LMLIP: Building a Welcoming and Inclusive Community for Immigrants

May 8, 2023

As members of the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London, we recently had the privilege of attending a meeting where we learned about the incredible work of the London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP). We were truly impressed by the organization’s commitment to supporting immigrants in our city and creating a more welcoming and inclusive community for all.

During the meeting, we had the pleasure of listening to Huda Hussein, a representative from LMLIP, who shared valuable insights into the organization’s goals and the impact they have on immigrants’ lives. One thing that stood out to us was the way LMLIP prioritizes five key elements of integration: creating a welcoming community, improving communication and access to information, coordination and collaboration between support networks and the people who need them, providing supports and services for immigrants, and reducing systemic barriers in our community.

LMLIP’s focus on improving communication and access to information for immigrants was also noteworthy. The organization provides resources and tools to help newcomers navigate different systems and connect with community services and events. Additionally, LMLIP collaborates with different ethnic and cultural groups to ensure that their voices and needs are heard and addressed. The Kiwanis Club was also inspired by LMLIP’s approach to coordination and collaboration, working with a network of service providers, volunteers, and community members to ensure that newcomers receive the support and services they need.

LMLIP’s dedication to reducing systemic barriers in the community was admirable. They identify and address policies, practices, and attitudes that create disparities and exclusion, and advocate for changes that promote equity and inclusion. The Kiwanis Club believes that LMLIP’s work is essential to building a stronger and more resilient community for all. Overall, we at the Kiwanis Club found learning about LMLIP to be an enlightening experience and were impressed by the organization’s commitment to creating a more welcoming and inclusive community for immigrants.

 

Taras, one of our Kiwanis members, who immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 2000, introduced Huda Hussein, the representative from LMLIP, to our group. Taras and his wife Olena appreciated LMLIP’s work, as they had experienced the challenges of settling in a new country themselves. Olena expressed her heartfelt thanks to Huda for LMLIP’s efforts in creating a more inclusive community and supporting newcomers. This was a reminder of the real impact of LMLIP’s work on the lives of immigrants in our city, emphasizing the importance of continuing to support their efforts.

Learn more about the London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP):
https://london.ca/immigration/community-support/LMLIP