We offer an opportunity for private refugee sponsors to connect, learn and share. We have found that sharing our experience, challenges and success goes a long way to ensure effective and efficient settlement practice. Newcomers benefit from sponsors connecting.
Our goal is to be the “go-to” organization, a trusted resource, where sponsors can learn from each other through collaboration with settlement agencies and experts in a variety of fields. We want to make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
We offer online two-hour workshops addressing issues identified by private sponsors. Topics have included understanding cultural impact, challenges in finding accommodation, dealing with health issues, accessing education certification, creating employment strategies, what ESL works best, how to address needs in smaller communities, opening a conversation around financial planning as well as child protection, mental health issues and challenges, among others. To register for our events, watch for our flyers and send us an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
All workshops run from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon with an opportunity for connecting, learning and sharing following the formal training by joining a breakout room.
Sponsors possess considerable knowledge from work and lived experience. Together, in discussion, they address issues and problems sponsor groups face in working toward best practice. With the help of a resource person and a moderator, they get to the heart of the challenge and offer each other practical solutions in an online, one-hour discussion where they quickly gain new knowledge or confirm they are on the right track in their decision-making.
To register for a Lunch & Learn, from 12 noon – 1:00 pm, watch for our flyers and send us an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
Managing Expectations: Why and How
We have developed a mentorship program that is now ready for pilot testing, to assist new sponsors in Ontario. If you are looking for help in best practice, this is the program for you..
Mentoring is a supportive partnership based on trust and respect, where experienced mentors share their knowledge and experience with those they mentor. A mentor is not expected to be an expert, a social worker, or settlement professional, but some one who has walked the walk, is a good problem-solver based on practical life experience. Being a mentor means leading the way to best practice providing insight learned through his/her own sponsorship experience.
If you want to learn more about our program and how you can participate in the pilot project, contact us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
If you are interested in evidence-based research, we encourage sponsors and those they sponsor to participate in research studies conducted by Ontario universities to determine best practice in settlement. Get in touch with us at info@refugeesponsornet.ca and we will tell you how you can participate.
We share specific information with Network participants through regular emails. When you have something that might benefit others, you are encouraged to send it to info@refugeesponsornet.ca, and we will pass the information along to Network participants.
If you are trying to solve a particular problem or challenge, or reach someone who has direct experience with a specific challenge you are facing, let us know by sending an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca. We will do our best to connect you with a member who can help.