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.

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 during the Spring and Fall (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.

Click here to learn more

Social Activities and Wellness Groups

Social activities such as cooking and nutrition workshops, health and wellness activities, and social outings allow newcomers to connect and engage in their new community. Newcomer women have opportunities to connect in peer groups and enjoy various experiences to promote well-being such as yoga, Nordic walking, art and discussion groups. Free childcare is offered if needed.

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 workshops support newcomers as they settle in Abbotsford. Topics include cooking and nutrition; parenting; road safety; and health and wellness.

Parenting Groups

Community Connections offers 6-week educational series 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.

Driving Knowledge Test Preparation

Offered twice a year in either English or Dari, participants learn about road safety and the rules of driving in Canada as they prepare to write the knowledge driving test for ICBC.

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 practicing conversational English.

Interested in Volunteering with Community Connections?

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.