New community program seeks to connect newcomers with locals

Are you a proud Prince George Resident who would like to introduce newcomers to the City? A new joint venture by the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society and the Westwood Church might interest you.

Connect PG is a new program in Prince George that aims to make newcomers feel at home and encourage them to stay long-term. IMSS settlement employment coach Laurie Dhillon says that, while lots of new people come to the city every year, few of them stay.

“Last year there were around 2700 new people to Prince George and less than 10% stay.”

Dhillon says Connect PG aims to help new arrivals make connections in the local community. Participants are paired up with long-time residents to help them get familiar with local resources.

“Anyone who’s new to the community is welcome to join in as a participant. They’ll be referred or can find us and come in and we will connect them with three long-standing community members who are willing to share their network with them.”

Local ‘connectors’ will introduce their program partners to three local businesses, organizations or people in the community. The program’s first info session drew lots of interest and the goal is to have 800-900 locals signed up to be connectors.

Dhillon says the program will benefit more than just the new residents.

“Generally, it’s going to help Prince George capacity-build. With all of the organizations, businesses, community support groups, it’s going to help them build community capacity.”

And Dhillon says it’s not just longtime residents that are excited to show newcomers around Prince George.

“As a matter of fact, the first Syrian family that arrived in Prince George are looking to become community connectors because they were so welcomed and they were introduced into the community. They feel like they want to be a part of it – they love the whole program. They see the value in it.”

If you’re interested in being a connector or you’re new to the city, you can visit their website for more information. They also have a Facebook page and a Twitter account: @connectpg2016.