The Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to the diverse communities in Crescent Town and surrounding neighborhoods, including Taylor-Massey, Teesdale, Dawes, Secord, and Lumsden. BCS provides information, referrals, skill development and settlement services, and cultural and recreational programs to the community’s children, youth, adults, and seniors. BCS consistently collaborates with other community organizations and service providers to address and provide services for the continuously changing needs of the community.
The mission of the Bangladeshi Community Services is to “help people to help themselves” by delivering services through advocacy, referrals, skill development, and partnerships. BCS supports new South Asian immigrants with a particular focus on Bangladeshi immigrants. Referrals for career/employment counseling and newcomer needs, housing, education, and guidance counseling for schoolchildren.
Ahmed Mustaq founded the Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) in 2003 to better integrate the Bangladeshi community in Canada. BCS aims to help newcomers with settlement and integration into the Canadian way of life. Services include Information, Referrals, Career Counseling, Legal Aid, Crisis Management, Intervention, Mentorship, and Educational Workshops.
Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services Programs:
Settlement Services
- Comprehensive Immigration Guidance: Provide expert advice on refugee and immigration matters, including legal processes, documentation, and rights.
- Crisis Response and Support: Offer immediate assistance to Bangladeshi women and men who have experienced domestic abuse or violence, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and access to shelters.
- Community Connections: Facilitate integration into Canadian society by connecting newcomers with community resources, cultural events, and support networks.
Immigration Services
- Personalized Counseling: Offer one-on-one counseling sessions to address immigration-related concerns, such as understanding immigration policies, navigating application processes, and preparing for interviews.
- Form Filling Assistance: Support completing complex immigration forms, ensuring accuracy and compliance with government regulations.
Domestic Abuse and Violence Services
- Individual Counseling: Offer confidential counseling sessions to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse or violence, providing emotional support, coping strategies, and safety planning.
- Couples Counseling: Conduct counseling sessions for couples facing domestic violence issues, aiming to address underlying causes, improve communication, and promote healthy relationships.
- Family Counseling: Provide counseling services to families affected by domestic violence, focusing on healing, rebuilding trust, and creating a safe environment for all members.
Job Search Support
- Mentorship Programs: Connect job seekers with experienced mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and networking opportunities.
- Placement Services: Assist job seekers in finding suitable employment opportunities by providing resume reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
- Career Counseling: Offer personalized career counseling to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and career goals, and develop effective job search strategies.
Youth Counseling
- Individual Counseling: Provide counseling services to young people to address various issues, including academic challenges, peer relationships, family conflicts, and mental health concerns.
- Group Counseling: Offer group counseling sessions to provide a supportive environment for young people to share experiences, develop coping skills, and build social connections.
After School Tutoring Program (ASTP)
- Academic Support: Provide tutoring services in various subjects to help students achieve academic success and improve their grades.
- Homework Assistance: Offer assistance with homework assignments to ensure students complete their work and develop good study habits.
Senior Support Program
- Workshops and Education: Conduct seminars on topics relevant to seniors, such as health and wellness, financial planning, and legal matters.
- Language Interpretation: Provide language interpretation services to assist seniors in communicating with healthcare providers, government agencies, and community services.
- Home Support: Offer home support services to seniors who require assistance with daily living activities, such as meal preparation, personal care, and transportation.
Youth Engagement Program
- Community Activities: Organize various community activities and events to engage young people and promote their participation in the community.
- Leadership Development: Offer programs to develop leadership skills in young people, empowering them to become active and engaged citizens.
- Mentorship: Connect young people with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and role models.
Youth Smoking Elimination Program
- Education and Awareness: Conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
- Counseling and Support: Offer counseling services to young people who want to quit smoking, providing support, strategies, and resources.
- Prevention Programs: Implement prevention programs in schools and communities to discourage young people from starting to smoke.