A report entitled "Embracing Diversity" recommends improving the newcomer experience in Huron and Perth counties.
The report was released Friday, and was put together by the Social Research and Planning Council.
The council is organized by the United Way Perth-Huron and is made up of community volunteers that collect, analyze and distribute information related to social trends.
With an aging population and a declining workforce, newcomer integration holds the key to creating sustainable, vibrant and dynamic communities, however both Perth and Huron counties have had more individuals leave than enter.
"Attracting and retaining newcomers is vitally important for our future and economy," says Ryan Erb, executive director for the United Way Perth Huron. "We must do a better job of providing services, but perhaps more importantly, we must welcome and embrace them as friends."
The council’s report goes on to make recommendations to newcomers, to long time residents, and to the community in general, based on its findings, to improve the newcomer experience in hopes of making their transition easier and to help them stay.
"A welcoming community has a strong desire to receive newcomers, and to create an environment in which they will feel at home," says Mark Hertzberger, a report advisory committee member. "This report gives us the information our communities need to provide the right services that will make a difference."
