This map, from The Peoples Church, shows partner organizations of the Newcomer Network as well as service organizations where newcomers can seek assistance and where volunteers can serve.
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” -Leviticus 19:33-34
This scripture passage is at the root of the vision for the Newcomer Network, a ministry of The Peoples Church, which opened its doors in the spring of 2013. This ministry is geared towards assisting newcomers in Toronto (immigrants, refugees, international students/migrant workers) by:
- showing Compassion through intentional acts of assistance and support
- providing Connection through a network of relationships within the Church and with partner organizations
- creating Community by being a venue for gathering and relationship building.
Speaking about the Newcomer Network, a member of the team stated, “We’re working with groups such as the Mennonite New Life Centre and the YMCA to have their professional workers come in and provide those services, those actual settlement services so that doing documents, being able to refer to good agencies, for housing and things like that. So to have those workers who really know the ins and outs and can make the proper referrals.”
The network’s aim is that, as relationships are formed, these newcomers will be connected with partner organizations which provide programs and services for newcomer support. In addition, one-on-one support for housing, settlement and employment will be provided at the Newcomer Network Welcome Centre. They will also be invited and integrated into existing and new church ministries.
The map below shows partner organizations of the Newcomer Network as well as service organizations where newcomers can seek assistance and where volunteers can serve. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us.