The Huron County Immigration Partnership is supporting community-led plans to provide help to families arriving from Ukraine. The organization is recruiting volunteers to assist newcomers with housing, transportation, and conversational English-language practice.
Coordinator Kristin Crane says he first families from Ukraine have arrived in our communities and more are expected in the months ahead. Huron County Warden Glen McNeil said they want every person who arrives to feel like they belong and are supported to resettle here.
The Huron County Immigration Partnership is working with Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada to match Ukrainian families who are arriving with volunteers.
“We are connected with people from Ukraine waiting to fly to Canada once housing is found and volunteer commitments are made,” said Mary Mokrushyna, Director of the Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada.
As well, newcomer settlement advisors from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ready to assist newcomer families in their first days of settling in Canada.
“We help connect newcomers to the resources and information they need to feel established in their new home. We assist by guiding people as they access and sign-up for government services, English classes, various social supports, employment, healthcare, education and other daily life needs. Based on a newcomer’s unique needs and strengths, our Newcomer Settlement Advisors will help build a personalized plan for individuals and families to help them achieve their unique goals,” said Jacquie Rumiel, VP of Newcomer and Community Services at the YMCA.
Both the Huron County Immigration Partnership and the settlement services of the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are funded by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. Additional in-kind support is being offered by The Town of Goderich to assist with volunteer coordination.
“As a community that is truly blessed to be safe during a very troubled time, we want to extend our warmth to every new arrival, especially those who are escaping conflict from Ukraine,” said Goderich Mayor John Grace.
Welcome signs written in both Ukrainian and English in Ukraine’s official colours are being distributed to County residents and are available at local Huron County Library branches. People interested in volunteering can fill out a form at local Huron County Library branches or online at connectedcountyofhuron.ca/support-for-ukrainian-newcomers