I arrived in Canada almost 16 years ago on a frigid morning in January, with the hope of finally touching peaceful soil after many years of struggle as a refugee. The name ‘Welcome Place’ began to sound in my ears, and I quickly found the meaning of the name: compassion, support, integration, the light at the end of the tunnel.
Immediately after arriving I registered as a volunteer with Welcome Place to return some of the kindness received. After six months I was employed, and have been working ever since to make a difference in our clients’ lives.
Almost 90 percent of Welcome Place staff are former clients, which brings humanity to the daily job and the best example of integration into Canadian lifestyle.
– Jean Pierre Venegas,
Welcome Place Senior Manager of Volunteer and Reception Services