Searching for Immigration / Sponsorship

Focuses on education, recreation, arts, employment and volunteerism aiming to prevent isolation and promote health and well-being in children and youth

Newcomer Youth Success

• ​provides information and orientation sessions designed for youth
• includes sessions on career pathways, volunteering, financial management, health, community events/recreational activities
• community connections - arts and recreation-based activities to gain new skills and/or community service hours
• employment counselling, job search skills workshops, support with resumes and interview techniques, networking events and connection to employers

Mabelle After-School Program

• for children ages 6-13 years living in the Toronto Community Housing community of Mabelle
• indoor and outdoor recreational activities, homework help, nutrition and health education; snacks provided

• safe space for participants to discuss their experiences and begin healing with a preventative, informative and supportive approach
• conversations/workshops in such areas as setting boundaries, problem solving skills, consent, healthy and unhealthy relationships etc

• provides digital devices to local vulnerable senior residents who face barriers in navigating and accessing digital programs
• also invite people who have devices but would like to learn literacy classes like Microsoft Word, Zoom, Social Media

• social and physical activities such as breakfast, Yoga, Tai chi, outdoor exercise
• information and education on subjects such as health and nutrition, social media and elder abuse

• skills assessment, job search and resume help, labour market information, support to maintain employment, referral to other services
• in partnership with Career Foundation

• settlement support and counselling
• housing referral and support
• educational workshops
• information on Canadian school system

Youth Services -- leadership, settlement and employment programs

Settlement services -- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment

• programs to welcome newcomers to the community
• pre- and post-arrival information and referral, job search and employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
• assistance to complete forms
• citizenship preparation classes

Seniors services

• language classes (see separate entry)
• recreational activities
• computer classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• assistance with government forms
• interpretation for Ontario Works telephone interviews
• translation of documents, invitation letters, travel permits, affidavits
• wellness sessions
• volunteer placements

Settlement, case management and wraparound services

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, and pre- and post-arrival information and referral on education, settlement, employment, social assistance, housing, recreation

• assistance in accessing services
• language and skills training
• job search and employment counselling
• assistance in establishing social and professional networks
• problem solving, conflict resolution, cross cultural communication
• workshops, seminars

Community Connections Mentorship Program
Group orientation activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees with trained volunteer mentors

• help in establishing social and professional networks
• development of citizenship and civic engagement
• skills and career development

Job Search Workshops (JSW)
For new immigrants and Convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada

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

• English language skills instruction to increase literacy, numeracy, and ability in listening, speaking, reading and writing
• workshops, conversation circles and community activities
• computer lab

Community economic development

Newcomer Supports and Settlement Services

• needs assessment and post-arrival information and referral to community and social services such as housing, food bank, and furniture bank
• support with finding 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, and conversation circles to practise English
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
• English as a Second Language and English for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes
• job search preparation and online or in-class training to develop job search strategies and workplace communication skills
• employment counselling: resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks
• referral to credential evaluation programs such as WES and support for internationally trained professionals

Employment Training Programs: registered private careers college providing for

• Early Childhood Assistants
• industrial skills training, including warehouse skills such as forklift operator certification
• bicycle assembly and maintenance
• building maintenance and superintendent

Youth Programs:

• immigration and settlement peer counselling services
• leadership skills training and employment assistance to newcomer youth

Child Care: multiple child care centres across Toronto -- see separate listing

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

• 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

Settlement Services, email [email protected] or [email protected]

• information and help filling out forms and documents including applications for citizenship or permanent resident card, child tax benefit
• citizenship preparation classes
• translation and interpretation in Vietnamese, Spanish and Farsi
• English conversation circle
• legal information support
• year round income tax clinic
• Job Search Preparation and Training - developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills, with an online or in-class option
• Employment Counselling - resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Seniors Services, email [email protected]

• health information workshops
• information and form filling for seniors' benefits
• exercise and fitness programs, field trips

VWAT Youth Leadership Program, email [email protected]

• leadership training, skill building workshops
• sports programs, field trips
• youth led workshops or events
• volunteer opportunities

Cultural Events - Two Sisters Commemoration, Lanterns Festival, Lunar New Year Celebration

• for adults who may be isolated, marginalized, new to Canada, non-status, have experienced addiction issues, the psychiatric system, and/or are at risk of eviction
• drop in at 61 Pelham Park Gardens

• for children 6-12 years
• summer and March break day camps
• after school recreation programs and field trips
• homework club
• for youth 11-24 years
• social, recreation, education and arts activities
• leadership training
• life skills

• take away meal

• call for appointment
• individual and family medical and nursing services
• palliative care
• psychiatric services
• counsellor therapists
• mental health and addictions counsellor therapist
• community dietitian
• diabetes management support
• physiotherapist
• doctor on call Monday-Sunday 24 hours
• house calls when appropriate
• health education and promotion
• outreach to isolated persons
• community action on identified community health issues
• harm reduction supplies and information
• for non-status newcomers in the community, please contact the settlement department for more information

• Monday-Friday
• call for an appointment

• early learning and literacy
• prenatal pregnancy supports
• infant programs
• parenting
• parent relief
• child minder training
• school readiness * information and referral
• Growing Up Healthy Downtown (see separate entry) -- for children birth-6 years

• 55 years and older
• health education
• advocacy
• social, education and recreation activities
• Italian women's group
• Spanish wellness group
• Portuguese wellness group
• arts, falls prevention, fitness, trips/outings

• counselling and settlement services for status and non-status newcomers
• workshops

• immigration and sponsorship issues
• job training; business and community economic development
• anti-racism program
• health and nutrition information
• accompaniment to services; translation and interpretation
• housing referrals; legal information
• newcomer mental health advice, support and referrals
• culturally appropriate family counselling

Settlement services, language training, skills development and upgrading, employment preparation, sustainability programming

Settlement Services for Newcomers: general orientation, information and referral

• information sessions and workshops
• individual assistance including needs assessment, settlement plans, career plans, form-filling
• mentorship programs
• mental health and wellness supports, including crisis counselling
• workshops on mental health and self-esteem, life skills, legal rights, money management, employment skills
• childcare available for participants, refreshments provided, transit fare to all event attendees

Assessment of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English administered by YMCA of Greater Toronto, required for all language training programs -- see separate entry

Employment Ontario Programs, including programs for youth:

• skilled trades programs
• leadership development programs
• Black leadership institute

Career Skills

• offers affordable and convenient courses for upskilling, career advancement, and business growth

Seniors

• workshops for seniors on health and wellness, tech-literacy

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

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

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 immigrants/newcomers

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

Women-led organization providing support to South Asian and racialized women in the language of the client's choice

Violence Against Women Program: counselling and referral for assaulted women, social assistance, crisis intervention, immigration assistance

• health education and promotion
• multicultural wellness support groups
• life skills support group; sewing collective
• seniors group for all South Asian women
• youth group for girls, homework club for children
• first language literacy instruction
• job search workshops, employment assistance and counselling
• legal clinic -- advice on family law, immigration, custody, child support, abuse, legal education workshops

Intersectional Services

• settlement services, information and referral, translation and interpretation, advocacy, group activities
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner -- assistance with housing search and application process
• year-round income tax clinic for individuals and families with low incomes
• food bank, member of the Daily Bread Food; emergency food including South Asian dry goods provided to those in need on alternate Tuesdays; call ahead for details
• volunteer opportunities

Satellite location at Frontline Community Services (see separate listing), 2761 Markham Road, Scarborough

Multi-service agency working with Portuguese-speaking communities and local residents

Pathways to Income Empowerment Program
Includes information and referral and community education on food, housing and income security issues, including assistance with forms

• youth outreach program including workshops for middle and high school students
• newcomers settlement and orientation

Seniors Program

• Seniors Life and Hope education and recreation program for adults 55 years and older

Gender-based Violence Counselling services
Individual and group counselling for women and children who are victims or witnesses of gender-based and intimate partner violence or abuse

• youth services include counselling, life skills, advocacy

Parenting Programs

• Success by Six parenting groups for Portuguese-speaking mothers with children birth-6 years - online/virtual groups only
• Mindful Fathering parenting group in partnership with Yorktown Family Services (see separate listing)

Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

• information and referral; community orientation for refugees
• translation and interpretation
• informal counselling, newcomer parent counselling
• help to locate and access mental health services, health promotion
• newcomer student academic support and tutoring
• recreation, cultural activities
• volunteer training and development

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.

Tailored settlement, employment and information services to newcomer women through one-on-one counselling, workshops and mentoring

Newcomer Settlement Program

• assistance with settling and integrating into the community
• help with access to services in areas such as health care, housing, child care, education, employment, and general information on cultural adaptation
• form filling for government programs and services

Also participates in TRIEC mentoring partnership - connects newcomers with a supportive mentor in their field in Canada