COSTI is currently recruiting volunteers for its Community Connections Program to support government-sponsored refugee families arriving in the Greater Toronto Area. Selected volunteers will be matched with a newcomer family to assist in their integration and settlement journey, providing guidance, support, and a welcoming presence as they adapt to their new community.

Duties of Welcome Group volunteers might vary based on the family’s needs, some of which might include  

• Build a positive and trusting relationship with newcomer families 

• Socialize and engage with the newcomer family to help build connections and raise a sense of belonging 

• Provide interpretation support if you speak the same language as the family  

• Escort the newcomer clients to some appointments to help navigate the public transportation system 

• Provide information and share resources based on the family's needs 

• Hold a casual conversation with parents/ adult family members to enhance English skills  

If you are interested, please contact us at nahrin.ojanes@costi.org

The Peer Support Volunteer plays a vital role in providing compassionate, empathetic support to individuals and families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Volunteers offer a listening ear, shared understanding, and companionship on the grief journey, creating a safe space for bereaved individuals to express their feelings, share memories, and receive validation from someone who “gets it.” By joining our team, you’ll help ensure that no one has to grieve alone.

Responsibilities:

• Provide emotional support through one-on-one phone calls, online meetings, or in-person (as appropriate) to individuals who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
• Listen actively, showing empathy and compassion, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to share their grief.
• Share your own experiences in a supportive and respectful manner, when appropriate, to help normalize and validate the individual’s feelings.
• Support participants in finding resources and encourage self-care practices that align with their unique grief journey.
• Communicate and collaborate with PAIL Network staff, sharing updates as needed while respecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
• Complete initial and ongoing training to enhance skills, including workshops on grief, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity.

Qualifications:

• Personal experience with pregnancy or infant loss and a desire to support others going through similar experiences.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support.
• Respect for confidentiality and boundaries, with an understanding of the importance of privacy in peer support relationships.
• Ability to commit to regular volunteer sessions, showing reliability and consistency.
• Willingness to participate in training, supervision, and support meetings as needed.

Training and Support:

• Comprehensive training on topics such as grief, trauma-informed care, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ongoing support from PAIL Network staff and access to additional training opportunities.
• Regular check-ins and debriefing sessions to support volunteers in their role.

If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and feel called to support others on their grief journey, we encourage you to apply. By sharing your understanding, compassion, and empathy, you can help ensure that bereaved individuals know they are not alone.

 

one-to-one or group volunteer opportunities available

• Palliative Care Volunteer
• Grief & Bereavement Volunteer
• Fundraising Initiatives, Events and Community Awareness Volunteer
• Administrative Support Volunteer
• VON DHS Community Corporation (VON CC)

Volunteer opportunities for people who are approximately two years past their bereavement date and are looking for meaningful ways to offer their support to others * be trained to offer peer support for bereavement groups and events, by phone and private online support groups * in person support groups are suspended for the time being