Searching for English As A Second Language

• practice English skills
• employment assistance
• volunteer opportunities
• homework help and mentorship support
• recreational activities including sports, music, arts
• family reunification
• in partnership with other service providers
• individual and group mental health and wellness support
• post-secondary and scholarship support

Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes and facilitation of ceremonies
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Settlement services are also available to newcomers from the Ukraine who have come to Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

Employment Services

• assessment and employment counselling
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• referral to employment centres
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring (suspended until further notice)
• youth leadership development

Income Tax Support

• year-round income tax clinic by appointment for individuals and families with low incomes
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House

Educational and Cultural Activities

• workshops and information on Canadian culture and multicultural diversity
• annual events and recognition of global celebrations
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals and celebrations

Child Minding Training Program: in partnership with Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, and Queen West Community Health Centre

Seniors Programs

• Saturday social and exercise program
• Tibetan Seniors Program
• Tai Chi, Line Dance and Yoga
• Thursday afternoon English conversation class for Tibetan seniors
• drop-in facility and social, emotional and settlement support for seniors

Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Newcomers from the Ukraine who came to Canada via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can also receive settlement services

Employment Support Services

• assessment and employment counselling
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• referral to employment centres
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring - suspended until further notice
• youth leadership development

Income Tax Support

• year round income tax clinic by appointment for individuals and families with low incomes
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House

Educational and Cultural Activities

• workshops and information on Canadian culture and multicultural diversity
• annual events and recognition of global celebrations
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals and celebrations

Call for appointment

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding available -- see separate entry

Settlement services

• English language classes (LINC)
• one on one information and referral, orientation
• counselling
• documentation
• social assistance applications
• interpretation
• information sessions and workshops

Women support groups

• counselling and support groups for assaulted women
• Spanish-speaking seniors club
• Portuguese-speaking seniors group
• groups for Portuguese-speaking, Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking women
• wellness and fitness program
• advocacy and public education
• community development

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) -- in-home school readiness program for low income families, serving Jane and Finch, Malvern, Thorncliffe and Toronto West

Tutoring program -- for students of Portuguese or Spanish-speaking heritage

Live-in Caregiver support program -- individual support, employment and employer related issues, employment training opportunities

Community engagement -- community led activities, volunteering, leadership development for youth, women and seniors

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral - employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction

• variety of ESL classes
• part time and full time classes
• citizenship preparation classes
• CAAT (Canadian Adult Achievement Test)
• ESL for work permit holders and visitors

Settlement Services

• reception and arrival orientation
• assistance with housing, banking and other needs
• referral to government and community services
• form filling help with government applications such as SIN, health card, child benefits, childcare subsidy, subsidized housing and Ontario Works
• help to restore lost or stolen documents
• translation and interpretation
• information and referral to employment services
• seasonal income tax clinic

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto - see separate entry

• classes full or part-time, day or evening
• childminding available during day

• social, recreation and education programs
• information and referral
• counselling
• translation and interpretation
• assistance in filling out forms
• income tax clinic
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• computer classes
• dance, music and other recreational classes
• gateball club

Matches groups of volunteers with refugee newcomers for up to six months of social and integration support, including

• English language practice
• tutoring for young learners
• job search assistance including resume building, job searching, interview preparation
• support with system navigation (education, health care)
• cultural transition support
• social support and community involvement
• social events and recreation activities
• support available in-person and virtually

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto

• childminding available -- see separate entry

• counselling
• information and referral
• interpretation
• advocacy
• orientation sessions
• community education workshops
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and transportation assistance available -- see separate entry

• peer training and development centre
• newcomer services
• LINC classes

• youth justice programs and supports
• art studio

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 benefit, taxation, employment, health care system, citizenship, senior's benefits, recreation
• free annual income tax clinic for newcomers and seniors with low incomes
• 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
• free commissioner of oaths services for select documents; call to inquire

Language and Skills Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA -- 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

Community Services

• programs for youth, seniors, and women
• EarlyON parenting program
• recreation activities, workshops and seminars, volunteer training program, and heritage program for children

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

Cultural, social, recreation and education activities

• community drop-in
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, program for children under 6 years
• before school program and after-school program for children 6-12 years
• PA day, march break and summer children's camps
• youth drop-in program
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL tutoring
• older adults fitness and dance classes
  • many additional programs and classes available
• volunteer opportunities
• annual income tax clinic
• meeting, auditorium and program space for community groups to rent, rental space for public use

Services provided by other agencies

• Toronto District School Board
• Common Thread Community Chorus
• Ontario Chinese Seniors Association

• information and referral
• individual counselling
• job search assistance, newcomer job search resources
• health and family services support
• information and orientation group workshops
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

Virtual support over the phone, call main office or email; will reply in an hour; in-person support also available; masks provided
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Support on Immigration and Refugee Issues

• holistic case management and services to precarious migrants and refugee populations; new clients may drop in Mondays 9:30 am-4 pm

Refugee Hearing Orientation and Appeal Preparation (Ready Tour)

• allows refugee claimants to learn what will happen during hearing, how to be ready and what happens after decision is made; session occurs twice a month
• Appeal Info Session for rejected refugees wanting to learn how to appeal a negative decision after the hearing
• registration - calendar available in the immigration section of the website

Transitional Housing

• transitional housing for refugee claimant women and children, capacity 30 for stays up to 12 months
• help with the refugee process, including legal, mental health, social services and other referrals; support and accompaniment to appointments

Food Distribution and Income Security Program

• ​food hampers for vulnerable populations regardless of immigration status

Primary Health Care Clinic

• ​by appointment; no Ontario Health Insurance required

Support Groups and Activities for Women

• ongoing information-sharing on issues relevant to women adapting to a new culture
• community activities, field trips, skills workshops

English Language Learning (ELL)

• free beginner and intermediate online English classes
• primarily for people without status and/or in a situation of vulnerability.

Youth Program

• for newcomer youth regardless of immigration status
• offers mutual support, volunteering and skills development, social and sports activities, Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm

Services for Victims/Survivors of Human Trafficking

• ​holistic support and full range of services
• legal information, immigration, housing, employment support, counselling

• professional learning sessions including online courses
• community data group
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre onsite (see separate listing)

Provides training and employment opportunities to job seekers, incumbent workers and employers through a partnership-driven approach

Skills Development Fund Training Stream

• projects support hiring, training, and upskilling to jobseekers, apprentices, and workers

Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

• supports organizations with upgrades or construction of training centres in high-demand jobs, like the skilled trades

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

Lending, reference and research libraries

• materials in print and other various formats including multiple languages
• additional library services
• community programs

Branch Locations

Library Services: bookmobile and home library services

• computers
• Internet access, including free Wi-Fi
• digital services
• online research
• special collections
• musical instrument lending library
• meeting rooms

Community Programs: classes, workshops, outreach programs and exhibits

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• literacy
• homework help
• seasonal income tax clinics
• Library Settlement Partnerships: outreach program offering settlement information and referral

Tech Help: call Answerline 416-397-5981 Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-4:30pm

• staff provides quick answers over the phone to tech questions
• if longer help session required, contact local branch

• hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth
• community engagement, individualized support, group sessions and workshops

• for newcomer youth 14-19 years
• Youth Engagement program -- focus on English practice and skills building
• workshops
• Newcomer Youth Mentorship -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors * hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth

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

Online English Classes and Conversation Circles

Beginner, intermediate and high intermediate online English classes; online English conversation club


Settlement and Community Resources

• assessment, information and referral to food programs, clothing and furniture banks, employment centres, schools and education resources, health centres
• assistance with applications for government programs such as Ontario Works, Employment Insurance, Legal Aid, transitional and subsidized housing

Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Services

• assistance with applications for citizenship, passports and protected person travel documents
• help with spouse, common-law partner and child sponsorship applications
• refugee system navigation and related procedures such as work/study permits, permanent resident applications as protected person/Convention refugee
• assistance with applications to become permanent resident based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds
• help with permanent resident card and other Canadian identification forms
• assistance with study permit renewal and work permit applications for international students; information about pathways to become permanent residents
• help for migrant workers such as work permit assistance for vulnerable people

Spiritual Care

• provided through chaplain
• referral and resources for different religious communities
• one-on-one spiritual counselling
• ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and prayers

Offices are open, preferably by appointment; services are offered in-person and remotely over the phone and by Zoom

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Settlement Services

• assessments and referrals
• supportive counselling for youth, families and women
• Commissioner of Oath services
• sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search
• crisis counselling

Confidential short-term non-clinical counselling for youth, adults or families experiencing a crisis situation related to adjusting to life in Canada, mental health, intimate partner violence, substance misuse, trauma, interpersonal problems, parenting or other situation

Community Connections Program

• brings Canadians and newcomers together to connect and make newcomers feel welcome
• services offered through volunteers and include introducing newcomers to life in Canada, hosting conversation circles to help newcomers practice English and facilitating networking opportunities.

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• full time classes
• childminding for children 19 months-5 years while parents attend classes

Multicultural Women's Wellness Program

• women experiencing mental health struggles and stresses can meet, socialize, share experiences, network, learn and stay active; offered in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association

Transition to Employment for Newcomers

• for newcomers including internationally trained professionals and tradespeople
  individual coaching, linking to resources, and employment workshops‍

Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Early Childhood Education Careers for Internationally Trained Professionals

• 10-week, in-person program designed to help Internationally Trained Professionals transition into Ontario's Early Childhood Education sector
• technical and employment readiness training; CPR/First Aid, Food Handling
• training in workplace ethics, child protection, and Ontario childcare regulations
• one-week placement at a local childcare centre
• job search support, interview preparation, and career planning; individual coaching to explore ECE or Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) pathways; job maintenence

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership - see separate listing