About KLHIISA

Our Mission

Promoting integration, acknowledge the diversities in our community and enhancing the success of immigrants and newcomers who are in the region of Kawartha Lakes and Counties of Haliburton.

Values

Equity, Inclusion, Shared Common Humanity and Collaborations.

Vision Statement

To be an asset and ally in the development of social and human capital for Canada.

Our Provincial Network

KLHIISA is a registered member of OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants)

As part of this provincial network, we remain committed to supporting immigrants and newcomers through advocacy, community engagement, and access to resources. We promote equity and inclusion to acknowledge diversity.

Our Story

KLHIISA (Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Integrated Immigrant Services Association was founded in 2024 with the idea to fill the gap for a need for immigrant serving agency in the communities of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. As you can see from our name that our organization is intended to for the integration of services addressing the needs of immigrants and newcomers. All the founding members of KLHIISA have the immigrant experience and a knowledge of the challenges and barriers of navigating through systems in a new place.

Executive Team

Isreal Oruebi

Father Isreal is at St Luke's Church in Kawartha Lakes. He is welcoming to people in the local community, immigrants and newcomers. He enjoys the rural life here. Sharing in the wonderful experience of connecting with people and meeting new people, learning about diverse cultural experiences, local attractions, attending community events and activities whenever he can.

Zahra -Bita Talebi

Bita as she likes to be called is immigrant to Canada who has background experience in Business Management, Tourism and in the Global Travel Industry Sector. She is well travelled, versed in promoting cultural experiences. She speaks many languages that includes English, French, Spanish, Persian - Farsi, Arabic. Bita enjoys spending quality time with her family and parenting her kids.

Dharmik Shah

Dharmik Shah is an example of the immigrant success story in Canada. Highly accomplished and a successful business man. He lived in Haliburton, Ontario for many years and familiar with the communities of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Peterborough and the Northumberland region. He studied at Fleming College. His educational background and professional work history is Accounting and Business. He lives in Peterborough with his family. He is a General Manager of the Domino's Pizzas of Canada.

Geraldine Silva

Gerri as she likes to be known is originally from West Africa. She is educated in Africa, Europe and Canada. Gerri speaks five languages, keen on sharing cultural experiences and she identifies with every culture that now makes up part of her extended family that is ranging from Nigeria to Congo, Dutch and Flemish. She is a grandmother, very fond of her grandchild whom she refers to as "her sense of purpose and renewal of her faith in the human kindness and goodness in life". Gerri is passionate about Human Rights, promoting cultural competency, supporting community connections.