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, such as the Art Hub or the Cooking Together groups.
- Programming for newcomer 50+: fitness program, craft groups, and other recreational activities
- Newcomer Parenting Network – Through group meetups, workshops, and culturally responsive support, the program offers a welcoming space for families to create meaningful connections, access vital resources and gain information on community events and activities. Parents can join our WhatsApp group to stay connected.
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 Learning Centre
5895 North St, Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 1J7
(905) 354-3531
Welland
Father Fogarty Adult Learning Centre
269 Thorold Road, ON, L3C 3W1
289-241-6289
OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES
ARAO – Bridges Niagara Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Program strives to address racism and other discriminations that impact the lives of our clients, staff, and community members. Our ARAO Facilitator supports newcomers to Canada by providing education opportunities individually or in groups.
Services We Offer
- Click Here: Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Program Interest Form.
- Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression conversation circles
- Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression training and resources
- Bystander training and resources
This program offers several opportunities for individuals interested in promoting cultural understanding and celebrating diversity. If you are a newcomer who wants to contribute to building a more inclusive community, join our Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Program!
50 Plus Program Information
The 50+ Program is an initiative started in 2010 by the Community Connections Department to assist mature newcomers to integrate and adapt into their new community.
Services We Offer
- Craft groups and recreational activities
- Group activities supporting personal wellbeing, fitness, knowledge transfer and cross-cultural understanding
- Visiting different community centers and places in the Niagara Region
- Group volunteering projects: Knitting for local charities, etc.
- Friendly knitting circle, meets weekly to work in collective projects that are donated to local community agencies
- Fitness activities
Eligibility Requirements
- Any immigrant to Canada, newcomer or oldcomer is welcome to join the 50+ Group.
- Community members, under 50 years of age, interested in the activities and projects organized by the 50+ Group are welcome to participate as volunteers and skills facilitators
Locations / Hours
St. Catharines
85 Church Street, ON, L2R 3C7
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
905-321 2802- [email protected]
Niagara Falls & Welland
Please contact 50+ Program coordinator to book an appointment and to participate in our online opportunities.
2S-LGBTQIA+ Connections Program Information
Our program supports 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers and immigrants as they build community, practice language skills, and navigate life in the Niagara region. We help foster connection by:
- Linking 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers and immigrants with each other
- Building bridges with the broader 2S-LGBTQIA+ community in Niagara
- Actively connect 2S-LGBTQIA+ and non-2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers for mutual learning and support
Current offerings include:
- 1-on-1 Language Practice with 2S-LGBTQIA+ volunteer conversation partners
- Weekly Conversation Circle in St. Catharines for 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers and immigrants
- Newcomer Hikers, a monthly outdoor program open to all
- Special Events that celebrate and support 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers and immigrants
Advocacy & Training to help staff and service providers better understand and support 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers
