1. Guest Houses

• Network of 8 Guest Houses: We have operated 14 Guest Houses and continue to open additional ones when there is a need. They are strategically located in Ontario, offering safe, stable, and supportive accommodations for Ukrainian families. 

• Sustained Operations: Our guest houses have been maintained through ongoing donations and smaller grants, allowing us to respond effectively to housing needs despite limited financial support.

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2. Host Family Network

• Extensive Host Network: We have successfully connected over 250 host families with Ukrainian families in need. This network provides a flexible and personalized housing solution.

• Recurring Support: Many host families have demonstrated exceptional commitment by assisting multiple times, with some supporting Ukrainian families for over a year. 

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3. Employment Assistance

• Job Placement Services: We connect Ukrainians with employment opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and employment agencies.

• Employment Support: Our team of employment volunteers provides resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance to enhance employability.

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4. Social Integration and Support

• Social Connections: Facilitating connections with the local community through volunteer programs, mentorship, and social events to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

• Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health supports to address the psychological impacts of displacement and trauma.

• Household Items and Food Assistance: Ensuring Ukrainians have access to essential household items and regular food supplies through donations and partnerships with local food banks.

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5. Language and Education

• Language Instructors: Dedicated language instructors offer virtual English classes (in-person at the Gust Houses) 

• School Registration Support: Assistance with enrolling children in schools, including help with paperwork and obtaining necessary school supplies.

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6. Additional Support

• Translation Services: Offering translation support to facilitate communication between Ukrainians and service providers.

• Transportation Assistance: Providing transportation services to help Ukrainians access necessary services and integrate into the community.

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7.Household Donations

• Donation Team: We have a dedicated team of volunteers who manage the entire donation process. They actively search for donations, drive to homes to pick them up, store them securely, and communicate with families in need.

• Donation Distribution: Volunteers bring donations such as furniture and household items directly to the homes of refugees, assisting with the installation and setup of these items to ensure a comfortable living environment.

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8. Volunteer and Community Engagement

• Large Volunteer Network: Engaging a large team of volunteers who contribute to various support functions, including employment assistance, food distribution, and social support.

• Personal Connections: Our volunteers form strong, lasting bonds with Ukrainains acting as extended family members, offering emotional support, companionship, and a sense of familiarity in a new environment.​

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9. Operational Excellence

• Efficient Processes: We receive around 8-10 applications weekly from families and individuals. Our volunteers conduct multiple follow-ups to gather additional information and conduct interviews, ensuring each application is thoroughly reviewed and assessed for suitability.

• Comprehensive Tracking: Maintaining a database of hundreds of families, we regularly follow up to ensure their needs are met through direct communication or volunteer support.

• No Set Office Hours: Our staff make themselves available 24/7, without set office hours, to address emergencies and provide continuous support.

• Rapid Mobilization: Ability to quickly scale support during crises, maintaining flexibility to meet the evolving needs of refugees.

• Proactive Outreach: Instead of waiting for Ukrainians to seek help, our team actively identifies individuals and families who may need assistance and conducts regular check-ins.

• Needs Based Assistance and Programs: By attentively listening to not only the needs of the Ukrainian person but also the volunteers, we can adapt our programs and services to better meet the community’s requirements, fostering a responsive and empathetic support system.

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10. Celebrating Cultural Diversity

• Cultural Events: Hosting cultural celebrations and events allows Ukrainian refugees to share their heritage, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation within the community.

• Preserving Identity: By valuing and celebrating their cultural backgrounds, we help refugees maintain their sense of identity while embracing their new lives in Canada.

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11. Empowering through Volunteering

• Giving Back: Many of the Ukrainians we assist are now volunteering within Grassroots Response as a way to give back to the organization that has supported them.  They also gain valuable experience in Canadian-style volunteering, enhancing their social integration and professional skills.

• Building Relationships: As volunteers, Ukrainians actively engage with other community members, fostering new friendships and reinforcing their sense of belonging. Their involvement helps bridge cultural gaps and promotes mutual understanding within the community.