Many organizations are working together to create Welcoming Communities for refugee newcomers in the GTA and Mississauga. Based on a 2010 “Characteristics of Welcoming Communities Report” by Dr. Victorira Esses, Together Project has identified five ways that volunteers and newcomers can play a role in building Welcoming Communities:

1. Fostering of social capital
2. Positive attitudes towards immigrants, cultural diversity and the presence of newcomers in the community
3. Favourable media coverage and representation
4. Social engagement opportunities
5. Opportunities for use of public space and recreation facilities

A collaborative approach to increasing newcomer social connections is especially important within the pandemic context. Therefore, we would like to recognize the following partners and stakeholders who help make our work possible: COSTI Immigrant Services, Peel Multicultural Council, Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership, Crossroads Clinic and Romero House.