Anneke Lauwers (left) and Asma Houssein, with Catholic Social Services in Red Deer; Houssein, once a client of CSS, is now their team lead. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

giving hope

As need grows, Catholic Social Services expands Red Deer offices

Jun 14, 2023 | 5:05 PM

Catholic Social Services (CSS) has now been in Red Deer for 44 years, just a couple years after it launched in Edmonton.

When doors opened in central Alberta, there were just two part-time staff; but now they have 40 team members as the organization works hard to keep up with the needs of newcomers.

On Wednesday, CSS celebrated its move onto the fourth floor of the building at 5000 Gaetz Avenue in downtown Red Deer; it had been on another floor in a smaller space until recently.

Anneke Lauwers, Program Manager, points out CSS has been there for newcomers in the wake of several global crises in just the last decade. From Syria in 2015/2016, to Afghanistan and Ukraine more recently, the work never stops. Conflict in Sudan will also push more people to Canada in the months to come, she says.

“Often we think that Canada was a choice for people to move to, however many newcomers were very happy in their country, but because of war and other things which go on in this world, they were displaced or forced to flee,” says Lauwers.

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“It isn’t always easy to start from scratch, with nothing, and come to Canada with less than a single suitcase. With help from other community partners, we help them settle, give them hope, and a friendly face of support as they make a better life for themselves.”

The work is intensive and all-encompassing, explains Asma Houssein, CSS Team Lead.

“We are there when a family arrives at the airport. We put them in temporary housing, help them find something permanent, we help with employment, with documents, interpretation, doctor visits, and any other settlement services. We don’t turn away anyone, and that means refugees, refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, even Canadian citizens,” she says.

“Awareness of why refugees come here is important. Just a smile can help a refugee. Become their friend, show them around, teach them about Red Deer, about Indigenous culture or about Canada. That helps a lot because often they’re alone or have lost family members. Being a friend can help a lot.”

Of CSS’ 40 staff, the vast majority have immigrated in their lifetime, adds Lauwers, who is from Belgium, while Houssein has roots in Djibouti but was born and raised in Saudi Arabia.

“When I came to Canada, CSS helped me settle, and I just loved what they were doing. At the time, I was worried about my future, and what everything meant for my two-year-old daughter and I,” she shares.

“I was so fortunate to have their help. Their hearts were really in it and still are. Now I’ve helped hundreds of clients mysel, and I think things are getting easier for people as others become more aware of refugees and what’s happening overseas.”

For more information about Catholic Social Services in Red Deer, visit cssalberta.ca.