Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship

Carrefour des Immigrants FrancoQueer

Settlement and integration programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ francophone newcomers in Ontario:

• settlement and integration services
• help with citizenship and/or refugee application process
• information, orientation and referral
• information and orientation workshops
• discussion groups and peer support, including matching with someone already settled
• social integration activities to adapt to Canadian life
• employment support services - workshops, resume coaching, interview preparation
• psychosocial support and crisis counselling

• 24/7 on-site support, including access to health and mental health specialized supports
• access to peer support groups, education sessions, life skills and social/recreation activities

• individual counselling and support
• peer support
• workshops including orientation to Canadian health care system, community programming, social assistance, employment and support services
• social and recreational activities to promote integration

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services
• all services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of all client groups

Better Jobs Ontario

Skills training and financial support for unemployed workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for Employers

• offers help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Employment Services

• online job postings; hiring events
• pre-employment workshops
• Integrated Employment Services, see separate listings

HIV/AIDS prevention and support services

• sexual health education, health promotion workshops, safer sex supplies
• one-on-one support, support groups, referral
• form filling, settlement services, interpretation and translation
• financial support including contingency fund
• capacity building and training

SAFE Program - non-judgemental check-in service for personal security, www.asaap.ca/safeprogram for more information

New to Canada - One-On-One Settlement Coordination for LGBTQ+ newcomers

• help with immigration forms about hearing, housing, employment, education
• by appointment
• weekly program designed for Convention Refugees and Permanent Residents
• sessions explore issues related to settlement in Canada

Among Friends LGBTQ+ Refugee Support Group

• weekly presentations and information sessions on topics such as immigration/refugee law, employment and accessing healthcare
• light meal provided during sessions

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

• capacity 7

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

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

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

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

Integration -- integration pack includes settlement tools and workshops

• cultural skills training for francophone newcomers
• IKUEN community kitchen
• Café branding -- showcasing skills and talents
• English café
• Rapid response -- settlement assistance for african refugees
• housing support including a furniture bank

Economic development

• entrepreneurship program, business acumen and economic development
• networking evenings
• luncheon meetings about employability
• counselling and mentoring
• information and referral

Conferences

• annual bilingual conference Résolutions: "Overcoming racism together"
• Francophone Human Capital Forum

Supports internationally trained immigrants with obtaining commensurate employment in regulated and non-regulated professions and trades

• occupation-specific technical training, workplace culture and communication training​
• licensure examination preparation
• connections to professions in Canada through mentorships, internships, clinical placements, and networking events

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

Settlement services

• information and referral
• employment services
• computer classes
• housing support

Counselling services and support

• one-on-one counselling for mental health support
• counselling

Kids program for children and youth 4-13 years, social and recreational activities

Medical and health

• family doctor clinic

Language classes

• English conversation group

Services provided by partner agencies, including Sherbourne Health, TNO - The Neighborhood Organizations -- see separate listings

also Progress Place, St James Town Service Providers Network and others

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

Adult reference and research library with materials in over 80 languages

• access to computers, Internet, printers
• information and programs for newcomers
• job search programs and materials
• language learning materials
• arts, picture and video collections

Services for People with Disabilities: equipment, collections

Digital Innovation Hub: 3D printing, sound and video production, green screen technology

• self-publishing press

IntelliSearch: 416-393-7241; customized bibliographic search service providing quick access to databases, fee

Book a Librarian: service for personal assistance with information needs

Marilyn and Charles Baillie Special Collections Centre: includes the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection and the Baldwin Collection of Canadiana

Bram and Bluma Appel Salon: event rentals space

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

Provides support in accessing HIV medical care and medications, immigration services and other social services, as well as delivering practical support services

HIV Medical and Medication Access

• assists people living with HIV in getting connected to HIV medical care and HIV medications
• helps people access drug coverage through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Trillium Drug Program and free drug coverage from pharmaceutical companies
• accompany Community Members to medical appointments to provide translation, support and advocacy
• financial assistance for medical and medication costs (while finances are available)

Income Support

• help people living with HIV/AIDS access government assistance programs such as as OW, ODSP, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance
• provides financial assistance for health and wellness needs

Immigration Support

• assists people living with HIV/AIDS access immigration support, including getting a legal aid certificate, referrals to lawyers who specialize in HIV
• offers language support in languages such as Spanish, Swahili, Amharic and French
• accompanies people to their immigration/legal appointments to provide interpretation, support and advocacy
• helps Community Members complete immigration applications

Food Programs

• Essentials Market weekly food bank, including pet food (member of Daily Bread Food Bank)
• Food for Life: bi-weekly meal delivery program and delivery of items from the Essentials Market

Other Support Programs

• information and referral to other services such as mental health, housing, employment and legal services
• pet programs including financial assistance for vet bills, pet food, referrals to vets with discounted services, low cost spay/neutering and foster program in partnership with the Toronto Humane Society, see separate listing
• free haircuts on-site
• harm reduction kits, including used equipment drop-off and safer sex supplies on-site

Complementary Therapies

• hosts on-site free massage and acupuncture clinics in partnership with local colleges

Educational and Cultural Groups

• offers the Hassle Free HIV+ Women's Group as well as the Golden Girls Group for HIV+ Women over 60
• provides educational workshops for people living with HIV around HIV disclosure, U=U and harm reduction
• Saturday Social Club - play games and socialize

Engagement and Volunteer Programs

• opportunities for Community Members to volunteer and/or become Community Mobilizers
• engagement/volunteer programs including POWER (Positive Women's Empowerment and Resiliency) program, Men's Health, PHA Patient Instructor health educator program, front desk, Essentials Market, delivery and Therapeutic Care

Centre for French speaking women

Services for Victims of Violence and/or Sexual Assault

• individual counselling
• emotional support and accompaniment

Community Programs (for all francophone women)

• sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
• sexual assault prevention within the community
• volunteer opportunities

Services for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Women

• settlement services for French-speaking immigrant and refugee women
• accompaniment to settlement related appointments
• Action Femmes -- social and education group for newly arrived refugee and immigrant women who are feeling isolated

Transitional and Housing Support Program for Women who are Victims of Violence

• assistance in finding housing

ÉLAN Program

• employment preparation for all Francophone women in search of employment
• computer courses

Tremplin Program

• self-employment and entrepreneurship workshops

Family Court Support Worker Program

• information on the family court process
• assistance in documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• accompaniment of the victim to court proceedings, if necessary