Searching for Refugees

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

• 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

Programs and services

• information and referral
• settlement services and orientation for refugees and immigrants
• life skills
• assistance in accessing government and community services
• advocacy
• income tax clinic
  • available in March and April only
• individual and family counselling
• case management for assaulted women
• parenting groups
• group activities for seniors
• family summer program
• family education and support groups

Food Bank: groceries for residents of catchment area only

• member of Daily Bread Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Support Committee

• 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

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

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

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

• 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

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

Settlement services assisting newcomers with

• filling out forms such as work permits, identification
• accessing employment training
• understanding educational options and openings
• finding housing
• connecting to legal services
• accessing healthcare coverage
• also offers services weekly at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Immigration Holding Centre

• 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

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

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

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

• 18 week training course in the fields of customer service, retail or office support
• consists of 12 weeks in class including business English, customer service, job search and computers
• 6 week co-op work placement
• in partnership with City of Toronto and Toronto District School Board -- see separate entries

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
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

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

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

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