South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services
Welcome to South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services (SOICS), a registered not-for-profit organization and charitable institution under the Income Tax Act, located at 340 Ellis St, Penticton, BC, Canada, V2A 4L7. Established in 1976 as the Penticton & District Multicultural Society (PDMS), we have grown and evolved over the years to become a comprehensive one-stop shop for immigrants, temporary foreign workers, post-secondary international students, and refugees seeking integration support. With over 40 years of experience, we have been actively managing community projects, forging partnerships, and achieving successful multicultural outcomes in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region.
At SOICS, we are dedicated to providing a wide range of free services that empower newcomers to build successful lives in Canada. From education and advocacy to practical projects, we assist our clients in settling into their new communities with ease. Our service area spans from Summerland south to Osoyoos and east to Princeton, including Naramata, Kaleden, and OK Falls. With our main office in Penticton and a satellite office in Oliver, we offer language training, childminding, skills development workshops, community connections, employment support, and settlement services. Beyond directly supporting newcomers, we also focus on enhancing the broader community's capacity for social and economic integration.
Our dynamic team consists of multilingual and culturally diverse professionals who work closely with our clients, guiding them through the process of settling and finding suitable careers. As our client base continues to grow, so does our dedication to providing exceptional services. In response to increased demand, we expanded our head office space, reinforcing our commitment to program flexibility and capacity. This growth is motivated by the vital role immigrants play in Okanagan's industries, such as agriculture, health services, and tourism. We are passionate about helping newcomers realize their full potential and become valued members of the Canadian community.