As many of you already know that last June 23rd 2011, NSMS received news that our bid for funding of an updated Community Connections Program was successful. We are excited about this new funding, which will allow us to connect more newcomers than ever to social and professional networks on the North Shore. NSMS invites Host and Mentoring Volunteers to attend to our forum where you can learn about opportunities to connect with newcomers in the new program, and share your ideas to strengthen the service:
Coffee / Dessert Forum: Tues, Sept 13th at 6:30pm at NSMS.
If you can’t attend this event, but would like to learn more about the new programs and give us your feedback, please arrange an appointment with Sochell Roman – sochellr@nsms.ca or 604 988 2931 ext 267. We look forward to talking with you about these exciting changes.
The new program consists of two parts:
- Community Connections, which replaces the former Host Program, and focuses on social connection and friendship,
- and a small group based Employment Mentoring Program, which replaces the former 1-1 Mentoring program.
The Community Connections Program will continue to bring together longer term North Shore residents and new immigrants and refugees at a variety of social events at NSMS and in the community. In addition, the new program will support newcomers in connecting to local programs and meeting people at libraries, recreation centers, clubs, and volunteer programs.
Sadly, the new program will not offer 1-1 matches of volunteers and new immigrants. NSMS is very grateful to Host Volunteers who have provided 1-1 support for about 1000 new immigrants over the course of the Host Program, and we hope all Host Volunteers will consider taking on a new role supporting newcomers in group settings as Community Connections Volunteers.
Similarly, the 1-1 Mentoring Program will close as of September 30th, and Mentoring Volunteers will be invited to support small groups of newcomers in shorter-term matches at NSMS.
