Stories

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...

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...

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...

The Working Together Employment Program, a three year IRCC funded program provides on-the-job language training and support, has impacted the lives of these newcomers.

When affordable housing is scarce and competitive in Waterloo Region, it disproportionately affects newcomers. Read about how a Waterloo landlord is making a difference.

We are gaining momentum this fall by asking What moves YOU? Ride for Refuge Team Captain, Andreea Willson, reflects on her time as a refugee and her role as Life Skills Support Worker at Reception House.

The community meal host program recruits neighbours, service groups or others to bring and share a meal as a gesture of welcome.