Region of Waterloo is seeking for a Community Connector!



The Region of Waterloo is currently developing a four-year Strategic Plan, which will guide the CAO’s office priorities in the future. Community engagement activities are an essential part of the development phase, allowing community members to share their input and inform the plan's focus. As a Community Connector, your role is to engage with local community groups and individuals, provide information and increase awareness of the Strategic Plan, and gather invaluable feedback and insights. Your findings will inform the plan's priorities and support program development and delivery to defined community populations and groups.

Learn more about the role at Community Connector | regionofwaterloo (njoyn.com)

Waterloo Region Community Foundation is hiring a Financial Service Associate

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with accounting or finance knowledge and experience? Do you enjoy working on day-to-day financial operations and supporting the team? Are you interested in numbers and getting excited about data and reporting? Does the idea of working for a not-for-profit organization appeal to you? Are you looking for your next career opportunity in the Waterloo Region? If so, Waterloo Region Community Foundation is looking for you to join their team as the Financial Services Associate.

Applications will be received until March 31, 2023. Interested candidates please submit your cover letter and resume to Elva Zhou at finance@wrcf.ca

To learn more about the role visit: We're Hiring! Financial Services Associate - March 2023 — Waterloo Region Community Foundation (wrcf.ca)

YMCA of Three Rivers is Looking for Board and Committee Members

The YMCA of Three Rivers is looking for Board and Committee Members to join their volunteer leadership team.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023. Learn more about the role here: Recruitment (adp.com)

Expressions: Valuing Refugee Voices, a Fundraising Event for Refugee Rights Day

Join Compass in celebrating the power and beauty of refugee voices at "Expressions: Valuing Refugee Voices" - an unforgettable evening of music and stories shared by refugees in our community. Don't miss this unique opportunity to listen to the voices of those who have overcome adversity and to celebrate the richness of diversity in our society.

Tickets are limited! More information Expressions: Valuing Refugee Voices - Refugee Rights Day 2023 Tickets, Tue, 4 Apr 2023 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite

Connecting Families with Early Learning and Child Care: Meet the ELCC Navigators



The YMCA of Three Rivers has a team of Early Learning and Child Care Navigators (ELCC Navigators) ready to help young families access early learning and child care services. ELCC Navigators help eliminate  barriers to accessing Early Learning and Child Care services for all equity deserving populations, including the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) community. As one of the first points of contact for families with young children, ELCC Navigators:

· Share information about licensed child care in Waterloo Region

· Help families apply for child care on the centralized registry (OneList Waterloo Region)

· Help families access and apply for child care subsidies

· Provide information and support access to other community services and resources, including, but not limited to, special needs resourcing, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Public Health.

ELCC Navigators are funded by the Region of Waterloo 

Learn more about ELCC Navigators at Early Learning and Child Care Navigators - EarlyON Child and Family Centre (earlyyearsinfo.ca)

New in-person and Online English Classes Options Being Offered at St. Louis

There will be new in-person classes, covering CLB 1-7 and Get and Keep the Job.

For more information visit: Welcome - St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education (wcdsb.ca)

Key Dates for 2022 Taxes

Filling Dates for 2022 Taxes

• April 30, 2023 (May 1, 2023 since April 30 is a Sunday): Deadline to file your taxes
• June 15, 2023: Deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed

Payment date for 2022 Taxes

• April 30, 2023 (May 1, 2023 since April 30 is a Sunday): Deadline to pay your taxes

For more information visit Get ready to do your taxes - Canada.ca

Register Now for the Women's Program

Don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in the second round of the Women's Program, running from March 27 to May 22. The project is free, and participants will be selected based on a survey that will be accepted until March 24. The "Family Support Club" project is implemented by the parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord in m. Kitchener and financially supported by community donations to the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

This program is part of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church's efforts to support and welcome immigrants and refugees into the community.

Register now: Анкета для підтвердження участі в проекті "Family Support Club" ІІ тур (google.com)

Innovative Practices - LIPs, Community and Smaller Centres | Pratiques innovantes - PLIs, communauté et petits centres  

Mar. 30, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST

What Does it Mean to Be a Host

WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.

If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help. Hosts are people with space in their homes and a willingness to open their doors. Some hosts have a sofa bed and can offer emergency hosting only, others have a spare room or an apartment (and sometimes two) and are able to host for longer periods. Some can cook meals and help with paperwork.



Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:

Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)

Nominations Open for Senior of the Year in Kitchener and Waterloo

If you know an outstanding Kitchener resident aged 65+, don't miss the opportunity to nominate this special person to be Kitchener’s 2023 Senior of the Year!

The Provincial Senior of the Year award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding resident aged 65+ from their local community each year. Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 31st.

2023 Senior of the Year Award - Kitchener

2023 Senior of the Year Award - Waterloo

COVID-19 Impact on Canadian Immigrant and Refugee-Serving Sector: A Follow-Up Survey on Working Remotely

Three years ago the Canadian immigrant and refugee-serving sector was surveyed during the first month of working remotely as a result of COVID-19.

Take this follow-up survey to tell how you are doing, both individually and organizationally. The survey will close on April 7, 2023.

COVID & Canada’s Settlement Sector Follow-up Survey (google.com)

Québec-Ontario Project Funding

Under the agreement, Ontario’s Ministry of Francophone Affairs and the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes are funding projects developed and carried out jointly by Francophone organizations in Ontario and in Québec which aim to:

• Encourage the development of Francophone culture
• Leverage Francophone economic opportunities
• Enhance a mutual understanding between the two provinces



Each project must be submitted by an applicant from one province and a co-applicant from the other province. Ontario and Québec are each investing $250,000 in support of eligible projects. The maximum grant limit per project is $40,000. While projects from all sectors are eligible, priority will be given to projects from the economic development, culture, education and tourism sectors. The application period for 2023-2024 is open from March 1 until April 12, 2023.

For more details on eligibility, please visit: Québec-Ontario project funding | ontario.ca

Inclusive Community Grants Program: Promoting Accessibility and Active Living for All

The Inclusive Community Grants Program is now accepting applications for community projects that promote accessibility, safety, and active living for people of all ages and abilities. The program aims to support municipalities, non-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities in creating physical and social environments that enable older adults and people with disabilities to continue contributing to all aspects of community life. Projects that receive funding should benefit local communities and meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

Applications are open until April 20, 2023: Inclusive Community Grants | ontario.ca

Applications Now Open for Community Grants!

The Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is focused on creating sustainable, equitable and thriving communities. They are dedicated to supporting those most affected by the inequities that exist across the region, and to increasing opportunities for people who live and work locally.

Annually, WRCF distributes Community Grants to organizations that are located anywhere in Waterloo Region and provide support to local residents. In 2023, approximately $500,000 is available for organizations that focus on initiatives related to affordable housing and initiatives that have an impact on climate change, where that impact is specifically focused on Waterloo Region. Deadline is April 21, 2023.



Registration: Community Grants — Waterloo Region Community Foundation (wrcf.ca)

Youth Employment Support Grant

The City of Kitchener is offering a Youth Employment Support Grant to reduce barriers to summer jobs for youth with low income. The grant offers up to $300 to help cover costs such as uniforms, transit, certifications, and other expenses that may prevent young people from applying for summer jobs with the City of Kitchener.

Applicants can apply online, fill out the online form to apply for this grant. Applications are open until April 28, 2023.

Waterloo's Neighbourhood Matching Fund

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) supports projects that help neighbours develop connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create place making. Groups of two or more neighbours may apply for up to $7500 in matched funds to support their idea.

Deadlines to apply for the NMF are: May 31 and October 17, 2023. If you have a great idea that contributes to your community don't miss this opportunity.



Learn more about eligibility and guidelines: Neighbourhood Matching Fund - City of Waterloo Neighbourhoods

Guide to Help the Landlord-Tenant Relationship Continue to Improve

Landlords have taken the time and effort to consider best practices to maintain a good relationship with their tenants and help ensure that our community is a home for all.

This toolkit includes information, tools and tips to assist housing providers with eviction prevention efforts. It can also be used to help develop new policies and improve existing practices. is a great set of tools to help you maintain your business and develop a caring and professional relationship with your tenants.



Click here for the Waterloo Region Community Legal Services' Best Practices for Housing Providers of the Waterloo Region Toolkit here.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Global Skills Strategy (GSS)

Mar. 22, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Islamophobia and Anti-Hate Workshops

Mar. 22, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women encourages the community to attend this virtual event on Islamophobia and cyberhate, where a dialogue will be opened between the community and political members on possible solutions to these problems.

Community Conversations: Developing Supports for the Trans-Autism Community

Mar. 22 & Mar. 29, 2023, 7:00PM - 8:30PM

Spectrum and the Waterloo Region Family Network are hosting a community conversation to assess the need for supports tailored to the intersection of Autism and Gender Non-Conformity in the Waterloo Region. The meeting is open to individuals belonging to this intersection, caretakers or friends of those at this intersection, and those involved in community organizations working with these populations. The goal is to gather input on experiences, past services, and barriers to accessing support to develop appropriate supports for the Trans-Autism Community.

There is also a virtual meeting you can attend on March 29th. The Zoom registration page is here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcO-tpzIjHtZf6InozMlaFWO9QGRyFSZb

Open Work Permits:

A Guided Pathway to Help People Apply 

Mar. 23, 2023, 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) is hosting a webinar on how to navigate their Guided Pathway for applying for an open work permit. The Guided Pathway is an online interview that guides users through the process of drafting an open work permit application. It also provides information on eligibility criteria and necessary documents.

During the webinar, participants will learn how to use the Guided Pathway and gain insights on who can benefit from it. The webinar will also cover tips on where to pay close attention to avoid problems. when applying for an open work permit.

Acting Up: Countering Racism In Our Communities Webinar

Mar. 23, 2023, 1:00PM - 2:30PM

A Fireside Chat with OCASI member agencies: Hear what activist-leaders in the Ontario immigrant and refugee-serving sector are doing to counter racism. Join the discussion to explore challenges, share practical tips and build solidarity.

KW4 OHT Community Engagement: Shaping Decision Making for our OHT

Mar. 23, 2023, 6:00PM - 6:45PM

The KW4 Ontario Health Team, with support from Optimus SBR, are having an engagement event to review the current governance model, and decision-making and the process for decision-making that includes partners, non-OH/MOH transfer payment agreement holders, and others. The goal is to engage Members, Boards and the community on your vision of the future state of the OHT and the supporting governance and operational models.

Working with Refugees and Survivors of War

Mar. 27 and Apr. 15, 2023,

12 Hours Workshop (See schedules)

Wilfrid Laurier University is offering this interactive workshop that will provide both a conceptual framework and practical skills for assessment and interventions when working with refugees and survivors of war.

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca

Remote: 519-884-0710 ext. 5234

Online: 519-884-0710 ext. 5235

Grant Writing Workshop for Racialized Communities

Mar. 28 & Apr. 4, 2023 - 6:00PM - 8:00PM

The City of Kitchener, in collaboration with Kind Mind Family Wellness and the Kitchener Public Library, will be hosting this free, two-part hybrid workshop, tailored for racialized groups serving racialized communities, to teach the essentials for writing successful municipal, provincial, and federal grant applications. The workshop will cover effective grant writing basics and specific topics related to the City of Kitchener's Racialized, and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund. Participants will receive guidance and support related to their specific grant application challenges and build practical knowledge and transferable skills that can be applied to future grant applications. The workshop is available both in person and online, and any questions, including accommodation support, can be directed to Rea Parchment, Senior Anti-Racism Advisor at the City of Kitchener, at rea.parchment@kitchener.ca.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Francophone Immigration

Mar. 29, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Conversations for Community Care: Black Women's Mental Health

Mar. 30, 2023, 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Join Rhythm and Blues Cambridge and Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services to a group of Black women therapists in Waterloo Region for an evening of conversation and connection, so that we all can better support mental health outcomes for Black women in the community.

There will be a sharing space in a community circle, and the event will culminate in a community art project.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Permanent Resident Pathways

Apr. 5, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Youth Take Charge:

Advocacy Incubator 2023

Apr. 19 & Apr. 26, 2023

LEARN from other young activists

BUILD a campaign

PITCH your campaign

Join Children First Canada for a two-day virtual summit on advocacy, communications, and campaigns, featuring incredible keynote speakers, trainers, and facilitators who are young people just like you! During the summit, you’ll be matched up into teams on issues you care about such as climate change, poverty, or racism. Together with your team you will take what you learn in the main sessions and apply it in your campaign. Your team will develop a campaign pitch that you will present to other summit participants. The winning groups from the first round will do a shark-tank style pitch to a panel of politicians, communicators, and partner organizations. Work to have your cause be the winning campaign!

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hone your advocacy skills and make a difference!

Citizenship Support Group

In Person

Classes: Jan. 11 - Mar. 29, 2023

The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering in person citizenship support classes to help permanent residents  prepare to take the Canadian Citizenship Exam. These classes will cover material that will be on the exam and provide participants with a variety of study materials and practice tests that you can take home to review. If you are interested in registering please fill out this form.

Growing Stronger - Adult Trauma Group

Jan. 19 - Apr. 6, 2023

Carizon brings a supportive space for newcomer adults with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future.

Let's Talk Winter Sessions:

Weekly on Wednesdays between

Feb. 1 - Mar. 22, 2023, 4:30PM - 7:30PM 

Let’s Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. Their Winter Sessions will be starting soon. They will take place in the KPL Central Library located in 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener. During this 8-week free program, youth will be connected with various community and career mentors for support and guidance based on their needs and interests. Let's Talk participants will also gain volunteer hours, meet new friends, practice their English, and more as they become empowered to reach their future career and education goals.

Registration is now open for the KWMC Let's Talk program!