MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre (MJNWC) is ramping up its programming with a series of initiatives designed to help newcomers integrate into the workforce and their new home this spring.
Melissa Mitchell, manager of the MJNWC, said the centre has been busy with multiple programs, particularly in the areas of employment readiness and job networking.
“We have two employment programs within our office here,” Mitchell said. “One is our employment readiness facilitator program. This program helps get clients ready to (enter) the job market, and the employment connections advisor is someone who connects with employers to help get those individuals ready for work.”
The centre is organizing six-week employment workshops, which will rotate and have repeat intakes with the same information to ensure accessibility for participants. These workshops cover key aspects of employment readiness, with topics scheduled on a biweekly basis.
All workshops will take place at the MJNWC and start at 4 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
Here’s what’s upcoming in the “Are You Ready to Work” series:
- Local job market and networking: the first workshop took place on March 13
- Computer literacy: Thursday, March 20
- Local job market and networking: will repeat on Tuesday, March 25
- Resume and cover letter writing: Thursday, March 27
- Computer literacy: will repeat on Tuesday, April 1
- Job searching: Thursday, April 3
For a full program lineup for April, call 306-692-6892 or email [email protected].
Community integration initiatives
In addition to employment-focused programs, the MJNWC will foster social connections through the ongoing Community Café, a monthly gathering designed to bring newcomers and established residents together.
“It’s actually a monthly event… and we’re really trying to encourage more people to join in,” Mitchell said. The event takes place on the third Thursday of each month, is open to the whole community, and begins at 7 p.m. at the MJNWC, located at 432 Main Street North.
The Community Café provides a space for newcomers to practice English, make friends, and build professional networks in their new home. It also offers a chance for employers to connect with potential hires in a relaxed setting.
“We’ve had really great success with new friendships developing through these types of programs,” Mitchell noted.
Upcoming Community Café workshops:
- Thursday, March 20, starting at 7 p.m.
- Thursday, April 24, starting at 7 p.m.
Another initiative, the Healthy Living Project, is aimed at newcomer women and girls, and offers monthly activities focused on their well-being.
“We’re trying to do at least one program every month, and we’re partnering with a local business like a yoga studio, dance class, another fitness program, or maybe (a chef or restaurant) for a cooking class,” Mitchell said.
These sessions are typically held at the partnering business location, in spaces such as gyms or studios. If you are the owner of a similar business, you can call 306-692-6892 for more information.
Upcoming Healthy Living Project workshops:
- The next workshop is scheduled for Friday, April 11, starting at 4 p.m., featuring a women’s-only yoga course
Getting to know Moose Jaw
The Welcome Centre is also hosting an information session to introduce newcomers to the city’s services and recreational opportunities. This presentation will cover topics such as city transit, recycling, recreation opportunities, bylaws, parking meters, and how ticketing works.
“The City of Moose Jaw will be coming and doing a presentation on the city and different recreational activities that people can get involved in,” Mitchell said. The event will help newcomers “understand what we have to offer in the city for them to get involved in.”
Upcoming “Get to Know Your City” workshops:
- Wednesday, March 26, starting at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 9, starting at 3 p.m.
The Newcomer Welcome Centre is located at 432 Main Street North. For more information, visit MJNWC.ca or follow ‘Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre’ on Facebook for updated program information. To speak with a member of the team, call 306-692-6892.
