Whatever factors bring newcomers into a community, they are sure to arrive with needs, questions, and uncertainties. Where do I go for groceries? Which school do I register the kids at? How do I find work?Although settling in a new place comes with challenges, those coming to the City of Welland can find helpful services and resources at the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre.Janet Madume, executive director at the Multicultural Centre, shares stories, experiences, and examples of the myriad ways Welland supports newcomers in overcoming barriers to integration and aids in developing skills to work and live in Canada.You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

What’s Up, Welland? is proud to celebrate the start of Pride Month with a return guest, a dear friend of the show, and founder and chair of Pride Niagara, Enzo De Divitiis.We have the privilege and pleasure of catching up with Enzo, finding out what’s in store for Pride festivities in Niagara, and, most importantly, continuing the conversation on being allies with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.Pride Month means rainbow flags are flying and celebratory events are taking place. But it also means so much more. It’s about recognizing a vibrant, diverse community that exists year-round. For those not part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it means realizing our opportunities to listen, better educate ourselves, and step forward as allies.Allyship is more than a simple proclamation that one is an ally. What does that even mean? Well, it’s an endeavour to take responsibility and do the work of asking hard questions (sometimes of one’s self) and having conversations, even when they become uncomfortable. It means striving towards greater awareness so all community members feel safe, supported, and represented.You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

A place for a picnic. A site for a stroll. An area for adventure.Parks serve many purposes, and that’s why you love them. So do we. And because you love, and we love, we are excited to kick off a new program this month called Love My Park.This engaging and interactive initiative connects City staff with residents in chosen parks for 2023, brainstorming how to bring some pep to the parks that could use extra care and attention.Rob Axiak and Dave Steven from the City’s Community Services department are bringing the word on Welland’s new Love My Park – Neighbourhood Improvement Campaign, and we can’t wait to kick this program off.You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

They may have a new name. They may have developed an expansive new story and mission to guide their future. But their capacity to care is unwavering and their programs and services remain the same. In fact, like their namesake trees, they’re growing and flexibly adapting to support the needs of our community. Formerly Women’s Place of South Niagara, Birchway Niagara is still an ever-present, easily accessible organization in Welland, with a satellite office at The Hope Centre. Change doesn’t come easy, and risks are often involved – evidenced by Birchway's ambitious and timely overhaul of its brand (which is a compelling story in itself at birchway.ca). Join guests Amanda Braet and Jennifer McQuestion as they share their undeniable passion and pride for what Birchway Niagara does today and its possibilities for the future.With the Book Riot, their biggest, longest-running (44 page-turning years and counting) fundraising event of the year right around the corner, there's no better time than now to get reacquainted with our friends at Birchway Niagara. You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast

Feel that grr in your belly? Maybe it’s a little rumble, or perhaps it’s a thunderous roar. For many, when we feel it, we conveniently grab a snack and go, quieting the boil to a soft simmer. We may not even consider how easy it is to satisfy that need. But, for the growing number of people who face food insecurity challenges, calming those hunger pangs is a different story entirely. In Welland, we’re fortunate to have Holy Trinity Anglican Church offering a buffet of programs and services that support those in need in the spirit of friendship. Father Tom Vaughan is here to share stories about this community church and the committed crew of volunteers who exemplify the generosity of the city’s residents. You can catch all past episodes and leave us comments at www.engagewelland.ca/podcast