What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4:30pm Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm Thursday 9am - 4:30pm Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Reception House Waterloo Region

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Kitchener, ON
Reception House Waterloo Region

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Reception House Waterloo Region, Nonprofit Organization, 700/101 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON.

Reception House Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization that provides quality settlement, integration, and support services for government-assisted refugees resettled in Waterloo Region through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Our mission is to ensure all government assisted refugees arriving in Waterloo Region are warmly welcomed, feel accepted as members of our community and have a successful settlement experience. We provide:

- temporary accommodation
- assistance with finding permanent housing
- orientation and life skills support
- settlement support and referrals to relevant community partners
- coordination and accompaniment to health screenings
- youth programming
- English language outreach
- volunteering opportunities through the Family Partnership program

Contact our Staff here: http://receptionhouse.ca/contact/meet-the-staff/

Volunteer with Reception House: https://receptionhouse.ca/volunteer/

Learn more by visiting us at: receptionhouse.ca

11/03/2026

A Halloween Full of Smiles and Sweet Memories!

There was so much excitement at our temporary accommodation hotel as many children celebrated their very first Halloween in Canada.

From carving pumpkins and face painting to enjoying sweet treats, children and families came together to celebrate and experience a new tradition.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and contributed to creating a fun, welcoming experience filled with joy, connection and a sense of belonging. 🧡

10/30/2026

Our first Shift Start cohort is here!

Reception House is excited to welcome our very first group of participants to Shift Start, our free five week Food Manufacturing Training Program funded by Ontario’s Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) program. The Shift Start program delivers targeted technical, essential, and employability skills training aligned with current and emerging workforce requirements in the Food Manufacturing sector.

These participants are taking an important step toward entering the workforce, building industry-specific skills, and preparing for new employment opportunities.

We’re proud to support them as they begin this journey and look forward to seeing what they accomplish.

Join us in welcoming our first cohort!

10/29/2026

Meet Our New Board Members! 💙

Please join us in warmly welcoming Naseem Shabudeen, Richard McClurg, and Ivan Sierra to the Reception House Waterloo Region Board of Directors.
We are honoured that these accomplished leaders have chosen to invest their time, expertise, and passion in our organization. Their decision to serve reflects a shared belief in our mission and a commitment to helping refugees and newcomers build safe, successful, and fulfilling lives in Waterloo Region.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience in finance, governance, strategic leadership, marketing, and community engagement. Their guidance will help strengthen our organization as we continue creating pathways to belonging and opportunity for newcomers.

Naseem Shabudeen
Treasurer | Committee Chair
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chief Financial Officer of a multi-service charitable organization, Naseem brings extensive expertise in nonprofit leadership, financial management, governance, and affordable housing. Her strategic guidance helps ensure strong stewardship of Reception House's resources and long-term sustainability.

Richard McClurg
Director | Committee Member
As the Founder of McClurg Marketing and former Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing at Dejero, Richard brings more than 20 years of experience in business leadership, strategic planning, marketing, and communications. His expertise helps advance our growth, visibility, and community engagement efforts.

Ivan Sierra
Director | Committee Member
A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Senior Manager in KPMG's Audit Practice, Ivan brings more than a decade of experience in financial reporting, auditing, risk management, and governance. His insights help strengthen accountability and financial oversight across the organization.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Naseem, Richard, and Ivan for believing in our mission and choosing to lend their talents, leadership, and vision to Reception House Waterloo Region. We look forward to the impact we will create together as we continue welcoming, supporting, and empowering newcomers in our community. 💙

10/28/2026

We are grateful to Parkminster United Church for their generous donation to Home Begins Here during the October 18 Concert and Silent Auction, and for welcoming our team to share the vision behind the campaign with their congregation.

For 16 years, Parkminster United Church has been a valued supporter of Reception House Waterloo Region through its Outreach Committee, helping newcomers and refugee families find safety, belonging, and community. Their longstanding commitment continues to make a lasting impact in Waterloo Region.

Thank you for your partnership, generosity, and dedication to creating a place where everyone can feel at home.

10/26/2026

When Sara* arrived in Waterloo Region with her children, she was thankful to finally feel safe. But when they opened the door to their new apartment, it was empty.
There were no beds to sleep in, no table to share meals, and no furniture to make it feel like home. Because of the support of our community, that changed.

Today, Sara and her children have a safe, welcoming place where they can rest, rebuild, and look toward the future with hope.
Stories like Sara's are why we're building Home Begins Here and why we would like to be a part of this change by donating to our holiday campaign.

Your gift can help make a house feel like home:
$1,000 – Help furnish a one-bedroom unit
$2,000 – Help furnish a two-bedroom unit
$3,000 – Help furnish a three-bedroom unit
$4,000 – Help furnish a four-bedroom unit
Bring 10 friends together to give $100 each and help furnish a home as a community.

🔗 Donate today:
https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/reception-house-waterloo-region/open-the-door-to-hope-this-holiday-season

Thank you for helping families feel at home.

Name changed to protect client privacy.

10/24/2026

Some children will experience their first Canadian winter this year.

Thanks to the generosity of Definity, 75 backpacks filled with school supplies and 50 cold-weather kits, including Walmart gift cards, will help newcomer families prepare for the colder months ahead.

Thank you, Definity, for helping create a warm welcome for our newest neighbours!

You can make a difference, too!

Reception House Waterloo Region is currently collecting winter clothing donations for children and youth ages 0–17. Your donation of winter coats, boots, snow pants, hats, mittens and other warm clothing can help a child stay warm and comfortable this winter.

Drop off donations at Reception House Waterloo Region
101 Frederick Street, 7th Floor, Suite 700
Kitchener, ON N2H 6R2

10/23/2026

Kicking Off the Holiday Giving Season with Gratitude!

A heartfelt thank you to Kindred Credit Union for making the first donation of our holiday giving season in support of Home Begins Here!

A valued supporter since 2019, Kindred Credit Union continues to demonstrate the power of community generosity. Their ongoing commitment helps us create safe, welcoming homes for families and children.

Thank you, Kindred, for helping us open doors to new beginnings!

10/21/2026

We said farewell to Emma, an exceptional leader, colleague, and champion for the families and individuals we serve.

Emma, it is difficult to say goodbye to someone who has had such a positive impact on our team and organization. While your leadership, professionalism, and ability to navigate challenges with confidence have been truly inspiring, it is your kindness, compassion, and genuine care for others that have left the greatest mark.

Your dedication extended far beyond the workplace. You approached every family and individual you supported with empathy, patience, and understanding. Your commitment to helping people rebuild their lives and find a sense of belonging made a meaningful difference in countless lives.

As you begin this exciting new chapter, we wish you every success, happiness, and fulfillment. Your new team is fortunate to have someone with your passion, integrity, and heart.

Thank you, Emma, for everything you have given to our team, our clients, and our community. Your impact will continue to be felt long after your departure.

With gratitude and best wishes, from all of us at Reception House Waterloo Region.

10/20/2026

We were grateful to join Fellow Sector Leaders for a meaningful gathering focused on strengthening collaboration and creating greater impact in our community.

A sincere thank you to for creating the opportunity for organizations to come together, build partnerships, and explore new ways to support refugees through employment, language development, and community empowerment.

Real change happens when we work together, share knowledge, and align our efforts to help individuals and families thrive.

A special thank you to Bayan Alkhatib for your leadership in bringing people together and fostering conversations that inspire action and collaboration. Your dedication to strengthening our community is deeply appreciated.

10/19/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Nohelia Puente Chavez!

This month, we’re celebrating Nohelia Puente Chavez and the amazing work she does at Reception House.

Since joining us in May 2026, she has supported our clients in many ways, from helping with children’s activities and English Conversation Circles to providing Spanish interpretation.

As an international physiotherapist, she also leads weekly Wellness Workshops, helping clients improve their physical and mental well-being through breathing, stretching, and movement exercises.

She brings kindness, positive energy, and care to everything she does, making a meaningful impact on our community.

Thank you, Nohelia, for sharing your time and skills with our community. We’re so lucky to have you!

Address

700/101 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON
N2H6R3

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm

Website

http://receptionhouse.ca/

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