Our Vision
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THIS?
That every person: this removes the label that makes refugees a category instead of people just like you and me who have been put in a situation, through no fault of their own, that requires them to seek refuge. Our desire is to proclaim the humanity and dignity of the person needing protection.
coming to Canada: speaks to having come from some other place
seeking refuge: speaks to the need to flee; the motivation for coming and the stakes if their and our vision is not fulfilled
has unhindered access to justice: speaks to the “assist” element of our mission while also envisions a day when such justice is no longer hard to access.
and opportunity to thrive: speaks to the “accompany” element of our mission in which we and all who join us come alongside people in creative and relational ways as they work to rebuild their lives to their fullest potential.
in welcoming communities: speaks to the “advocate” element of our mission. We are calling for communities (from local to national) to change their perception of those who come from the “outside” and willingly receive and integrate them, thereby creating stronger communities that flourish because of those who are continually being added.
Our Mission
The COMPASS Mission: To assist, accompany, and advocate for refugee claimants in our community. We also work with Protected Persons and Convention Refugees who have a successful refugee claim.
ASSIST
COMPASS is often the first step for refugee claimants in Canada. We assist with:
- Initial Refugee Claim Documents.
- Accessing Legal Aid, Referrals to Lawyers.
- Applications for Ontario Works, Community Housing.
- Work Permits, Study Permits, Travel Document Applications.
- Translation and Interpretation Support.
- Hearing Preparation and Hearing Facilitation
- Permanent Residency and Family Reunification Applications.
ACCOMPANY
A new country, language, climate, and culture can bring many challenges for families struggling to meet their basic needs. COMPASS helps refugee claimants:
- Get oriented to their new community.
- Build meaningful networks of support.
- Find immediate shelter, long-term housing, and food security.
- Obtain social assistance and employment.
- Access healthcare.
- Find educational opportunities and supports.
ADVOCATE
Issues such as unfair legislation and barriers to families’ reunification are just two of the many significant obstacles facing refugee claimant families. COMPASS helps by raising awareness in the community and by advocating for change at various levels of public and political influence and policy formation.
Current Advocacy Initiatives include:
- Equitable access to adequate shelter.
- Consistent and timely systems processes.
- Concerns for the negative impact of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).
Our Values
We regularly measure ourselves against our values to ensure we are moving forward with integrity, consistency, and alignment
EMPATHY
We get into the hard places to be true with people. We seek to come alongside with humility, compassion, and love, offering a secure and safe setting for people to tell their story and taste peace.
INCLUSION
We are the friend and second family that many people need when they first arrive. We work to ensure all individuals are treated fairly, respectfully and have equal access to opportunities and resources.
EMPOWERMENT
We focus on the strengths of people, providing access to opportunities and resources to gain experiences and skills that enable personal control over the things that influence their lives.
RESPECT
We look for generosity of time, resources, and relationship that supports the dignity, equality, and capability of each person we work with, for, and on behalf of.
We provide a positive space and a bridge to new connections that expand the network of support and relationships people need. We are an active member of a broader welcoming community that cares for and supports refugee claimants, protected persons, and convention refugees.
Our Team
Each member of our team is exceptional and committed to fulfilling their role in our mission to assist, accompany, and advocate for refugee claimants in our community. The great work that we do is possible because of their hard work, expertise, compassion, and dedication to providing improved access to justice.
Leadership and Admin Team
Carolyn Watson
COMPASS Immigration Solutions, Immigration Consultant
226.476.2263
Claire Tweddle
Finance Manager
519.571.1912 x 1016
Dawn Gill
Development Manager
519.571.1912 x 1015
Olga Strasburger
Fundraising Associate
519.571.1912 x 1036
Shelley Campagnola
Executive Director
519.571.1912 x 102
Tony Van Giessen
Operations and Program Manager
519.571.1912 x 107
ASSIST Team
Alex Nicolaes
Caseworker
519.571.1912 x 104
Amrita Shrestha
ASSIST Team Lead
519.571.1912 x 106
Camila Trujillo
Caseworker
519.571.1912 x 105
Elisha Gage
Intake Worker
519.571.1912 x 1038
Marilena Herzing
Intake Worker
519.571.1912 x 1034
Marina Dubon Hernandez
Caseworker (on leave)
519.571.1912 x 104
Zahra Ludin
Caseworker
519.571.1912 x 1014
ACCOMPANY Team
Grace Nshimiyumukiza
Literacy and Employment Readiness Coordinator
519.571.1912 x 1037
Kristin Baetz
Community Engagement Coordinator
519.571.1912 x 1040
Kristy Sawatzky
Accompany Team Lead
519.571.1912 x 108
Siqoqile (Vovo) Ndebele
Volunteer Program Lead
Human Resources Assistant
519.571.1912 x 1035
ADVOCATE Team
Jenn McIntyre
Border Rights Clinic Coordinator
1.833.979.3522
Kathleen Hadekel
Border Rights Clinic Staff Lawyer
1.833.979.3522
Kristin Marshall
Border Rights Clinic Staff Lawyer
1.833.979.3522
Click on the picture to see day to day life at COMPASS with our team!
Get Involved
You can add to a growing story of impact that needs no ending. Get involved with COMPASS and experience the joy we all have helping people gain life beyond refuge!
