Newcomers to Carman and Morris, and the surrounding areas, now have improved access to in-person settlement services through Regional Connections. The organization has opened offices in each of the communities.

"We're very excited about that because there are newcomers in those communities and around those communities," said Steve Reynolds, executive director for Regional Connections. "We've been working with some of them already, and with community partners and members, but even doing that, the distance to Morden, Winkler or Altona is a barrier sometimes, so we're really excited to have staff in-person more regularly in Carman and Morris."

The new offices are also a response to growing demand for the organization's services in those areas. Reynolds explained there are newcomers in the local labour markets, as well as recent refugee sponsorships with more families expected to arrive in the near future.

Settlement workers that staff the new offices will work with newcomers to obtain government documents such as Social Insurance, driver's license and/or medical health cards, and help them connect to other resources within the community.

"We really want to work together with community members, leaders and employers to help welcome newcomers to the community and really help support them so that it's a good experience for those arriving...so that they're really able to settle, integrate and get connected," said Reynolds, adding there are lots of benefits to offering settlement services in a community. He noted, Regional Connections continues to seek out partners and volunteers in order to successfully welcome newcomers.

Offices have been set up at each the Town of Carman and Town of Morris administration buildings. Settlement workers will operate in Carman every Tuesday, and in Morris every second Thursday.