Walking alongside refugee claimaints... supporting them every step of the journey.

Community Outreach Volunteer Program

 

The following is a reflection from a Community Outreach Volunteer about their first week with a newly arrived refugee claimant. 

"We met for the first time, had introductions, and then went over to the bus terminal to look at some schedules and arrange when we would meet the following day.  The next day we went up to Conestoga Mall on the bus and had some pictures taken in the photo booth for her immigration medical. We also stopped at the bank."

 

Community Outreach Volunteer ProgramThe Community Outreach Volunteer Program is designed to provide one to one support torefugee claimants and their families with community volunteers who can help them to  navigate into the  new community. Community Outreach volunteers are involved in helping newly arrived refugee claimants with the pressing needs they may have (doctor appointments, school, banks, transportation system, community events,  where they can find affordable clothing, healthcare resources and being able to answer questions that the refugee claimant or family may have, or just to have a cup or coffee.

 

Highlights

  • The Community Outreach Volunteer Program creates strong community connections between a refugee claimant family and a volunteer from the community.

  • There were 16 volunteers matched with refugee claimant families in 2011.

  • Community Outreach volunteers walked alongside refugee claimants in finding housing and furniture, moving into new apartments, celebrating holidays, and enjoying each other's company.


Volunteering with the Community Outreach Volunteer Program:

Find out more about volunteering with the Community Outreach Volunteer Program at MCRS!

Community Outreach Volunteer Program Description