The ”R” in T.H.R.I.V.E. is the pivotal element of the entire framework. Referrals and Relationships are about people coming alongside people to meet needs, promote belonging, and bring change.
Refugee Support Network
Referrals and Relationships
Regarding Referrals
There are a lot of things that COMPASS does really well!! There are many things that others do better than COMPASS ever could or should. One of the strengths we have is knowing who or what organization beyond us can meet a need or deliver a critical service with the same warm welcome we focus on bringing in our work.
Our team is well-versed in where to go to access healthcare, education, income supports, and so much more. We value the refugee support network of workers in schools, community centres, faith groups, grassroots movements, and social service organizations that are each set up to meet very specific needs with expertise and compassion. We regularly assess people’s ability to access these referrals, and how they were received.
Our team often provides workshops and other training to help these groups and organizations better understand the unique needs of refugee claimants and the role of COMPASS to ensure the best experience and outcomes possible for our clients.
Regarding Relationships
COMPASS began as a group of people who knew what it took to make peace and were willing to do so. It was not about big programs and expensive agendas. It was a willingness to form relationships, to welcome one or two people at a time to family dinner tables, and to find ways to meet very practical needs.
Today, COMPASS is still about people who know what it takes to make peace and are willing to do so. Simple, daily acts that show respect and restore dignity. Letting go of “mine” and making it “ours” for as long as is needed to change a life. Speaking up when barriers threaten just outcomes and opportunity to thrive. Listening long enough to appreciate differences. Not needing someone to be like you to be valued and helped.
Having clear ways to create meaningful connections between community members and COMPASS clients is a big part of facilitating relationships that could long outlive a client’s time with COMPASS while meeting some very real social support needs.
Our initial focus as we develop this part of the T.H.R.I.V.E. framework is to create relationship-focused GOOD NEIGHBOUR teams of 5-6 people. This refugee support network will help claimants fulfill their priorities through their first six months in Canada. See Volunteer Opportunities for more details.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Housing Support Team – 1 to 2 people (ongoing)
- Help with subsidy, community housing, and lease applications.
- Help to maintain a housing search board
- Help to identify fair and kind landlords
Food and Well-being Support Team – 2 to 4 people needed (ongoing)
- Help us source and pick up donated food that we can provide snacks and meals in office
- Help us maintain a dry goods, toiletries, and hygiene pantry that clients can benefit from when they have an appointment
- Prepare welcome and support kits
- Deliver support kits to eligible families at Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Thanksgiving.
Good Neighbour Team – Teams of 5-6 people (we are not accepting individual volunteers at this time)
- Minimum six month commitment
- As needed for claimant priorities
- Navigating and accessing services (like banking, health, dental care, transportation systems)
- Reducing Social Isolation (attending community events, supporting social connections)
- Growing confidence with the English language through everyday shared activities
- Finding suitable employment
and so much more…
Get Involved
COME and add to a growing story of impact that needs no ending. COME and help us ensure that we become so valuable to our community that we could not, not, be here; that none of us could imagine being without each other.
