Head of K-W Multicultural Centre reflects on changing landscape for newcomers

Since 2006, Lucia Harrison has beenCEO of the K-W Multicultural Centre, whichsupports newcomers and immigrants as they settle and navigatea new life in Waterloo region.

She said back then, it wasn't uncommon for organizations serving newcomers to work in silos.

"It became clear to me that helping people settle in the community was not the job of settlement agencies. We had a role to play, but the entire community needsto come together to help people settle. The school boards, the hospitals, the businesses, it's much broader, for someone to feel welcomed, for someone to do well in this community," Harrison said in an interview withThe Morning Edition host Craig Norris.

Harrison, who is being recognized as one of CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers, was the first chair of Immigration Partnership, that helped bring all of the local players together, to work collectively and collaboratively.

Challenges remain

During Harrison'stenure, the organization welcomed waves of newcomers to Waterloo region.As of 2017, one in four Waterloo region residents identified as immigrants and between 2016 and 2021, the region received up to 30,000immigrants.

She said while there are many resources to support newcomers,challenges remain such as ensuring housing for all and health care language interpreters.

Harrison hopes to continue advocating for more resourcesacross the board to help support the community.Shesaid the impact that the organization has had on people's lives is what keeps her going.

Watch a clip:

In this video clip, Harrison shares more about why supporting newcomers is so important to her.

WR Changemakers: Lucia Harrison

12 months ago

Duration 1:42

Lucia Harrison, CEO of the KW Multicultural Centre, is being recognized for her work supporting immigrants and newcomers settle in Waterloo region.

Listen to the full interview:

Waterloo region Changemakers13:25Waterloo region Changemakers: Lucia Harrison

CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers project aims to highlight people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and story. The project is to honour the team's 10 year anniversary in the region. Lucia Harrison, CEO of the K-W Multicultural Centre, is being recognized for her work supporting immigrants and newcomers settle in Waterloo region.