Jingling’s Story – GED Volunteer:

As a newcomer, I felt frustrated during the period time of my career exploration. I went to St. Christopher House by chance and since then it has become a part of my family.

I volunteered at St. Christopher as a GED math tutor because of my engineering background. By helping people, I realized that I am still valuable to the Canadian society and gained confidence. Besides gaining confidence and improving my English, the people who work in St. Christopher House at King Street gave me so much support. They told me a lot of information about Toronto, Canada. By discussing with the staff, I had the chance to know what it looks like to be a social worker or to be an employment counsellor. The caring they gave to me helped me overcome the difficulties I faced at that time. The information I obtained from them assisted me to work towards my career quickly.

I had to stop volunteering during the intensive fulltime study of the Career and Work Counsellor program at George Brown College. However the relationship built between St. Christopher and me still continues. Whenever they have any information or an event, the volunteer co-ordinator, Jen sends emails to me. I try my best to attend any activity happening at St. Christopher House. I will strongly recommend my future clients, especially newcomers, to volunteer at community centres such as St. Christopher House, because I know how important it is to connect with the community where you are living. This is the best win-win situation - that newcomers can contribute right after they immigrate. The better community, the better life we will have.

Thank you St. Christopher House and your staff.