Moving to a new country often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and for Danielle, that journey included moments of both joy and loneliness. But through volunteering, she found not just something to do, but a way to reconnect with herself, her community, and her purpose. This is how she went from feeling isolated to finding a true sense of belonging in her new home.

In 2015, I moved to Canada to pursue my studies, full of hope and curiosity about what this new chapter of life would bring. After completing college, life took a different turn—I became a full-time stay-at-home mom to my two wonderful daughters. For four years, I dedicated myself entirely to raising them. It was a time filled with joy, love, and the kind of growth that only motherhood can bring.

But as fulfilling as that role was, it also came with an unexpected challenge: isolation. I missed having adult conversations, professional connections, and a sense of being part of something outside the home. I knew I needed to do something for myself—not just as a mom, but as an individual. I realized that while I had built a loving home, I hadn’t yet built a life outside of it in Canada. That’s when I discovered a volunteer opportunity that would end up transforming my life in ways I never expected.

That’s when I discovered a volunteer opportunity that would end up transforming my life in ways I never expected.

Volunteering: A Gateway to Connection and Confidence

I started volunteering a few hours a week with a Brazilian community group that supports new immigrants in Canada. Alongside two amazing women, I helped lead the Motherhood Group, a space created for newcomer moms to connect, share stories, and support one another. What began as a small monthly gathering of 15 women soon blossomed into a vibrant community of nearly 40 participants—just before the pandemic hit.

When lockdowns began, we moved online. Despite the challenges, we kept going, meeting virtually each month and continuing to nurture the sense of connection we had created.

Through this experience, I discovered the transformative power of volunteering—not just for those we serve, but for ourselves.

How Volunteering Helps Newcomers

Volunteering is often underestimated, but for newcomers, it can be life-changing in so many ways:

• Builds Community and Belonging: Volunteering connects you with people who share your values, helping you feel part of something bigger.
• Expand Your Network: It’s a great way to meet diverse people, opening doors to mentorship, job leads, and friendships.
• Develops Skills and Experience: From communication to leadership, volunteering helps you build valuable skills and gain Canadian experience.
• Boosts Confidence and Purpose: It reminds you of your strengths and gives structure and meaning to your days in a new environment.

A Full Circle Moment

After spending four years as a full-time mom—three of which I also dedicated to volunteering a few hours each week—the time finally came to pursue a full-time role. I turned to the colleagues I had volunteered alongside for support and references. Their encouragement, combined with the experience I had gained, helped me secure a role in employment services—where I now support other women and newcomers. It was a true full-circle moment: going from someone who once needed support to someone now offering it.

I turned to the colleagues I had volunteered alongside for support and references.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering was more than just a stepping stone to a job—it was a lifeline. It helped me rebuild my identity beyond motherhood, re-enter the workforce, and most importantly, find my place in a new country. If you’re a newcomer feeling uncertain, isolated, or unsure of your next steps, consider volunteering—even just a few hours a week. You never know where it might lead, who you might meet, or how it might transform your journey.

Danielle’s story is a testament to the power of giving back. For newcomers like her, navigating the uncertainty of starting over, volunteering can be more than just a way to fill time—it can be the foundation for connection, growth, and belonging. As Danielle’s journey shows, sometimes the best way to find your place is by helping others find theirs.