Canada Connects: Volunteer for YMCA
Program Description:
At the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Services, our primary objective is to assist newcomers throughout their settlement journey by providing tailored programs to meet their evolving needs. One such initiative is Canada Connects; a volunteer matching program driven by the needs of newcomers. Canada Connects aims to facilitate newcomers’ full engagement in Canadian life by fostering understanding of the social, cultural, and economic fabric of their new community. This program offers a unique opportunity to expand cultural knowledge, build meaningful relationships, and make new friendships.
Responsibilities:
- Encouraging community participation, including attendance at city events.
- Providing information about available community resources.
- Facilitating English language practice through informal conversations.
- Facilitating connections with established community members.
- Engaging in cultural exchange and learning about each other’s traditions, customs, and ideas.
Volunteer Onboarding Process:
- Completion of three background checks: Criminal Record, Vulnerable Record, and Child Abuse Registry Search.
- Submission of a Volunteer Application form.
- Completion of self-directed Child Protection and Safety Webinar as well as online Child Safeguarding Training.
- Attendance at Volunteer Orientation.
- Provide at least three references.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have been in Canada or Nova Scotia for a minimum of 2-3 years.
- Age requirement: over 18 years old.
- Commitment to meet with assigned clients at least twice a month for one hour (volunteers may opt for more frequent meetings if desired).
- Minimum commitment of 4 to 6 months to the program.
For more volunteering opportunities, contact with
Shivani Narayanan
Canada Connects & Volunteer Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number (902) 237-8998
