Our history
1989: Founded by Carlos, along with Deb, Viet, and Hereity—refugees from Chile, Eritrea, and Vietnam—VIRCS begins its journey. Initial funding is received from the Catholic Foundation of Victoria and Saint John the Divine Anglican Parish, laying the foundation for newcomer, immigrant, and refugee support.
1994: VIRCS, now a community cornerstone, secures federal and provincial funding. This enables the launch of the Settlement Program, introduction of ESL classes (attracting 2,900 attendees in the first year), citizenship preparation classes, and a special Settlement Program for African newcomers.
1996: Internet connectivity revolutionizes VIRCS's operations, facilitating job searches, marketing strategies, and client connections to community services. A 3-day Latin Music festival draws 600 attendees, and VIRCS starts producing 'Ethnivision', a TV show for Shaw Cable, with provincial funding.
2000: Demand for settlement services skyrockets, with client numbers increasing by 20% annually and inquiries up to 50% in 2002. Staff grows to 20, with 13 dedicated to job coaching.
2005: The "First Step" project, funded by Canadian Heritage, concludes, having distributed 15,000 children's and parent's books to promote multiculturalism and anti-racism.
2010: VIRCS expands, adding a program for newcomer children and youth ('Enable', 2006), a cultural bridging host program, and more ESL and employment initiatives. Relocation to 637 Bay Street occurs to accommodate growth.
2014-2015: VIRCS celebrates 25 years with a $25,000 annual scholarship for newcomer education and becomes the first CELPIP testing site on the island. The Welcome Gardens program is launched.
2018: Collaboration with Family Services of Greater Victoria forms the Social Innovation Centre. Funding is secured for Little Phoenix, a trauma-informed licensed daycare.
2019-2020: The pandemic prompts VIRCS to adapt rapidly, transitioning to online and telephone services, expanding Emergency Assistance Resources, and starting an Emergency Food and Supply delivery initiative.
2020-2021: In response to global Black Lives Matter protests and a rise in anti-Asian racism, VIRCS organizes local responses and becomes the provincial hub for the Resilience BC Anti-Racism network. Despite the pandemic, VIRCS reopens for some programming, continuing essential services for newcomers.
2022-2024: Post-pandemic, VIRCS experiences a resurgence. Focused strategic planning under reinvigorated leadership aims to further enhance services for Newcomers in the Greater Victoria Region.