Anna’s Inspiring Journey: A Full Circle Experience

Anna Rudenko arrived in Canada in January 2024 with her husband and their two children. They came through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) immigration pathway, hoping to secure a safe and better future for their children.

Anna's family first encountered Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) at the Calgary International Airport, where an ISC staff welcomed them and offered immediate assistance. They were provided with a complimentary hotel stay and SIM cards and directed to resources for immediate support with food and clothing.

Anna was promptly connected to a Gateway Newcomer Planner from ISC, which marked the beginning of a successful settlement process for the family.

The planner helped them access health services, employment support, language test skills, and language classes, among other things. Anna and her husband felt comfortable with the planner’s support because the planner answered all their questions in a reassuring manner.

“My husband and I are grateful to our Gateway Planner for helping us make Canada our home. During our first meeting, we had many questions and uncertainties that the planner addressed with confidence and reassurance.”

A few months later, Anna had the chance to participate in an integration program with another settlement agency in Calgary. Following that, she was offered a practicum placement as one of the successful candidates at Immigrant Services Calgary.

During her practicum, a Gateway Planner job position was posted, and Anna applied, ultimately becoming an employee with ISC. Today, Anna is committed to giving back to the community that helped her and supporting clients’ settlement journeys.

With your generous donation, we can assist more individuals and families in their settlement process, helping them achieve their goals in a shorter time frame.

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About the Author

Damilola Kadiri is an international communications professional and author. She currently works as the Communications Lead at Immigrant Services Calgary. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to gospel music, and learning new things.

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