Volunteer Social Support Program
The Volunteer Social Support Program is designed to improve access to social services for refugee claimants in the Waterloo Region by involving internationally-trained, professionals and social work students (those in social work, community development, and the social sciences), as Social Support Volunteers with MCRS. Social Support Volunteers provide in-office support to families by assisting with filling out the online Ontario Works application forms, referring refugee claimants to local shelters and food banks, referring them to counselling centres, and other social services as needed. Volunteers also assist families to access local community resources, follow up and act as liaisons with service providers.
MCRS is looking for volunteers to be involved in the Volunteer Social Support Program. Anyone interested in learning and working with refugee claimants to access community social supports is encouraged to contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email or by phone at (519) 571-1912 for more information. For more information on the skills, requirements, and opportunities provided by the Volunteer Social Support Program see below.
Requirements and Skills:
- A commitment to respect all refugee claimants
- Ability to ask questions and work in a team with staff and volunteers
- An understanding or willingness to learn about organizations and processes for accessing social services in Waterloo Region.
- Flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations
- A second, third, or fourth language is an asset!
Opportunities for Social Support Program Volunteers:
- Attending trainings hosted by MCRS and by other organizations.
- Supporting refugee claimants in the office to access social supports.
- Learning from MCRS staff, volunteers, and others.
For more information or to set up a volunteer intake meeting contact the Volunteer Coordinator Steven Reesor Rempel by email or by phone at (519) 571-1912.
Program generously funded by the KW Community Foundation:
