Make a difference. Share your time. Build community.

Every day, newcomers arrive in Oxford County with hope, courage, and the dream of building a better life in Canada. You can help make that dream a little easier by becoming a volunteer with Settlement Services at Community Employment Services (CES).

Whether you have a few hours a month or a little time each week, there’s a way for you to get involved and make a real impact.

1. Join Our Conversation Circle

Help newcomers practice English and feel connected.

Once a month, Settlement Services hosts a friendly Conversation Circle—a two-hour event where newcomers come together to practice English, share stories, and meet new people.

We invite volunteers (Canadian citizens or well-established permanent residents) to attend and add their voices to the conversation. You’ll help create a welcoming space where newcomers feel comfortable speaking and learning. Sometimes, we ask volunteers to lead small group discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to share their voice.

How to get involved:

Email settlementservices@cesoxford.ca to be added to our monthly invite list. Attend the sessions that fit your schedule and help newcomers feel at home in our community.

2. Volunteer for Transportation

Help newcomers get where they need to go.

Transportation can be a big challenge in rural areas, especially for newcomers who don’t yet have a car or driver’s license. Volunteers who join our Transportation Program can provide rides to important appointments—such as healthcare visits or meetings in Woodstock, Ingersoll, London, Kitchener, and surrounding areas.

We’ll add you to our on-call list, and when a ride is needed, we’ll reach out. You can accept or decline depending on your availability—no ongoing schedule required.

How to get involved:

Email settlementservices@cesoxford.ca. Volunteers may be asked to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, provide a driver’s license, and confirm that their insurance allows them to carry passengers.

3. Support as an Interpreter

Help newcomers be heard and understood.

Clear communication changes everything. Our team often supports clients who are still learning English, and having someone available who can interpret between languages is incredibly valuable.

If you speak another language fluently and can accurately interpret conversations between two languages, we’d love to add you to our on-call interpreter list. You’ll be contacted when your language skills are needed and can accept or decline based on your schedule.

How to get involved:

Email settlementservices@cesoxford.ca to express your interest.

4. Become a Mentor

Be a friend and guide to a newcomer.

Through our Canada Connect Program, volunteers are matched with newcomers who want to learn more about their community, practice English, or expand their social circle.

Mentors are typically asked to meet for about one hour per week for six months, but the program is flexible—and both mentor and mentee can end the match at any time.

These simple, human connections often grow into lasting friendships that enrich both lives.

How to get involved:

Email settlementservices@cesoxford.ca to express your interest.

Why Volunteer with Settlement Services?

When you volunteer, you’re not just helping newcomers—you’re strengthening Oxford County’s sense of community. You’ll meet people from around the world, learn new perspectives, and make a meaningful difference in someone’s journey.

Whether you join once a month or once a week, your time and kindness truly matter.

Ready to get started?

Email settlementservices@cesoxford.ca
Call 519-539-8161
Visit Community Employment Services, 40 Metcalf Street, Woodstock
Together, we can make Oxford County a place where everyone feels they belong.