Community Connections

Supports newcomers through educational classes, relationship building, & social activities

Community Connections

The Multicultural Department’s Community Connections Program offers several components to support newcomers to Canada as they progress along their settlement processes within their new community. We offer educational classes, relationship building, social activities, and community events to help newcomers build connections in their community.

Please see below for a list of current programs.

Who We Help

Adult newcomers to Canada, focusing on Permanent Residents.
We can also serve work permit holders, naturalized citizens, and refugee claimants in some of our classes and events. Please contact us to find out if you are eligible.

To Access Community Connections

Classes and events are by registration. Please register by calling or emailing in advance.
You can also keep up to date with our events on our Facebook page.
There is no charge for any programs.

Join our email list to be notified of upcoming events

Weekly Sessions & Events

Conversation Circles

Newcomers can connect with each other, practise speaking English, and learn about Canadian culture and their new community from a volunteer.

Tuesdays 10:00am – 11:30am (In-Person ONLY)

Emmanuel Mennonite Church
3471 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford

Wednesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm (Online ONLY)

On Zoom

For more information, please call 604.866.5233 or email rupinder.padam@archway.ca

Click here to learn more

Citizenship Preparation

These sessions give support as newcomers study for the knowledge test and are offered twice per year. This is a great way to prepare for success with the Canadian Citizenship requirements.

The next series begins October 20, 2023.

Click here to learn more

Social Activities and Educational Sessions

Social activities such as cooking and nutrition workshops, volunteer opportunities, health and wellness activities, and social outings allow newcomers to connect and engage in their new community.

Knitting

The knitting group is an opportunity for women of all language groups to join together and enjoy developing a new skill.

Men’s Soccer

For newcomer men, we have a weekly drop-in soccer group where they enjoy connecting and playing a casual game with each other – all skill levels are welcome!

Visit archway.ca/soccer for more information.

Educational Sessions

Educational sessions support newcomers as they settle in Abbotsford. Topics include cooking and nutrition; parenting; health and wellness; and volunteerism.

Support Groups for Women

For newcomer women, we have several support groups that are available in Ukrainian, Farsi, and Punjabi. These groups offer a chance for women to learn about various topics relating to health and wellness and enjoy new activities such as yoga, walking, art and discussion groups. Free childcare is offered if needed.

Afghan Women’s Group (offered in Dari/Farsi): September-November 2023
- Click here for flyer in English and in Farsi
Punjabi Women’s Group: Concluded for Fall 2023
Ukrainian Women’s Group: Concluded for Fall 2023

Please contact kavita.puri@archway.ca for more information on upcoming groups.

Book Club

A weekly book club is offered at times throughout the year to support higher level English learners in reading and public speaking.

The next Book Club for newcomers will begin in November 2023.

Note: CLB 4 reading level or higher recommended

Click here to learn more

Parenting Groups

Community Connections offers educational sessions for newcomer parents to support them in the unique challenges of parenting in a new country. Each week, sessions focus on various topics relating to child development, social and emotional learning, as well as navigating the education system in Canada.

Referrals to local resources support parents and children in each stage of development.

Current Parenting Group will begin in October 2023 – Click here for flyer

Friendship-based Matching Program

This program helps link newcomers to diverse social networks in our community through a one-to-one pairing with a volunteer. While building a new friendship, Connections volunteers will help with newcomers’ priorities such as learning about Canada and the Abbotsford community, developing new social networks, obtaining services, and practising conversational English.

Join our email list to be notified of upcoming events

Interested in Volunteering with Community Connections?

“I just wanted to say thank you to you for the citizenship class provided last year…. I can’t tell you the amount of confidence I feel thanks to your class and the time you spent helping us navigate through all that information (new to all of us) in such a short period of time.”

Newcomer

Did You Know?

Community Connections began as the Host Program in 1995 and Archway has been providing services for newcomers for 50+ years.

Learn more

“I think that this program, with a Canadian volunteer friend, is the best way to learn English.”

Newcomer

Read Jin and Jinny’s story to learn more about the One-on-One Matching program which facilitates meaningful relationships between newcomers to Canada and enthusiastic volunteers.

“We take care to find perfect matches for volunteers and clients based on their personal goals, schedule and interests. This program helps newcomers like Jin make a connection in their new community so they can feel comfortable and confident navigating their new environment,” said program facilitator Lata Aggarwal.