Connecting to Community

Meet new people, make friends!

Get help, offer help!

Polycultural hosts a range of 'community connections' programs aimed at connecting newcomers to their new communities in Canada, offered through the Welcoming Communities Program. We provide newcomers with help establishing social and professional networks so that they are engaged and feel welcome in their local communities.

• Creating welcoming spaces and communities and effectively engage newcomers through increased accessibility, co-locating settlement services, and maximizing public community spaces. 
• Fostering engagement between newcomers and Canadians through mentorships, sports and recreational activities and community groups 
• Initiate projects to increase public awareness and understanding on settlement and integration issues 
• Planning and implementing partnership projects to bring together diverse organizations to coordinate efforts on initiatives to welcome immigrants destined to their community.

The projected activities assist newcomers in establishing contacts and developing social and professional networks within their immediate geographic community, as well as the broader city and region. Results include newcomers feeling welcomed, participating in activities as well as neighbourhoods becoming more inclusive, vibrant, and culturally diverse.

Through Community Connections activities, newcomers are supported through participation in newcomer clubs, conversation groups and connection to volunteering and community activities. Flexibility in programming and service delivery ensure all priority groups including women, seniors and youth are engaged in meaningful, supportive and informative activities. Groups for Internationally Trained Medical Graduates, Discover Canada Clubs, Financial Clubs, Computer Clubs, and field trips are the examples of the initiatives organized.

Activities for youth include
- Homework club
- Conversation circles
- Summer camps

Ask us today about many clubs we offer for newcomers:

• Computer Clubs
• Financial Literacy Clubs
• Conversation Club
• Discover Canada Clubs

Eligibility criteria: Permanent residents of Canada who have not become citizens, protected persons as defined in Section 95 of IRPA, individuals who have been selected to become permanent residents and have been informed by letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Convention Refugees, Live-in Caregivers who have been approved for a work permit or already have a work permit.

Funding source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; No fees are charged from clients for services provided. 

 Sites of program delivery