About Us

Vision

To be a common space for client social service delivery that is culturally-relevant, accessible and safe for Filipino permanent residents, migrant workers and international students.

Mission

To inspire newcomers to achieve measurable outcomes that they identified, shaped and formulated, with some guidance from social service workers, as they navigate the transition road map for their lives in Canada.

History

In the early 2000s, attributing to the rapid expansion of Filipino immigrants in the Metro Vancouver area, a group of social service workers and some members of the Filipino Social Workers Association of British Columbia and the Filipino Circle of Parent Support Services, thought of putting up an informal collaboration to respond to the needs of this expanding population.

The original purpose of this network was to come up with a directory of Filipinos who provide newcomer services from different immigrant-serving agencies, so that our kababayans will always have access to the most relevant social service programs that would cater to their specific needs. Thus was FilNet born in 2008, an informal organization of Filipino Settlement Workers, Case Managers, Job Specialist and similar roles collaborating to meet the needs of their Filipino clientele. It was through this collaborative network where one could get information regarding community resources, employment and settlement programs, summer activities for kids and youth, free sports programs as well as news and updates on immigration, temporary foreign workers, policy changes, and express entry requirements

What further endears every FilNet member to be part of the group is the friendship and emotional support that were instantly available to anyone who needs it. More than just a coordinating network, FilNet sets itself apart by having that ‘personal touch’ when dealing with its members and clients. The laughter and camaraderie shared during regular get-togethers became an effective panacea to burn-out and negative transference on the job. It also became a venue for new professionals to learn of work opportunities and to get the much-required recommendations/references.

FilNet is growing yearly, and even members who have moved on to other jobs continue to keep in touch through emails and bi-annual get-togethers! Truly a Bayanihan community!