S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of British Columbia’s largest multicultural social service agencies. Founded in 1973 in Vancouver, it operates more than forty service locations across the province, focusing on newcomers, families, youth and seniors. Its mission is to empower people through services that build bridges to economic, social and civic participation.

Core programs

• Settlement & integration – orientation, needs assessment, workshops and one-to-one counselling for permanent and temporary residents.
• Employment & entrepreneurship – job search assistance, resume support, skills upgrading, and self-employment training.
• Language & digital learning – English conversation circles, LINC classes, digital literacy and cultural workshops.
• Housing & seniors care – management of multiple affordable-housing units and seniors residences in Metro Vancouver.
• Youth & family services – community connection programs, parenting support, mental-wellness and youth leadership projects.

Strengths

Deep local roots: over 50 years of service and credibility within BC’s newcomer and community sector.
Multilingual access: programs offered in more than 50 languages, reflecting BC’s cultural diversity.
Holistic model: integrates settlement, employment, housing and family wellness under one umbrella.
Government and community partnerships: funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), BC Housing and provincial ministries, ensuring stable program delivery.

Considerations

Geographic scope: services are concentrated in British Columbia, particularly Metro Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam and Fort St John. Those outside BC should seek local agencies.
Program variation: eligibility and availability may differ by location; some programs have wait-lists or specific immigration-status requirements.
Focus balance: while newcomers remain a core group, the agency also supports seniors, families and youth, so newcomers should select the most relevant branch program.

Who it serves

Newcomers, immigrants, refugees and their families settling in British Columbia who want integrated help with housing, jobs, language or community belonging—plus long-term residents needing family or seniors support.

Summary

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. provides an extensive network of community-based programs throughout BC, making it one of the province’s most comprehensive newcomer and social-service agencies. It excels in accessibility, multilingual service, and its combination of settlement and housing resources.