Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) expects to expand its capacity after receiving additional government funding.

Freddy Muganza, program director at EIS, said he is grateful and the funding is welcome.

“It is exciting because when you are eager to help others and you don’t have the means, you feel like you are lacking something,” Muganza said. “If the government comes in and fills that gap, it feels good.”

EIS is one of 24 newcomer service provider organizations in Manitoba that were selected through the Newcomer Community Integration Support program. The province is providing $4 million to be distributed amongst the groups. This is double the amount of last year’s investment.

Although Muganza could not say what portion of the grant EIS will receive, he said the money will go toward hiring new employees to ease the workload current staff are experiencing.

EIS offers settlement and employment services and English for Work classes for permanent or temporary residents that are new to the Southeast. They also provide the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program which helps with school registration, translation and homework help.

Muganza said more than double the amount of people they anticipated accessed the services EIS provides in the past year.

“It gives me pleasure because it’s not easy to get to a place and find that you can easily, smoothly sail in the system without any catches,” said Muganza.

He accessed the services at EIC when he came to Manitoba in 2019. He said clients have a better experience when they find a place with quick, easily accessible services and friendly staff.

Of the approved projects, 12 will get three-year funding to continue services that are necessary for newcomers to Manitoba. Muganza could not say if EIS was one of the groups getting long-term support.