Somali-Speaking Group Volunteer Refugee Newcomers

Position: Somali-Speaking Welcome Group Volunteer for Refugee Newcomers

Overview

Together Project connects government-assisted refugees and refugee claimants with volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities in Winnipeg. Our Welcome Group Program serves newcomers facing challenges to successful integration, including language and culture barriers, health issues, unemployment, and limited social connections. Volunteers work to address priorities identified by matched households, helping newcomers and volunteers build social connections and mutual understanding.

Together Project operates as a charitable initiative of the Make Way Shared Platform and uses evidence-based program evaluation and research to inform its impact. It collaborates with IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba).

Volunteer Opportunity Details

Volunteer Opportunity : 6030

Responsibilities

• Match with refugee newcomers for social and integration support over a 3-6 month period, meeting with and empowering newcomers to participate in the community.
• Work with the Welcome Group to address the priorities identified by the matched household and support social connection among group members.
• Participate in program activities and use virtual tools (e.g., Whats App, Zoom) as needed.

Skills Required

• Somali-speaking
• Passionate about helping newcomers and building social connections
• Organized, sociable, and culturally sensitive
• Patient and interested in social work, immigration, and/or settlement
• Open to using virtual communication tools

Skills Gained / Related Careers

Volunteers are matched with refugee newcomer families based on availability, skills, location, shared interests, and family composition. Over 3-6 months, volunteers work together to address identified priorities and build relationships with newcomers through regular interaction.

What you can help with

• Practicing conversational English
• Accessing and navigating services (e.g., healthcare)
• Finding and applying to employment opportunities
• Assisting youth with school and extracurricular activities
• Socializing and helping newcomers learn about Canada

Training

Together Project provides training, guidance, and interpretation/translation assistance to maximize impact.

Eligibility & Schedule

• Age ranges: 18-30, 31-54, 55+
• Time Commitment:
  Micro Volunteering, Remote Volunteering, Flexible Hours
• Weekly interaction recommended; most volunteers dedicate roughly 3-4 hours per month over 3-6 months
• Interactions can be online or in-person, as preferred
• Time commitment is flexible; group members share responsibilities

Application Process

After acceptance, a staff member will contact you via email to arrange an interview. Note that volunteer interest often exceeds opportunities.

Contact & Location

Contact: Jennilee Austria, Communications and Program Outreach Specialist

Location: Winnipeg

Additional Details

• Does opportunity require a criminal record check? Yes
• Will cost be reimbursed? No
• Does opportunity require a child abuse registry check? No
• Organization provides: a letter of reference, supervision, training/orientation
• Address: B Suite 511, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0E2

Note:

Our team operates in a hybrid model; appointments are encouraged as we are not always in the office. Volunteer Manitoba acknowledges Indigenous lands and partners in reconciliation.

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