Volunteer Opportunities
The dedication of our volunteers is one of the greatest strengths of JIAS
JIAS volunteers are set up for success and ensured an effective and meaningful experience for themselves and the newcomers they support through extensive volunteer training.
Our volunteers are also provided with opportunities to connect with each other to provide support, offer tips, and share best practices.
JIAS volunteers form close bonds with clients that help put newcomers on the path to success. It is not uncommon for volunteers and clients to form long-lasting friendships.
Sponsor a Refugee
JIAS can sponsor refugees to come to Canada through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. We partner with volunteer groups, formally called Constituent Groups, who provide financial and/or settlement support for refugees and their families during their first year in Canada. For more information, contact refugee@jiastoronto.org.
Welcome Circles
Teams of 5-8 volunteers who are matched with a newcomer individual or family to provide coordinated, essential support for newcomers over a period of 3-4 months.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
English Conversation Circles
A volunteer is matched with a small group of English language learners to facilitate a weekly one hour session over Zoom where they practice their English speaking skills in a conversational setting.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
Conversation Companions
Meet with a newcomer one on one over video chat each week for English conversation practice.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
Reading Club
Volunteer with newcomer children in grades 1-8 who do not speak English at home to help them practice reading and speaking in English with other newcomer children. Sessions are held over Zoom.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
Tutoring
Tutor a newcomer adult or youth. This can include helping elementary school students, high school students, adults enrolled in LINC or ESL, or adults working full time and unable to attend language school.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
JIAS Response Team
A WhatsApp group where volunteers can respond to one-off or urgent needs of JIAS clients, which may include: picking up newcomers from the airport, taking newcomers to and from a medical or Service Canada appointment, or delivering items such as laptops from the JIAS office to newcomers.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
Family to Family
Your family will be matched with a newcomer family to help orient them to their new home and the local Jewish community.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.
JumpStart
Volunteer as an employment mentor or carry out informational interviews to help new immigrants connect to the Canadian labour market.
Email volunteer@jiastoronto.org to learn more.