HOST PROGRAM

The goal of the program is to help new immigrants and refugees adjust to their new life in Canada through friendship and support. New immigrant and refugees get a good start in life in Canada and feel more at home through the friendships they establish with their HOST volunteers who are long-term residents and are more settled and established. Eligible newcomer immigrants and refugees are matched with volunteers in the community with whom they establish a friendly and supportive relationship to help the newcomer feel supported in their communities. A HOST can volunteer to support a newcomer immigrant family, individual or youth.

Target Clients

• Volunteers are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are more settled and are willing to volunteer their time to help newer eligible immigrants

• Newcomer convention refugees and government assisted refugees that would benefit from a supportive friendship and support from a more settled HOST volunteer

Activities

• Volunteer Orientation Sessions

• Volunteer Training Sessions

• Newcomer Orientation Sessions

• Social and recreational activities which lead into building friendship and offer emotional support

• Information sessions on daily living activities such as shopping, transportation, using local services, school information, employment support, child care

• Accompaniment to local outings such as grocery shopping

• Recreational activities and field trips

• Supportive counselling

For more information, contact Kate (905) 828-8787 ext.231 or Catherine ext. 233