We help in 3 ways
Choose the one that fits:
If you're wondering whether to reach out, reach out.
→ A volunteer contacts you within 5 business days
→ We connect you to support.
If you are in danger, please call 911.
→ The Team reviews what you shared about your organization and how you would like to work together.
→ We contact you within 7 business days to set up a short conversation by phone, video call or in person.
→ We plan together. We talk about your goals, the people you serve, and where we can help each other.
→ Then we agree on next steps: Which includes partnership onboarding, sign the shared agreements, etc.
→ The Volunteer Coordinator reviews your submission.
→ We contact you within 5 business days to set up a short conversation by phone, video call or in person.
→ We discuss your goals, agree on where your interests fit, and document your availability.
→ We facilitate your onboarding, coordinate required checks, depending on your role this could include police checks
→ Then we match you with a role that fits you. onboarding, sign the shared agreements, etc.
Seminars on retaining your culture
Treaty 6 and Indigenous Peoples 101
History of Edmonton, Alberta
Indigenous History
Mental health: signs, and where to get help
Newcomers & Culture Shock
Understanding gender-based violence
Commemoration days in Canadian schools (Pink Shirt Day, Orange Shirt Day)
Online safety for families and children
Volunteer orientation: our mission, pillars and how we work
Trauma and its impacts on future generations
Health care in Alberta: health card, finding a doctor, 811 Health Link
How Alberta schools work: registering, report cards, talking to teachers
Renting in Alberta: leases, deposits, your rights
Money basics: banking, credit scores, avoiding debt
Taxes and benefits, including the Canada Child Benefit
Getting ready for winter: clothing, driving, heating bills
Getting around Edmonton: transit and driving licence
Finding work in Canada: résumés, interviews, credentials
Parenting in Canada: laws, discipline, child safety
Scams that target newcomers: phone, online, immigration fraud
Knowing who to call: 911, 211, 811
Confidentiality and boundaries
Trauma-informed support basics
Cultural humility: serving people from many backgrounds
Plain language: talking with people new to English
Your Journey With The Guardians
Your journey to thriving starts here
No two journeys look exactly the same and progress does not happen on one timeline.
Below are some of the roles our volunteers have played in support of individuals and families in need:
Ways We Support Community
The Guardians Family Support Services is volunteer powered. Our supports are shaped by community needs, volunteer availability, safety considerations, and the resources we can access at the time of request. Below are examples of the kinds of support we have offered and continue to build toward.
1. Practical Settlement and Daily Life Support
We help individuals and families navigate practical needs that can make settling, adjusting, or getting through a difficult season feel less overwhelming.
Examples include:
Driving support for groceries, appointments, registration, airport pickup, and access to services
Welcome support during the early days of arrival or transition
Housing, accommodation, and settlement navigation
Tour support to help people get familiar with key places in their city
Sourcing home items and basic resources for individuals and families in need
2. Resource Navigation and Specialized Guidance
We connect people to knowledgeable volunteers and professionals who can help them understand options, access services, and make informed decisions.
Examples include:
Subject matter resource support in specific areas
Emergency and crisis navigation, including legal, medical, and urgent support referrals
Gender based violence, intimate partner violence, and domestic violence resource guidance
Disability support navigation and connection to relevant resources
Mental health and wellbeing referrals, including counsellors, therapists, and trauma informed supports
3. Children, Youth, and Family Support
We provide family centred supports that help children, youth, and caregivers feel connected, supported, and included.
Examples include:
Child and parent navigation support
Short term childcare support where appropriate and available
Children’s playdates and social connection opportunities
Youth support, mentorship, and engagement
Support for newcomer families and children adjusting to new environments
4. Career, Learning, and Economic Mobility Support
We support individuals who are working toward employment, career growth, skill development, or greater stability.
Examples include:
Job search support, including cover letter review, interview preparation, and networking connections
Professional career training and field specific learning opportunities
Connections to mentors, trainers, and career professionals
Support with confidence building, workplace readiness, and career transition
5. Cultural Connection, Belonging, and Inclusion
We create opportunities for people to learn from one another, honour culture, and build stronger community relationships.
Examples include:
Cultural advisors from diverse communities
African Canadian and African community cultural knowledge sharing
Indigenous cultural learning and connection, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Mi’kmaw perspectives where appropriate
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti racism expertise
Intercultural learning, dialogue, and community building
6. Community Partnerships and Volunteer Engagement
We work with individuals, groups, and organizations who want to serve community in practical and meaningful ways.
Examples include:
Strategic partnerships and community connections
Volunteer management and volunteer growth
Community volunteer engagement through partner initiatives
Administrative and operational support
Cash and in kind donations
Support for individuals and organizations who want to use their skills, networks, and resources to serve community
7. Short Term Urgent Support
In some cases, and only when safe, appropriate, and available, we may help connect individuals to urgent short term support.
Examples include:
Emergency resource referrals
Temporary safe connection support
Limited short term practical assistance
Navigation to community, legal, medical, shelter, or crisis services
The Guardians is not an emergency response service, shelter, legal clinic, or medical provider. Where urgent or specialized support is needed, we help connect people to appropriate services and community resources.