COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Community Connections is about linking people to each other and to the community.  This program’s offers a variety of mentoring programs that help people who are new to the country feel empowered and confident to take on life here in Canada.

Mentoring

Community Connections

Mentors are people who help newcomers learn about Canadian customs and language and help people to establish their knowledge of their new community and maybe even practice their English.   Newcomer mentees are people who really want to jump start their life in Canada by being connected to local people and learn about all the amazing local assets and activities in their new community.  There are three types of mentors available:

  • MentorshipProfessional Group Mentoring
    • Connecting internationally-trained professionals with Canadian professionals is effective in helping many newcomers overcome some of the barriers that they face as they try to enter the Canadian labour market.  Mentors can help a newcomer connect with other professionals in their field, provide critical information about their profession in Canada, and enhance the mentee’s knowledge of the Canadian workplace culture.  Group mentoring sessions are facilitated by professional volunteer mentors in the areas of:
      • Accounting, Banking and Finance
      • Human Resources
      • IT and Teaching
      • Health and Medical Fields
      • Engineering
  • Individual Mentoring
      • Do you need to practice your English or do you want to just learn more one on one about the local culture?  We are happy to set up individual mentoring based on your needs and learning goals.

     

    Our Mentors

  • Skills based mentoring
    • Computer classes for beginners – The classes focus on teaching the very basic computer skills: keyboard, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
    • English Conversation Circles  – Talk informally with others, build confidence speaking English and meet new people. Groups are offered in Burlington, Oakville and Milton.

If you wish to participate in any of these programs please contact community.connections@nullhmcconnections.com.  If you are a potential mentor then please check our volunteer opportunity page for an application to become a mentor.

Youth SessionsSenior Sessions
  • Summer and March Break Camps – give campers an opportunity to meet new people, practice their English and learn about their community while doing a ton of fun stuff!
  • Leadership Council – In partnership with the YMCA the leadership council gives newcomer youth a basic understanding of the principles of leadership.   Finishing this course will earn you a free 3 month membership to the Y!
  • Group fun – we have movie nights, art nights, a glee club and a whole bunch of great fun activities – make sure you sign up for our youth information newsletters!
  • Homework club – need some help with schoolwork?  We have some amazing volunteers that can help you get your grades on track.
  • Conversation circles – need help or practice with English?

Canadian Citizenship Preparation Conversation Group

We help to study for the Canadian Citizenship test in a friendly and supportive environment with other new Canadians planning on taking the test. Participants will

  • Review and discuss topics from “Discover Canada Study Book”
  • Improve their knowledge about Canada and citizenship
  • Learn about Canada’s economy and justice system
  • Understand the Rights and Responsibilities of citizenship
  • Discuss facts about Canada, its history, geography and symbols
  • Meet new friends
  • Get information about programs, events and services

Please click here to register.

English or French Conversation Circles

English or French conversation circles are all virtual. Our clients

  • Practice English or French
  • Meet new friends
  • Learn about programs and services for newcomers
  • Find volunteer opportunities

Please click here to register for English Conversation Circle

Please click here to register for French Conversation Circle

Preparation for IELTS

  • Introduction of IELTS General
  • Marking criteria and time management
  • Getting familiar with the exam paper and test procedure
  • General tips in reading, listening, speaking and writing

Please click here to register.

Multiculturalism Day 2021

Every year HMC is hosting Multiculturalism Day which is open to everyone in the community. There are presented many cultures, everyone is invited to participate in many free activities for adults and children, to taste some food, enjoy arts. There is fun for each member of a family.

“We are celebrating diversity and different cultures that makes our wonderful country Canada,” – Babur Mobarak, HMC Connections Program Manager.

Please click here to register.

New Year around the world

Experience the world’s New Year Celebrations in One Night!

HMC Connections every year invites everyone to come and experience cultural New Year traditions, customs & refreshments from around the world! This event is free and open to the public. The event features booths that represent many countries.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the driving force behind the success of HMC. Each volunteer is an integral part of the organization and plays an important role to help ensure success of our clients and our agency. As a non-profit organization, we rely on our community to get involved and assist newcomers to Canada while they adjust to the Canadian way of life.

Get involved with one of our programs and create friendships that make a world of difference! You can be involved with special events, governance, or working one-on-one with a newcomer; the possibilities are endless.

You, or your organization, can make a difference in someone’s life when you support HMC by becoming a tutor… a fundraiser… a friend… a member… a volunteer.

The following are programs for which we are always seeking volunteers:

  • Direct contact with clients
    • English Conversation Circle Facilitator
    • Computer Class Facilitator
    • Cultural Ambassador
    • Language Aid Volunteer
    • Newcomer Youth Tutor Volunteer
    • Settlement Mentor Volunteer
    • Career Mentor Volunteer
    • CRA – Income Tax Preparation Clinic Volunteer
    • Leadership Program Facilitator Assistant
  • Administration
    • Clerical Support to HMC Staff
  • Situational
    • Special Events Volunteer
      • Multiculturalism Day Event
    • Fix-it Assistant, Painter Volunteer

The time commitment involved for a volunteer varies for each program from 1-3 hours per week to occasional throughout the year.

For available opportunities apply here.

For more information, please email community.connections@nullhmcconnections.com or call us at (905) 842-2486 ext. 250. Thank you!

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