Chatham-Kent has been recognized as Canada's first designated welcoming community, but some say more work needs to be done.
A presentation was recently held at the Civic Centre to recognize groups who have helped welcome immigrants to the municipality.
However, with all the accomplishments made in helping newcomers settle in, Councillor Trevor Thompson says more work needs to be done.
Wedad Ateya agrees, and says the language barrier is one area that could use improving. She says if people could help more immigrants learn English, it would make the adjustment a lot easier.
Ateya moved to Chatham from Libya with her husband back in 2000. Now she's a mother of five and works as a settlement worker at the Adult Language and Learning Centre.
Chatham-Kent welcoming community presentation during Monday night's council meeting. April 10, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
"After [the first year] it's like everything went well," she says. "I went to school [and] got my high school diploma."
She says the families she works with are usually very happy to be in Chatham-Kent and are adjusting to the environment.
"They're doing very well and the kids are adjusting in school," she says. "After they learn the language everything will be good for them."
A handful of groups were recognized by the municipality Monday night. They include: Chatham Catholic Parishes, Dresden Christian Reformed Church, Chatham-Kent Muslim Association, Tilbury Syrian Refugee Committee, Ridgetown Refugee Committee, and Kent Presbytery.
