For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
This listing gives an overview of services to assist newcomers to Canada, and is an index to related listings in this directory
- for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Newcomer InfoPod
DRIVER'S LICENCE:
A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days
- after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
- for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website
- to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario
- for more information, see separate listing here
- to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)
Interim Federal Health Program provides limited and temporary health care coverage to some groups of foreign nationals who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, and aren't eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance
- for more information, see Government of Canada website
IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada
- also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
- for more information, see Government of Canada website
Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test
- the publication is available online to read, listen to, or download
- a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
- also available to borrow at some library locations
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS
For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here
- for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages
INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:
For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see full listings here
- may be a fee for document translation
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:
Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language
- for more information, see separate listing here
NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:
Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:
- looking for a job
- getting a language assessment
- registering for language classes
- finding a place to live
- signing children up for school
- learning about community services
Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas
Milton, ON, L9T 2M3
Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively
Services include:
- Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
- work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
- can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
- services provided in 130 languages
- a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation
Translation
- translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
- provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
- offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
- offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
- voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
- visit the website for more information
- developing visual multilingual products
Cultural Diversity Training for service providers
- the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
- provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
- provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
- delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors
Milton, ON, L9T 4N5
Services offered include school registration, assessment and settlement support
Assessment
- students from Grades 9 to 12 will have their English language and mathematics skills assessed
- helps schools offer students the supports needed as they begin studying in the Halton District School Board
Youth Settlement Workers
- help newcomer families interact with schools to maximize parental involvement and student success
- provide interpretation and translation services and connect families with useful community services that help students and their parents transition into the community and schools
Youth Settlement Specialist (YSS) in Schools
in partnership with HMC Connections (HMC), supports student and family engagement through the support of Youth Settlement Specialists (YSS) at the Welcome Centre and in schools
School Specific Youth Settlement Specialists
- meet with and provide continued settlement support to families as they navigate the HDSB system
- refer families to resources and support within the Halton community
- collaborate with HDSB staff in problem solving and identifying necessary support for students specific to language and/or culture
- provide language support to families and HDSB staff when/where needed (i.e confirming a meeting, supporting families new to the school etc.)
Milton, ON, L9T 6P4
Provides students and their families new to Canada, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the Region of Halton, and their new school environment
Services offered include:
- Math and language assessments for students
- Settlement Program for Newcomers
- Information & Orientation Sessions
- Short Term Counselling (18+)
- Community Building Activities
- Conversation Circles (18+)
- Language Support
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Youth Leadership Programs
- Youth March Break & Summer Camps
- School Orientation for Newcomers
Locations:
- Halton North (Milton), 2800 High Point Dr, Suite 212
- Halton South (Oakville), 255 Morden Rd
Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S9
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
- counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S9
Open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services from Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm, no appointment necessary.
Neighbourhood multi-service agency
Pathways to Settlement - client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society
Information and Awareness Services - helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling;
- referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families;
Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) - assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations
- provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
- facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
- one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
- post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
- access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet
New Beginnings-Settlement & Employment Program (NB) - supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaption process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.
Crisis Counselling - provides support and guidance during a crisis; works on achieving stability, increasing empowerment and safety of community members via one-on-one and group sessions
Mississauga, ON, L5N 2P1
Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada
- needs assessment; referral to other agencies and government services
- help filling in government forms and applications
- English Conversation Circles (ECC)
- Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
- crisis support counselling and cultural transition
- Pre-apprentice program for youth, newcomers and racialized minorities
- Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program)
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
Youth Services
- youth leadership and volunteering opportunities
- youth conversation circle
- youth employment programs
- social and recreational activities including drop in
Community Services
- digital literacy training
- free seasonal income tax clinic
- dental clinic for children (Healthy Smiles Ontario)
- Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars
Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program - assistance with applications
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively
Services include:
- Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
- work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
- can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
- services provided in 130 languages
- a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation
Translation
- translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
- provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
- offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
- offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
- voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
- visit the website for more information
- developing visual multilingual products
Cultural Diversity Training for service providers
- the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
- provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
- provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
- delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors
Oakville, ON, L6H 6Z9
Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively
Services include:
- Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
- work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
- can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
- services provided in 130 languages
- a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation
Translation
- translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
- provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
- offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
- offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
- voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
- visit the website for more information
- developing visual multilingual products
Cultural Diversity Training for service providers
- the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
- provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
- provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
- delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors
Mississauga, ON, L5L 3R6
Multiservice agency for adults who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing
- audiology and speech-language pathology
- communication devices
- hearing aid services and hearing tests
- support for coping with hearing loss
- American Sign Language (ASL) classes for individuals and businesses
Interpreter Services -- professional ASL interpreters for medical, legal, business, employment, social and government services
Emergency Interpreter Services -- sign language interpreters for health or mental health emergencies, Mon-Sun 24 hours; 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, [email protected], SMS/Text 416-712-6637 (charges may apply)
Connect Counselling Services -- for mental health issues, addiction, relationship problems, domestic violence or other serious challenges
Educational Support Services -- note takers, sign language interpreters and assistive devices for part time postsecondary students
Deaf-Blind Intervening Services --1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham [email protected]
Settlement Program for Newcomers
- needs assessment and referrals
- translation (English and American Sign Language)
- form filling
- problem solving
- information on technical devices, housing, transportation, health, employment, education, legal system, settlement issues, local community
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- basic communication skills, reading and writing in English, adapting to life in Canada; instruction is in American Sign Language (ASL)
Mississauga, ON, L5C 4P3
Settlement information for immigrants and refugees including government assisted refugees
- job search assistance and information about workplace rights and Employment Standards Act
- information about health and education system, landlord and tenant rights, banking
- anti-violence information for families, mental health information
- seasonal income tax clinic (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program) for families with low incomes
- information and referral to community services
- assistance with forms and applications such as PR card renewal, citizenship applications and forms for income security and health programs
- English-Chinese interpretation and translation, commissioner of oaths
- in-home settlement service visits available
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2-6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees
- computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time
Seniors Programs
- needs assessment, information and referral
- community connection activities and workshops such as Chinese painting, Taiji, line dance, Chinese folk dancing
Oakville, ON, L6K 2S2
Provides students and their families new to Canada, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the Region of Halton, and their new school environment
Services offered include:
- Math and language assessments for students
- Settlement Program for Newcomers
- Information & Orientation Sessions
- Short Term Counselling (18+)
- Community Building Activities
- Conversation Circles (18+)
- Language Support
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Youth Leadership Programs
- Youth March Break & Summer Camps
- School Orientation for Newcomers
Locations:
- Halton North (Milton), 2800 High Point Dr, Suite 212
- Halton South (Oakville), 255 Morden Rd
Mississauga, ON, L5C 3G1
Assists newcomers to adapt to life in Canada
Settlement Services
- orientation and cultural transition counselling services
- information and referral
- translation and interpretation - on education, immigration, housing, transportation, children's benefits, taxation, employment, health care system, citizenship, seniors' benefits, recreation
- free annual income tax clinic for newcomers and seniors with low incomes
- free Commissioner of Oaths services for select documents; call to inquire
- free credential assessments through World Education Services (WES) for permanent residents and Convention refugees educated from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Venezuela
Language and Skills Training
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
Community Connections - promotes interaction between newcomers and Canadians through cultural and career mentoring, networking, and other activities such as conversation circles, mentoring, youth leadership training, groups for seniors and women, cultural activities and celebrations
The Wellness Oasis
- short-term individual counselling for Convention refugees and landed immigrants
- wellness sessions on mental and physical health
Community Engagement and Volunteering
- professional and personal skills development through orientations and trainings
- opportunities to expand social and professional networks
- obtain community service hours for Ontario secondary diploma requirement
Youth Employment Services
- employment support services to youth 15-30 years facing barriers such as language, culture, accessibility, mental health and/or other challenges
- financial assistance to help eligible youth with expenses such as travel, Internet, mobile devices and/or emergency aid
- free recruitment services for employers across a range of industries including job description writing, job postings, pre-screening of candidates
- wage subsidies of up to $10/hour over the job placement term
Brampton, ON, L6W 4P6
Open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; no appointment needed
Neighbourhood multi-service agency
Pathways to Settlement - client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society
Information and Awareness Services - helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling;
- referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families;
New Beginnings - Settlement and Employment Program (NB) - supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaptation process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society
Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) - assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations
- provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
- facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
- one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
- post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
- access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet
Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program - see separate listing
Community Connections in School in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access
Community Connections in Library in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including sessions for seniors, English conversation circles
Seniors Program - helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C2
- orientation and information workshops
- translation and interpretation services
- housing
- referrals regarding government services, including social assistance
- assistance in filing forms for social insurance numbers, driver's licensing, child tax benefit
- referral assistance in accessing health services and related referrals
- assistance in completing Citizenship and Immigration forms, sponsorship applications
- referral to lawyers, legal aid, doctors
- basic language skills in English upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- offers morning and evening classes
- bus fare for eligible attendees
- employment sector specific information sessions
- referral to Para-professional counseling services to individuals, families and youth
- referral to Youth at risk para-professional counseling
- English language classes referrals
- accessing education, whether grade schools or higher education
- supply chain management
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3Z6
Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information call, 905-279-3679
___________________________________________________________________
Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees
- needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
- sponsorship of refugees
- health workshops, mental health - support groups, counselling
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program including support groups and health education
- youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
- Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
- citizenship test preparation classes
Community Connections Mentorship Program
- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- day or evening classes
Childminding available for clients attending sessions
Mississauga, ON, L5B 2N6
Services and classes being offered online and in-person, with evening options available; for information or to register, call 905-306-0577 or email [email protected]
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Settlement Services
- information, guidance and referral
- translation, interpretation and certification of documents
- citizenship preparation classes
- assistance with forms and applications, including access to Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
- workshops and seminars to address common difficulties for newcomers
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
- services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Mississauga during the school year
- information about the education system
- parent and youth-specific workshops with information on topics such as housing, health care and job search
Mississauga, ON, L5T 1P9
Settlement services: orientation to Canadian culture and society
- information and referral
- assistance with forms filling for social assistance applications, health cards, other benefits
- interpretation and translation services
- commissioner of oaths services for verifying documents
Pre-employment services: labour market information
- planning and goal setting
- job search techniques
- resumes and cover letters
- interview skills
- overcoming barriers to employment
- career exploration workshops
Work assessment and return to work programs: by referral from Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, other insurers or self-referral
- individual assessment and counselling
- psycho-vocational assessment
- skills development
- work hardening program
- overcoming barriers to employment
- simulated work environments in light industrial and office clerical settings
Other programs
- Ability Works: employment program for persons with disabilities through Skills development and vocational assessment
- Seniors Programs: arts and crafts, fitness, skills development and networking activities
- Youth LEAP: community engagement and employment preparation through practical training, mentorship, micro-grants to support youth-led community development projects
- Enhanced Language Training (ELT): 8-week training (virtual) followed by a 6-week co-op placement within your professionally trained field
- International English Language Testing System test preparation (IELTS)
- CSRL (Customer Service, Retail, and Logistics) Work Readiness Program -- 2-week training initiative designed to equip individuals with the essential skills
Programs and services may be accessed by phone, via email or video conferencing
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3B9
Services to assist and guide newcomers to Canada in accessing employment, education, training, housing, health, documentation and financial services
- personalized counselling and support workshops, information sessions and guidance on skills development, training and employment
- translations and interpretation for settlement related issues
- Commissioner of Oaths services
- information and referrals to external services such as income tax clinics and legal aid or to other relevant community and government resources
- online citizenship test preparation classes
English Language Training
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- bus fare for eligible attendees, and childminding for children 19 months-6 years while parents attend
- part-time classes, mornings or afternoons
Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)
- child care for children 19 months-5 years while their parents are attending LINC classes
Intersections (Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers)
- private and confidential one-on-one settlement support
- inclusive, safe and positive space
- workshops, presentations and information sessions
- resource library, movie nights, arts and crafts and fun activities
- linkages to external services such as income tax clinics, Legal Aid, and other relevant community services
- capacity building through community presentations and information sessions to help create welcoming communities that understand and respect the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers
Employment Services
- job search training; skills assessment
- resume and cover letter help, interview coaching
- labour market information
- access to computers, internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
- multi-sector job fairs, networking events
Entrepreneurship Program for Newcomers
- learn sewing and clothing alterations, with skills, knowledge and language to manage a small business; work experience
- goal to become financially independent and self-employed
Community Connections Program
- for those in Canada less than 3 years
- community support through volunteer befriending
- orientation to the community and services such as banking, transit, education
Services for International Students
- settlement counselling and orientation; employment information
- information on housing, health care, financial supports, assistance filling documents and forms, referrals to community resources
Digital Supports
- digital training sessions to support eligible clients to access online settlement services
- sessions are offered in English
Newcomer Mental Health Support and Short-Term Counselling
- safe, supportive space offering personalized mental health support and short-term counselling for newcomers; focusing on enhancing well-being, building social connections, and reducing feelings of isolation.
- individual support and short term counselling; in-person and virtual counselling sessions available
- help with navigating and accessing other essential services such as housing, employment, and healthcare
- develop action plans to achieve your settlement goals; workshops and presentations
Burlington, ON, L7R 3N2
Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively
Services include:
- Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
- work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
- can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
- services provided in 130 languages
- a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation
Translation
- translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
- provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
- offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
- offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
- voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
- visit the website for more information
- developing visual multilingual products
Cultural Diversity Training for service providers
- the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
- provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
- provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
- delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors
Brampton, ON, L6W 4K6
Open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; no appointment needed
Neighbourhood multi-service agency
Pathways to Settlement - client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society
Information and Awareness Services - helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling
- referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families
Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) - assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations
- provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
- facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
- one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
- post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
- access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet
New Beginnings-Settlement and Employment Program (NB) - supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaptation process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.
Community Connections in School - in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access to services
Community Connections in Library - in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including workshops for seniors and English conversation circles
Volunteer Management Program - offers volunteer opportunities to newcomers, seniors and youth; bilingual/multilingual volunteers are assets as they help clients with language barriers; volunteering will provide opportunities to:
- job-shadow and learn about the Canadian work environment
- work with clients in a settlement based environment learning about the process of the initial intake and assessment
- assist with prepping and facilitation, job search and resume writing
- learn about completing Service Canada and Service Ontario forms for clients
- organize and assist in fundraisers and other events
Enriching Lives - mental health and addictions' initiative providing culturally sensitive care to community members to overcome systemic barriers and stigma surrounding mental health and addictions One-on-one counselling, group sessions and specialized workshops are given.
Crisis Counselling - provides support and guidance during a crisis working on achieving stability, increasing empowerment and safety of community members via one-on-one and group sessions
Breakthrough Intervention Program (funded by Ministry of the Solicitor General)
Targets young adults 18-39 in Peel Region who are directly or indirectly involved in crimes related to guns, gangs and human trafficking, addressing:
- exposure to family/friends involved in gangs
- early onset of delinquent behaviours; substance use
- lack of meaningful job opportunities; academic failure
- lack of social and economic opportunities
Mississauga, ON, L5A 3V8
Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education
Mental Health Counselling and Support
- confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
- individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
- service coordination and referral to treatment
- contact for information on available languages
Settlement Services
- needs assessment
- orientation
- supportive counselling
- interpretation and translation services
- employment counselling and computer training
- peer support groups
- referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
- assistance with documentation and completing applications
Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
- specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
- homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
- workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
- parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
- assistance accessing free or affordable community programs
Language and Skills Training
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- computer classes
- citizenship preparation classes
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing
Befriending Program
- community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders
Brampton, ON, L6T 3T6
Culturally appropriate mental health, addiction, violence prevention, settlement, geriatric, youth and family services, and community and leadership development in South Asian communities, including volunteer opportunities and student placements
Seniors and High Risk Seniors Services
Supportive services to assist in aging at home
- health promotion (diabetes education, tobacco prevention, healthy eating, cancer)
- domestic violence support and assistance
- women's and men's group programs
- group programs for youth and children
- parenting programs
- food bank services for abused women
- translation services
- resource development
- diversity training
Sahara Mental Health Program
Culturally and linguistically appropriate support for clients 16 years or over dealing with mental health challenges
- short term and long term case management
- early psychosis intervention for youth and adults 14-35 years
- supportive counselling to clients and family members
- concurrent disorder support group
- mobile community support group
Sahara Addiction Program
Culturally appropriate service to individuals and family members struggling with substance abuse
- case management
- addictions day program
- groups for men and women
- relapse prevention group
- coping skills for family members
- peer support program
- Sahara Opioid Addiction Program, including case management and prevention support group (collaboration with Home and Community Care Support Services Central West)
Settlement Services
Newcomer integration assistance, including information and referral, and information on training and skills development
- orientation sessions including Canadian laws and norms
- assistance in filling out government forms
- attestation of documents
- translation/interpretation services
- supportive counselling
Sahara Geriatric Program
Community support for seniors 55 years and older, including case management, referrals, crisis management, caregiver support and counselling
- Integrated Seniors Team (IST) Program in partnership with Peel Senior Link and Supportive Housing in Peel
- Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Day Program for caregivers of adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia
- education, assessments and capacity development in partnership with other community agencies
- Senior Caregivers Support Day Program, including separate and combined groups for women and men
Better Families Program
Support, groups, mentoring, and referrals for youth 13-24 years and their parents in addressing issues related to healthy interactions between families and communities
Community Development and Social Enterprise
Leadership and community development, and civic engagement for youth and adults in South Asian communities in Malton
Brampton, ON, L6T 4B4
Services and learning opportunities for newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English and French, upon assessment by Achēv - see separate entry; childminding may be available for attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
Family Support Program
- counselling; support for children exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Senior Program
- cultural and linguistic support; peer support
- guest speakers on topics of interest
- recreational and social activities
Brampton, ON, L6T 4B5
Open for in-person services, virtual services, phone and email from Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm, no appointment necessary.
Settlement services to assist newcomers to integrate into life in Canada
Information and Awareness Services - helps newcomers settle including information, orientation, assistance and advocacy on issues such as
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling
- referrals to government and community resources/system navigation
- monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families
New Beginnings - Settlement and Employment Program (NB) - supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaptation process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society
