My New St. John's: Scenes from an expo all about connection and belonging

As markets go, this one was a bit different.

Instead of vegetables, meals or sweet treats, the aisles of the St. John's Farmers' Market were lined with boothsfocused on other themes: immigration, connection and belonging.

The My New St. John's Expo was held a few weeks ago at the community marketplace, and CBC Radio's The Signal was there to check it all out.

"It's a way of folks coming together,different community organizations, newcomers themselves, individuals that are keen on immigration and supporting newcomers in thecommunity," saidMegan Hollett, immigration partnership facilitator for the City of St. John'sand anorganizer ofthe year's expo.

"And it's a way to get together and work together to make sure that collaboration happens, to make sure that we can improve immigration retention and attraction in St. John's."

The free eventoffered visitors an opportunity to meet people from organizations and agencies thathelp residents of St. John's become fully engaged in all aspects of social, cultural and economic life.

The expo was anopportunity for newcomers to St. John's to connect with their communities and to discover resources in the community.

"It doesn't matter if you are from Gander or if you are from Ghana. If you are here, this one is yours," Hollett said. "This place is a place for you."

The expowas about networking, as well as a chance to help newcomers feel more acquainted with their new home.It was also a great place to meet other newcomers and who are sharing similar experiences.

Attendees connected with organizations and departments that provide services to the St. John's community from a variety of sectors, including housing, health care, recreation and transit.

Booths were staged by staff or representatives ofMemorial University,Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, N.L. Public Libraries, the Boys & Girls Club of St. John'sand the Multicultural Women's Organization of N.L.

LISTEN | Hear the full episode of The Signal with host Adam Walsh:

The Signal55:04Live at My New St. John's Expo

Adam Walsh and The Signal team bring the show to the St. John's Farmers' Market for something called My New St. Johns Expo 2023, which aims to help people discover what the city has to offer.

About The Signal

Every weekday, Adam Walsh starts a new conversation onThe Signal. It's a show about what's on your mind now, and what people aren't talking about yet.The Signalwill make you think, smile and learn more about the place you call home. Youcatch the latest episodes hereoron the CBCListen app.

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