Everyone needs community. We make that happen by connecting refugee newcomers and volunteers to build social connections and break through barriers. For World Refugee Day, we’re featuring the story of Mohieldin and Claudia’s match in Vancouver to illustrate how community can be built. As Mohieldin explains,

“I felt so much better every time I connected with them. I was actually pretty nervous when I started my match but it only took one coffee outing with my group for me to feel safe and like I wanted to continue; I knew this program was right for me.”

Read more here (link).

“My previous job involved working from home and I wanted to make a career transition. At the same time, when I got my citizenship, I suddenly did not have to worry about immigration papers. I realized I wanted to spend time helping people who just moved to Canada.

I think now about how many things I take for granted versus people who come here and do not know. And I realized I could be a bridge because I speak the same language; we have the same culture and I am connected to part of that culture.”

Read more about Duha here: link

As a newcomer to Moncton, Folaranmi was eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained from his Master’s in Organizational Management classes at Crandall University to support and guide other newcomers.

Through Together Project, Folaranmi is a Welcome Group Program volunteer for a Syrian family in Moncton, and is eager to encourage others to learn more about the Welcome Group Program:

“We need to make sure that people understand the value of Together Project in New Brunswick and beyond.”

Read more about Folaranmi here: www.togetherproject.ca/blogpost/folaranmi

What are three great strategies to help our Welcome Group Program volunteers and newcomers connect? Diane, a Welcome Group Program volunteer and one of our steering committee members, created this video with us to help inspire Welcome Groups in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Mississauga, Toronto, and Moncton!

View Diane’s “Welcome Group Success Strategies” video here.

Inspired to join us? Click here to learn more and sign up: www.togetherproject.ca/volunteer

Mental health is so important–especially for newcomers to Canada. We’re featuring free mental health resources for refugee newcomers in the Greater Vancouver. Read it here!

Mental health is so important–especially for newcomers to Canada. We’re featuring free mental health resources for refugee newcomers in the Moncton, New Brunswick. Read it here!