Volunteers love what they do for Saamis Immigration Services
Saamis Immigration Services has been a focal point for newcomers to Medicine Hat and southeast Alberta since 1988.
Saamis can assist newcomers in many ways. They lean on the work of the many gifted volunteers who help the organization and its clients.
The Saamis program for volunteering can be rewarding. There are different areas of volunteering which includes helping teach English; be a community ambassador so as to help newcomers get involved in social and community-related activities as well as networking; volunteers can translate and be interpreters for new families who don’t have as of yet a firm grasp of English; people can help in the classroom instructors who teach many whose first language is not English. The other way to help is be a board member.
However one of the major facets of volunteering for Saamis is mentoring which can including sharing of knowledge and teaching about Canadian way of life with a specific individual or family. Whether it is indulging in Canadian cuisine, teaching them some of North American winter activities or showing them daily aspects of life, mentoring means so much to a family new to Canada.
Saamis attracted some diligent, gifted and tireless volunteer mentors because not only did they want to help out those new to Canada or Medicine Hat, but because they believe in the Saamis program. Saamis gives them the instruction and support they need to make the experience as full and straightforward as possible. Take for example, volunteers Christina and Jacob Stonehocker and their children who have been matched with a single mom with five children and one grandchild. They are mentoring a family to help them integrate into Canada and teach customs on how to navigate all amenities and facilities available to them.
For Jacob and his family, the experience is worthwhile and meaningful.
“Their bright smiles and eagerness to learn were contagious and we had a lot of fun with them. From reading with or helping them learn how to use the library, to taking them sledding or trying pizza for their first time, teaching them how to ride a bike and how to bake Canadian dishes, there were so many things that we enjoyed doing with them,” explains Jacob. “These experiences helped us to realize how many wonderful things we have that we tend to take for granted. Helping in this way has enriched our lives and helped us see past our own struggles and feel more joy. We are so grateful for this experience and look forward to helping other families in the future as they work so diligently and bravely to adapt to their new home.”
“We have had so many fun times and made good memories with our family. As we have lifted their burdens and tried to help them feel comfortable in this new homeland, they too have lifted so many burdens for us we never knew we had till we enjoyed the connection and conversing together,” added Christina. “We have so loved working with Saamis too they had been so supportive and helpful in helping us in any way we needed in our service and helping support those immigrating to Medicine Hat. We hope to encourage families in Medicine Hat to come and help families through Saamis feel more at home and enjoy the connection of community.”
The Stonehocker family has been blessed with being mentors. This includes having their children get involved. For Christina, the growth in her children has been inspiring. As a family they all have enjoyed watching those they are helping and making their new lives enjoyable.
“We have also loved seeing our children interact with children from a different culture and background and become more open to new things and develop a broader perspective and versatility. We feel that involving them in meaningful service to others while they are young is a good way to teach and encourage them to be good citizens and volunteer in the community,” explains Christina. “It also helps them to be more grateful and happy in life and to play their part in unifying the community. Our children enjoyed learning with them and finding out their likes and dislikes.
“We have never felt burdened or overwhelmed. God knew that we needed this opportunity to serve together as a family.
The family needed us, we needed them, and together we have felt a connection of pure love. There is no other explanation than the love of God. One time when I hugged the mom, she held onto me and I could feel the weight of the burden she carried as a single parent in a new world that is so different. I can’t even begin to tell you of the special experiences that we have had as the Spirit of God has guided us to know how we could help them. To me, service is not just about what we give, it’s about helping others feel the love of the community.”
If you wish to take part in volunteering, please contact Saamis at 403-504-1188. The Saamis Immigration Services Association is located downtown at 659 3rd St SE.