My name is Rahel. I’m a newcomer here. I’ve been in Canada for a year and eight months now. I joined the Welcome Group Program six months ago.
I first learned about the program through a webinar I attended: the National Newcomer Navigation Network. I said, ‘This is exactly the program that I needed to be in.’ So I reached out and I was welcomed and matched with extremely incredible volunteers.
2. How did your Welcome Group help you?
My Welcome Group played a really incredible role in my transition here in Canada. The kinds of supports that I received ranged from helping me navigate the education system for my son, who is autistic, and also, the healthcare system, insurance policies, overall Canadian culture— I mean, you name it, I asked them anything, everything that I have, and they were there to answer everything.
But beyond that, the sense of belonging, the connectedness, was something that’s paramount of importance to me.
I was matched with volunteers whose backgrounds and skill sets are exactly what I was looking for at the moment.
And these are top-notch HR specialists and a career coach who helped advise me in the job market, updating my resume, helping me with my LinkedIn profile, basically providing me guidance and hands-on support in areas that I needed them.
3. What is your advice for volunteers?
Every newcomer has unique challenges and experiences and stories and sometimes the most impactful thing that you may do would be just sit and listen to what they have to say. Small acts of kindness like checking in regularly may make a world of difference for someone new like myself.
4. What is your advice for newcomers entering the Welcome Group Program?
If you are nervous, you’re not alone in this. If you’re confused, frustrated, ask for help. There’s definitely somebody out there who’s kind enough to just even listen, if nothing more. And that’s probably one of the biggest things that you may need at that moment.
So, take a break, take a moment. You’re not alone. This shall pass too.
