We are a volunteer service organization that serves private refugee sponsors in Ontario. We provide no cost resources and training, connections with fellow sponsors, and collaboration with settlement agencies and knowledge experts. For more information, please visit our About Us page.

We offer sponsors opportunities to learn through workshops, lunch & learns, mentorship, best practice guidelines, and on-demand training resources. You can learn more by visiting our Resources page.

You are always welcome to access our resources, including workshops and training. But as each province offers different services and processes, we are focused on Ontario-specific information. If you are interested in potentially setting up a network in your province or jurisdiction, please reach out to us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca to learn more and how to begin the process.

If you are want to learn more about how to address post-arrival sponsorship issues in collaboration with private sponsors, you can subscribe to the PRSN database to receive information about training events and learning opportunities. We do not charge any subscriber fees.

PRSN reflects the voice of sponsor need in the sector. Our mandate is connection, learning and sharing. Through public education and raising awareness of the role of private refugee sponsors, PRSN is helping to raise the sponsor voice thorough story telling, and talking to those in the sector about the important role private sponsors play. PRSN aims to be the “go-to” resource for information-sharing, problem-solving and training as well as raising issues and potential solutions that affect private sponsorship.

No, that’s not PRSN’s role, as we’re focused on post-arrival issues. While PRSN isn’t involved in recruiting sponsors, or helping them get established, we can direct you to great resources to help you learn about the process and get started on your sponsorship work. Visit our Why Sponsorship Matters page for more information.

No, that’s not PRSN’s role, as we’re focused on post-arrival support for sponsors. While PRSN isn’t involved in recruiting sponsors, or helping them get established, there are great resources available to answer any questions you may have. Visit our Why Sponsorship Matters page for more information.

At the moment, PRSN does not have operational or project funding. It is 100% volunteer driven. We do not yet have charitable status so cannot provide tax receipts for your donation. However, if you wish to support our work, we would be delighted to acknowledge your gift. Just get in touch at info@refugeesponsornet.ca, and we will tell you how to make your gift.

We do not yet have charitable status, so we cannot provide a tax receipt for any donations made to our work. But, your gift would be most appreciated and acknowledged.

We are always interested in having passionate, committed volunteers work with us! By joining one of PRSN’s committees you can play a vital role in shaping the future of refugee sponsorship in Canada. Our committees are the driving force behind our programs and services, working tirelessly to provide essential support to private sponsors. Learn more through our Volunteering page, or email us to get in touch.

Board members serve up to two-three year terms, and are nominated by our Nominating Committee from those who serve on our committees, or who have experience in the sector. They are elected at an annual general meeting in September. Vacancies on the board are filled by the board, when necessary. If you would like to send an indication of interest, please reach out at either info@refugeesponsornet.ca or our Contact Us page

You can contact faith-based communities like churches, or community organizations to determine if they have a refugee sponsor group and let them know of your interest and desire to participate. Sponsor groups are sometimes hard to find because they are protected by privacy legislation to ensure the safety of those they are settling. If you want to establish a Group of 5 to sponsor a family as outlined by the government, you can find that information on https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-sponsor-refugee-groups-five.html

The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) can help you get started. You can find them at https://www.rstp.ca/en/. They have the staff and tools to help you get established and explain how the process works. Once you are ready to sponsor, then you will want to connect with PRSN as well to address post-arrival settlement issues. There is also information on the IRCC website about private sponsorship that you will find helpful.

All sponsor groups are responsible for raising a specified amount to support the family being sponsored for one year, for example, you will have to raise at least $32,500 to support a family of four for one year, and maybe more, depending on where you are in Ontario. Your group has to help the family settle and integrate into Canadian life. You will have to find a doctor, a dentist, get kids in school, find ESL classes, open bank accounts, help to create an employment strategy, among other responsibilities. You can find all the details at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/sponsor-refugee/private-sponsorship-program/assessments/post-arrival-requirements.html#1

We recommend the following resources:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html

https://www.ontario.ca/page/services-covered-by-healthy-smiles-ontario

We know that this is usually a sponsor group’s the most challenging task. Finding affordable housing successfully usually requires significant research, like mapping your community to identify potential housing, contacting a settlement agency, or talking to a real estate agent. Take a look at our best practice guideline on housing.

There are lots of ways to help a newcomer create an employment strategy. Take a look at our best practice guideline. But, you may want to contact Jumpstart Refugee Talent https://jumpstartrefugee.ca/ to see if they can help. Remember that considering the trades is important, as is networking, and don’t forget to consult bridging programs.

You’re right that building trust is the foundation of all settlement practice and is one of the most important responsibilities that sponsors have both within their own sponsor groups, and with those they sponsor. Trust can strengthen the bond between both parties, foster collaboration and promote constructive methods to solve any issues. When trust exists, people are more likely to listen to each other, to empathize with differing perspectives and work collaboratively together. Developing trust leads to deeper understanding and cooperation, commitment to the relationship. It is a win-win because when sponsors listen to refugees with empathy and respect, empowerment is the result, and great things happen. Take a look at our building trust practice guideline.

PRSN has a Knowledge Exchange Committee that works with researchers from five universities to document settlement success and areas that need improvement. You can access information about current research on Re-Settlement Plus, a platform established by the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa.