What is the HOST Program ?
- Designed to assist newcomers with their integration process by matching them with volunteers who are resident Canadians
- Brings Canadians and newcomers together to make newcomers feel welcome
- Two way program
- Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Who is Eligible for HOST Services?
Permanent residents of Canada, including:
- Convention refugees
- Government assisted refugees
- Independent immigrants or family sponsored newcomers who have not acquired Canadian citizenship
Who are HOSTS?
- Canadian citizens or landed immigrants who are established, more than 3 years
- Proud and knowledgeable of their communities
- Interested in the well being of newcomers
- Recognize that cultural diversity enriches Canadian society
Volunteers are 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 their settlement.
You can be an individual, a family, or a group.
- Registration and screening process is required
- Host volunteers must undergo an orientation and training session.
- Host volunteers are required to obtain a police clearance which upon submitting may be reimbursed.
- You assume no financial responsibilities for the newcomer you are matched with.
- Placement varies from 4 months up to one year.
What do Hosts do?
Volunteers can assist their match in activities such as:
- Introducing your match to life in Windsor-Essex.
- Practicing English or French (conversation skills).
- Offering advice to their match.
- Shopping for groceries and other items.
- Providing friendship and encouragement.
Benefits
Volunteering for the Host Program is a two-way process. Both newcomers and volunteers benefit. Newcomers benefit by gaining a friend who can help them practice English/French, learn about various services offered in the community and introducing them to the Canadian lifestyle.
Host volunteers benefit by leaning about new cultures, other countries, different languages and by playing an active role in a newcomer’s integration and adaptation process.
Components of the Program
1. One-on-one Matches/Family Matches (Available in English and French)
A match takes place between a single newcomer and volunteer or a family and either newcomer a volunteer family or individual volunteer. Cultures are shared and friendships grow. Matches meet for two hours every week.
2. Youth Group Activities (Available in English)
Circle of Friends
Newcomer and resident Canadian youth ages 13 to 19 meet for a youth group every Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Multicultural Council. Newcomer Youth and Canadian youth participate in various organized activities, discussions and workshops, guest speakers and field trips. Newcomer youth finds new friends from all over the world that are sharing the same experience: finding his/her place in a new society. Community Service Hours for high school students may be obtained here!
Student Ambassador Club
The goal of the Student Ambassador Club is to welcome newcomer children and make them feel at home in their new school.
Newcomer students and resident Canadian students (hosts), participate in a structured classroom program. Newcomer students meet new friends, learn about their country and its culture, and host children learn about new cultures, make new friends and take on a leadership role within their school.
Both learn that living in a multicultural country as Canada is an enriching experience. The program offers 8 structured lessons (1 per week) and is offered to various schools in Windsor and Essex County upon request.
3. Group Activity - English Conversation Circles (Available in English)
In this weekly group activity, newcomers along with help from volunteers, practice their English conversation skills through great topics and workshops. Topics and lessons are about Canadian culture, services in Windsor, holidays/events, food, traditions and many more. We meet every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Multicultural Council’s downtown location.
4. Group Activity - French-English Conversation Circles (Available in French and English)
Francophones and Francophiles (newcomers and Canadian citizens) practice French and English within a conversation circle. We spend one hour conversing in French and another hour speaking in English. We meet every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Multicultural Council’s downtown location.
Women´s Group (Available in French and English)
Women (newcomer and resident Canadian) gather once a month for friendship and conversation. Activities change monthly and include painting, swimming, knitting, etc. For some events, children under 13 are also invited. Invitations are sent out by mail.
This group activity meets one Thursday a month alternating at the Multicultural Council and an outside location.
Men´s Group (Available in English)
Men (newcomer and resident Canadian) get together once a month for friendship and conversation. Activities change monthly and include playing soccer, going to a hockey game, workshops etc. For some events, children under 13 are also invited. Invitations are send out via mail.
This group activity meets one Thursday a month alternating at the Multicultural Council and an outside location.
Other Group Activities (Available in French and English)
Group activities, such as social events, provide opportunities to expand relationships, learn about diverse cultures, and contribute to the integration of newcomers into Canadian society. You will be invited to attend group activities that are held throughout the year. If you want to help with group activities, please let us know.
