SPONSORING GROUPS & VOLUNTEERS

Train to Hire Sponsoring Groups

Train to Hire Sponsorship Groups (SGs) are groups of 5+ volunteers who are eager and willing to welcome new refugees in their communities, support them, and help them integrate into their new homes. The volunteers will form Sponsoring Groups together and commit to providing support to Train to Hire participants according to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program requirements.

Creating a sense of welcome by the Sponsorship Group is one of the most powerful ways to support a resettled refugee. Feeling included and connected to their new community helps newcomers adjust more easily, establish roots, and enjoy a better quality of life. Even simple gestures, such as organizing a warm welcome or a small social gathering, can make a lasting difference during those first days.

Equally important is helping newcomers become familiar with their surroundings - from their home and neighborhood to their workplace. In many successful sponsorships, an arrival coordinator plays an essential role by ensuring newcomers receive guidance on urgent matters such as identification documents, community services, and other immediate needs. Sponsoring groups act as both a safety net and a bridge — ensuring refugees’ immediate needs are met, while also empowering them to build the skills and connections they need for long-term independence.

Sponsoring Groups cover a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the successful inclusion of refugees in their new communities.

Commitment

In Canada’s (PSR) Program, sponsoring groups take on a formal commitment to support refugees during their resettlement, usually for 12 months after arrival. By becoming a Train to Hire sponsor or volunteer, you commit to;

Support Train to Hire participants for the duration of the sponsorship ( up to 12 months).
Have a common understanding within the Sponsorship Group of individual members’ roles, responsibilities, values, and principles as they relate to refugee sponsorship.
Read and adhere to the WUSC Code of Ethics before the arrival of the Train to Hire participant.
Read, understand, and comply with the legal requirements of the PSRP in Canada.
Undertake the social responsibilities involved in privately sponsoring a refugee (Train to Hire participant) as outlined under Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
Maintain communication with WUSC as the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), providing oversight of all Sponsorship Groups' responsibilities under PSRP

Community & Social Support

Social support is a crucial factor in newcomer integration. It goes beyond practical help and plays a key role in building a sense of belonging, confidence, and overall well-being. WUSC recognizes that starting a new life can feel overwhelming, which is why both emotional and social support are essential parts of the journey.

Train to Hire participants are encouraged to engage in recreational activities and community events that foster connection, friendships, and cultural exchange. These opportunities not only help newcomers practice language skills and expand their networks but also provide a space to feel supported, understood, and valued. By combining emotional encouragement with community engagement, we aim to ensure that every newcomer feels welcomed and empowered to thrive in their new environment.

The Train to Hire Sponsoring Groups are expected to;

Connect with the Train to Hire participant once they arrive to review your role as the sponsorship group, fostering relationship building and offering emotional support.
Provide opportunities for the Train to Hire participant to develop their social network and learn about their new community.
Collaboratively develop resources and support networks within the community that will support all Train to Hire participants in your community.
Connect the Train to Hire participant with newcomer settlement services, advisors, counsellors, or other related helping professionals, as needed.
Support Train to Hire participants to apply for and/or follow up and obtain any necessary documentation they require pertaining to their status in Canada (i.e., Social Insurance Number (SIN), Provincial Health Care, Permanent Resident Card, etc.).
Support the Train to Hire participant to acquire knowledge of regional and national laws, and commonly accepted standards of behavior.

Health & Well-Being Support

Health and well-being are essential to a successful start in a new community. That’s why we support Train to Hire participants in navigating both the physical and mental health systems available to them. Understanding how to access healthcare, counseling, and community wellness programs can be challenging in a new country, and we are here to make that process easier.

The Train to Hire Sponsoring Groups are expected to;

Support the Train to Hire participant to navigate the Canadian health care systems, and connect them to appropriate services. This includes understanding and navigating the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage available to resettled refugees under PSRP.
Maintain constant and consistent contact with Train to Hire participants (at a minimum, once every 2 weeks to check in on their social and emotional well-being and integration). This should be done outside of work hours to allow for in-depth conversation and building of trust and social connections.
Emphasize the importance of emotional well-being and connect participants with trusted resources and supportive networks to ensure they feel confident, cared for, and empowered to take charge of their health in every aspect.

Financial Literacy & Empowerment

Financial literacy is a key part of building independence and confidence in a new country. Through the Train to Hire program, participants are supported in developing the skills and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. Financial empowerment also means having the confidence to set goals, plan for the future, and feel secure in navigating Canada’s financial systems. By combining education with encouragement, Sponsoring Groups help participants not only manage day-to-day finances but also build a foundation for long-term success and independence.

Sponsoring Groups will support the Train to Hire by;

Upon arrival and continuously throughout the year, build the financial literacy of the Train to Hire participant and personal financial management practices.
Educate the Train to Hire participant on how to budget effectively, understand banking services, manage credit responsibly, and access resources that promote financial stability.
Review the Train to Hire participant’s cost-of-living (sponsorship) budget in detail with them.
Ensure the Train to Hire participant secures safe and affordable housing within their budget upon arrival in their new community.
Sponsors and volunteers are expected to be familiar with the minimum Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP Rates) that are required to be available to the refugee throughout the sponsorship.

More Information on RAP rates is available at: http://www.rstp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/British-Columbia-new-rates-effective-Nov-012019.pdf

Please note that for the Train to Hire sponsorships, there are no financial requirements for the Sponsorship Group. The financial requirements of the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program will be monitored and provided through funding WUSC has received from a third-party donor. Sponsorship Groups can raise funds or collect in-kind donations to support the T2H participants’ settlement and integration, but it is not a requirement of the role.

Also note, in some cases, the employers engaged in the Train to Hire program may make arrangements for housing upon arrival. Longer-term housing support may still be warranted.

Employment Support

Train to Hire is structured to provide a resettlement pathway in Canada that prioritizes training and employment upon arrival. The program is designed to introduce participants to the labour market early in their settlement process, thereby supporting economic self-sufficiency and long-term integration.

It is acknowledged, however, that the level of support required around employment may differ among participants. Even in cases where employment has been secured, additional assistance may be needed to address workplace integration, skill development, or ongoing career objectives. Sponsoring groups and program partners should remain prepared to assess and respond to these varying support needs in order to facilitate both immediate employment stability and long-term success.

Sponsorship Groups may support the Train to Hire newcomer with:

Guidance and information about workplace systems and culture in Canada
Accessing supports to build professional skills (i.e. language, networking, resume building) that contribute to employment acquisition or growth (as needed)
Informal support on nuances of employment performance and maintenance (where employment is secured)

Sponsoring Groups Training

WUSC's support for sponsors and volunteers ensures that both you and your group are fully equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to carry out your volunteer responsibilities successfully. Understanding that every volunteer brings a unique set of experiences, skills, and needs. We tailor our guidance and provide the appropriate support throughout your volunteering period. This may include access to training, resources, mentorship, and ongoing assistance to help you navigate challenges, maximize your impact, and contribute meaningfully to the success of the program. Constant communication between you and WUSC ensures that you have all the tools you need to contribute to a successful sponsorship. As part of the Train to Hire sponsoring group, you agree to;

Participate in training/workshops provided by WUSC.
Maintain regular contact with WUSC staff regarding the sponsorship and any issues that arise.
Read all reminder emails sent from WUSC and share information with the relevant stakeholders.
Complete all surveys or other evaluation tools received from WUSC to monitor and evaluate the T2H pilot.

Train to Hire participants are encouraged to take an active role in shaping their own integration journey. Refugee sponsorship formally concludes after 12 months, and any support beyond that period is voluntary and not a responsibility of WUSC or its volunteers. The ultimate intent, alongside providing a welcoming community, is that the Sponsorship Group's support is building the knowledge and capacity of newcomers to navigate their new communities independently.

While many Sponsorship Group members do choose to build personal connections and may continue offering friendship or informal support after the official sponsorship period ends, there is no requirement to do so. The formal commitment is limited to the 12-month sponsorship period.