As a Volunteer Mentor, you will be matched one-on-one with a newcomer to Canada to help them build social connections, learn about life in Canada, and gain confidence navigating their new community. Your role is not to be an expert but to act as a supportive guide, listener, and friendly connection who fosters a welcoming space for conversation, cultural exchange, and encouragement. Through this relationship, you will help mentees strengthen their sense of belonging, develop social networks, and become more comfortable with everyday experiences and community resources in Canada. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, you may also have the opportunity to facilitate or co-facilitate small group workshops focused on social integration topics such as building social networks, community engagement, Canadian culture, communication skills, and everyday life in Canada.

Responsibilities:

As a Volunteer Mentor for the Community Connections: Supporting Newcomers to Thrive in Canada, you will:

• Meet regularly with your mentee, either virtually or in person, to maintain consistent support
• Foster a positive, respectful, and supportive mentoring relationship
• Share insights about life in Canada, including navigating systems and accessing community resources
• Support your mentee in exploring local activities, services, and opportunities
• Encourage participation in social and community events to build connections
• Assist your mentee in setting and working toward personal settlement and integration goals

• Engage in conversational English practice and promote meaningful cultural exchange

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education or equivalent experience is an asset
• Experience working with diverse communities or newcomers is an advantage
• Lived experience as a newcomer to Canada is welcome
• Friendly, patient, and welcoming
• Good listeners with strong interpersonal skills
• Interested in learning about different cultures and experiences
• Reliable and committed to meeting regularly with a mentee
• Comfortable connecting people to community resources

Eligibility Requirements:

• Requires English proficiency at a minimum CLB Level 6 or higher
• Able to volunteer on site between Monday to Friday
• Be 21 years of age or older

Training:

• Training will be provided. Training includes orientation to WoodGreen, program-specific training sessions, and documentation procedures.

Screening Requirements:

• Resume
• Interview
• Two references (1 personal, 1 professional)
• Vulnerable Sector Screening (instructions provided after acceptance)

Commitment:

• Approximately 4 – 6 hours per month
• Minimum commitment of 6 months preferred
• Participation in mentor training and orientation is required

Locations:

• 1494 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
• 815 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON
• Hybrid

Start Date:

• July 2026