The Salvation Army ARIS Program receives funding

The Salvation Army Atlantic Refugee & Immigrant Services (ARIS) is a project that operates year-round at The Spryfield Community Church and Family Resource Centre. It is the only program of its kind in the Maritimes and aims to help refugees and immigrants reunite with their families.

This summer ARIS has a fantastic new addition Emma Neynens, a law student from Dalhousie University who is working with the program for 11 weeks. Emma volunteered as part of Dalhousie University’s pro-bono program during the school year and when funding for the position was granted she jumped at the opportunity to remain with ARIS full-time this summer.

“I really like working here, says Emma, I hadn’t considered working in immigration law before volunteering with ARIS, now it’s one of my top choices after I become a lawyer.”

The position was made available after a bursary was awarded from Employment & Social Services Canada and a generous donation from local business leader and immigration advocate, Wadih Fares on behalf of his company Castlehill Development Ltd.

On average the program assists 30 clients a month and opens around 50 files a year, but one file can take up to three years to be completed.

“It’s important that this program exists as there is no legal aid in N.S. for assistance with immigration and refugee issues, says ARIS co-ordinator Marie Kettle. In the summer months the pro-bono program at ISANS shuts down, so we see an even higher volume of people. It’s great having Emma here for support, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to help as many people.”