Sogand Tadayon
Manager, Richmond Hill Welcome Centre
I came to Canada in 1985. I graduated from York U with a degree in Social Science and a Certificate in Refugees and Migratin Studies. My first 19 years consisted of various jobs including retail, insurance and self-employment until I joined CCSYR in 2004 as a volunteer.
Few months later I was offered a part time position which I started on Friday, December 10, 2004 during the staff Christmas luncheon! Durring my nearly 20 years of service in CCSYR, I’ve had the previlage of serveing newcomers in 4 different positions, a volunteer, Program Worker, Resurce Area Coordinator, Integration Network Manager, my current positon being the fifth!
In these years I witnessed the transfromaion of York Region and its rural suburbs into thriving and bustling new cities. Richmond Hill was called “Town of Richmond Hill” then. I’ve had the opportunity to see the same transformation in CCSYR and how it grew from an agency of about 30 staff to over 100 staffs today with multiple programs, and significant partnerships in the welcome centres, schools in both Catholic and Public Boards of Education, and libraries in the Region.
Working with a fantastic group of collegues and volunteers, and seeing all these great changes has been the highlight of my career and life in Canada.