Newcomer

When you arrive to a new country, everything feels unfamiliar – the language, the systems, even the simplest daily tasks. What once felt easy can suddenly become overwhelming. Many newcomers carry not only their hopes for a better future, but also the weight of uncertainty, isolation, and unanswered questions. At the Ethiopian Association of Kitchener Waterloo (EAKW), we see these journeys every day – and we walk alongside them.

Dereje Leiyu, our outreach worker, has become a trusted guide for many in our community. With patience and compassion, he supports newcomers in finding housing and shelter, connecting with legal aid, and accessing essential information. But his work goes beyond services – he listens, reassures, and builds trust. Whether helping a senior access healthcare, supporting a young person struggling to adjust, or guiding a family through complex systems, Dereje is there.

Our newcomer services focus on settlement, system navigation, language capacity, economic integration, and mental health and well-being because we know that thriving requires more than just surviving. If you are new and unsure where to turn, remember this: you are not alone. There is a place for you here – and someone ready to help you find your way.