SHARING WITH NEWCOMERS

The Winnipeg Experience
By Merrill Shwaid

Winnipeg has been a hub of activity in welcoming immigrant families to our community. In August a social get-together was held at the Asper Jewish Community Campus. Over 60 newcomers enjoyed the afternoon participating in sports, square dancing and games. This program was a joint initiative of Jewish Child and Family Service and the Winnipeg Jewish Federation’s Young Adult Division. (YAD) 

The YAD group, in conjunction with Jewish Child and Family Service, also organized a Family Chanukah party earlier this month, for families with children under 3 years old. Many of the new immigrant families attended the party and were able to meet other young families with small children. The entertainment was fantastic! A wonderful captivating illusionist, a musical sing a long as well as an amusing clown held the attention of the children and the adults alike. The art and crafts activities allowed for some creative expression while the latkes were a delicious Chanukah treat. Everyone walked away with a smile on their face after an enjoyable afternoon among new friends.

Left to right Priel, Marina and Nathaniel Lisak enjoy the Chanukah party

A group of fourteen women shared their immigrant experiences in a supportive atmosphere in a workshop that was conducted by JCFS Resettlement workers Rina Roytburg and Olga Yamak. This session was designed to assist Russian-speaking women with the challenges they have encountered in adjusting to life in Winnipeg. Information was given out on handling the severe winter weather conditions. Many of the participants were pleased to meet other women with young children and learn how to deal with some of the socializing problems youngsters typically encounter when they are trying to make new friends in their new home. It was a very useful session where practical information was exchanged supported by a comforting attitude in knowing they were not alone in dealing with the many issues of adjusting to a new life in a new country.

Merrill Shwait is Co-ordinator of Public Relations for Jewish Child and Family Service in Winnipeg