Searching for Refugees

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

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

• information and newcomer' orientation; group information sessions on settlement
• referrals to access other programs and services
• interpretation
• support with applications to government programs and services
• settlement counselling; family reunification support
• English conversation classes
• computer skills training; life skills seminars

• employment counseling
• career exploration, goal setting and planning
• job search assistance and workshops e.g LinkedIn workshops
• networking with employers
• resume and cover letter preparation, mock interviews
• labour market information and exploration
• referral to other employment-related information and programs

• leadership training and workshops, education and information sessions on topics relevant to youth
• summer activities and festive seasonal celebrations
• financial literacy training, financial planning support for post-secondary education
• career planning, academic support
• life coaching, supportive counselling
• information sessions on topics that impact family wellbeing

• leadership training and workshops, skills development
• supportive counselling
• support for women in abusive relationships

• social, recreation and wellness programs
• information and support in applying for Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Guaranteed Income Supplement, seniors housing
• supportive counselling

Community Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms

Translation and Interpretation Services

• professionally trained interpreters with expertise in health, community and social services
• translation and revision
• immediate over the phone interpretation

Afghan Women's Support Program - provides short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges

Seniors Program

• counselling and referral
• seniors helping seniors

Youth Empowerment Program

• monthly discussion group on issues such as employment, school problems
• community collaboration with police and others
• information about school choices, postsecondary education, employment
• mentorship program

Volunteer and TV Broadcasting Program Assistance- television broadcasts Friday nights and Saturdays

• information and referral, orientation, housing referrals
• one to one gambling counselling and workshops
• translation and interpretation
• documentation, form filling
• outreach, social development program, educational workshops, career mentoring

• employment counselling
• resume preparation, job search techniques
• access to telephone, fax, photocopier
• assistance obtaining certification of education and/or trade documents

Newcomer Services Settlement Program

• information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• referral to community resources
• assistance in filling out forms including the health card, permanent resident card renewal and Canadian citizenship application
• supportive counselling
• employment related services
• information workshops
• income tax preparation for low income newcomers

Newcomer Youth Programs: youth 12-17 years

• athletics and recreation
• tutoring/homework help
• gaming programs
• newcomer youth drop-in program
• educational workshops
• summer Newcomer leader-in-training program

• 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 services
Individual assistance with immigration, orientation and other settlement-related issues

• information and referral
• identification documents, applying for government benefits/services, housing, legal issues and accessing healthcare services
• employment education and support
• group settlement sessions
• client advocacy support

Group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees (all ages)
Trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist with language learning in English language settlement groups, orienting to new community, and establishing social and professional networks

• volunteering and civic engagement
• financial literacy
• skills and career development
• free immigration legal clinics

Newcomer Youth Program for youth 13-30 years

• leadership training
• entrepreneurship
• homework club
• one-to-one help with resume writing and job search skills
• post-secondary and scholarship applications
• cooking classes
• mentorship
• sports clubs and recreation
• art and design activities
• volunteer program
• civic engagement activities
• individual and group mental health and wellness support

• settlement assistance, including help with refugee claim process
• Refugee Hearing Program to simulate Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) hearings
• support on first months in Canada through Matthew House programs
• capacity 48

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

Case management for government assisted refugees for 12 months to help transition to life in Canada

• orientation, life skills and settlement services
• information and referral regarding services at other agencies
• accompaniment to appointments and interpretation/translation

Temporary accommodation, average stay 4 months

• capacity 20
• information and referral (legal aid, immigration, social assistance)
• settlement services, reception
• Christian environment

Transitional housing for residents ready to move into the community

• capacity 38
• shared kitchen and bathrooms
• various locations in North York and East York

Non-residents immigration consultation and referral

Blend of virtual and in-person services offered
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Settlement Services

• counselling, individual or group integration and orientation assistance
• form filling; conversation circles; citizenship test preparation
• information and referral in the areas of training and education, basic banking, legal assistance, health care, housing, interpretation, translation

Sister2Sister Community Leadership Program

• six-month free leadership development program, see website for eligibility
• participants learn diverse skill set and have the opportunity to build their social and human capital to become formal and informal leaders in their communities.

Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program

• skills and leadership development program that bridges the gap between employer needs and newcomer women skills, see website for eligibility
• intensive training in soft and hard skills capped by a paid internship through agency's strategic partner network.

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

Needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services

• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice French
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
• Citizenship Preparation -- offers courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Bridging services -- connects skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Settlement Workers in Schools -- assists newcomer students and their families with settling into schools and the community; offers outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

• provides summary legal advice in income maintenance (CPP, OAS, EI, GAINS) workers rights, tenant rights, immigration, social assistance (OW, ODSP), tenant issues, general administration (notary, commissioner for taking oaths)
• may provide representation
• summary advice/referral in domestic violence cases
• community organizing
• community education
• law reform
• referrals
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Bridging Services

• offered online and provide internationally trained professionals with customized job search training, workplace communication, labour market information, credential assessment, referrals/placements and mentoring connections
• for individual bridge training programs, see separate listing for Ontario Bridge Training Program

Online Workshops and Resources

• articles, resources, webinars, interactive games and videos to help find work
• topics covered include resumes, interview preparation, networking, the job market, career self-assessment and workplace success

Job Search Workshop (JSW) -- for new immigrants and convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada

• 5 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
• extensive individual assistance

Pre-arrival services for newcomers preparing to immigrate to Canada

• Canadian Employment Connections provides sector-specific training and job search support for individuals approved to move to Canada

Entrepreneurship Connection and Entrepreneurship Connections Pre-Arrival

• provides support for newcomers interested in starting a business in Canada
• pre-arrival stream helps entrepreneurs who are approved to move to Canada, build a network and start preparing to open a business before they arrive

Mentoring Programs

• connect with professionals that will support you with your career growth and development

Programs for Women

• specific learning components designed to support women into specific sectors of work
• mentoring and guest speakers from leading employers to enhance learning

Programs for Refugees

• build professional networks, find mentors, learn about the labour market in Canada, access real opportunities with employers, and improve their job search skills

Programs for Youth (ages 15-29)

• support youth to find their way in the current job market and launch a meaningful career

Assists highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) gain equivalent work experience in Ontario

• regulated occupation (for example, nursing, engineering, etc.)
• non-regulated occupation currently in demand, such as information technology, financial services

Settlement services including orientation, information and referral, counselling and support

Newcomer Settlement Services (NSP) - for refugee claimants and other newcomers

• one-on-one settlement counselling and referrals
• help with filling out forms; assistance with immigration status
• orientation sessions and workshops
• culturally sensitive services for the Roma community

Library Settlement Program (LSP) and Settlement in Community Spaces (SCS)

• for Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees
• newcomer outreach at libraries and newcomer kiosks; outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools during school year
• orientation workshops, one-on-one settlement services; community referrals
• employment support services; career mentoring and networking events
• individualized action plan, settlement information and referral, group activities
• citizenship education circles; English conversation circles
• Newcomers Explore and Appreciate Toronto (NEAT)

Newcomer Mental Health Program

• one-on-one brief counselling to newcomers with complex needs, as well as comprehensive settlement needs assessment
• referrals to appropriate community programs and resources
• group activities that provide coping strategies, support, skill-building and self-help opportunities

Cybersecurity Training - IT Security Bridge Training

• for internationally trained professionals with IT backgrounds to prepare for jobs in cybersecurity
• training for a Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
• mentoring, networking, and help with resumes and interview preparation
• providing a personalized job search plan, labour market information, networking

Transitional Housing

• 19 units across 5 houses each with shared living rooms, garden or outdoor space, laundry
• capacity up to 80 people; stays up to 12 months
• supports include help with refugee claim legal process and access to social assistance, education, employment, health care and finding permanent housing
• material supports: clothing bank, weekly food bank and other essentials
• community programs: kids club, communal suppers, holiday celebrations, family summer camp
• ongoing connection: some support continues for families after they move out

Settlement and accompaniment services for newly arrived refugee claimants including those with refused refugee claims

• navigating refugee process
• connecting to Legal Aid and free immigration legal advice; finding a lawyer
• scheduling Immigration Medical Exam; changing address with immigration
• applying for social assistance income/government benefits
• connecting to English as a Second Language (ESL) schools/English conversation groups
• applying for subsidized housing and other housing supports
• connecting with community resources - finding schools for children, opening bank accounts

• single beds for refugee claimants, capacity 16
• art therapy program for children

• 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

• initial orientation and settlement case management
• basic needs support
• assistance with refugee claim process, housing referrals, education, health services
• follow up support

• advocacy, referrals, orientation
• case management and system navigation support
• forms filling assistance
• ongoing support for former residents only

Settlement services for newcomers and international students including workshops for the immigrant community

Youth Employment Services

• internships
• summer jobs
• job skills workshops including resumes and interviewing skills

Senior Support

• builds awareness of available resources
• social well-being and mental health support

Community Events

• outreach and cultural activities
• indoor stage events
• outdoor activities: performances, entertainment, speakers, music, food,
• social celebrations
• adult and youth volunteer opportunities

Some programs and services provided off-site