YMCA Center for Immigrant Services (YMCA Canada Connects)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Family-oriented volunteering
• Training or orientation required

Please note: Start date can be whenever the volunteer has completed thier onboarding Process  YMCA Canada Connects; is 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, built 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. Eligibility Requirements: – Must have been in Canada or Nova Scotia for a minimum of 2 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. Most of our matches have a large focus in learning and practicing conversational English, reading and writing. Volunteers would sometimes create their own lesson plan, use various games like Heads Up, or even use social settings like going to a cafe or a theater to provide opportunities to learn.