Our Stories

by Elizabeth Li, Open Circle student Throughout my undergrad and master’s degrees, Open Circle has been one of the most impactful communities I have been a part of. To me ...

We received a surprising call from the Government of Ontario this spring to tell us that Student Open Circles won a provincial award. We are grateful to the Welcome Inn ...

By Jessica Pettigrew, parent of children in the LAF Afterschool program I am a parent of three children who attend the LAF program at the Welcome Inn. My children have ...

By Annie Jia, Open Circle student The LAF afterschool program is my favourite SOC volunteer group so far. It is the highlight of my weeks. It brought me back to ...

By James Vanderberg, Executive Director, Welcome Inn Community Centre Since 2001, Student Open Circles has partnered with the Welcome Inn, coordinating dozens of volunteers each year for our Learning and ...

Student Open Circles is responding to overwhelming needs during this difficult time in our world and local communities. Homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health challenges continue to rise in Hamilton ...

I cannot emphasize enough the positive impact the SOC groups of students have had on our residents. The interactions amongst the group have been so amazing and, with no hesitation ...

One recent immigrant high school student attended another virtual homework club during the COVID lock-down. When that went back to in-person, they could no longer attend because of work schedule ...

I have always believed that the students who benefit most from a university education are those who are engaged and reflective, enabling the deep learning that is needed to translate ...

Multiple weekly groups at each program! Conversation Corners (Compass Community Health) Assisting with reading, writing, speaking, listening, and providing translation at a literacy program for newcomer populations and English language ...