Who We Are: Mission Statement

The Regina Open Door Society (RODS) is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants in Regina.  RODS is committed to meeting the needs of newcomers by offering programs and services that enable them to achieve their goals and participate fully in the larger community.

RODS Objectives Are To:

•  Assist immigrants and promote their adjustment to and participation in the Saskatchewan Community.
•  Promote and extend community services to refugees and immigrants to foster greater awareness and understanding between newcomers and the community.
• Seek to establish facilities for intercultural, educational and social activities.

Settlement and Integration Services

Feeling at Home in Canada

As a settlement agency, RODS provides newcomers with the following services:

• Meeting and welcoming government assisted newcomers upon arrival.
• Temporary accommodation in RODS reception house.
• Assistance obtaining permanent residence.
• Interpretation/translation
• Counseling, support and orientation.
• Assistance with financial matters such as Income Tax preparation, National Child Tax Benefit applications and Immigration/Transportation Loan repayment.
• Assistance with the preparation of Immigration documents/applications.
• Escort and/or referral to other federal, provincial, municipal and private agencies in the community.

Please note that some of the above services may be available for government-assisted refugees only.

Host and Volunteer Program

Building New Friendships

 Host families are volunteers who provide friendship and support to newcomer refugees and immigrants in order to assist with their settlement process into the Regina Community.

RODS also uses volunteers as ESL tutors, support group workers and as special event helpers.

RODS offers orientation, training and ongoing support to all of its hosts and volunteers.

The overall goal of all volunteerism at RODS is to build friendships!

Community Services

Information and Involvement

The community services program enables refugees and immigrants to become active participants in Canadian society through a range of activities and opportunities.  Included are the following activities and groups:

• Orientation and information on a variety of topics
• Recreational and Social Activities
• Citizenship Preparation
• Client advocacy
• Youth Programs
• Immigrant Seniors Group
• Presentations to groups and organizations
• Assistance in completing applications for citizenship, passport and travel documents
• Liaison with Multicultural & Newcomer Communities
• Class 7 Written Drivers Examination
• Computer Classes

Informal community and organizational support are readily available.

Summer Activities for Children

RODS offers recreational and educational opportunities for refugee and immigrant children during the summer months.  While attending the program, children participate in language learning exercises, as well as community orientation and fun summer activities.

Employment Services

Recognizing Skills and Diversity 

RODS offers support to all newcomers seeking employment, through:

• Individual Counseling
• Goal Orientation
• Career Planning
• Resume' Preparation
• Job Search Techniques
• Job Referrals
• Job Finding Club
• STEPS to Employment Classes
• Facilitation of Qualifications Recognition

Employers in the community can contact our office for a list of pre-screened candidates or resumes of potential candidates for hiring purposes. 

The STEPS to Employment classes provide instruction on a range of issues, including Canadian work culture, interview skills, employer expectations, resume writing and Labor Standards.

FIT - Families in Transition

Enabling Families

Delivered by a professional Social Worker, the Families in Transition program provides direct support to recently arrived immigrants in their efforts to successfully adapt and integrate into the Regina Community. 

FIT offers personal and family counseling, as well as education and preventative workshops.  The program is also responsible for enhancing RODS working relationship with the mainstream service providers.

Source - Regina Open Door Society Immigrant Service Agency Information Pamphlet