Searching for English As A Second Language

Virtual support over the phone, call main office or email; will reply in an hour; in-person support also available; masks provided
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Support on Immigration and Refugee Issues

• holistic case management and services to precarious migrants and refugee populations; new clients may drop in Mondays 9:30 am-4 pm

Refugee Hearing Orientation and Appeal Preparation (Ready Tour)

• allows refugee claimants to learn what will happen during hearing, how to be ready and what happens after decision is made; session occurs twice a month
• Appeal Info Session for rejected refugees wanting to learn how to appeal a negative decision after the hearing
• registration - calendar available in the immigration section of the website

Transitional Housing

• transitional housing for refugee claimant women and children, capacity 30 for stays up to 12 months
• help with the refugee process, including legal, mental health, social services and other referrals; support and accompaniment to appointments

Food Distribution and Income Security Program

• ​food hampers for vulnerable populations regardless of immigration status

Primary Health Care Clinic

• ​by appointment; no Ontario Health Insurance required

Support Groups and Activities for Women

• ongoing information-sharing on issues relevant to women adapting to a new culture
• community activities, field trips, skills workshops

English Language Learning (ELL)

• free beginner and intermediate online English classes
• primarily for people without status and/or in a situation of vulnerability.

Youth Program

• for newcomer youth regardless of immigration status
• offers mutual support, volunteering and skills development, social and sports activities, Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm

Services for Victims/Survivors of Human Trafficking

• ​holistic support and full range of services
• legal information, immigration, housing, employment support, counselling

• professional learning sessions including online courses
• community data group
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre onsite (see separate listing)

Call for appointment

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding available -- see separate entry

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

• social, recreation and education programs
• information and referral
• counselling
• translation and interpretation
• assistance in filling out forms
• income tax clinic
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• computer classes
• dance, music and other recreational classes
• gateball club

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

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

• 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

• 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 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

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

• 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

Cultural, social, recreation and education activities

• community drop-in
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, program for children under 6 years
• before school program and after-school program for children 6-12 years
• PA day, march break and summer children's camps
• youth drop-in program
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL tutoring
• older adults fitness and dance classes
  • many additional programs and classes available
• volunteer opportunities
• annual income tax clinic
• meeting, auditorium and program space for community groups to rent, rental space for public use

Services provided by other agencies

• Toronto District School Board
• Common Thread Community Chorus
• Ontario Chinese Seniors Association

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 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

• 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

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

• hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth
• community engagement, individualized support, group sessions and workshops

• for newcomer youth 14-19 years
• Youth Engagement program -- focus on English practice and skills building
• workshops
• Newcomer Youth Mentorship -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors * hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• childminding available
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) classes
• both in-person and virtual classes may be available depending one level and time of classes
  

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to English or French language government-funded programs which include

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)/Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC)
• LINC Home Study/CLIC en ligne
• English as a Second Language (ESL) programs/French as a Second Language (FSL)
• Higher-Level Language Training (HLLT) such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT)/Cours de langue de niveau avancé (CLNA), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)/ la Formation linguistique axée sur les professions (FLAP)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Programs are offered in-person with some hybrid programming also available

Social support programs in several locations

• information and referral
• income tax clinic
• referral to legal services
• outreach and mobilization to engage residents and strengthen the community
• community development, connecting with community and building a network

Settlement Program

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June and in libraries and social service agencies from July to mid-August
• refugee support
• employment support and family support for Filipino women
• online citizenship test preparation

Employment readiness and mentoring:

• employment preparation
• professional and social mentorship
• self employment & entrepreneurship programs for immigrant women
• youth employment programs

Family and community centre

• after school programs, parenting groups, youth programs
• citizenship test preparation
• gender-based violence programs and services
• mental health and wellness programs

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto;

• child care provided for students only
• English conversation circles
• digital literacy program

Financial Empowerment Programs for Newcomers

• free financial education
• help with tax filing and accessing benefits
• financial counselling
• employment & financial literacy support for Newcomer men
• outreach at Toronto Public Library locations, visit website https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/financialempowerment

Truth & Reconciliation (hybrid)

• Indigenous learning
• Knowledge sharing and activities

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