HOST Program Volunteers - Saamis Immigration Services Association

Organization profile:
Saamis Immigration Services Association is a Settlement Agency dedicated to assisting immigants and refugees in adjusting and adapting to a new way of life in hopes of a self-sufficient and independent tomorrow. S.I.S.A. is a non-profit, charitable, government funded organization, governed by a Board of Directors. Since its inception on April 1, 1988, S.I.S.A. has successfully assisted immigrants and refugees settling in Medicine Hat and district. More...

Position description:
The HOST program is designed to match resident Canadians with recently arrived immigrants and refugees of different ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers provide friendship to newly arrived immigrants by lending them support, helping them with language barriers and showing them what life in Canada is all about. Volunteers will assist newcomers in learning English, introduce them to community life and other people in the community. Show them where they can get services or help them arrange for services. Give them tours of major points of interest in our community, and help them with homework and day-to-day activities.

Time commitment:
Volunteers will make arrangements with newcomers and decide together how often they will see each other and what activities they will do together. A couple of hours a week is all it takes to meet a new friend.

Skills volunteer would practice/acquire:
Volunteers should be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who are established in the community and who have a genuine desire to help newcomers through the early stages of settlement.

Training provided:
Volunteers have to fill out the application form and provide 2-3 references, a orientation/training session will be held the day the volunteer meets his/her match.

Benefits for the volunteer:
As a Volunteer you have the opportunity to make a new friend, learn about another land, a different language and a new culture.