Nabiha Atallah and Chocolate Lake Hotel

Barbara Miller Nix: We all have a role to play: help out, say 'hello,' make them feel at home, she said, according to Metro News. The welcoming centre based in the Chocolate Lake Hotel, where refugees stayed before moving into permanent housing, closed last month. Nabiha Atallah, ISANS spokeswoman, said Monday many newcomers hope to shed the label of refugee, adding now that they’re settled, the community should see them as their new neighbours. Almost 700 government-assisted refugees were placed in their new homes across Halifax Regional Municipality. Barbara Miller Nix, who oversees the YMCA immigrant services, said Monday staff there are now focusing on settling the kids into schools, helping them fit in and engage in after-school activities. Atallah said the association continues to provide support for refugees settling into their new communities, from helping them with shopping to orienting them to Nova Scotia healthcare system. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.