time Commitment

  • Tutoring sessions may be held at the Eastman Immigrant Services office, or elsewhere in the community, depending on the preference of the applicant and volunteer
  • Minimum 6 week commitment
  • Meet 1-2 times per week
  • 5 hours per meeting

Language Buddy (Volunteer)

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Language Buddy (Volunteer)

This program is designed to match an English-speaking person with a newcomer who would like to improve their English-speaking skills and confidence levels.

Primary Responsibilities
– Help newcomers develop their English language skills
– Prepare materials and topics of discussion for each meeting
– Provide clients with feedback on their progress

Qualifications and Skills
– Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 6 or higher, if applicable
– A valid and current criminal record check may be required

Location and Time Commitment
– Language buddy meetings may be held at the Eastman Immigrant Services office, or elsewhere in the community, depending on the preference of the applicant and volunteer
– 3-month commitment
– Meet 1-2 times per week
– 1.5 hours per meeting

Citizenship Class Facilitator (Volunteer)

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Citizenship Class Facilitator (Volunteer)

In order to become a Canadian citizen, each applicant must pass a test on various aspects of Canadian history, geography, and politics. Citizenship classes assist applicants in studying for this test.

Primary Responsibilities
– Lead citizenship classes to maximize student success on the Canadian citizenship test
– Prepare material for each class, based on the ‘Discover Canada’ guide
– Ensure that students are aware of the citizenship test requirements and expectations
– Track attendance and provide to program coordinator

Qualifications and Skills
– Fluent in English with a CLB of 8 or equivalent
– Ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds
– Ability to instruct and offer guidance to groups of students
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– Strong time management and organizational skills
– Ability to work independently and in a team setting
– Previous teaching experience is an asset

Location and Time Commitment
– Classes will be held at the Eastman Immigrant Services offices
– 8-10-week commitment
– One hour of teaching time per week, plus additional preparation time

Interpreter (Volunteer)

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Interpreter (Volunteer)

Primary Responsibilities
– Provide unofficial oral (spoken) interpretation in various environments
– Translate documents into English

Qualifications and Skills
– Fluency (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in the non-English language
– Fluent in English (speaking, listening, reading and writing) with min. English CLB of 8
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
– Previous interpreting and translation experience is an asset

Location and Time Commitment
– Interpretation may take place at the office or in the community
– Time commitment is on an as required basis. Availability can be discussed with the volunteer coordinator.

    Why Work With Us?

  • When we were newcomers to Canada, EIS welcomed us. When we needed to learn English to work, EIS helped us. When we applied for nomination to the province and for permanent residence, EIS supported us during the whole process. We love them.

    - Oscar Rada & Catherine Sanchez

How Can We Help You?

We offer our services in a variety of languages: English, French, High and Low German, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Gujarati and Hindi.

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