A new volunteer program from Southeast Newcomer Services is designed to bridge gaps and build connections between new and old community members.
The program, which began in July, has been set up to help people who are new to Estevan get involved in the community by learning about the volunteer opportunities within the Energy City and making quick connections with the institutions who are always seeking more help.
Sarah Mehler, Southeast Newcomer Services program co-ordinator, said the program helps community organizations while strengthening the ties between new residents and the community.
"We created this volunteer program to help some of our newcomers get involved in the community, meet new people and give them an opportunity to improve their English skills as well," said Mehler. "We're encouraging newcomers to volunteer within the community, so we can educate them about our community as well as educate our current citizens about the newcomers who are coming in to our region."
Mehler said a number of organizations have already come on board, expressing their interest in accessing an, at times, untapped source of volunteers. The Salvation Army, St. Joseph's Hospital, Hillcrest Early Learning Centre, Souris Valley Theatre and Estevan Public Library have connected with the program, which is very much still in its infancy.
"We've had some great feedback. We're connecting," she said, noting the program is a means of both organizations and interested volunteers of finding one another.
But she said the program is more than just a way to connect people and organizations. It's also about connecting people with others.
"It's about building that contact. A lot of newcomers, they come here, they go to work and they speak a little bit of English at work, but then they go home to their community," she said, "and they don't have a connection to our community. We're trying to set this up so that people can meet other people this way and build some friendships and contacts and still work on those skills while volunteering."
Mehler noted the program helps newcomers become more established, meeting not only long-time Estevan residents who can help with their knowledge of the city but also other newcomers who can relate to the issues of being new.
"It's a good opportunity for our newcomers and the community because we think it will help with social inclusion," said Mehler.
"I have a few people signed up and a couple of girls have been placed. They wanted to do three different organizations," she added, noting both are volunteering at the hospital, early learning centre and Souris Valley Theatre. "They love it. They like getting out in the community and being involved. They're speaking English and meeting new people."
She said the summers are a little slower at Southeast Newcomer Services, but they still service about 30 new clients every month, while seeing another 80 to 100 come back regularly to further tap the resources available at the service.
"There are a lot still registering with us and taking advantages of the programs we have here."
When new clients come through the doors, they are made aware of the availability of the volunteer program and Mehler has made presentations to various organizations around the community to get the word out about the program, while also attending some ESL classes to connect with newcomers.
"People aren't going to join up if they don't want to. The people who are involved in this program so far are really excited about it, and they want to get a good experience from it."
Mehler said they are always looking for new organizations who may be looking to expand their volunteer base and those interested in getting involved in any capacity are asked to contact her at the Southeast Newcomer Services office by calling 306-637-4920.
