Reception House Waterloo Region

Samedi dernier, le Café des Rencontres francophones a une fois de plus réuni de nouveaux arrivants de la région!

Bien plus qu’un simple lieu de rassemblement, cet espace permet aux participants de tisser des liens personnels et professionnels, de pratiquer le français, de découvrir la culture et les réalités locales, et de renforcer leur sentiment d’appartenance à la région de Waterloo.

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Last Saturday, the Café des Rencontres Francophones once again brought together newcomers from across the region!
More than just a gathering space, this program gives participants the opportunity to build personal and professional connections, practice French, explore local culture and systems, and strengthen their sense of belonging in the Waterloo Region.

⚽️ On Monday, May 11, we hosted our second Reception House Futsal Tournament in partnership with the City of Kitchener, in celebration of Youth Month.

The event engaged 45 youth from Reception House. In the finals, RGA FC (Rohingya FC) defeated AFC (Afghanistan FC) to claim the championship. Beyond the competition, the tournament provided a vital opportunity for newcomer youth to participate in recreational activities, combat isolation, and build friendships.

Congratulations to RGA FC !!( Rohingya FC) 🏆

Behind every success story is an extraordinary team 💙

To our RH staff: thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and the countless ways you show up for our clients each day. You are the reason this work has such a lasting impact, and we are incredibly proud and grateful to have you.

This Wednesday, we joined partners and community leaders to mark an important investment in safer, more inclusive communities across Waterloo Region!

Through the Civil Remedies Grant, Reception House Waterloo Region and Muslim Social Services are expanding trauma-informed, culturally responsive supports for newcomers, youth and families.

This funding will strengthen our community through programs like Building Bridges, helping reduce isolation, foster inclusion and equip vulnerable newcomers with the tools and confidence to rebuild their lives and feel a true sense of belonging.

Stories from survivors remind us that access to care, language and culturally responsive support can make all the difference in a healing journey. This work is life-changing, and it is only possible through collaborations like this.

We are grateful to Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General for this investment and proud to work alongside partners who show up every day with compassion and care. As well as a huge thank you to MPP Jess Dixon for supporting this initiative and participating in the announcement.

Together, let's build bridges and strengthen, empower communities.

Jess Dixon
Muslim Social Services of Waterloo Region

Samedi dernier, nous avons eu le plaisir d'accueillir Lena du Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.
Lena, les francophones de KW ont beaucoup apprécié votre présence et ont énormément appris grâce à votre présentation.

Je tiens à vous remercier au nom de Reception House et de la communauté francophone de KW pour votre professionnalisme et votre engagement envers la communauté.

Je suis convaincu que les gens bénéficieront grandement du Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir et des services que vous offrez.

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Last Saturday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Lena Abdo from the MonAvenir Catholic School Board.

Lena, the Francophone community of KW greatly appreciated your presence and learned a lot from your presentation.

I would like to thank you, on behalf of Reception House and the Francophone community of KW, for your professionalism and your commitment to the community.

I am confident that many people will greatly benefit from the MonAvenir Catholic School Board and the services you offer.

Behind every journey is a story of resilience.

In this conversation between Reception House Waterloo Region CEO Babur Mawladin and Laura Mae Lindo, we hear a powerful reflection on what it means to rebuild, belong and move forward in a new community; how strong and tailored support systems save lives and prevent exhaustion of resources.

Stories like this remind us why our work matters, and the impact of compassionate, community-driven support.

🔗 Watch the full interview: https://www.rogerstv.com/waterloo-region/show/255fcfab-fe0d-4357-9db0-4e56a5a07e16?video=b9da1ae4-91bf-4bb2-ba81-8d9ae9bc2d23

Rogers tv - Home The number one destination for communities to stay connected. We focus on locally produced shows made by the volunteers and local producers from your community.

Want to make a real impact behind the scenes? 💙
We’re looking for an Administrative Assistant, Fundraising & Communications to support meaningful community work.
Apply at Reception House through the link in our bio or visit https://receptionhouse.bamboohr.com/careers/108 and join our team!

Every journey deserves a safe beginning, and Iman's story is a powerful example of why we, at Reception House Waterloo Region, strive to provide that to our clients:

When Iman arrived in 2022, finding safe, accessible, and affordable housing was essential, but it took more than 3 years and hard work of amazing staff at Reception House to make it happen. This May, she will finally move into a home that meets her needs.

Her journey reflects a critical gap in our community: even those most in need can wait years for accessible housing. Through Home Begins Here, we’re working to change that, so no one is left waiting without a place to belong.

This photo was taken at a potluck organized by staff at Reception House's temporary accommodation to celebrate her long‑awaited move.

🔗 Learn more and support Home Begins Here:https://receptionhouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/Updated-Case-for-Support-Reception-House.pdf

Stay tuned as we share more of Iman’s story 💙

Home Begins Here - Innovation in refugee and high-needs, vulnerable newcomers housing

Reception House Waterloo Region is redefining what refugee housing can be, combining affordable homes with wraparound settlement supports so newcomer families can truly thrive.

💙 Be part of the change. Learn more here:https://receptionhouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/Updated-Case-for-Support-Reception-House.pdf

We’re excited to announce that our Employment Services are now officially fully open! 🎉

As a proud service provider for powered by Serco, we are here to support job seekers with personalized employment support, career guidance, job search assistance, resume building, interview preparation, connections to training and employers, and much more.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, changing careers, or returning to the workforce, our team is ready to help you take the next step.

Email or call us today to learn more about the free services available to our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Community Heroes Recognition Banquet 🤗💙

It was a meaningful evening celebrating the individuals and partners who make our work possible - from dedicated community members and supporters to elected officials, donors (Lyle S Hallman Foundation, Kindred Credit Union and Parkminster Church) and our incredible staff.

Together, we are building a stronger, more welcoming Waterloo Region, one rooted in compassion, collaboration and belonging. We’re grateful to stand alongside such inspiring community heroes and to continue this important work together.