Saskatoon Open Door Society

I have to admit I am extremely disappointed that this organization weren't able or permitted to meet and talk in person as I think this is a very cool organization but I have done by best to give you a good idea of what they do and how they do it.  

Saskatoon Open Door Society

Mission

"Exists to welcome and assist refugees and immigrants to become informed and effective participants in Canadian society, and to involve the Saskatoon community in their hospitable reception and just acceptance"

Vision
"Saskatoon is  multi-cultural community where newcomers enjoy full participation in its economic, social, intellectual and cultural life because of the work of Open Door in collaboration and partnership with others"

About 
SODS has welcomed new Canadians from 115 countries to date.  The organization began in 1980 by a group who at the time worked at the YWCA. It was started to help Vietnamese refugees arriving in Saskatoon and programs were then offered at Knox church.  
It received two Federal grants within its first year which allowed the hiring of a program coordinator, outreach worker, and office coordinator.  
In 1981 they decided to focus on providing care and service to refugees and began partnering with other community organizations. 

Programs & Services

Approximately 250 individuals access the program yearly.  They have a wide range of programs available

Women's Support Programs:
-Immigrant Women Support Group: Participants are able to receive support and guidance on family issues, parenting and health. as well as make friends.
-Immigrant Women Creative Club: Provides education based around arts and and focus on positive development for the future

Men's Support Programs:
-For Men Only: The men come together to learn about cooking and over this to discuss their interests, receive educational workshops, and hear guest speakers.
-Men's Recreation Club:Provides yearly sport activities both indoor and outdoor such as swimming practice, soccer, and volleyball.

Parenting and Nutrition:
They offer a number of programs including learning about family and fetal nutrition, learning about Canadian lifestyle and education systems.  They offer hospital tours for expectant parents and programs to promote social and emotional growth for children.  Additionally they offer "Bond to Literacy" which encourages parents and children to read and learn together.

Settlement & Community 
Programs help new canadians settle in by buddying them with a local family or individual to help them learn the local culture and feel a sense of community.  Additionally it provides presentations and information to local groups and institutions in regards to cultural awareness.

Youth programs include Study groups, school buddy programming, social networking, sports, and youth empowerment workshops. Another major youth program is the Annual Voice of Youth Summit which is planned by the youth and promotes leadership and organizational skills.

These programs are to help new young canadians feel welcome and at home in their new community. 

Language & Daycare
SODS also provides early childhood centres Monday to Friday where children have a safe place to receive care while their parents are working and also to socialize in a multicultural community. 
There are fees to utilize these centres although some parents may receive help to cover these fees
English courses are also offered at a variety of levels to help all new canadians improve their English language skills.

Employment Services
There are a variety of services offered which help individuals obtain employment as well as more recently including an 8 week English Language course to help them communicate and perform at work.
A major part of this service is the "WeConnect" Job fair which they say is Saskatoon's "largest and most influential multi-sector recruitment event" and is open to the general public  

Funding & Partnerships

The website provides a list of their funders and partners which include local institutes sun as Bethany Bible College, as well as The Government of Saskatchewan and Public Health Agency of Canada. Unfortunately there is no further information as to how these partners and agencies have contributed.

Annual Reporting is provided on the webpage swell.  
Reporting includes huber of new clients as well as where they have arrived from in terms of native countries. 
Reports included Financial Statements for the years listing Revenue and expenses for each years(2013-2014 etc)


Donations
There is a link to make donations online listing a number of programs which you could support with your donations well as a link to a "donation form" which allows you to choose from options
General Donation
In Memory of
In Honour/celebration of
I am unable to further comment on donation allocation etc. 


In Review
As I mentioned I was very disappointed that they would not meet to interview as I would have really liked to hear more about the programming and meet the individuals behind it.  Especially as an individual who grew up in Saskatchewan I think it would be great had they been open to having me come in and learn more so that I could share what they have to say and what they are doing daily.
I have to say first that this website is fantastic.  This organization has a very long list of programs it provides but the website is very straightforward and easy to navigate.  
As well I really like that they list yearly reports including financial statements.  I have said and will keep on saying it, transparency is huge because we like to know where our nickels and dimes are going. 
I think the mission and vision of this organization are fantastic especially while Saskatoon is booming and becoming more and more diverse.  As has been a theme throughout, i feel like it is more and more important that we are a culturally aware society and I think this organization offers a wonderful opportunity for us as Canadians to be welcome and promote a safe open community as well.  
I would have loved to have the opportunity to speak with individuals who are using this program as well as their volunteers to get more of a first hand feel of their successes as it isn't mentioned a lot in the local media etc

Saskatoon Open Door Society
www.sods.sk.ca
306-653-4464
100-129 3rd Ave N
Saskatoon SK