Staff Profiles

Sharon Schmidt – Program Director

Sharon grew up a preacher’s kid, spent twenty years in pastoral ministry, and served the church across Canada by equipping leaders and providing resources, particularly in mission.  Despite all this good work, she felt disconnected from her community and especially from those who didn’t know Jesus.  During a summer of transition, Sharon spent time discerning who God was leading her to, and realized that it was refugees!   In the fall of 2007, she joined the Welcome Home team to serve newly arrived refugees.

Now, as Program Director, she leads the team, builds the network of partnering churches, raises the funds and oversees the day-to-day operations of the home.

Sharon Skopnik – Program Support

Sharon began helping at Welcome Home (WH) as a support to her husband, Gordon Skopnik.  Gord was one of those who pioneered the WH Refugee Housing Community in 2005.  As a couple, they had been working with refugees overseas and recognized the value in continuing this ministry in Canada.

Since 2009, Sharon has had a more focused involvement.  Her tasks include keeping the building maintained, the rooms clean and inviting, organizing volunteers to help with various tasks, building relationships with the refugee residents and staff, and being intentional with a weekly worship/Bible time.

John Paterson – Bookkeeper

John started as the volunteer bookkeeper for Welcome Home (WH) on April 1, 2009 and had the computerized book keeping system up and running by July 2009.

Initially, John was “volun-told” by his wife that WH had a need for a bookkeeper and since he had few hours to spare every week, he should sign up for the role.

Beyond this, John had been volunteering with refugees through other ministries for several years.  As a result, refugees had a special place in his heart.  He enjoyed learning about their cultures, their faith or lack of faith, and building relationships with them based on Jesus’ love for the nations.

John demonstrates his servant’s heart by keeping the books and making sure the bills are paid.  He has been a great go-to guy for fishing trips, Canada Day BBQs, and fundraising events, in particular, the Golf Tournament.

Scott Cressman and Sara Jane – Supervisors

Living in Welcome Home (WH) and providing a 24-hour presence to refugee new arrivals is the role of WH’s male and female supervisors.

Practically, the supervisors make sure that the toilet paper is stocked up, the chores get done, and the noise level is low after 11 PM.  They are there to give tours, orientation, and basic day-to-day instruction on life in Canada to new residents from all over the world.

More significantly, the two supervisors strive to establish trust and friendship with the residents in the hope that they can heal, adjust to Canada, and know the love of Jesus.  With both a male and female supervisor, WH can be a blended family, allowing for new arrivals of both genders, all ages, and a variety of backgrounds.