The Refugee Outreach Program (ROP)
Throughout Bloor Street’s history, members have welcomed refugees and newcomers. The Refugee Outreach Program has been active since 2003, and is now offering English conversation groups on Saturday mornings, Spanish Bible Study on Wednesday evening, help with problem solving, pastoral care, summer camping opportunities, celebrations for special occasions and welcoming people into the life and activities of the congregation. This program is financially supported by the congregation, individual donations and a grant from the Shining Waters Regional Council of the United Church of Canada. Contact Martha Reyes Huependo, Refugee Outreach Program Coordinator at 437-432-0087.
Volunteer opportunity for conversation group leaders
The Refugee Outreach Program is looking for a few more volunteers who are keen to help newcomers become more comfortable with speaking English. Volunteers need to be available on Saturday morning from 11am to 12:15, for one or more Saturdays each month. While some conversation group leaders have teaching background, this is not required. Some group leaders have the experience of learning a second language themselves, or perhaps they have tutored kids in grammar or reading. It helps if group leaders are good conversationalists, active listeners, radically patient, and interested in meeting new people!
Let us know if you want to attend on Saturday to observe a class in progress. If you are interested in knowing more about being a group leader, please contact Sue Kaiser ([email protected] 416-599-0689) or Martha Reyes Huependo ([email protected] 416-924-7439 X32).
ROP Counselling and Pastoral Care
Contact the Refugee Outreach Worker, Martha Reyes Huependo at 416-924-7439 ex 32, if you want help finding resources for school, immigration, housing or personal problems. Support is provided in Spanish and English. Appointment hours: Call ahead to make an appointment. Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m
ROP English Conversation Groups for Adults
Free, informal English conversation groups are offered on Zoom for adults on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. Volunteers from the congregation and the community lead the groups, and participants gain confidence in using English in everyday situations. Everyone is welcome. Contact Martha to get involved at 416 924 7439 Ext 32, or [email protected]
ROP Spanish Bible Study
The Spanish Bible Study is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the Bible. It is a chance to learn and discuss Scripture in Spanish. There are participants from Toronto, USA, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile and more.
To get the Zoom link, contact Martha Huependo at
416 924 7439 xxt 32, or [email protected]
ROP Spanish and English Activities for Children
Currently on hold.
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Free informal classes are offered on Saturdays 11 am to 1 pm for children ages 4-12 in Spanish or English. Spanish speaking parents asked for support to help their children maintain their Spanish skills, so the program offers activities in Spanish. Children who have recently arrived in Canada can participate in English language activities to help them gain confidence and make the transition to English at school. Program activities include games, crafts, stories and songs. Everyone is welcome.
ROP Special Events
Refugee Outreach Program participants and volunteers work together to create family celebrations for special occasions. Cooking together and sharing familiar traditions with new friends is part of feeling at home in Canada. Each year, the program sponsors some mothers and children to attend Lake Scugog Camp, a summer program of the United Church of Canada.
