Get Settled

Community Connections Program

The Community Connections Program is designed to help you settle into the community through different activities and supports.

Community Connections has programming for government-assisted refugees and for all newcomers.

 

For All Newcomers

Community Connections Matches

We match you with a volunteer from the community. You meet once a week for two hours for at least 6 months. We try to match you with a volunteer who has similar interests and is the same gender.

We provide Community Connections Matches to:

  • offer social support and introduce you to your new community
  • help you practice skills for daily family activities
  • practice English conversation
  • share a home-cooked meal
  • introduce you to people and places in the community (historical sites, community centers, parks, other places of interest to you)
  • exchange knowledge about their traditions and customs with you
  • exchanging ideas, information and resources

The first meeting takes place at ISANS or in your home with the program coordinator. Weekly meetings take place at a time and place that is convenient for you and your volunteer match.

For Government-Assisted Refugee Families

Volunteering in Canada

We connect GARs who are beginner to intermediate EAL learners with volunteer opportunities in the community. You will:

  • gain Canadian workplace experience and references
  • meet new people
  • learn new skills
  • give back to your new community

photo by A for Adventure

Recreation Programs for Families

We help GAR families access funding for recreation and social programs for children and youth, and connect individuals to community activities, like:

  • summer camp opportunities for children and youth
  • fireside knitting group (Keshen Goodman Library)
  • St. Andrew's Sewing Circle
  • recreation programs for children and youth (ex. swimming, gymnastics, girl guides, etc)
  • Bike Safety and bike donation program
  • cooking and conversation groups
  • group field trips to community events