The refugee claim process is designed to ensure that only those who truly need protection receive it. Thus, it is rigorous and thorough, asking every question imaginable to establish that someone’s life is in danger. Understanding those questions, and answering them well, when English or French is not one of your languages, is next to impossible.
Research has shown that the help of an organization like COMPASS improves outcomes by 2:1. When your life is on the line, being on the “2” side is a must. Your gift to key elements of our ASSIST program supports people who are navigating the refugee claim process. With almost 90% of them being approved for Canada’s protection, your support today means you will save and change lives forever.
The need to submit a refugee claim brings them to COMPASS. Being cared for and supported in other key elements of their life is a bonus they weren’t expecting but is immeasurably valued. Even something as simple as providing bus fare means everything to them, especially in the first weeks when they have nothing.
“I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the entire COMPASS team for the unwavering support you’ve provided us throughout our journey. Your guidance and assistance have been invaluable, and we can’t thank you enough. Please extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at COMPASS for their hard work and dedication. We are eternally grateful for your help and support.”
It’s one thing to seek protection. It is quite another to experience welcome and belonging. Most newcomers face several challenges accessing needed services and experiencing integration and belonging in their new communities. We work to make sure people like you who want to make a real difference, have the right information, and the people you want to help have access to some of the most fundamental rights of due process and real needs like food, basic health care, a place to live, and a community of caring people to do life with.
All organizations need to pay for leadership positions, support staff, furniture, legal counsel, bookkeeping and audits, insurance, rent, advertising, postage, data analysis, fees and service charges and more to have an impact. Our work is valuable and changes lives, but it doesn’t happen without a place, and without equipment, and systems and regulations that protect and ensure vital outcomes. Your donation in any of these gift areas provides the tools and resources our team needs. When that happens, it makes it easier to pay for the other not so exciting things that “keep the lights on.”