A Message From Carl
It’s been an unprecedented year. When I reflect back, 2020 stands out as the year of COVID19, racial and equality reckonings, and new and different challenges for those who are new to our community. At the best of times, newcomers face hardships in settling into their...
“Reception House helped me spread my wings” – Newcomer Success Story
This story was written by Laura, a former Reception House client. She and her family came to Canada when she just 7-years-old. Reception House was the very first place my family and I arrived to when we came to Canada. At such a young age, I did not comprehend the...
Going Virtual with Community Justice Initiatives
*This story was written by Stacey Colliver, Director of Community Relations at Community Justice Initiatives Since 2016, Reception House Waterloo Region has been jointly delivering the New Canadian Youth Connections (NCYC) with Community Justice Initiatives...
What is it like to arrive as a refugee in Canada during a pandemic?
So many of our new neighbours have untold stories. They have endured unthinkable heartbreak and loss. Their very presence in our communities is a testament to human resilience. It is our responsibility here in Waterloo Region and beyond to give these newcomers a Warm...
A Closer Look: Case Managers at Reception House
Our team of Case Managers play a very important role in the journey our newcomer clients make in starting a new life here in Waterloo Region. And during this pandemic, that responsibility and their workload has only increased. That’s why we want to give you a peek...
Conestoga College PR students lead successful fundraising campaigns despite pandemic
Over the past few months, we have been extremely lucky to collaborate with a talented group of second-year Bachelor of Public Relations’ students at Conestoga College. As part of their program, they were tasked with planning and running successful fundraising events...
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...