C10: Transition to Welcoming Communities (Offered again in the afternoon D10)
The purpose of this workshop is to reflect together upon the already functional and outcome measurement based initiatives that, through effective collaborations and partnerships, engage immigrants and empower our clients towards effective economical and social inclusion. Emphasis will be placed upon the crucial importance of Volunteer Management skills of Host Program workers and the impact it will have on the implementation of the Modernized Approach model.
The workshop is designed for all categories of audiences, from front-line workers to program coordinators and managers. The participants will be provided with real models of activities and initiatives that have been implemented at different organizational levels. The models will include hands-on tools easy to be tailored to participants’ specific needs. The importance of creating constructive partnerships with other Service Providers and Employment Centers, Community Centres, Schools, Public Health sector, Retirement Homes, Youth and Seniors oriented facilities and providers, Art and Entertainment Organizations, Environmental Groups, and Municipalities will be highlighted and reviewed.
Facilitators will be using case studies, focus group discussions, and analysis methods. The outcomes of the exercises, based on the audience’s professional experiences, practices, and personal occurrences will be used to enrich the spectrum of methods for engaging new partners and implementing new and enhanced activities to come forward to the goal of creating effective and dynamic welcoming communities.
Marilena Benak has a postsecondary education in Economics and a Masters Degree in International Business Administration. She immigrated to Canada in 2001 and started working with the YMCA Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services in 2002. Since 2006 Marilena have joined the Host Program as a Mentorship/Partnership Coordinator. She is fully dedicated to helping immigrants in the transition process of settling into Canadian society.
Mehmet Mehmet graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA in Sociology, a minor in Psychology, and a certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He joined the Host Program as a Mentors’ Coordinator in November 2007. Mehmet previous work experience has ranged from teaching English in Taiwan to being a Correctional Officer at a Youth detention Centre in London Ontario. He enjoys traveling and meeting people of diverse cultures.
