Annual Report 16/17 a Message from Our Executive Director

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1976-2016 r Years s

Annual Report 16/17 A Message from our Executive Director

The Regina Open Door Society (RODS) was incorporated 40 years ago, on November 17th, 1976. It was established by forward-thinking members of the community; educa- tors, humanitarians and community service professionals who recognized the significant need for settlement services to support Chilean, South-East Asian and other refugees who were arriving in Regina, Saskatchewan at that time. Foundational meetings were held in My gratitude goes out to all of RODS’ tremendous volunteers, community partners and the spring of 1976. The idea of establishing a non-governmental organization was present- settlement sector colleagues across the city, province and country. Regina Open Door So- ed by founding members to over 30 cultural groups and other interested government and ciety’s impact could never be what it is without your assistance and collaboration. Thank community representatives at a meeting in September 1976. By November the constitu- you as well to RODS’ funders and donors for providing the financial means to provide tion was written and the Regina Open Door Society was incorporated. quality programs and services for immigrants and refugees in Regina. Your support to provide direct services to newcomers, and to create a more welcoming community that On behalf of RODS, I would like to thank its founders Joanne Ziman, Allan Quigley, Sel embraces newcomer settlement and integration, is respected and appreciated. Murray and Estelle Anthony, and the many others who volunteered on the first advisory and executive committees. We thank them for their inspirational leadership and the nu- Finally, thank you to all of RODS’ newcomer clients past and present from all over the merous years they volunteered, ensuring that immigrants and refugees in Regina would world, from all backgrounds and walks of life. The Regina Open Door Society exists to be well served as they settled and adapted to their new home and community. provide you with the programs and services you require to become successful fully con- tributing members of Canadian society. RODS looks forward to serving you for many My sincere thanks to RODS’ volunteer Board of Directors past and present. I want to decades to come, to reach your settlement goals and realize your dreams here in Saskatch- thank all of them for their counsel, support and commitment to strong governance over ewan. the decades. In particular I want to thank the present Board and acknowledge with sincere gratitude, four current long-term Board members: Anda Dima (20 yrs.), Jim Fallows (15 From a fledgling Society in the 1970s, to a dynamic nationally recognized organization yrs.), Kerrie Strathy (14 yrs.) and Joe Jozsa (10 yrs.). employing over 200 employees, RODS continues to work passionately towards the fulfill- ment of its mission, vision and values. RODS’ vision is “A Welcoming Community En- Thank you as always to the staff of RODS, past and present. In many ways, the staff of riched by the Diversity & Strength of Newcomers to Canada.” Thank you to our commu- RODS is the Regina Open Door Society. They are the compassionate heart of the organi- nity for acknowledging the countless contributions of immigrants and refugees to Regina zation, but also the experts in their respective fields. Because of their knowledge, skills and and for celebrating RODS’ 40th Anniversary with us. Here’s to the next 40 years!! commitment, they make measurable differences in the lives of newcomers. Special thanks and congratulations to Haile Berhe, Central Administration and Finance Director, who Darcy Dietrich reached his 30 year milestone, RODS’ longest serving employee to date! Executive Director 1976 1977 1984 1986 1992 2005 2009 2013 2015 The Regina February: In the fall of RODS is RODS A partnership In the RODS is Between Open Door RODS 1984, RODS funded to receives was summer gifted its April 2015 - Society receives first opens the formally offer funding formalized on of 2009, in permanent March 2016, (RODS) grants from Canadian specialized to launch October 11th, partnership location at RODS incorporated Federal & House of employment the LINC 2005 between with Regina 1855 Smith settles 616 on Provincial Progress services. In (Language RODS, Public Street and Government November Governments. - RODS 2016-17, the Instruction the Regina Schools, a partial Assisted 17th, 1976 August: First Reception Employment for Community Regina parking lot Refugees to welcome full-time House for Services team Newcomers Clinic & Catholic in downtown (GARs), and provide Coordinator Refugees, served 1581 to Canada) the Regina Schools Regina from the highest Settlement is hired the first of newcomers program. Qu’Appelle & Conseil long-term annual Services to & an attic its kind in to Regina. Over the Health des écoles supporters, number ever immigrant office rented Canada. years, LINC Region to fransaskoises, Niesner received and refugee at 2138 has grown provide RODS opens Properties through the newcomers. McIntryre from 3 culturally the Regina Inc. Resettlement Street. classes of 40 sensitive Newcomer The Adam Assistance newcomers health-care Welcome Niesner Program to 40 classes for refugees Centre, a family relates (RAP). teaching settling in specialized to everyday 477 are over 1,000 Regina. Assessment, hardships, Syrian immigrants Information challenges refugees & refugees and Referral and the and the annually. Centre for numerous remaining newcomers opportunities 139 from to Regina. that come 11 other RODS with starting countries. A Snapshot of RODS over in a new land. Milestones This past November RODS reached a significat milsestone - its 40th Anniversary of service to newcomers and the Regina community. Join us in taking a look back at just a few of the milestones that have shaped the Regina Open Door Society over the past four decades. Top Left: Darcy Dietrich-Executive Director of RODS, Lanis Anthony-Daughter of Estelle Anthony-Founding Member of RODS, Sel Murray- Founding Member of RODS, Tatiana Zotova-RODS’ Manager and Faith Kasper-RODS’ Manager Bottom Left:Plaque presented to Founding Mem- bers at RODS’ 40th Celebration Bottom Right: Allan Quigley-Founding Member of RODS JUNE AUGUST July S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2017 Founders 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat The Regina Open Door Society (RODS) was established in 1976 by forward-thinking members of the community who recognized the 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 need for settlement services to support Chilean, South-East Asian and other refugees who were arriving in Regina, Saskatchewan. Canada Day Joanne Zikman, (the driving force), an ESL 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 teacher at Regina Plains Community College, approached Allan Quigley, Director of Adult Basic Education with the idea of establishing a non-governmental settlement organization to welcome and assist newcomers while they 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 adapted to the city and culture. Joanne and Allan, along with Sel Murrary (who named the Regina Open Door Society) and Estelle Anthony, also an ESL teacher, held foundational meetings in the spring of 1976.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 The idea was presented to over 30 cultural groups and other interested government and community representatives in September. By November the constitution was written and RODS was incorporated over 40 years ago on 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 November 17th, 1976.

30 31 Top and Bottom Left: Opening day of the Canadian House of Progress - RODS’ Reception House for refugees; a model replicated nationally. Top Right: Plaque presented to the Visionary Members at RODS’ 40th Celebration Bottom Right: RODS’ Reception House today JULY SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S S M T W T F S August 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Canadian House of Progress: 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2017 30 31 RODS’ Reception House sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat Regina Open Door Society is proud to formally honour the Vision of the Canadian House of Progress - RODS’ Reception House with a 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 plaque of recognition.

Visionary Members: • Larry Baillargeon - Federal Immigration • Carol Legion, Executive Director - Regina 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Open Door Society • Canadian Progress Club, Regina Wascana

Civic Day The visionary members in 1984, through a shared vision, opened Canada’s First Recep- 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 tion House for Government Assisted Refugees (GARs). This concept was replicated nationally.

Since that time, “Reception House” has provided temporary accommodations and orientation 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 services to over 4,500 GARs.

27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Top Left: Margaret Hnidy, Maria Trebuss, Life-Time Volunteer Recipient, Darcy Dietrich, Getachew Woldeysus Top Right: Nargis & Raza Bhmiji, Life-Time Volunteer Recipients Bottom Left: Barb Ryan, Life-Time Volunteer Recipient Bottom Right: Darcy Dietrich, Maryanne Skoropad, LIfe- Time Volunteer Recipient, Getachew Woldeysus, Margaret Hnidy AUGUST OCTOBER September S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 2017 Life-Time Volunteer Awards

At its 40th Anniversary Celebration on Novem- sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat ber 17th, 2016, RODS recognized five dedicated 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 long-term volunteers. Life-Time Volunteer Award Recipients: • Barb Ryan • Maria Tresbuss • Maryanne Skoropad 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 • In memory of Nargis & Raza Bhmji

Each recipient made a significant impact Labour Day in the lives of hundreds of immigrants and refugees in Regina. They volunteered at RODS for countless hours over the years, weekdays 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 and weekends, in the capacity of English teachers, board members, mentors, refugee sponsors, tutors, citzenship class instructors, hosts and friends.

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 RODS and newcomers to Regina will appreciate you always!

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Pictures from various Language Services activities SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER October S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 2017 Language Services sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat Prior to 1992, Regina Open Door Society provided Settlement Language classes for newcomer women. Language Instruction for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Newcomers to Canada (LINC) programs began across Canada in September of 1992. At that time, the Regina Open Door Society was funded to offer four classes. In the 1990’s, classes met the language needs of learners from countries 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 and areas such as Kurdistan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, China, Hong Kong and Kosovo. Thanksgiving Day When it was necessary to meet new demands, the program expanded. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 When the Karen refugees arrived in 2006, RODS expanded its language program to meet the needs of additional literacy clients. Over the years, Regina continued to welcome refugees from countries such as Rwanda, Iraq, Somalia, 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Nepal, Congo and Syria, as well as other immigrants from all over the world.

As Canada’s demand for skilled workers grew, so 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 did the demand for language classes at RODS, as an increasing number of economic immigrants settled their families into our beautiful city. Continued in the back of report.... Top Left: Seasonal Jobs Hiring Event Top Right: 2016 Job Fair Bottom Left: Networking Event for Information Technology Professionals Bottom Right: Financial Services Job Fair Centre: Employment Services Booth at the University of Regina, Sharif Alshurafa & Victoria Flores, Employment Services OCTOBER DECEMBER S M T W T F S S M T W T F S November 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2017 Employment Services 29 30 31 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat The Regina Open Door Society began providing informal employment support to refugees in 1978 and introduced formal employment pro- 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 grams and services in 1986. When specialized employment services were transferred from the federal government to the provinces in the mid-90s, RODS began working with Can-Sask Career and Employment Services (currently 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Labour Market Services) to provide employment services for immigrants and refugees. Remembrance Day RODS Employment Services has always endeav- oured to meet the employment readiness needs 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 of newcomer clients by providing individual career counselling, job coaching, pre-employment programming, credential evaluation assistance and access to industry-specific certification classes. The Employment Services team works with a very diverse group of clients that chang- 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 es continuously depending on the immigration patterns and labour market trends.

RODS Employment Services staff members are skilled and passionate about the work they are 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 doing. They continuously work on improving the services delivered and are constantly.....

Continued in the back of report.... Children from RODS’ Child Care Centre participating in various activities with their friends NOVEMBER JANUARY December S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2017 Child Care Centre 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat RODS began offering formal childminding services in 1986 as part of the Settlement Language Training Program for women. The 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 program employed 3 staff and served approximately 10-15 children for 6 months of the year. As the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program expanded, so did the size of the childminding program and the de- 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 mand for childcare services.

In February 2007, RODS began providing provincially licensed childcare services with 39 spaces and 6 staff. The program included 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 RODS’ clients as well as general community clients. Regina Open Door Society Child Care expanded over the years to accommodate the growing number of newcomers to Regina, both in the number of spaces provided and the hours of service. By 2010 the Centre was licensed for 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 67 spaces for infants, toddlers and preschoolers and employed approximately 15 staff.

In March 2016 the Child Care program expanded once again to include an additional 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 childminding program with 25 spaces and 5 additional staff, to run in the late afternoon. 31 Christmas Day Boxing Day Continued in the back of report....

Settlement, Family and Community (SFC)

In the last 40 years, RODS Settlement Services unit has expanded to include Family programs in 2006 and Community programs and services in 2014.

The SFC department staffing level has grown during this time from 3 to 55 employees. In 2014, the department relocated from a 4,600 sq. ft. office to a 16,000 sq. ft. downtown location in order to further expand and ensure that programs were being delivered out of a comfortable, quality space.

Over the years, SFC has successfully resettled close to 10,000 Government Assisted Refugees (GARs), including significantly large groups such as the Karen refugees in 2006 and Syrians in 2015/16.

Pictures from RODS’ Community Health Fair in February 2017 DECEMBER FEBRUARY S M T W T F S S M T W T F S January 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 2018 Settlement Services 31

In 1979, the Immigrant Settlement and Adap- sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat tation Program (ISAP) began providing direct support to immigrant and refugee newcomers 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 during their settlement and adaptation, as well as service bridging with the broader community. Today, the program is known as the Orientation New Year’s Day Services for Newcomers (OSN) and it provides information, orientation, needs assessments, 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 settlement planning and referral services.

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) was introduced in 1998. RAP began meeting the direct immediate and essential needs of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) by 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 providing services such as airport reception, temporary accommodation, health services and life skills services.

In 2005 the Settlement Support Workers in 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Schools (SSWIS) program was introduced to support students and their families in various Regina schools. In 2010, the program partnered with the Regina Public, Catholic and Conseil des écoles fransaskoises school boards 28 29 30 31 1 2 30 to enhance the services. Top Left: RODS’ SSWIS Summer Program 2016 Top Right: RODS’ Youth Toastmasters Course Bottom Left: RODS’ Youth Summer Program Bottom Right: RODS’ Youth Program Outing JANUARY MARCH February S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2018 Family Services 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat RODS’ Family programs within SFC are delivered in collaboration with United Way 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 Regina and KidsFirst Regina. In 2002, RODS’ Families in Transition (FIT) Program was implemented to meet the unique needs of vulnerable newcomers in crisis, through direct professional counselling services 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 and community referrals.

RODS joined the KidsFirst Regina (KFR) Program in 2004 to support vulnerable immigrant and refugee families with young 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 children. The goal is to attain optimal child development, parental attachment and healthy families. Valentine’s Day These programs and services make a significant impact as they support vulnerable 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 families through crisis and the challenges of the settlement, adaptation and integration process.

Family Day 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 Top Left: RODS’ KidsFirst Fire Truck Visit Top Right: RODS’ Youth Program Halloween Party Centre: RODS’ Youth Homework Help Botton Left: RODS’ Saskatchewan Roughrider’s Field Visit Bottom Right: RODS’ Youth Program Fire Department Visit FEBRUARY APRIL March S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2018 Community Services 25 26 27 28 29 30 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat In 1984, the Host Program started matching newcomers with Canadian host volunteers. Hosts helped newcomers learn about Canadian 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 values and ways of life and the hosts themselves learned about other countries and customs. Currently, the program is known as Welcoming Community for Newcomers (WCN).

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 In addition to matching newcomer clients with volunteers to achieve specific goals, the program also includes a newcomer Youth Program that delivers projects such as summer program activities, homework help and leader- 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 ship development. As well, the Community Connections program engages the wider community through numerous presentations and community engagement activities to promote cross-cultural understand- 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ing and the adjustment of services to be more inclusive of newcomers.

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Good Friday Pictures of the newly renovated Newcomer Welcome Centre MARCH MAY April S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2018 Newcomer Welcome Centre 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat In 2008, a partnership was formed between the Regina Open Door Society, Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools and Con- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 seil des écoles fransaskoises to create Regina’s Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC).

Easter In August of 2009, following a year of learning and research about similar centres across Can- 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ada, the NWC opened its doors to Regina`s newcomer community, providing a collaborative service offering information, referrals and language assessments. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Newcomers of all immigration classes, from permanent residents to those on temporary work permits, may access services. Clients served this past year were from 96 different countries with the following as the top five: India, Phil- ippines, China, Eritrea and Pakistan. 168 new- 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 comers moved from other provinces of Canada to SK, mostly from ON, AB, BC, MB and QC.

Over the past year, the NWC served a total of 5,191 newcomers of which 2,054 were new 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 clients. The Centre provided 1,085 federal language assessments, 349 provincial language assessments, 652 school orientations and regis- trations, and 373 school assessments. Pictures from RODS’ Community Fair in March 2017 APRIL JUNE May S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Saskatchewan 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2018 SWIS Coordination sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat In 2014, the Saskatchewan SWIS Coordination (SSC) program was implemented at RODS. This program is a partnership between SWIS 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 (Settlement Workers In Schools) service providers throughout Saskatchewan.

SSC is a province-wide outreach program to assist and coordinate SWIS programs in urban 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 and rural Saskatchewan. This assures that all communities and newcomers have equitable access to programs that will assist them with newcomer settlement and integration. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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Victoria Day 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Top Left: Welcome Home Project-Sheldon-Williams Top Right: Rebellion Brewery, Joel Forsythe & Mark Heise, Jim Fallows, RODS’ Board Presi- dent Bottom Left: We’re All Welcome Project Center: Matt Welykholowa, Regional Manager, Conexus Wealth Management & Darcy Dietrich Bottom Right: Glen Gerber, Getachew Woldeysus, Darcy Dietrich, Karen Kot-Erikson and Taylor Betrand MAY JULY June S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Regina Region Local 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2018 Immigration Partnership 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat The Regina Region Local Immigration Partnership (RRLIP) is a community initiative that provides a collaborative framework for the 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 development and implementation of local and sustainable solutions for improving newcomer settlement and integration outcomes.

In 2013, Regina Open Door Society, in part- 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 nership with the Regina Human Service Partnership, submitted a Local Immigration Partnership project proposal. Immigration, Refugees and Citzenship Canada (IRCC) approved funding to begin in April 2014. By 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 that fall, the project manager and office coordinator were hired, an office was secured and the Regina Region Local Immigration Partnership (RRLIP) was launched.

Since September 2014, RRLIP has developed a 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 project logo, website (www.rrlip.ca) and quar- terly newsletters, completed a high level scan of the community’s assets and gaps regarding Father’s Day programs and services for newcomers, conducted 13 community forums and established 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 a Partnership Council. RRLIP also conducted research into three priority areas – employment, education and childcare, developed a draft settlement and action plan and established a diverse Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT). JUNE AUGUST July S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2018 Testimonials 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31

Here’s what clients and the community are sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat saying about RODS’ programs and services: • Child Care Centre: “The daycare is my 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 child’s other family and I never have to worry when he is there. Thank you!” • WCN Community Connection: Canada Day • “Keep up the great work, we (Regi- na) need valuable organizations like 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 RODS; promotes diversity, integration and inclusivity – a benefit for all when we work together.” • “I just wanted to say a big thank you… You have left several people wanting to learn more and willing to reach out 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 to refugees so as to build bridges rath- er than walls.” • SSWIS: • “Thank you so much for all your help during my tough time. I wish I could 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 speak more English so I could fully express my appreciations to you.” • “We appreciate all supports provided to us by RODS, school and people in Canada. Canada feels like home.” 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 • Language Services: “The English and pre-employment classes really had a great effect on me and showed a difference! I improved my English and I got a job.” JULY SEPTEMBER August S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Testimonials 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2018 Testimonials 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Here’s what clients and the community are say- sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat ing about RODS’ programs and services: • SSC (SKSWIS): “All the materials creat- 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 ed and put on the website are valuable and greatly assist with day-to-day service deliv- ery. Thank you for the cultural profiles. It is a very useful resource for SWIS and school s t a ff ”. • OSN – Citizenship 101: “So many things 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 about provinces and territories, because it good to know where you live and what around you, I want to learn more about Civic Day Canada, I learned a lot today very good, Very good, to learn more about Canada, to- 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 day session was good…” • Youth Program: “In the homework program, they help us in our homework…and I learned how to meet with friends from different countries.” 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 • OSN - Counselling Session: “You have really made a difference in our lives, especially my wife.” • WCN – INVOLVE program: “I found the INVOLVE program very useful and a starting point to getting involved with the com- 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 munity. I have a better understanding of how to contact volunteering organizations and offer my time and expertise.” First of all I would like thank the Regina Open Door Society for providing me with an oppor- tunity to be part of this 40th Anniversary.

I am one of the millions of refugees who was forced to leave my home, family and country. When we left, I was full of fear for the future. All I could see in my future were never ending challenges, as I was worried for my two children, my husband and for the child I was carrying.

We were told our destination was “Regeena”, so when we arrived at the airport and I heard Regina, I got scared that we had gotten lost in the world somewhere. My family and I quietly followed the crowd through the airport until we saw a woman standing in the arrival area with a sign with our names on it. That moment was the first time I saw happiness in my family’s eyes since we had left home.

Later, we learned that the woman’s name was Nohora and that she worked for the Regina Open Door Society as a settlement worker. She brought us to a reception home and showed us the kitchen, with brand new dishes and the bedrooms, all with the required bedding. Then she took us to RODS and we met with Irina, who was helping us to communicate with the world, as we did not speak any English. That day Nohora and Irina took us to a grocery store to intro- duce us to the Canadian food market.

Our lives began to improve when we became clients of RODS and we started to see some light in our future. They helped us to register our kids in school, open a bank account and meet our family doctor.

We met wonderful people at RODS, our host family Giovanna and Greg, our teachers Janice, Roshnie, Margaret, Bernadette and Darcy, and Getachew our bus driver, who made sure I arrived to school on time. Shelly, Anna and Palwashah took care of my baby, so I could attend school to learn English. They all became our friends and I still keep in touch with these wonderful people to this day.

My RODS family helped me to find my own path in Canada. They were with me when I had my baby, they grieved with me when I lost my father and they connected me with professionals like Penthes and Rubi Rubrecht. These people mentored me and supported me to build a bright future. Thanks to them, today my husband and I are both working in the engineering field.

So with my own personal journey in mind, I would like to thank RODS employees, volunteers, supporters, and the community of Regina for the help and support they provided me and my Nigora Yulyakshieva family. Through their support and guidance, my family and I were able to build not only a home in Regina, but a future that will last for generations to come. September October 2018 2018 sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 30 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Christmas Boxing Day 30 31 Day Year in and year out you give your very best to ensure newcomers to Regina receive quality, caring services. Staff Thank you to each and every one of you for your hard work and client focus! Abdirisak Ahmed Farah Deborah Chevalier Hari Ram Gaire Linda Hornung Pranika Shreatha Shirley Greff Adeline Frostad Deborah Palmquist Hassen Bashir Lisa Ashton Qing Lui Shirley Kallichuk Adrienne Fisher Deborah Stevens HEalther Neufeld Lisa Williams Rachel Al-Chlaidhawi Sirak Kibreab Afrah Hashi Debra Gale Holly Bressler Loly Shalishali Rachel MacDonald Suchismita Mitra Afshan Mukhtar Dhaka Tiwari Iryna Kavetska Lumyaa Hassan Ramesh Karavadra Sujatha Ross Alazar Wolde Diane Kim Ishrat Sultana Manal Anwal Razia Rana Suraiya Begum Alberto Ortiz Donalee Wennberg Ismail Noor Margaret Hnidy Rehab Abdelaziz Tamara Wacheston Alireza Ghobeh Donna Sawka Jackie Harbron Maryam Kakar Rita Cheng Tatiana Zotova Alissa Siggelkow Duncan Brawn Jacyntha Laviolette Maryam Karimi Roberto Misterio Ting Hu Aman Haile Efrah Adburahman James Hoeft Mayuri Thakker Ron Doorn Tracy Borrowman Amber Singleton Eldon Irvine Jean Robertson Mbayang Dabo Rosana Mookshah Tracy Furry Ana Sosa Erin Davalos Jenna Willis Megan Flynn Roshnie Thaver Tracy Gienow Anna Dyachenko Erna Seymour Jianying Zhu Michael Wico Safaa Mousa Tulsi Kahtri Arifun Nessa Faith Kasper Joan MacDonald Michelle Barnes Saima Shafi Uzo Egereonu Asha Rani Farjana Parveen Joy Christian Mike Scott Sajjad Syed Veronica Manole Bishnu Poudel Fatma Ibrahim Sister Joyce Lorentz Molla Maine Wollel Samom Ros Victoria Flores Carol Brouwers Floranda Selemai Kandy Cragg Mona Aboudheir Sandra Kitenge Victoria Martin Caroline Chamber Fozia Imatiaz Kara Mark Murshed Hussain Sarah Aerij Abbas Waqas Usman Cathy Bettschen Gayatri Nepal Kate Johnson-Obatuwana Myrna Bradshaw Selma Kiwirra Wendy Brooks Cindy Hopper Getachew Woldeyesus Kathy Andvaag Naeila Alshatir Semhar Zeremariam Wendy Romich Cindy Toneillo Getachew Yosef Kendra Manz Naomi Picard Shams Uzma William Fenrick Courtney Con Goma Katel Kendra Rice Nataliya Kavyak Shannon McGillivray Yali Geng Cynthia Morehouse Gratta Nimbeshaho Kerry-Ann Jack-Robinson Nohora Ardila Shanthi Thomas Youngeun You Dabee Kim Hae Jun Lee Kristen Leppington Oksana Vasyliv Sharif Alshaurafa Zahara Alli Darcy Dietrich Haile Berhe Ksenia Tytarenko Oudalay Senevonghachack Sharlene Dunnett Zainabu Mwangangi Darren Lacey Halefom Ghebregziher Laura Strong Pamela Ago Sheba Welcome Zebiba Beshir Davinder Virk Haley Joe Hyngsook Laura Man Pauline Byabagamba Shehla Farah Ziad Al-Husseini Deana Pageot Hannah Kjiersdam Lili Htoo Phurba Singh Tamang Shelly Hill

Thank you to RODS’ volunteer Board members for their commitment to strong governance Board of Directors and dedication to the organization. Jim Fallows, President Mewael Eyob, Secretary Joe Jozsa, Member-at-Large Shawna Enns, Member-at-Large Steve Mazurak, Member-at-Large Anda Dima, Vice President Bina Bilkhu, Treasurer Kerriy Strathy, Member-at-Large Stephanie Yang, Member-at-Large

Special thanks to the many community members and groups that spontaneously raised funds for RODS and the Syrian Fundraisers Initiative. Your efforts have made Regina a more welcoming community and we appreciate you very much for this. • George Ferguson School-ACT Group • Rosemont School - Student Canteen • Welcome Home Project - • Conexus Staff • Community Tap Series Project - • Canadian Benefit Concerts 2016 - Sheldon-Williams Collegiate • G.Marconi Canadian Italian Club Rebellion Brewing Ltd. Richard Steuart • RCMP Yoga Class - Arbely Rubalcava • Regina Chinese Canadian Association • Regina Chinese Canadian Association • Campbell Collegiate • Thom Collegiate-ACT Group • Yoga Class - Kara Blocka • We’re All Human Initiative Donors • 101237117 • Donnette & Kevin Gie- • Justin & Alyssa Moen • Ngoy Hoa Asian Foods • Sarah Tkachuk • Sujatha Ros Saskatchewan Ltd. now • Kai Abelkis Ltd. • Saskatchewan • Sukhmani Hayer • Aaron Schweitzer • Doris Schnell & John • Karla Blocka • Nicki Barr Polytechnic • Suzi Degelman • Abby Schneider Kuffner • Kathryn Fensom • Nigel Salway • Saskatchewan Propane • Syeda Asim • ACT Group–George • Dr. Linda A. Sulz • Kelly Jo Burke • Norman & Margaret Committee • Tamsin Johnston Ferguson School • Ebay Inc. • Kevin & Heather Shalley Patterson • Savarja Public Relations • Terry Smith • Adeteju Bababunmi • Elizabeth Bartha c/o • Kimberley Rose • Ofelia Acuna • School Sisters of • Todd Senft • Altern Properties Sasktel • Kimberly Carey • Olive Waller Zinkhan Notre Dame • Trent & Cheryl Leib • Amanda McKay • Emily McMillan • Kirsta Gates & Waller LLP • ScotiaBank • Twyla Mensch • Anda Dima • F. James Froh • Laurie Ross • OPA Souvlaki– • Sharon Moravec • Wendy Johnston • Arbely Rubalcava • Farm Credit Canada • Leopold’s Tavern North Grasslands • Shaun Wildman • Whitmore Park Com- • Barb Rasmussen c/o Scott Yules Inc. • PACY • Shawn Fraser munity Association • Beverly McDougald • Farzad Jahanpour • Lindsay Fensom • Parliament Community • Simon S. Herauf • Whitmore Park United • Bina Bilkhu • G. Marconi Canadian • Liqun Fan Church • Sisters of Nortre Church • Brian Bradley Italian Club • Lorraine Bradley • Peter Jackson Dame Association • Brian Lee Johnson • Gillian Hyndman • Louise Nuspi • Peter & Nettie Wiebe • St. Theresa School • Brian Pegg • Glenda Hadwen • Lucas Kuffner • Raul Roduta • Stephanie Yang • Bruce & Wendy Willis • GoodWill Restaurant • Mandy Ganony • Raymond Clark • Steve Mazurak • C Mart Enterprises Ltd. • Grace Mennonite Church• Marci Scott • Rebellion Brewing Ltd. • Stuart Pollon • Calvin Sadowski • Greg Willis • Marcisa Marlos • Regina Chinese • Campbell & Haliburton • Harriet Slade • Maria J. Folk Canadian Association • Canadian Progress • Heritage U.C.W. • Maria Latukhina • ACT Group - Thom Club-Regina Wascana • Holy Child Parish • Maria Trebuss Collegiate • Carla Cronan • Jackie Harbron • Marilyn Donald • Richard Haines CPA Pro- • Christine McLeod • James Barr • Marina Jeffery Grants fessional Corporation • Collen Gaudio • James R. Heck • Mark Vanderwel • Richard MacLintock • Conexus Credit Union • Conexus Arts Centre • James & Gina Johnson • Marr Finlayson • Rick Beattie • the Co-operators • Crooked Coulee Farms • Jan Ubell • Mary Langman • Rob & Jennie Shearer • RBC Foundation • Crystal Olson • Jason Hammond • Matthew Jackson • Rob H. Friesen • ScotiaBank • CUPE Local 3761 • Jason Targett • Melanie Holowachuk • Robert Murray • South Saskatchewan Community Foundation • Cynthia Bakker & Chris- • Jeannette Lye • Melissa Lock • Robin Hill tian Wells • Jeff McMurray • Mewael Eyob • Rod Senft • Dale Kraus & Dianne • Jeffery & Karen Misfeldt • Michelle Leniuk • Rodger Linka & Judith Fraser • Jenny Thompson • Mileston SLC Falle • Daniel Parr • Jessica Bickford • Mount Oliver Lutheran • Rosemont School - The Regina Open Door Society • David Tan • Jim & Trina Fallows Women’s Missionary Student Canteen is sincerely grateful to its donors • David & Faye • Jim Willis League • Rotary Club of Regina Helmerson • Joe Jozsa • Carol & Gary Kraft Eastview Inc. and grantors. Your thoughtful- • Deborah Sproat • John Coflin • Kara Mark • Samantha Taylor Fundraisers • Diane Froh • John Cotter • Okkyong Kim • Samilia Ali ness is making a difference and • Conexus Staff • Dianna Adams • Jordon Grohs • Nester Siguenza • Sanjida Hasnin we thank you very much! • G.Marconi Canadian Italian Club • Dianne Kauk • Joy Serne & Grant Hesie • Ngoc-Van Vietnamese • Sarah Craddoch • Donna Nelson • Judith Enger Submarine • Sarah James Thank you sincerely for volunteering your precious time, expertise and life experiences to support the successful Volunteers settlement and adaptation of newcomers to a new society and culture. “The key to our success rests in people like you!” Abdul Alamere Chealshe Viray Harmandeep Gill Kenneth Girling Mona Aboudher Selma Kiwirra Abdul Alammere Cherrie Zhuo Heather Bell Kennya Bhimji Monica Trinh Semhar Zeremarian Abdul Hai Janbaz Chioma Dickson Hector Kubavat Kenton Olson Monica Viray Shahla Anwar Abdullah Alahmed Christian Echeverria Helen Henning-Hill Kevin Dewalt Monica Wahba Shams Badri Abeer Awad Cianna Gibson Hisham Shaikh Khaldoon Al Sultane Monika Cule Shanaia Khan Adrian Muscat Cihan Cammas Hughes Kandele Khaled Hmd Moura Khair Sharon Fusilero Adrienne Sklar Cindy Denis Ibrahim Hussein Khalid Tama Munir Omer Shaun K. Wildman Aesha Raja Clamier Gibson Idona Panderanga Khem Regmi Naeila Al Shatir Shazia Shareef Afshari Tabrizi-Hassan Colleen Silverthorn Ildéphonse Bigirimana Kimberly Fyfe Naila Alshabib Shelley Braun Alanah Morisette Collin Yu Innocencia Sumargo Kitenge Tambure Julian Needal Ghadi Shelley Gold Alazar Wolde Damon Sklar Iry Mae Anastacio Kiumbura Githinji Nelson Eng Sherisse Kiefer Alberto Ortiz-Rosillo Dan Bergen Ismail Noor Krishna Monger Nibal Alkhateeb Snadra Kitenge Alex Burnett Daniel Huang Jacob Froh Kristen Martin Nicole Lerminiaux Sofia Aman Alex Rojas Daniele Redekopp James Fyfe Kyle Janeczko Nishana Nova Stacey Olson Alexandra King Dareen Alshater James Minard Lah May Noor Naser Stewart Kerr Alice Lorraine Barronwright Dave Parsons Janelle Blakley Lakshmi Shanu-Srikanth Nura El-Farsi Sue Krogsgaard Alyssa Phen David Rugabuka Janice Yule Ldan Abrams Oksana Starchenko Susan Tamlin Amanda Harle Debbie Bellamy Jannet Mbabiazi Leah Fichter Olena Vasyliv Suzanne M.V. Tessier-Alsayed Ambreen Baig Debbie Friesen Jason Beaumont Lexa Specht Omar Ghazal Syed Ali Amir Aboguddah Deborah Stevens Jason Skolney Lisa Jane Degara Osah Chukwamela Taha Hassan Andrew Stevens Denis Harry Jean Claude Hagerimana Liu Lafontaine Otayemi Tolulade Tahluwa Darbi Anette Hoffmeyer Doreen Sitter Jennifer Friesen Lorraine Weidner Padhal Tut Tara Froh Angela Lockhart Ebthal Alshabib Jennifer McKnight Luke Friesen Patrick Denis Terry Fink Anjan Kasdka Eiman M. Jerett Romanow Lulia Fessahaie Peter Graver Thoe Paw Ashley Quark Ekta Timilishina Jessica Beaubier Lumyaa Hassan Peter Hoeppner Tokiko Fallas Ashley Rosom Elio Ramirez Ji Shichen Madison Davis Qasdi Osman Tony Southivonesa Ayendrila Sharma Emily Morris Johannes Wecker Mahder Tsaeda Qian Wang Tracy Ding Barb Ryan Emma Kramer-Rodger John Boutin Mahmoud Omer Rachid Fiam Tut Padhal Bashir Fadol Evan Olson Jose Luis Echeverria-Hayes Mahmuda Akter Rania Al Harthi Twyla Chartrand Ben Tingley Eyob Woldemichael Judy Cragg Manal Alkhateeb Reem Armin Uttam Barua Bethany Mack Faisal Busbait Julia Wenger Manal Anwal Reem Dandal Waddah Younes Bhoj Raj Aryal Farbod Jenabieh Juliana Saxberg Mandana Mokhberi Rehab Abdelaziz Wendy Wecker Bihar Osman Fatma Ibrahim Juliet Kang Manishika Sharma Rhonda Agopsowich Wesley United Church Bilal Alissa Fatuma Fariala Julius Sendze Marcel Rachid Rhonda Rosenberg Westhill Park Baptist Church Bob Lane Fei Wang Justin K. Waldrop Marion Radmacher Richard Krogsgaard Winn Spence Bonnie Galenzoski Fidaa Almugharbi K. Blair Roberts Mark Vanderwell Robiel Teklu Yangming Hu Bonnie Allen-Tomka Fran Friesen Kaela VanDeSype Mar-Lenin Kermin Soriano Ron Sitter Yasser Lababidi Boraa Shaans Gadson Bagenda Kaitlyn Wilchynski Marwa Abdelgawad Rosanne Andres Yassine Elbahlouli Bravo Tango Garang Dakbai Kandy Cragg Maryam Asif Roxane Schury Yini Song Brawn Sheles Gayatri Nepal Katharine Vander Laan Mason Silva Russ Marchuk Yu Sun Brian Gold George Wooldridge Katherine Melnychuk Matt Watson Ruth Quiring Zainabu Mwangangi Britney Zellmer Gladys Lafreniere Kathy Blais Matthew Stone Sabba Mohammed Zebiba Beshir Brittney Chung Glen Smith Kathy Dewalt Michelle Bras Safa Nadeem Zina Toma Cailtlin Guy Greg Bernard Kauser Perveen Michelle Vanderwell Sana Rashid Zohra Bahrami Caitlin Gimmel Habiba Aden Kebread Medhin Mike Quine Sarah Abbas Calvin Kashoshi Habon Sheikhabdurah Kelcy Folk Milad Alishahi Sasibhushan Santhanlaksmi 288 Total Volunteers Carol Biggin Halefom Ghebregziher Kelsey Dumont Milos Kostic Say Kin for the 2016/17 fiscal year. Carol Marz Han Phan Kelsey Smith Mohamed Sherief Scott Yule Thank You Volunteers! Carol Nargang Hanae Boutoutane Kelsie Pratt Mohammed Omer Selin Golbar Our sincere apologizes if your name was missed! Language Continued.... Employment Continued..... Child Care Continued... Stage 1 and Stage 2 language classes were in the process of developing new partnerships RODS’ Child Care now accommodates introduced during this time, adding more flex- with businesses, associations and corporations. about 100 full and part time children ible learning options. Families who made Regi- We strive to excel in building relationships with throughout the day with 20 staff. na home continued to sponsor their loved ones the private and public sectors, community agen- to join them and together we’ve built a strong cies, and various adult education programs to In the fall of 2016, RODS’ also began to and diverse community. open new doors for immigrant and refugee job work with other daycares in the community seekers. RODS’ staff members make every effort to find childcare spaces for even more new- By 2017, over a 25 year period, RODS’ LINC to ensure that new immigrants from all walks comer clients. We currently have clients program has grown to 40 language classes, of life are successful in finding appropriate and with children in 12 community daycares, in providing over 500 learners flexible language meaningful work leading to full participation in addition to RODS Child Care Centre. services every day from a team of highly skilled, Saskatchewan life. dedicated professionals. 60 new child care The major focus for RODS’ Child C’are this spaces were provided to LINC learners in com- past year was on children’s developmental munity child care centres. LINC parents are • During 2016-2017, the Employment Ser- growth. All children were assessed accord- currently making use of 140 child care spaces. vices team served 1,581 newcomer clients. ing to an Ages and Stages Questionnaire What a joy it has been working with the Wel- • This included both highly-educated to identify areas of strength and areas of coming Community of Regina over the years! international professionals seeking to im- concern in order to adjust programming prove their employment status and clients accordingly and get assistance from sup- • LINC served 1,058 learners with low levels of English who were devel- port professionals. • Stage 1 & Stage 2 English served 70 learners oping job readiness skills and obtaining • 500 Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) entry-level employment. • The daycare served 99 LINC/Childmind- • Clients from more than 35 language groups • ing children and 34 community children in 2016/17 for a total of 133 children. 100% of learners strongly agree or 90% of clients developed an employment readiness action plan and be- 100% agree that the language they learned 90% in class helped them adapt to life in came aware of actions necessary to Canada. fulfill employment goals. 96% of learners indicated that the 90% of clients developed and applied 96% language they learned in class helped 90% personal marketing tools such as re- them to connect to community and sumes, cover letters and application public institutions. forms. 82% of clients increased self-suffi- 96% of learners indicated that their 96% 82% ciency in their career planning, job class time is good for them. attainment and retention. In collaboration with Over the past year, SSC met with SWIS Habitat for Humanity, 82% of FIT clients reported they service providers and associated communi- RODS Community Services can create and maintain support- ties across the province and conducted train- 82% ive relationships facilitated volunteering ing through 17 site visits. opportunities for SSC supported SWIS service providers, 22 Syrian refugees. 100% of RAP clients reported school staff, newcomer families and their The newcomers continue to volunteer in they could use the information communities through a website and translat- order to give back to their community. 100% learned during presentations to ed resources. Approximately address their settlement needs 50 documents were translated to 74 trained volunteer interpreters high need languages. provided 5003 hours of 86% of FIT clients reported they interpretation services have increased knowledge of 401 newcomers and to help newcomers access community 86% available services in the commu- 194 community stakeholders services and programs. nity participated in the In collaboration with 41 community RRLIP Research Project, organizations, WCN organized a 96% of OSN clients reported that which included focus groups and surveys. by attending the Citizenship 101 successful . Community Fair Event 96% sessions, they were prepared to 337 newcomers attended the 493 newcomers attended take the Canadian Citizenship RRLIP Newcomer the fair to learn about the services and test Welcome Event and programs of various community organizations. 94% of NWC clients agreed that 100 volunteers supported they were aware of Settlement the event, including many newly arrived To support Regina’s community-wide effort 94% Services within the community Syrian Refugees. to become more welcoming toward those new in Canada, WCN Community RAP received 263 GARs, including 111 Syrians Connections provided 82% of newcomers agreed that the Cultural Awareness Training NWC staff understood their needs and 152 other refugees. 82% and provided good information to 1155 participants KidsFirst program supported over representing 62 organizations. 50 families in 2016. OSN, in collaboration with 85% of newcomer youth reported 99% of community participants Regina Qu’Appelle Health that they felt more comfortable reported that they gained a better Region-Public Health, 85% in school due to the support they understanding of newcomers’ received contributions and needs. facilitated 960 immunizations. Message from our Board President I have the honour to present the Annual Report of the Regina Open Door Society (RODS) for the year ending March 31, 2017.

2016-17 was another year of growth for RODS, as it continues its leadership role in welcoming an exceptionally high number of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) to Regina. RODS remains thankful to the community for its ongoing support; the energy and diversity of our newest citizens will enrich our city for generations!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the volunteers and staff at RODS for their dedication and hard work in assisting RODS to fulfill its mission. It has been a privilege to serve as your president for the past year.

Jim Fallows Message from our Board Treasurer I am pleased to report on the financial performance of the Regina Open Door Society (RODS), for the year ending March 31, 2017. Program revenue for the year was $10.4 M compared to $10.1 M in 2015/16. The 3.7% increase was minimal due to the fiscal restraint measures in place, both federally and provincially. Revenue by program and source are indicated below. Expenses were $9.96M, up 1.3% from $ 9.83M in the prior year. From a financial perspective, RODS is well positioned and financially stable to deliver its programs and services and has made considerable progress in improving its financial and operational reporting processes and procedures over the year.

Bina Bilkhu

For RODS full financial statements please visit: www.rods.sk.ca Mission The Regina Open Door Society (RODS) is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants in Regina. RODS is committed to meeting the needs of newcomers by offering programs and services that enable them to achieve their goals and participate fully in the larger community. Vision RODS aims to build a Welcoming Community Enriched by the Diversity and Strength of Newcomers to Canada. Values DIVERSITY • We value diversity, whereby individuals from different cultures and backgrounds work together to strengthen our communities and workplaces, exchanging fresh ideas and perspectives and generating new energy. RESPECT & DIGNITY • We value respect and dignity, whereby we demonstrate fairness, consistency, inclusiveness, honesty and compassion as we support each other to discover, learn and achieve our goals. SERVICE EXCELLENCE • We value service excellence, whereby each of us is committed to professional, accountable, adaptable, caring and compassionate service to all our clients, colleagues, volunteers and community. PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION • We value partnership and collaboration, whereby we build mutually beneficial relationships where we can share responsibilities and ideas, and work together to enhance opportunities for all.