Program Information
Community Connections brings together newcomers to Canada and established community residents for sharing and learning. Newcomers learn about living in Canada, practice speaking English and make connections in their new community while volunteers act as guides to life in the community. In the process, they learn about other cultures and gain a better understanding of what immigrants contribute to Canada.
Services We Offer
- Language and cultural mentoring opportunities (both individual and in a group setting)
- Assistance with Volunteer Placements in the community
- Opportunities for multi-way interaction and cross-cultural awareness
- Conversation Circles supporting informal language practice
- Group activities/sessions supporting knowledge transfer and cross-cultural awareness
- Programming for newcomer seniors: digital literacy, craft groups, recreational activities
- Art Hub – Newcomer artists/musicians, volunteers and Community Connections staff meet for group practice and lessons
Eligibility Requirements
Community Connections participants are recently-arrived newcomers or those newcomers who still need help adapting to their new life in Canada.
- Permanent Resident
- Convention Refugee
- Live-in Caregiver
Non-eligible clients interested in participating in events and activities (i.e. refugee claimants, international students and Canadian citizens) are welcome to get involved as program volunteers.
To become a Community Connections volunteer, you should be knowledgeable about your community, open to learning about other cultures, and willing to share your own cultural background and your appreciation of Canadian society.
Locations / Hours
St. Catharines
85 Church St. St. Catharines, ON, L2R 3C7
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
905-685-6589 Ext. 228
Niagara Falls
St. Ann Adult Education Centre
5895 North St, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 1J7
289-407-1793
Welland
Father Fogarty Adult Learning Centre
269 Thorold Road, ON, L3C 3W1
289-241-6289
The Art Hub
Our Art Hub group fosters a vibrant community for Niagara newcomers, providing opportunities for individuals to create, learn, and share artistic passions while promoting health and wellness.
If you are 13 years of age or older and are interested in joining “The Art Hub,” please contact us.
If you are interested in volunteering with “The Art Hub” as an art facilitator/music instructor, please contact us.
