Creating a Warm Welcome
Recognizing Welcoming Week at IWC
As we celebrate Welcoming Week, we recognize what it means to create a sense of belonging in our communities. It’s a time to recognize the power of a warm greeting, community support and the impactful work of community organizations that dedicate their mission to supporting newcomers on their settlement journeys.
The Importance of Safe Spaces
We spoke with our team at IWC who carry out our mission on a regular basis. Their perspectives and experiences show how they create a welcoming environment for clients, students and the community.
For our Settlement team, creating a welcoming environment is a part of their everyday work. They are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for clients as they adjust to new beginnings.
Family Settlement Counsellor Ravleen shares her approach: “I welcome my clients by sharing a warm smile to make them feel welcome. I also exercise patience to make them feel comfortable to share.”
Greater Impact Through Collaboration
At our East Mountain Site, Family Settlement Counsellor Vivyan explains how she contributes to building a welcoming community. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration through working with other local organizations. Vivyan shares that partnering with organizations, groups and schools can lead to more impactful work and improved outcomes.
Personal Stories of Welcoming
Many of our staff have lived experience of arriving in a new country. Our Family Settlement Counsellor, Wendy, recalls a time when she felt welcomed in the community when participating in community round tables. “As an immigrant, working in an organization that assists newcomers, I think it’s important when our input is valued at these round tables – where we speak about different needs or issues in the community.”
In our LINC program (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada), our Instructors play a key role in making students feel welcomed. Marwa, a valued language instructor at IWC, shares her own experience of being welcomed when she first arrived to Hamilton in 2008: “I was welcomed at IWC and that’s why I strive, and I continue to do the same.”
Marwa’s tries to create the same type of welcoming environment she experienced when first arriving in Canada. An example of this is when she celebrates her students’ achievements, whether big or small. In her classes, she also starts the school year off with a “getting to know you” activity to build connections in her classroom.
Ahlam, Family Settlement Counsellor at our Hamilton East location, shares her how she creates a welcoming environment for her clients as they adjust to life in Canada. She focuses on creating a comfortable and safe space for her clients while also introducing clients to Canadian culture.
“I introduce [my clients] to the community, to engage and participate in Canadian life.” Ahlam also mentions that sharing a friendly smile is one of the first steps to creating a warm welcome.
Welcoming Week is a Celebration of Commitment and Support
Welcoming Week is a chance to celebrate the commitment and support that our frontline staff provide newcomers on a consistent basis. Their stories and experiences highlight the importance of making individuals feel valued and included. Whether through a warm gesture, active listening, or encouragement we all play a role in creating a more inclusive and connected community.
ALL LOCATIONS
Main Site
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8 Main St. E. Ste. #101
Hamilton, ON L8N 1E8 - 905-529-5209
Downtown East
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100 Main St. E. Ste. #210 & 250
Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4 - 905-529-5209
East Mountain
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1119 Fennell Ave. E. Ste. #234
Hamilton, ON L8T 1S2 - 905-529-5209
Hamilton East
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160 Centennial Pkwy North #7
Hamilton, ON L8E 1H9 - 905-529-5209
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