Q & A Kington

Conversation with Fahim Mehry and Michael Harris

KEYS Job Centre took on the Connector Program when they recognized they could offer and expand this service to a new group of clients. This was a missing link for their program, and they knew it was right for the Centre. KEYS began as an employment service and then expanded into newcomer services; their goal is to help people find meaningful, decent employment. They work with newcomer professionals, so the Connector Program is a direct fit. We sat down with Connector Program Coordinator Fahim Mehry, and Executive Director Michael Harris to discuss the impact of the program in Kingston, and on their programming.

Interview by Alida Campbell.

Alida manages the National Connector Program and continues to be inspired by the stories of connection and growth that participants share across the country.

Alida:

So, the program is a direct fit for your organization, but how does it work to benefit the work you do, and how does it impact the community you serve?

Michael:

For our organization, it’s a tool that is used in part of our core business. We want to connect people to jobs and the community and networking is a great way to do that. It helps us directly benefit the population we serve. Now more than ever, it’s a way for employers to connect to a community that they may never have considered in the past. So, it’s of great value in us meeting our goals. For the community, one of the side effects of relationship building is that the community begins to recognize and learn about newcomers. The value isn’t just to the newcomers. As people become more integrated in the community, the community also learns from the experiences of the newcomers. Communities become more inclusive and diverse. It’s a tool to get people to accept and appreciate one another. For newcomer individuals it is significant. It empowers them to be able to connect to people they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to access. The friendships that evolve out of it are good. It creates a sense of community for that individual. They come here with no connections to the community, and before they know it, they are part of the community.

Fahim:

This program brings great value to KEYS. It provides a variety of services – when clients reach out, and get matched, they have a chance to meet people and they get to expand their network to those they might not otherwise been able to meet. Clients value the support they receive through the program, and they continue to engage with KEYS and the Connector program. They then want to give back, so this benefits both KEYS and the Connector program. For the community, when you land in a new place, it’s not easy to find someone to connect with, especially in your field. This program helps make this possible. In one hour, it makes it easy to find employment, or they find opportunities to apply for jobs that they wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

Alida:

Fahim, for you, what do you gain as a part of the National Connector Program? How does it help you with your work?

Fahim:

Being part of the NCP community means so much to me; it is a very professional group which most of the participants have tremendous, related experience. It gives me a great feeling when I think of this community, and I always look forward to the NCP monthly meetings. We can share our thoughts, insights, and experiences as well as our future plans. The community is always helpful when I need any clarifications or whenever I ask about a particular issue. What I most like about this NCP community is that the group is so enriched with diversity and inclusion and the meetings are always so welcoming and friendly.

Alida:

I’m glad it’s a community you can feel included in, and that you can give so much to and benefit from it! Regarding Diversity and Inclusion, Michael, how do you see the program helping move the needle in your community?

Michael:

This program helps to break down stereotypes. As we develop a better understanding of each other, it helps to fight overt and systemic racism. It has an impact by making the community more accepting of newcomers and challenging perceptions they may have of newcomers.

Alida:

And finally, what would you say to a community looking to start a Connector Program, or maybe wanting to help make their community more inclusive and welcoming?

Michael:

They shouldn’t have any hesitation. There’s no better way to help people get to work. We rely on our volunteers to make a significant impact on the newcomer community, and they do. The proof is in the pudding. The program is efficient – there is a great bang for the buck, meaning there is immediate client impact with minimal long-term commitment from the volunteers.

Alida:

Thank you both for your insights into the program and how it is helping to create a more welcoming and inclusive community in Kingston. The work you do is so important, and we are so glad you are a part of the NCP community.