Archway Community Services

Friendship-based Match 

Volunteers in the one-on-one matching program are connected with an immigrant or refugee who lives in Abbotsford and has reached out for support. The time commitment is approximately 2 hrs per week for a minimum of 6 months.

Job Description:

• Schedule meetings with “match” and plan activities
• Offer English language support to a new immigrant or refugee
• Share insights into Canadian culture
• Share knowledge of the local community, attractions, events, and activities
• Offer friendship and support

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the challenges facing new immigrants/refugees
• Knowledge of the community and the resources that are available
• Fluency in English
• Patience and empathy
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Outgoing and friendly
• Not judgmental or critical
• Patient
• Respectful
• A native or fluent English speaker

Volunteer Duties

• Assist participants with knitting projects
• Organize materials and ensure that participants have the equipment they need
• Offer friendship and support to participants while they knit 
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere amongst the group participants

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the challenges facing newcomers
• Ability to knit (you don't need to be an expert!)
• Patience and empathy
• Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Outgoing and friendly
• Not judgmental or critical
• Patient
• Respectful
• A team-player

PROGRAM NAME:    Community Connections              

POSITION TITLE:        Virtual English Conversation  Circle Volunteer

SCHEDULE: Weekly,  2 hours per session/ once a week

LOCATION: Virtual

REPORTS TO:            Lata Aggarwal 

English Virtual Conversation Circle volunteers assist immigrant and refugee newcomers with English practice at weekly online drop-in sessions. Volunteers lead small groups of participants organized according to their English level. Staff send an invite to clients and volunteer on a weekly basis (ensuring privacy by not sharing email information) In most cases, the time commitment is 2 hrs per week (min. 6 months).

Duties:

• Facilitate an online conversation group of English language learners (normally 3-5 participants)
•  Commit to a regular volunteer schedule (one class per week)
•  Have access to a laptop/computer and internet access
•  Encourage attendees to practice speaking English 
•  Manage dialogue and keep conversation flowing
•  Ensure that conversations remain respectful
•  Share insights into Canadian culture
•  Attend occasional training sessions 

Qualifications:

• Fluency in English
•  Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the challenges facing new immigrants/refugees
•  Willingness and ability to communicate with newcomers who are still learning English
•  Previous experience interacting with individuals whose first language is not English
•  Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences
•  Available to volunteer for 2 hours per week
•  Previous teaching and/or facilitation experience is an asset

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

• Patient and friendly
•  An excellent communicator
•  Open-minded and non-judgmental
•  Comfortable using the computer 
•  A native or fluent English speaker
•  Reliable and committed

 Volunteer Driver 

The Community Van Service is a multi agency initiative that strives to fill in the gap for non-transit Transportation in Abbotsford. The volunteer driver for this program will drive clients to various destinations in Abbotsford. The clients will be assessed and assigned based on appointment by the Community Transportation Project Lead.

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (scheduled in these hours)

REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check
• Driver maintains a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a safe driving record (drivers abstract required)
• Driver is responsible to abide by all traffic laws
• Must have First Aid