
This former refugee learned English and got a job. This is her story.
Note: This story was written by our Manager of Employment Services, Bashir Shahbaz. We have also replaced some names to provide our clients’ privacy. “Working is life. It makes you feel like you have a life.” “When I didn’t work, I felt like I didn't have a life.”...

Why I volunteer: Fiorella Benini
Note: This story was written by one of our amazing volunteers, Fiorella Benini. I am originally from Uruguay and I have lived 19 years in Canada. I have three kids (two born in Uruguay and one born in Canada). I used to work as a Spanish Interpreter, which led me to...

What does it mean to ‘Walk with Refugees’ during COVID-19?
To some, our “new normal” that has taken hold since lockdown measures were implemented mid-late March feels like it has stretched on much longer than the calendar shows. I echo those sentiments, in reflecting upon the shift within my role at Reception House and the...

Refugee Health Clinic continues to help newcomers amidst COVID-19
At Reception House, our core mission is to provide a warm welcome to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs). When we think of providing a warm welcome, our first thoughts are probably not of a hospital ER or Public Health clinic, but, for many of our clients, these are...

Partner Spotlight: Kitchener Public Library
A few weeks ago Mary Chevreau, Chief Executive Officer of the Kitchener Public Library reached out to us with an offer to let us borrow 23 Chromebooks and 2 Wi-Fi hotspots. As public libraries are closed, the library preferred that the Chromebooks were loaned out to...

Partner Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity
As we navigate the turbulent waters of our shared journeys towards an unknown destination, an everyday reality is that the needs in our local community won’t just fade away and we need to be a part of the solution no matter what organization we represent. Timely...

Not Another Gala 2020 Update
It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to cancel this year’s Not Another Gala event. We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and abroad. Our focus now is on supporting our newcomer families during this extraordinary time, joining the...

Responding to COVID-19
MARCH 19 UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of keeping our clients and employees as safe as possible, we are temporarily closing our office at 675 Queen Street effective March 20 until further notice. We believe it to be critical for us all to...