Let us assist you with making connections. Email us at community.connections@nullhmcconnections.com
From classes and workshops supporting people who are new in Canada, to social and cultural events, Community Connections has it all. Click on the links below to learn more about: these should all be linked to the sections below and ordered in this order
- Mentorship
- Volunteering for HMC
- Computer Classes
- Canadian Citizenship Test & IELTS Preparation
- English Conversation Practice (Conversation circles are fun and a great way to practice your English)
- Older Adult Conversation Group
- Connecting through Theatre – self expression through acting
- Music to Change – bringing people together through music
- Wellness & Well Being
- Free Income Tax Clinic for Low-income Households
- Register for Upcoming Community Connections Programs
Mentorship with 
HMC
HMCMentors are people who help newcomers learn about Canadian customs and language and help people to establish their knowledge of their new community.
Newcomer Mentees are people who really want to jump-start their life in Canada by being connected to local people and learning about all the amazing local assets and activities in their new community. There are two types of mentoring: career mentoring is focused on helping the mentee advance in their career, and social mentoring, which involves a more informal approach that can include orientation to our community and practicing English.
Click here to goto Mentorship section
HMC is currently seeking career mentors from various sectors who can share their industry expertise and experience with newcomers. If you are interested and want to know more, click here.
To contact us regarding mentoring, click here.
Volunteering for HMC
Get involved with one of our programs and create friendships that make a world of difference! You can take part in special events, running workshops or working one-on-one with a newcomer as a mentor.
The following are programs for which we are always seeking volunteers:
- Career Mentor – Would you like to volunteer as a Career Mentor? For more information, click here
- English and French Conversation Facilitator
- Computer Class, Canadian Citizenship, IELTS Facilitator
- Cultural Ambassador
- Newcomer Youth Tutor OR Youth Leadership volunteer
- CRA – Income Tax Preparation Clinic Volunteer
- Clerical and Technical Support to HMC various programs and Staff
- Special Events Volunteers
The time commitment involved for a volunteer varies for each program from 1-3 hours per week to occasional, throughout the year. For available volunteer opportunities apply here.
Computer Classes
Beginner and intermediate computer classes are run once a term. In the basic class you will learn the parts of a computer, how to navigate windows, basic file management, how to use email and how to connect to a network to access the internet.
In the intermediate class you will learn about the windows operating system, how to use web browsers like Google Chrome and search engines like Google and a basic introduction to the Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
Canadian Citizenship Test & IELTS Preparation
Study for your citizenship test or your IELTS preparation in a group setting. Get familiar with the test questions and the format and learn about common mistakes. Do a mock exam for practice and see where you need to study. Learn from the questions of your classmates and ask questions of the facilitator who can help you be successful in your examination.
English Conversation Practice
Conversation circles are fun and a great way to practice your English. In a group of 6 – 10 people you will talk about things related to your life in Canada. These groups are led by trained volunteers, many of whom are teachers. The topics of conversation are guided by the volunteer but are custom to the interests of the group. A fun and practical way to practice your English.
Older Adult Conversation Group
This group is similar to the conversation circles but are for older adults and seniors. The focus is on practicing English and the enjoyment of social time spent together. Discussions of world issues are common and participants share special things about their own customs and family life.
Connecting through Theatre – Self-expression through acting
Welcome to our budding actors! Here is a chance to practice English and get involved in acting and self-expression. This group also attends local theatre productions, and we encourage people to get involved with the local theatre groups.
Music to Change – Bringing people together through music
Music to change was started from a belief that music has the power to bring us together and to transcend all cultures. Bring your favourite instrument or just come to sing along, there is something for everyone in this group. Music to change would also like to encourage anyone who is technically savvy as we are very interested in producing short fun videos of our work.
Wellness & Well Being
Connection to each other is the basic need for all mental health and wellness. Join us for a variety of activities that will introduce topic of health and wellness, lifestyle, nutrition and general well being. Sessions focus on interaction and discussion and our volunteers are people with great life experience.
Free Income Tax Clinic for Low-income Households
HMC offers free income tax clinics for low-income households by appointment in March and April.
Click the link for registration and booking your appointment (HMC Income Tax Clinic Intake Form). Appointments will be confirmed by email only.
For more information, click here: (Eligibility and Documents Required)
For inquiries: cvitp.volunteer@nullhmcconnections.com
Register for Upcoming Community Connections Programs
If you are interested in registering for an upcoming Community Connections Program, visit our calendar of events, or click here to view a list of scheduled programs.