Stories

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...

*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...

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...

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...

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...

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.”...

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...

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...

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...