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WORK PLAN FOR INTEGRATION

WORK PLAN FOR: ____________________________________________ NEWCOMER

NUMBER OF PEOPLE: ________ CLIENT ID/IRCC NUMBER: ________________

NAME: Who’s responsible? E-MAIL PHONE: NEWCOMER PORTFOLIO:

1) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Budgeting, Finance

2) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Gov’t Docs (OHIP, IFH, SIN, PR)

3) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Employment, Volunteering 4) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ ESL, LINC, Training, Languages

5) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Housing, Culture

6) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Shopping, Transportation 7) ____________________________ _____________________ __________________ Crisis, Medical, Emergencies INTRODUCTION:

Please remember that this Work Plan is just a basic guide. For greater detail, please see the book which complements it, ‘Resettling Refugees in Catholic Communities: Guide on Sponsorship’ ($20 at Office for Refugees). Also, refer to the RSTP’s ‘Handbook for Sponsoring Groups’ to learn more about refugee resettlement. It is beneficial that each Newcomer is matched with the Resettlement Group (RG) member under the ‘Godfather/Godmother’ system to help in the successful integration during this work plan transition. The RG is strongly encouraged to try to resettle a Newcomer with proper preparation and training. The settlement period is a crucial and formative time for a Newcomer and it is the RG’s responsibility to ensure that all members are competent and ready to welcome them. Please attach a signed Confidentiality Declaration and Self-Assessment copies from every RG member. Within Work Plan, please use additional Office for Refugees forms (e.g. financial disclosure Declaration, Consent form etc.)

Contingency Plan: _________________________________________________________________________________

O PROJECT HOPE - WORK PLAN AND REPORT CARD 160603 MR L

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ACTIONS: PERSON RESPONSIBLE: DONE [√] DAY – 60: (About 2 months before the expected arrival of the newcomer: Refugee passes interview at visa office)

1. Resettlement group is requested to contact Office for Refugees at

alundkvist@archtoronto.org _________________________ ____

2. Start to look for employment opportunities for the newcomer through

existing networks. Record details about these potential jobs so that they

can be presented to the newcomer when they arrive.

Remember idling is the biggest enemy of the newcomer. _________________________ ____

3. Contact another resettlement group (RG) and learn from their experience. _________________________ ____

4. Identify at least one person who can act as an interpreter if the newcomer

does not speak English well. The interpreter must respect the newcomer’s _________________________ ____

confidentiality. It is important to consider whether or not the interpreter

comes from a religious/ethnic/political group that has possible

antipathy with the newcomer’s group. _________________________ ____

5. Learn about the newcomer’s, society, culture, ethnicity and at least two,

three words in their language. _________________________ ____

6. Look into options for schooling/childcare for the newcomer’s children. _________________________ ____

7. Identify at least one person and another parish who would be willing to take full

responsibilities of the resettlement in case of emergency

(Contingency plan). Please write their names on the bottom of page 1. _________________________ ____

8. Contact the newcomer to confirm that the newcomers’ resettlement contract

was signed. Custom make the agreement to fit the specific resettlement

needs of the refugee family and have them sign it again. _________________________ ____

9. Put a sign-up list together for in-kind support (donations). _________________________ ____

10. Arrange for donors to store in-kind donations until refugee arrives. _________________________ ____

11. Seek for mentoring relationship from another parish that has previous

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resettlement experience, maybe with newcomers with the same

background. __________________________ ____

12. Have resettlement group volunteers sign the confidentiality

agreement. __________________________ ____

DAY – 7: (1 week before newcomer arrives): Resettlement group receives notice of arrival.

13. Make final preparations for the newcomer’s arrival (e.g. temporary

accommodation). If possible move the in-kind donations to the temporary

accommodation. _________________________ ____

DAY 1: DATE: ___ ____ ____ DAY CAPTAIN: _______________________________

14. Consider providing newcomer with a cost effective pre-paid cellphone and give it to

them at the airport. (e.g. Wind, Kodoos etc.; with unlimited prepaid

plan and international text messaging; maybe with data). _________________________ ____

15. Newcomer arrives. Go to the airport to pick-up and greet the newcomer.

Review their landing papers to ensure they are complete and correct. _________________________ ____

16. Have an interpreter at the airport or on-call. _________________________ ____

17. Bring the newcomer to their temporary accommodation near the church.

Temporary accommodation should be arranged with a written lease. _________________________ ____

18. Provide the newcomer with additional welcome gift (e.g. photo album

including every group member, welcome card, map of your local municipality

where temporary accommodation is located, etc.). _________________________ ____

19. The newcomer may be exhausted but prepare any additional activity, in case (Music, Magazines, Books, DVD). REMEMBER:

idleness is the biggest enemy for the newcomer - keep them busy. _________________________ ____

20. Dinner with Newcomer. _________________________ ____

DAY 2: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

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21. Resettlement group members have breakfast with newcomer. _________________________ ____

22. Take newcomer to the Office for Refugees for (2 hour) Orientation Session. _________________________ ____

23. Assist newcomer to apply for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). _________________________ ____

24. Assist newcomer to apply for Interim Federal Health (IFH). _________________________ ____

25. Assist newcomer to apply for Social Insurance Number (S.I.N.). _________________________ ____

26. Shopping with newcomer (Food & Clothing). _________________________ ____

27. Book appointment with settlement agency for needs assessment. _________________________ ____

28. Explain to the newcomer how the 211 Community Helpline works, if applicable.

Helpline link _________________________ ____

29. Sightseeing with newcomer (e.g. tourist & historical sites). _________________________ ____

30. Explain to newcomer about the Police in Canada, 911 and emergency

medical services helpline, child and domestic abuse,

women’s rights, marriage, divorce etc. ___________________________ ____

31. Dinner with newcomer. _________________________ ____

DAY 3: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

32. Resettlement group member has breakfast with newcomer. _________________________ ____

33. Help newcomer open a bank account with no monthly fees. _________________________ ____

34. Assist newcomer in finding family doctor; book appointment . _________________________ ____

35. Budget meeting with newcomer and the resettlement group finance

person in a relaxed environment. _________________________ ____

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36. Review newcomer’s resettlement contract and have newcomer

sign it again. _________________________ ____

37. Find a dentist; book appointment . _________________________ ____

38. Coffee with conversation about jobs within community. _________________________ ____

39. Movie with newcomer at theatre. _________________________ ____

40. Dinner with newcomer. _________________________ ____

DAY 4: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

41. Have breakfast with newcomer at Tim Horton’s. _________________________ ____

42. Take newcomer for a full physical check-up;

including required immunization. _________________________ ____

43. Sightseeing (City Centre, historic sites, sports and cultural attractions). _________________________ ____

44. Conversation about housing and jobs. _________________________ ____

DAY 5: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

45. Two resettlement group members have breakfast with newcomer. _________________________ ____

46. Take newcomer to a settlement agency for needs assessment. _________________________ ____

47. Take newcomer to dentist. _________________________ ____

48. Help newcomer find evening or weekend language/conversational.

ESL/ LINC classes. Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/ for available

courses in your area. _________________________ ____

49. Begin systematic search for jobs (including volunteer positions)

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through parishioners, internet postings, etc. *EVERY DAY

from Day 5 until employment is found.*

http://www.indeed.ca/ ; http://www.canadajobs.com/ _________________________ ____

50. Help newcomer to prepare resume and cover letter (1)

and send Office for Refugees a copy. _________________________ ____

51. Visit a community or cultural attraction

(e.g., Museum, amusement park, theatre etc.) _________________________ ____

52. Social activity with newcomer: home visit. _________________________ ____

DAY 6: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

53. Visit at least 3 rental units with newcomer to consider for permanent

accommodation. Consider who will be in charge of paying the rent and how. _________________________ ____

54. Advise newcomer to be careful whom and when they should disclose

their personal information to avoid identity theft. _________________________ ____

55. Ensure that newcomer has internet access either in their temporary

accommodation or a nearby public library or community centre. _________________________ ____

56. Take newcomer to local public library to obtain a library card. _________________________ ____

57. Work on newcomer’s resume & cover letter (2);

send Office for Refugees a copy. _________________________ ____

58. Show newcomer community recreational facilities,

public parks and how to register for sports activities. _________________________ ____

59. Take Newcomer to a bar and have dinner. _________________________ ____

DAY 7: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

60. Introduce newcomer to peer groups from parish or community. _________________________ ____

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61. Take newcomer to a workshop on job search, resumes,

and cover letters. Newcomer prepares resume and cover letter (3);

send Office for Refugees a copy. _________________________ ____

62. Show and encourage newcomer to volunteer e.g., food bank,

furniture bank and St. Vincent de Paul’s Society, etc. _________________________ ____

63. Help newcomer to explore the job market, wages, and labour trends. _________________________ ____

64. Reach out to friends and the community regarding jobs and volunteer

opportunities for the newcomer. _________________________ ____

65. Take newcomer to the zoo. _________________________ ____

66. Engage newcomer in a conversation about important topics on Child tax benefits,

Canadian tax system, pensions, insurance, investments etc. _________________________ ____

67. Have dinner with newcomer. _________________________ ____

DAY 8: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

68. Bring newcomer to the parish or community for a meet and greet welcome

Party; take group photos. _________________________ ____

69. Take newcomer to at least two temporary work agencies. _________________________ ____

70. Take newcomer for outdooring (BBQ or skating…). _________________________ ____

DAY 9: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

71. Engage newcomer in conversation about public transit. _________________________ ____

72. Explain to newcomer about the do’s and don’ts about traffic. _________________________ ____

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73. Orient newcomer about phone, Post Office, banking, credit card system,

borrowing money, and telemarketing. _________________________ ____

74. Explain to newcomer about emergencies, fire, ambulance, hospital,

clinic, clothing, PTSD (visit Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture), etc. _________________________ ____

75. Housing and accommodation volunteers set up meeting to

visit at least two rental units; introduce newcomer to landlord. _________________________ ____

76. Take newcomer sightseeing (e.g. Museum, Central island etc.). _________________________ ____

DAY 10: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

77. Host newcomer to lunch at McDonald’s. _________________________ ____

78. Take newcomer to a sporting or cultural event. _________________________ ____

79. Explain the Canadian government system, politics, religious tolerance,

and the importance of volunteering. _________________________ ____

80. Explain to newcomer issues of gender, sexuality, discrimination, and

multiculturalism in Canada. _________________________ ____

81. Host newcomer for dinner. _________________________ ____

DAY 11: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

82. Help Newcomer to enroll children in school and or childcare. _________________________ ____

83. Arrange at least two potential job site visits

(e.g. Canadian Tire, McDonald’s, factory, construction). _________________________ ____

84. Take newcomer to English classes. Arrange options for babysitting,

if required. _________________________ ____

85. Connect newcomer with their own ethnic or faith community

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in the local area, if they wish. _________________________ ____

86. Arrange for dinner with the newcomer and go over their job

search progress. _________________________ ____

Day 12: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

87. Help move newcomer to permanent accommodation.

newcomer must sign the lease, NOT the parish. _________________________ ____

88. Address newcomer’s mental health needs by connecting them with

options for trauma counselling, if needed. _________________________ ____

89. Encourage newcomer to familiarize themselves with their new

neighbourhood. _________________________ ____

90. Have dinner with newcomer in their new location. _________________________ ____

DAY 13: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

91. Orient newcomer on Canadian holidays, Daylight Saving Time _________________________ ____

92. Help newcomer to start studying for drivers’ license test. _________________________ ____

93. Family visit. Community event participation. _________________________ ____

94. Have lunch with newcomer and discuss employment readiness. _________________________ ____

95. Take newcomer to job or career fairs in the community. _________________________ ____

96. Check on the newcomer’s job search and employment progress,

prepare newcomer for job interview. _________________________ ____

Have a look at newcomer’s resume and cover letter; provide help. _________________________ ____

97.

DAY 14: DAY CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

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98. Newcomer begins paid employment (today or earlier).

*It is expected that the newcomer will be engaged in full-time

employment (or volunteering) for 8 hours, every workday. _________________________ ____

100. Have a meeting with the resettlement group and newcomer. _________________________ ____

101. Prepare for moving newcomer to permanent accommodation. _________________________ ____

WEEK 3: WEEK CAPTAIN: ____________________________________________

102 . Show and encourage newcomer to volunteer at the food bank,

furniture bank and St. Vincent de Paul’s Society. _________________________ ____

103. Speak to newcomer about the importance of protecting their valuables

especially important documents such as passports, record of landing

papers, financial documents etc.; encourage them to use a safety box. _________________________ ____

104. Have a social activity with newcomer; go site seeing. _________________________ ____

105 Teach newcomer about Craig’s List, Kijiji. _________________________ ____

BUDGET PLANNING

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada

Appendix A: Financial guidelines

Sponsoring groups will not accept the payment of funds from the refugees for the submission of a sponsorship, either before or after their arrival in Canada. However, the refugee’s relatives in Canada may contribute funds to the resettlement.

Refugees have no legal obligation, and cannot be made to enter into a legal or informal obligation, to prepay or repay their sponsoring groups for lodging, care, and settlement assistance and support. However, the refugee’s relatives in Canada may contribute funds to the resettlement.

Sponsoring groups are not responsible, unless they have co-signed loans, for any debt that a refugee incurs in Canada. Sponsorship Groups are expected to provide the refugees with both financial and settlement support for a period of up to 12 months

including the opportunity to attend English language training and acquire skills necessary to access employment in Canada. Should the refugee become financially self-sufficient during the 12-month sponsorship period, the sponsoring group is not obligated to

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provide income support under the terms of the undertaking for the remainder of the sponsorship period. However, the sponsoring group must maintain immediate access to adequate funds for the remaining length of the sponsorship in the event that the refugee ceases to be self-sufficient.

Sponsored refugees who bring financial resources to Canada should manage their own finances and are expected to contribute to their own settlement costs. Sponsoring groups may expect sponsored refugees to contribute towards their settlement costs according to the same standard established for government-assisted refugees who bring financial resources to Canada. For example, a single sponsored refugee may retain up to a maximum of $1000 for personal use and a couple may retain up to $2000 plus $500 for each additional family member, with the balance of their funds being allocated towards the cost of their settlement. You may refer to The Guide to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program for further details.

Cost of Sponsorship Although the cost of living varies from one region to another, the following table can assist the sponsoring group in estimating the cost involved in sponsoring a refugee family for 12 months. The required financial resources indicated in the Sponsorship Cost Table are roughly equivalent to local social assistance rate figures.

LIABILITY

Family size Liability Family size Liability

1 Single person $ 12,600 4 $ 27,000

2 $ 21,200 5 $ 29,700

3 $ 23,000 6 $ 32,500

Each additional members $ 2,550

BUDGET SAMPLE FOR WORK PLAN

Sample budget for (1) person: Liability: $12,600/ 12 months. This includes cash (gift cards only) and in-kind support.

From this amount:

Start-up cost: $ 2,500; RG Plan: Cash $ ________ In-kind $ ________ Amount spent: $ _______

Annual Plan:

Government Standard: Resettlement group Cash: (plastic cards) Resettlement group in-kind:

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1. Accommodation: $ 380 x 12 = $ $ $

2. Food: $ 100 x 12 = $ $ $

3. Transport: $ 100 x 12 = $ $ $

4. Communication: $ 40 x 12 = $ $ $

5. Incidentals: $ 20 x 12 = $ $ $

ALL TOGETHER TOTAL: = $ 12,600 $ $

*Please do monthly planning on monthly resettlement group budget report with details on separate pages

Additionally, please identify in - kind support.

Item: (Please write details with names of who is responsible) Estimated Value: $

1. Accommodation:

2. Food:

3. Transportation:

4. Communication:

5. Clothing:

6. Furniture:

7. School start-up:

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8. Household needs:

9. Medication:

10. Emergency supplies:

11. Bedding:

12. Linens :

13. Incidentals:

Please describe your budget plan for all the 12 months separately to determine significant decrease of support for best

case scenario and for worst case scenario.

DECLARATION:

I, the undersigned resettlement group chair declare that I am fully responsible for implementing the above work plan.

Signature of Pastor: _______________________ Signature of Cosponsor/RG Chair: ________________

Name (print): _______________________ Name of Cosponsor/RG Chair: ________________

Parish name: _______________________ Phone number: ________________

Phone number: _______________________ Alternate number: ________________

Alternate number: _______________________ E-mail: ________________

E-mail: _______________________ Date: ________________

Date: _______________________ Approved by Office for Refugees: ________________

CHECK LIST FOR RESETTLEMENT GROUPS (RGs)

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Name:

1. The RG has a chair Yes: No:

2. The RG has a deputy chair Yes: No:

3. The RG has a finance person Yes: No:

4. The RG has electronic and hard copy archives to document its activities

Yes: No:

5. Every RG member filled out the RG Volunteer kit Yes: (Attached) No:

6. The RG has fundraising plan Yes: (Attached) No:

7. The RG has a contingency plan Yes: (Attached) No:

8. The RG has a library of refugee and integration materials Yes: No:

9. The RG has youth representation Yes: No:

Resettlement Group (RG) REPORT CARD Pass Mark: (90 points)

Please evaluate your groups’ (RG’s) up to date readiness based on the past 6 months’ activities:

1. How many persons do you have in your Resettlement Group (RG)? If at least 8 persons: 10 points minimum: 5 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

2. How many of them are able to have free time during office hours (weekdays 9-5)? If at least 8 persons: 10 points minimum: 5 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

3. How many persons participated in refugee resettlement/ work in the past 2 years? If at least 5 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

4. How many persons can give a ride to the newcomer (e.g. to office, hospital, etc.)? If at least 4 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

5. How many additional volunteers can you mobilize for e.g. escorting newcomer to job interviews? If at least 5 persons: 10 points minimum: 3 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

6. How many interpreters do you have, (if applicable)? If at least 3 persons: 10 points minimum: 1 person 5 points Less: 0 points

7. How many persons participated on Info Session 1: Orientation (Civic Resettlement Program) If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 4 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

8. How many persons participated in writing/ updating the Work Plan? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 5 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

9. How many persons participated on full day Info Session 2: Settlement Training Workshop? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 5 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

10. Based on the refugee’s profile, how many possible job opportunities you can arrange? If at least 4 / adults: 10 points minimum: 2 / adults 5 points Less: 0 points

11. How many persons are subscribed to the ‘Refugee Update’ newsletter email list? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

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12. How many persons are on the RSTP email list serve? If at least 4 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

13. How many persons participated on Information Session-3 (IRCC Processing Time)? If at least 4 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

14. How many persons communicated with your refugee (email, phone, mail or package, if applicable)? If at least 5 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

15. How many persons visited Office for Refugees’s web site and joined the Office for Refugees Forum? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 2 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

16. How many persons are member of the Canada Group on Facebook? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 3 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

17. How many persons joined Catholic Refugee Sponsors’ Council, at least on Facebook? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 3 persons 5 points Less: 0 points

18. How many persons read the country cultural profile of the refugee? If at least 7 persons: 10 points minimum: 3 persons 5 points Less: 0 points