Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services

Welcoming Newcomers. Strengthening Communities.
LRISS is a community-based, IRCC-funded program that supports newcomers as they settle, grow, and thrive in Lanark and Renfrew Counties. Whether you’ve just arrived in Canada or are already beginning your journey, our team is here to walk alongside you.

Our free services are mobile, and staff will be able to meet you in the community where you live.

We are proud to serve newcomers of all backgrounds, including:

Permanent Residents
Government-Assisted and Privately Sponsored Refugees
Individuals with pending permanent residence applications
Convention refugees
Temporary foreign worker or student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent application for permanent residence.
Not sure if you are eligible? – please reach out and we will refer you to a program that can help.

We work from a place of cultural humility, compassion, and collaboration—ensuring all newcomers feel welcomed, heard, and empowered.

Where We Work
LRISS serves all communities across Lanark and Renfrew Counties, with staff based in a few core locations:

Perth (Lanark County Administration Building)
Carleton Place (Lanark County Social Services satellite office)
Pembroke (Renfrew County Administration Building)
Petawawa (Petawawa Public Library)

Volunteer with Us
Are you interested in supporting newcomers in Lanark and Renfrew Counties? Fill out the form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

We value your voice! At Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services, your experience matters to us. If you’ve used our services, we invite you to share your feedback—whether it’s a compliment, suggestion, or idea for improvement. Your input helps us grow and better support newcomers in our community. Let us know how we’re doing! LRISS Activity Evaluation Form for Newcomers

Our Services

We provide free, confidential settlement support tailored to your individual needs. Our services include:

Needs Assessment & Settlement Planning

Our settlement workers are here to provide one-on-one support, answer your questions and help you find the resources you need in your community. Through the help of community partnerships, we work with you to build your network and further enhance your experience in transitioning into a new culture. We will start the settlement process with a one-on-one meeting to assess your needs and create your own settlement plan to help you and your family achieve your goals.

Here are some ways we can help:

Complete forms, applications and other documents
Navigate local systems such as health care and public school, recreation services, education, income assistance, taxes and more
Find programs and services within the community
Provide referrals to programs and services including; counselling, employment services, language assessments, children and youth services, legal issues and refugee other specialized services
Communicate with employers, landlords, social and government services, legal services and more
Learn about Canadian life and culture
Assistance and referral for licensing and accreditation

Information & Orientation

We help you understand how life works in Canada. Topics include:

Housing
Health care
Education
Employment
Banking
Legal rights
Transportation
Parenting supports

Community Referrals

We connect you with the right services—ESL programs, Service Canada, libraries, schools, housing supports, food banks, and more.

SWIS - Settlement Worker in Schools

Our dedicated School-Based Settlement Worker, providing direct support to newcomer students and their families within school settings across Lanark and Renfrew Counties. Through close collaboration with school staff and community partners, Swiss helps newcomer children integrate smoothly into the Canadian school system.

Services include orientation to school life,
language support referrals, assistance with communication between home and school, and connections to programs that promote student success and family well-being.
We as a cultural bridge, ensuring that both students and parents feel informed, supported, and included.

Case Management

For newcomers with more complex needs, we offer extended support and goal tracking. We’ll help you every step of the way, one goal at a time.

Group Sessions & Community Events

We host newcomer meetups, info sessions, and cultural orientation activities in partnership with local libraries, schools, and service providers.