Searching for Refugees

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

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Social Services

• women and girls empowerment programs
• employment and support programs
• community workshops

Language Training and Settlement Services -- assistance to immigrants and newcomers including

• settlement services and referrals
• guidance in form filling
• citizenship test classes

Seniors' Services

• advocacy, supportive counselling, income tax clinic
• fitness and cultural activities
• seniors' digital connection and technology clinic

Recreational Facilities and Programs

• fully equipped fitness centre
• swimming pool with lessons
• fitness programs such as pilates, yoga, and gym for badminton and basketball

Youth Programs

• leaders in training program, youth council
  

Children's Programs

• afterschool program
• children's day camp during spring, summer and summer breaks
• activity classes afterschool also available

Day Care Music and Arts School

• classes for various musical instruments, arts, and dance for all ages
  

Licensed child care

• AccessPoint on Danforth (APOD)
• AccessPoint on Jane (APOJ)
• Interpretation and Translation Services

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

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

Connects internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) with established professionals in Canada, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the Canadian labour market through targeted mentorship in their specific fields.

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

Mentoring Partnership

• matches immigrants with established professionals in their fields
• provides information and online registration for potential mentors
• offers instructions for those looking for a mentor
• includes mentorship tools and resources

Assessments program to assess the competencies of health professionals and their readiness to practice in Ontario

• administers examinations to ensure health professionals meet Canadian standards
• learning programs to help health professionals transition to training and practice
• educational programs to support international medical graduates in their transition to residency training

Additional services in the area of test design and administration, and curriculum development and delivery

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

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• three campuses located in the Greater Toronto Area

• capacity 7

Support to refugee claimants in Canada and abroad

• legal assistance
• crisis intervention and emotional support
• information and referral
• newsletter, magazine

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• three campuses, and multiple sites located in Toronto

Emergency shelter, includes individualized support and group programs, meals, settlement support, assistance in securing and maintaining permanent housing, follow-up

• capacity 20
• 24 hour staff support

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

Full and part time degree, diploma, postgraduate, entrepreneurial and apprenticeship programs

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• employment services
• multiple campuses located in the Greater Toronto Area

Emergency shelter, including meals, counselling and support, orientation and interpretation, referrals, medical support, outreach and housing support, child care

• capacity 106
• length of stay depends on need

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Shelter, see separate listing