Community Connections Volunteer Program
Are you interested in volunteering directly with newcomers? Do you want to help newcomers learn to access services and connect with our community? Volunteering with Immigrant Services is a fulfilling way to give back to the community.
Volunteers are matched with newcomers and newcomer families to offer one-on-one support with everything from learning how to go to the bank and the grocery store to offering peer support and guidance around applying for jobs and going to school.
Matching activities have been shown to support the two-way street of integration by fostering intercultural awareness and acceptance, and supporting volunteer to better understand the contributions of immigrants and the challenges they face in Canada.
Volunteer Match Activities
Personal exchanges based on needs, interests, and hobbies, including:
providing general orientation and support
explaining how to navigate systems and public services
developing life skills and offering advice to improve overall well-being
preparing and sharing food
attending or participating in a cultural or sporting event together
Plus, informal language learning to practice and improve English and French skills, including:
building language skills outside a classroom or workplace
interacting beyond the organized group setting of conversation circles
dialogue focused on everyday interactions
personal assistance with pronunciation and grammar
opportunities to practice English or French in an informal environment to develop the comfort and confidence needed to communicate effectively
To volunteer as a match you must:
Commit to volunteering a minimum of 4 hours per month for 6 months
Complete a screening and orientation process (including a criminal record and vulnerable sector check, and two references)
Complete appropriate training and attend volunteer orientations
Conversation Circles
Our Women’s and Men’s Conversation Circles provide an opportunity for newcomers in Canada, to come together on a weekly basis for gender specific support and to chat, to connect with others in similar situations and to alleviate loneliness and isolation while arriving at solutions to apply to everyday living in Canada. Conversation Circles are extremely fluid programs as we have a diverse range of attendees on any given day. The primary purpose of the Conversation Circles are to help facilitate positive cross-cultural experiences and associations.
An Opportunity To:
Promote positive cross-cultural connections
Create associations that help build a bridge into our communities
Facilitate a safe space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to learn from each other
Enhance the development of conversational English
Share information about services, community resources, and activities
Group and individual language sessions focusing on relevant life skill topics
Participate in activities and opportunities that help promote public speaking and interviewing skills
Schedule
Men's Conversation Circles are Saturdays at 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Women's Conversation Circles are Fridays at 2:30 pm–4:30 pm
Contact: Najib Mangal
Email: nmangal@lfsfamily.ca
Phone: 403-320-1589
Service Location: 1107 2A Ave North, Lethbridge, AB
Office Hours:
8:30 am—4:30 am, Monday—Friday
Closed Statutory holidays
