Welcoming Newcomers in New Brunswick

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"For over 30 years, the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area has existed for just one reason: to welcome newcomers from around the world, and help them become a valued member of the Canadian family" (http://magma-amgm.org/site/index.php/about-us)



Canadian social service organization The Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA) settlement counselor Sharla Goodwin is continuously welcoming newcomers/immigrants and helping them adjust to their new life. 

In Canadian province New Brunswick, Goodwin says she has over 20 clients from the Philippines, including Filipino father of 3 Val Lagumbay, who works for heating and ventilation company Imperial Manufacturing Group. The company encouraged him, as well as the rest of its immigrant employees, to bring his family and “settle in the community.” Lagumbay, who moved to Canada for the future of his kids, expresses how accepting  the community has been to him and his family, and how blessed he feels to be able to bring his family with him.

MAGMA is helping these immigrants in New Brunswick navigate their new lives and settle in, even when it comes to transportation and going to the local grocery. 

Goodwin even drives immigrant children to different activities so they can meet new people, but she also believes that these Filipinos do not need much help because they are very independent, skilled, educated. With this immigrant group, she is focusing more on making the moving process easier to them, and for them to feel accepted. 

Unlike Lagumbay, Jerome Salamanca recently moved from Manila to New Brunswick alone and is waiting for his family to join him, which could take a long time. Although he often video chats his family who is about 7,000 miles away, he is still having a very hard time being away from them, and even thinks of them when he works.

MAGMA settlement counselor Goodwin says she aspires to bring in more newcomers. She says this benefits the province from having a decline in population, as well as companies as it prevents them from closing or relocating. She also says it benefits immigrants and employment rate, ensuring that the members of  her community have the means to provide for themselves and their families.  She also expresses her commitment and need for people to support newcomers and welcome them.

Opinion: It is interesting learning about the experiences of my fellow Filipinos from different countries other than America.  And it still goes to show how emotional immigration really is and helps us face the reality that several people have to leave their families behind in order to provide for them.  But it also makes me happy seeing that families, like the Lagumbay family , are able to move together to establish a better life. It is also inspiring seeing how MAGMA is very hands on and welcoming with its newcomers, and how they assist them in tiny tasks like driving. 


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/magma-kent-county-immigrants-1.4535817

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