St. Dominic Refugee Care Committee Meeting Minutes Sept. 21, 2016

 

Regrets: Charmaine Aubut, Rudy Habesch, Genevieve Poirier-Murphy and Helen Danko 

1. Opening Prayer: Norm Murray asked us to pray quietly for Anwar and Nour.  We offered The Lord's Prayer together for their intentions. 

2. Agenda: Norm asked for a review of the agenda.

It was accepted with the addition under 10. Other Business (bullet 3) Application for subsidized housing. 

3. Approval of Minutes: Norm asked for a motion to approve the minutes of August 31. The motion was moved by Maury Whyte and seconded by Karen Dysart.  The minutes were approved as revised. 

4. Review Welcome Dinner: Norm thanked everyone involved in making the dinner a success.  It was a time for the committee to get to meet the couple and to get to know each other in a social setting.  Karen will check with the Parish Social Committee to see if their is a parish social function planned where parishioners could meet Anwar and Nour. 

5. Health Care Appointments: Julia Hillock has rescheduled their doctor's appointments till Thursday, September 29 at 5 pm. because the dentist has asked that Anwar have blood tests. Georgina Bourke will drive them. 

6. Report on Actions, Experiences and/or Difficulties Regarding the Settlement Plan:

• Food-Norm and Nerina drove them to Adonis Mediterranean Grocery Store in Mississauga.  Perhaps this could be a monthly trip because the main purpose of our sponsorship is for them to become independent.                                                                                                        
  They qualify for a weekly Fresh Food Box that they can access at St. Aidan's Anglican              Church on Queen Mary Drive and Washington Ave.

• Bicycles-Sid Cebrowski delivered the bicycle that Norm donated for Anwar.  They are in need of a bell, locks and reflectors for the bikes.  Sid will look for these items.                                 
             There maybe storage space provided in the basement apartment building.
   

• Clothing-Nerina took them to buy winter coats at Winners. She also took them downtown to Safetynet (226 Randall St., Suite 101, 905-845-2595) where they could choose free clothing and were invited to come back as needed.
   
• Transportation-Charmaine Aubut went with Nour to get a student rate ($1.75) Presto              card.  She road the bus with the couple to show Nour how to go to school and back.  She is comfortable with this because other ladies in the apartment attend classes at Thomas Merton.  She can reload the card at the Go Station or Library.  An adult cash fare is $3.50.   They are eligible for a monthly Oakville bus pass beginning in October.  This allows them to ride the bus for free.  Once she gets the bus pass she has to return the Presto card.                                                                                                                       
           Anwar and another student living in the same apartment building have been sharing rides through arrangements made by Charmaine with HMC and Church of the   Incarnation who are sponsoring the other student.  HMC is seeking a driver who would   take the 4 Oakville students on a regular basis.  Until then we have agreed to share the   driving between the 2 churches. 
   
  7. Deferred to next meeting
   
  8. Budget Update: Brian Thornton states that the budget is looking good.  We had $39,080 and spent $5,000.  Since the government portion of the sponsorship will begin in October, it will go to pay for the rent and Brian will issue 2 cheques a month each for $400. to be used for food,  etc.  We must help them to understand that whatever we buy them comes out of the fund that we have budgeted for them.  Brian and Karen will help them to set up a monthly budget.
  Anwar received a rental bill from Homestead because there was a mix up between the apartment rental office and their head office.  Brian clarified the situation for Anwar.
  Nour is in need of a cellphone and Anwar needs the internet for school.  After discussion Brian,  Karen and Nayer will take them to Best Buy on Saturday.  Norm will check with Anwar's instructor to discuss what is needed. 
   
  As stated in the December 8, 2015 minutes, sponsors may choose to cover the Canadian Government Immigration Loan for Transportation and Admissibility which could amount to $5,000.  This invoice is expected to arrive in the near future.  The following motion was presented: Moved by Karen Dysart                                         Seconded by Nerina Murray 
  That The Refugee Fund cover the cost of the Transportation and Admissibility Loan for Anwar and Nour to come to Canada.                                                                          Motion Carried
   
  Norm asked Nayer if Anwar had talked about their families.  Nayer replied that Anwar said that they had both lost a brother in the war besides Anwar having a brother in Turkey, Nour has a sister in Sweden.  Norm mentioned that when they had their meeting with Immigration and Erin Pease,  Anwar had mentioned his hope of bringing his brother to Canada.  Erin had told him at that time what would be required and how to go about it.  Norm asked the committee to consider this option to assist them in this undertaking.  
   
  9. Calendar: Maury Whyte has created a Google Calendar which can be used to post appointments and driver requests.  It seems to be working well and is very useful and user friendly.
   
  10. Other Business:

• Norm informed the committee that several workshops were being offered by the Social Safety Net (Halton Region at 1151 Bronte Rd. From 7 to 9 pm)                         September 22-Halton Community Legal Services                                                             September 29-Housing Stability                                                October 6-Employment Matters                                      
             Sharon mentioned that she and Charmaine attended a workshop the previous evening at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) on Cornwall Rd. at Maplegrove.  She said that Anwar was also present. The purpose of the workshop was to talk about issues that newcomers may experience in Canada and to inform them of free referrals and how they can access services at any time. 

• Norm circulated the committee vacation calendar for updating. 
• Norm asked if the application for subsidized housing had been submitted.  Needs follow up information.
   
  11. Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 7:45 pm Parish Centre
                              
  Fr. D'Sa offered a prayer for all people involved with the care and well being of Nour and Anwar that they may always feel respected and welcomed by the people they meet.  

St. Dominic Refugee Care Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 31, 2016

 

1. Opening Prayer: Norm Murray offered the opening prayer. 

2. Meet and Greet: Anwar and Nour were greeted by the committee.  Birthday wishes were given to Nour as we celebrated with cake and refreshments.  This was the couple's first opportunity to meet the entire committee.   

3. Agenda: Norm asked for a review of the agenda.

 It was accepted as presented. 

4.Approval of Minutes: Norm asked for a motion to approve the minutes of August !0. The motion was moved by Theresa O'Connor and seconded by Rudy Habesch.  The minutes were approved as distributed and the motion carried. 

5. Introduce Anwar and Nour to the Committee: Done informally under item 2 on the agenda.

6. Update on the August 31 Meeting with Erin Pease and the Couple: Norm stated that Erin told them what they needed to know about Canada.  This was in preparation for their meeting with Immigration Canada in Hamilton on Tuesday, September 6.  Anwar said that he has a younger brother in Turkey who may like to come to Canada in the future.  Erin asked them if they felt comfortable coming to a Catholic Church.  They replied that they were fine with the invitation. On Monday, Charmaine Aubut and Sharon Cebrowski took them to the Morden Road DAR Mosque and they were grateful.  Anwar has an app on his cellphone that plays whenever it is time for prayer. 

7. Report on Arrival and Settlement Plan Actions Taken:

            a. Settlement Plans Accomplished/Scheduled: Sharon Cebrowski said that the meeting at HMC on Monday, August 29 went well.  They already have 2 designated spots for language training starting on Wednesday, September 7.

They are to be tested on September 1 for their language skills.  Apparently Anwar can read and write in Arabic and knows a few English words.  Nour is unable to read and write Arabic.

 

They will be accompanied to Service Ontario on Friday, September 2 to apply for their OHIP card.  Julia Hillock is concerned because there is no male Arabic speaking doctor at the office that has been booked for the October appointment.  Nayer Agaiby will ask Anwar if this is a problem for him.  Anwar may have an allergic reaction on his face,  Charmaine and Sharon will stop at a local pharmacy tomorrow to obtain a topical cream.

 

Sharon said that the funding for free bus passes will run out at the end of September.  Connie Booth stated that they will be given bus passes once they begin Language Classes.

 

HMC could provide free translators but would need a week's notice.

HMC has advised them to apply for subsidized housing as soon as possible because the waiting list could take up to a year.

 

Nerina Murray went grocery shopping with them on Monday to Food Basics.  They should be able to navigate on their own because it is within walking distance.

 

She also introduced them to the downtown library last Friday, where they can get free Wi-Fi.

The day they arrived she took them to a local restaurant on Kerr Street to familiarize them with the neighbourhood.

 

            b. Issues/Concerns/Needs.  They need blankets.  If used, blankets must be dry cleaned with the dry cleaning cover visible.

Clothing is currently sufficient.

A bicycle is needed for Anwar, along with 2 kickstands and 2 bells and a basket. 

Maury Whyte will design a template that will state when a ride is needed and volunteer drivers can fill in their availability.

 

8. Area Orientation: Charmaine stated that a goal of the Settlement Plan is to orient the couple to Oakville and area.  She asked who would be willing to accompany them either on their own or with their family to some of the local points of interest.  Karen had said she would take them to the Farmer's Market and/or Kelso.  Connie stated that once they begin Language Training a bus tour of Oakville is included.  If interested in accompanying them to one of the following, please advise Charmaine: Oakville and Bronte Harbours, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Sixteen Mile Creek, Gairloch Gardens, Coronation Park, Royal Botanical Gardens, Town Hall or the Regional Municipal Building.

There are several restaurants in the area that serve Mediterranean food:  Montfort on Iroquois, Oakville Halal Grill on Kerr St., Maro's on Kerr, Agabi, Adonis, Sidra at Fourth Line.  We must be careful that we don't set them up for failure, not being able to afford these on their income.

Some recreation centres and community centres offer low cost programs: YMCA and indoor pools.  The movie theatre film.ca at Kerr and Speers Road offers “Toonie Tuesdays” and there is bowling at South Oakville Centre.

Fr. D'Sa suggested that we give the couple some space to explore their surroundings on their own and adjust to Canadian life.         

 

9. Update on Cell Phone, Data Plan and Internet Service: Brian Thornton arranged a plan with Fido as it seems to be the plan that requires the least number of identification specifications.

They have a Canadian number.  Only those who need it will be able to access it.

He stated that the refugee fund now stands at $30,000. because of expenses incurred with the apartment set up and four postdated cheques have been issued for the apartment rental.

 

10. Welcome Dinner Update: Georgina Bourke stated that Thursday, September 8 seemed to suit the committee.  She expressed her regrets to those who could not attend.   We will gather in the at 5:30.  Dinner at 6 pm.  Several members offered to help with the set-up arrangements.

A suggestion was made that perhaps around Thanksgiving their could be a Spaghetti Supper where we could introduce them to the parish.

11. Other Business:

Sharon reminded us not to post the couples picture on Facebook and other social media because it is an invasion of their privacy.

• Karen Dysart has a gift certificate from Diana Saulez for indefinite hair care for the couple at Salon de Soliel at Lakeshore and Trafalgar.
   
  12. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 21, 7 pm Parish Centre
                              
             

Move In Day

Many hands make light work and there were many hands working when we moved the household goods into the new apartment.  We cleaned and moved, assembled and washed and put away. As the heat built up, two fans were found on a nearby street, discarded.  They were quickly brought over - the Lord provides!  Thank you to everyone who donated.  Thank you to the worker-bees who helped with the move.  The work is not yet finished but it is well begun.

St. Dominic Refugee Care Committee Meeting Minutes

 

 

Regrets: Fr. Anderson, Connie Booth, Julia Hillock, Theresa O'Connor, and Sid & Sharon Cebrowski

 1. Opening Prayer: Karen Dysart asked Brian Thornton to lead us in prayer as we prepare to receive Anwar and Noor.

 2. Agenda: Item 5 a) Name Tags was added.   The agenda was then accepted as modified.

 3. Approval of Minutes: A motion was moved by Rudy Habesch and seconded by Genevieve Poirier-Murphy to approve the minutes of May 25, 2016.

 4, Clergy Update: Karen stated that there will be full cooperation from the new pastor.

 5. BVOR Plan Update

            a) Diocese of Hamilton: Erin Pease will advise the committee when she hears from the government.  We are requested not to call regarding this issue.

 

            b) Housing: Permanent- Helen Danko stated that an apartment has been leased for August 6.  Helen and Brian submitted the required documentation and the application has been approved by the landlord.  The couple will sign the lease after they arrive.  The unit is one bedroom on the 15^th floor facing Sixteen Mile Creek at 199 Queen Mary Drive.  The rent is $1,320.  Cable has to be arranged with a provider and it will be newly painted.  Since the windows are floor to ceiling Helen will enquire whether the present renters would sell/donate the window coverings.  An elevator will be be set aside for two hours on the moving day.   Karen thanked Helen, Brian and Charmaine for their efforts to secure housing.  

 

            Temporary- Liz and Maury Whyte have checked out accommodation at Sheridan College student residences for couples at 1410 Trafalgar Rd.  The suites have 2 bedrooms, bathroom and kitchenette with a fridge and microwave.  There is weekly housekeeping with linens, bedding and toiletries supplied.  There is a communal kitchen, bring your own dishes and cookware.  The cost is $47. per night, including tax.  The committee consensus was that this is a viable temporary accommodation if available when the couple arrives.  

 

            c) Medical: Marg Humphrey reported that Julia Hillock has made doctor and dental appointments for the couple.

Medical booked for Tues., Oct. 4^th, 9 am with Dr. Rizk (Arabic speaking) at Oak Park Medical.

This is a female doctor if Anwar is uncomfortable, there are 2 non Arabic speaking male doctors at this location.

Dental booked for Monday, September 12^th 10 am with Dr. Tawil (Arabic speaking) on Kerr Street.(arrive at 9:30 to fill out forms).

The appointments were booked for these dates to ensure OHIP and IFH coverage.

            d) Donation of Goods: Karen stated that if anyone asked about or requested a tax receipt, it is for new items only and a receipt must be submitted.

A volunteer schedule was circulated for assistance after masses on June 18-19 and collection of goods on Saturday, June 25 between 1 and 3 pm.  Volunteers are asked to mark “received” on the list of items as they are brought in.  The items will be stored behind the curtains in the parish hall.  For larger items, parishioners are asked to hold on to them until the couple arrive and are able to choose for themselves.  Anyone who cannot keep the item that long will be advised that St. Vincent de Paul may be able to use it. 

 

            e) Approved Drivers: Genevieve added her name to the volunteer driver list.  Although drivers need someone to accompany them, that person does not have to be a member of the committee nor screened by the parish.  Nerina Murray said that she can accompany a driver.

 

            f) Language Training: Liz stated that Sheridan College offers LINC at levels 5 & 6.

Rudy mentioned that his wife Lina has been hired by the HRCSB as a Settlement Worker and the board offers ESL classes at Thomas Merton Centre on Speers Road.  Rudy to check if ESL is free or is there a charge.

Charmaine will purchase a deck of Arabic to English language cards for $10.  If anyone is interested, contact her.

 

            g) Welcome Dinner: Georgina said that Charmaine and her had a delicious dinner at Adonis Restaurant.  They talked to the owner Kerry and she will provide the following meal for $25.  A 6 oz. chicken slovaki skewer, a shish kafta (beef) skewer, rice, taboule and hummus with pita bread.  Committee members who wish to attend will pay for their own meal. 

Another point mentioned was the fact that if they arrive on or before July 6, it is Ramadan, so the welcome meal may have to be after that fast.

Charmaine talked to her about the fact that she had offered a job for one of them.  She believes that it is an opportunity to learn working English as she allows only English to be spoken in the kitchen.  She also believes that it boosts their self esteem to be earning some money.  There was an area of concern as to whether they could be earning a wage as long as they were being sponsored by the government.  Norm/Karen to check this out with Erin.

 

            Identified Gaps and Need for Assistance

                        1) Bus Transportation: Nerina and Charmaine volunteered to familiarize themselves with the bus routes and orient the couple regarding the system.

 

                        2) Communications: Sybil Percy made enquiries regarding a land line vs. a cellphone.  A land line seems to be more expensive.  It was decided to wait until they arrive to supply them with a cellphone and possible computer.

 

6.Calendar of Activities: Karen composed a calendar for the first 2 week post arrival. The committee is to fill in their section and email it to her or bring a copy to the next meeting.

Norm is putting together a Vacation Calender.  Send him your away times till September.

 

            a)-Arrival Day- Sharon is to bring documentation for their arrival, i e proof of address.

            -Arrival Binder & Name Tags- Genevieve showed us the arrival binder that she has put together for the couple.  She distributed name tags to the committee with their picture and name in English and Arabic.  These should be worn when volunteering with the couple and at the parish when volunteering for the committee. 

                       

7. Transfer Committee Chair back to Norm

Norm thanked Karen for the excellent work done in his absence.

           

            a) Next Meeting: Tentative date- Wednesday, June 29 at 7 pm. in the Parish Centre

            If couple arrives before then, a quick meeting may be called.

 

The Household is Being Prepared!

The Household is Being Prepared!


On the weekend of July 18th and 19th, St Dominic Parishioners stepped up and signed up to supply items for the new home of our family.  The Committee members were delighted with the response and generosity of everyone.  We even received new ideas and new offers of help. 


We have also received photographs of living room and kitchen/dining room furniture.  We will let our family select from the pictures.  If you have any bedroom furniture, end tables, lamps, etc, please keep us in mind and email a photo to stdom.ref.cmte@gmail.com.  Thank you!

St. Dominic Refugee Care Committee Meeting Minutes May 25, 2016

St. Dominic Refugee Care Committee Meeting Minutes 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 

 

1. Opening Prayer: Karen Dysart asked Liz Whyte to lead us in a prayer for guidance as we prepare to receive Anwar and Noor.  We concluded with The Lord's Prayer. 

 

2. Introduce New Volunteers Present: Karen introduced new attendee Marg Humphrey who will be helping in the area of health. 

Members identified themselves around the table including how long they had be members of the parish. 

Regrets: Fr. Michael Anderson, Nerina and Norm Murray, Connie Booth and Theresa O'Connor 

 

3. Agenda: Item 5 of the agenda was removed and replaced with Housing: Temporary and Permanent.  It was then accepted as modified. 

 

4. Approval of Minutes: A motion was moved by Genevieve Poirier-Murphy and seconded by Charmaine Aubut to approve the minutes of May 11, 2016. 

  

5. Housing: a) Temporary- Karen advised the committee that the Rectory is no longer an option.  She also stated that Georgina Bourke's offer of her downstairs is not recommended because she lives alone. 

Liz mentioned that Sheridan College has student residences for couples that may be open in the summer.  The committee agreed that this could be our best option at the present time.  Liz will find out the cost and availability. 

b) Permanent- Helen Danko stated that the apartment that was available through the Rotary Club has been rented.  She may have a lead on a 2 bedroom apartment on Bronte Rd. (next to Amico) that could be available on August 1.  She stated that at $1,350 monthly, it is above the housing budget planned for but because this is a high rate rental area it is likely our best choice at this time.  The committee agreed that if it is available and there could be an option to acquire a one bedroom within the building if it became empty that we should rent it. 

Georgina mentioned that she is still looking into the basement apartment rental. 

 

6. List of Approved Volunteer Drivers: Liz circulated a sheet for volunteer drivers to sign with their days and times available.  The committee was reminded that a Volunteer Driver Form had to be submitted to the parish office before they could be listed. 

 

7. Refugee Settlement Plan BVOR Version from Pre-arrival through Two Weeks Post Arrival: 

a) Committee Members Progress Reports 

-Arrival Binder- Genevieve has had Rudy Habesch translate the letter of welcome into Arabic for the binder.  She showed the committee red T-shirts with Canada on the front that could be worn by the airport greeters.  Anyone interested in wearing it should contact her for details on where to purchase them. 

-Management of In Kind Donations- Karen reported that Theresa's committee plans to start the three week donation period from June 11^th to 26^th weekends.   

-Budget and Finances- Brian Thornton stated that the Office of Refugees at the Chancery Office did not accept the revised budget, so he is resubmitting the original budget. 

Scotia Bank welcomes Syrian Refugees in their language. 

 

-Education (Adult)- Sharon Cebrowski showed a deck of cards to be given to the couple that translates words and simple phrases from English to Arabic.  She will look into the prospect of purchasing them for committee members who are interested. 

 

-Culture and Trauma- Charmaine contacted HMC regarding making a presentation to the committee on cultural sensitivity training.  The cost would be $250.  She informed us that St. Raphael Parish in Burlington is offering this presentation on June 8 at 7pm.  The cost is $10 per person payable at the door.  It was the consensus that those interested would attend the Burlington presentation.  Sybil Percy volunteered to contact the parish to let them know how many would attend. 

 

-Arrival Day- Sharon mentioned that all committee members wanting to greet the couple at the airport and or at the welcome meal should feel free to do so.  Rudy said that this is a good idea because when anyone arrives for a visit the whole family goes to meet them and the more people the merrier for a special occasion.  Georgina asked to let her know if your name is not already on the list in order to have enough food. Karen offered to help with the set up. 

 

-Transportation-Sharon mentioned that HMC has monthly free bus passes for the first 2 months of arrival and half price passes for up to a year.   

 

-Shopping and Clothing-Georgina volunteered to take the couple grocery shopping.  She found a Syrian Grocery List at www.syriancooking.com.  The site also has recipes and a list of useful kitchen utensils.    

 

-Community Services-The YMCA offers a 3 month free membership to newcomers. 

    

b) Gaps Needing Assistance-Cellphone/home phone and provider 

-Which committee member is responsible? 

 

8. Budget: Discussed above. 

 

9. Other Business: None 

 

10. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 15 at 7 pm. in the Parish Centre. 

 

FYI: June 20 is World Refugee Day