Welcome to the Catholic Centre for Immigrants Volunteer Portal!
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI). We are committed to ensuring our volunteers have a rewarding and fulfilling experience helping newcomers integrate in Canadian society.
If you are:
- Looking for a long-term volunteer position supporting/mentoring newcomers;
- Have some free-time and want to share your professional experience/expertise;
- Completing your 40-hours of volunteer service to graduate;
- Seeking a long or short term placement for your University/College Program;
- Hoping to help out 'once in a while' at Special Events;
- Building your resume and developing your own skills for employment;
- Or just want learn more about Volunteering with CCI
We want to hear from you!
We look forward to receiving your application and having you join the CCI Team!
I would like to volunteer
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Volunteer Opportunities
Matching & Mentoring
Matching & Mentorship is designed to help newcomers integrate into new communities, feel empowered to overcome challenges they face on their adjustment journey, and make life-long connections with established community members.
The program offers flexibility for volunteers to organize a schedule and mode of work (virtual or in-person) that best suits them. Volunteers might offer support to newcomers with basic life skills and getting to know their new community, or more focused mentorship related to achieving education and employment goals.
This opportunity is best suited for established community members able to share their time and talents on a consistent basis to make a long-lasting impact.
Conversation Circles
Conversation Circles are designed to help newcomers practice their English/French language skills by participating in volunteer-lead discussions on a variety of topics.
Volunteers lead small groups of newcomers in conversation, both virtually and in person, helping build confidence with language skills.
This opportunity is best suited for individuals who are confident leading, teaching and communicating with newcomers with various levels of language comprehension.
Youth Programs
Youth Programs are designed to help youth find the tools and talents within themselves to better integrate into Canadian society and their new community.
Volunteers support a variety of activities, including social and recreational activities (cooking sessions, field trips to explore the city, sports leagues) and academic support (homework club for Math, English and Science). Youth Programs and Activities often change depending on the time of year, and volunteers should be flexible with the roles they support.
This opportunity is best suited for volunteers who prefer some flexibility and are looking to support youth aged 14-29 in their journey of community integration.
Employment
Employment Services provide newcomers with job related support, including: such resume and cover letter building; online job applications; job searches; and job fair attendance.
Volunteers support employment-related workshops and conversation circles focused on employment language on a regular basis.
This opportunity is best suited for volunteers with some experience in human resources and looking to donate their time consistently to make a long-lasting impact in the newcomer community.
Children Programs
Children programs are designed to ease the adjustment process for kids by engaging them in various activities and supporting the integration process for families.
Volunteers assist in running a variety of in-person and virtual activities, including arts and crafts, cooking, sports, and many more, alongside other CCI Staff and Volunteers or independently.
This opportunity is best suited for volunteers who have some experience and are comfortable working with children from diverse backgrounds.
Casual Opportunities
Casual Volunteers provide support to various activities and services offered through CCI that support newcomer settlement and integration processes for newcomers on an 'as needed' basis.
Volunteers might help organize and plan a special event; provide administrative support (eg. Reception Area); share knowledge/experiences at a workshop that focuses on a relevant topic for newcomers; or offer their time as needed for various special projects.
This opportunity is best suited to volunteers that may have limited time availability or are unable to make a longer-term, consistent commitment to volunteering.
About Us
Our Mission at the Catholic Centre for Immigrants is to:
- Promote and facilitate the reception of newcomers to Canada;
- Sensitize the community to address newcomers’ needs and invite it to respond;
- Assist newcomers in realizing their full potential in Canadian society.
We are guided by the following Principles:
- Commitment to social justice in all policies, programs and services;
- Provision of assistance to newcomers regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, social and spiritual dimensions of the person;
- Use of approaches that are empowering, client-centered, and that address the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of the person;
- Recognition of the central importance of the human resources of the Centre - volunteers, staff and members;
- Commitment to provide services in both official languages;
- Provision of multilingual services to newcomers;
- Commitment to work with related agencies, community organizations, and various faith groups, especially the parishes of the area;
- Accountability to stakeholders - members, funders, creditors and the community-at-large.
Our Services to newcomers include:
- Temporary accommodations and housing assistance;
- Orientation, settlement, and integration;
- Language and cultural interpretation;
- Intercultural counselling, hosting and community support;
- Community development, education, and outreach;
- Employment search.
