Searching for Refugees

Provides support and expertise to groups involved in refugee sponsorship and resettlement

• refugee sponsorship training, toolkit and online resource centre
• spreads public awareness of refugee needs

Represents the Anglican Diocese of Toronto and supports the Toronto Conference of the United Church of Canada as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH)

Children and Youth

• Eastview BGC (formerly Boys and Girls Club)
• summer day camp, March break/winter/PA days camps
• youth leadership programs
• after school and evening drop-in programs
• homework help club
• community events

Parents and Families

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre
• caregiver and child programs
• parenting program
• perinatal program (Healthy Beginnings)

Seniors

• recreation programs
• special day trips
• form filling
• income tax clinic
• support group
• community garden plots

Newcomers

• social recreation programs
• information and referral services
• form filling assistance
• women's only programs
• workshops and information sessions

Settlement services

• Newcomer Settlement Services
• Information and referral
• Employment services

Counselling services and support

• one-on-one counselling for mental health support

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 Central Neighbourhood House, Sherbourne Health, TNO - The Neighbourhood Organizations , Hospice Torontoalso Progress Place, St James Town Safety Committee, St James Town Service Providers Network and others

Share and Reuse Hub

• reuse, share, repair and repurpose items to prolong their life
• Make It and Fix It sessions
• Sew and Mend
• Bike Clinic
• Borrowing Library - tools, party supplies, games, etc.
• Classes and workshops throughout year to learn skills regarding repair and 'do it yourself' fixes

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

Services to help and support immigrants begin their new lives in Canada

Settlement Information and Referral

• information on topics such as essential government documents and benefits, immigration and citizenship, employment and job search, access to trades and professions, foreign credential assessment, education and training, language classes, health and housing, community, recreation and consumer resources, human rights, legal and social services, child, youth and family resources, food, shelter, and clothing
• settlement information sessions in various locations
• monthly webinars
• guest speaker series
• Newcomer Network
• access to computers, fax, photocopiers, and phone; computer area
• settlement resource library
• English conversation circle

Library Settlement Partnerships - outreach program at Toronto Reference Library

• settlement information and referral
• Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST Program) - group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks, trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Newcomer Youth Services -- youth-focused settlement information and referral

• Newcomer Youth Leadership Development -- youth learn about their community, gain volunteer hours and build leadership, language, communication and social skills
• workshops and activities for parents and youth

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

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

Bridge to Cloud - Computing and Big Data

• ​program is for internationally trained professionals and focuses on cloud computing and big data industry trend

Multiservice agency providing a range of services for people with social and emotional problems, including counselling, information and referrals, supplementary financial assistance program (government assistance recipients), support groups, supports for assaulted women, in-home palliative care program, English conversation café for new immigrants, and parenting, mental health and wellness programs and workshops

• Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto
• Restitution Services for Holocaust Survivors
• Holocaust Survivor Emergency Funding
• chaplaincy services
• speakers
• all services confidential

Café Europa monthly group for Holocaust survivors in partnership with Bernard Betel (see separate listing)

Children
Jewish child protective and family services investigates allegations of child neglect and abuse

• adoption and foster home services and recruitment
• file and adoption disclosure
• counselling
• big brothers and big sisters program
• homework club
• school outreach counselling program

Families
Includes individual, couple, family and group counselling, family life education and life skills programs

• financial assistance combined with poverty reduction counselling for persons on social assistance
• assistance maximizing benefits and entitlements, and finding employment and accommodation
• support for families with special needs children
• Family Resource Centres for pre-school and caregivers (see separate listings)

Woman Abuse Program
Individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance, and support groups

• Here to Help group program for children and their mothers
• advocacy and community outreach
• education and consultation
• referrals

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

Drop-in and group services have resumed; appointment preferred - masking is not mandatory but suggested for all visitors and people who have symptoms of illness are urged to wear masks or access services online

Family Services

• intimate partner violence crisis management
• transitional housing support program
• individual and family counselling; mutual support groups
• ​family life education; parent and child drop-in
• women's gathering; recreational programs
  

Neighbourhood Support Services

• supportive counselling; information and referral
• form filling including welfare and social housing applications
• support network
• interpretation; newcomer orientation
  

Older Adult Services

• senior drop in
• educational workshops; interest groups
• basic technology training
• volunteering
  

Youth Programs

• youth employment
• life skills and leadership training
• recreational activities
  

Community Development

• networking and partnership
• volunteer recruitment and training
• social justice and equity; advocacy
• community outreach; community safety collaboration
• cultural and festival celebrations

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

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

HIV/AIDS education, prevention and support, including information on HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) risk, sexual health and healthy relationships, and harm reduction

• community-based prevention programs for youth, women, and gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• community workshops, forums, outreach, training for professionals and organizations, and culturally specific materials
• volunteer opportunities

Harm reduction

• ​supplies and outreach

Peer support

Settlement Program
Counselling and support, needs assessment, outreach and prevention for Black, African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) individuals

• orientation
• information and referrals to community services
• assistance in accessing services
• assistance in finding a doctor and living with treatment
• assistance with immigration system
• form and documentation completion
• housing and employment help
• interpretation and translation
• social opportunities and networking

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

• free on-site child care available (19 months-6 years)
• year round blend of virtual and in-person women-only classes available

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

Multiservice agency with programs for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, including social, recreation and education programs for individuals and families with low income

• summer day camp
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• breakfast program Friday 10 am
• assistance with budgeting, identification, government forms
• income tax clinic February-April
• community development
• employment services including Literacy and Basic Skills
  

Seniors Services
Includes friendly visiting, telephone security check, client intervention and assistance, health education, and social, recreation and fitness programs

• home support services includes homemaking services such as laundry, vacuuming, and light shopping and meal preparation (fee)
• group shopping Fridays, includes round trip transportation to Dufferin Mall or Gerrard Square (fee)
• Mandarin Outreach, including settlement and newcomer services, social and cultural events, support groups and workshops

Assisted Living Program for Seniors
Includes personal care, essential homemaking, emergency response, and care coordination

• 3 participating buildings including Old York Tower, Performing Arts Lodge of Canada, Older Women's Network Co-op

Children and Youth Support
One-on-one peer counselling, and social, recreational, and educational activities

Dixon Hall Music School
Includes individual or group lessons, fees on a sliding scale

Growing Up Healthy Downtown for families of young people in Regent Park, see separate listing

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Individual and group services, including:

• one-on-one meeting with a Settlement Worker
• need assessment and development of Settlement Plan
• connect with essential resources and referrals to appropriate services
• support for application process and form-filling
• interpretation and translation
• social programming and capacity building workshops
• Conversation English Circle
• basic digital literacy skills development
• citizenship preparation
• financial literacy
• orientation to Ontario and Canada
• Community Connection Programs for reducing barriers and isolation
• networking and making new friends
• promoting cross-cultural awareness

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

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

• 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

Newcomer Settlement Services

• settlement support
• orientation to Canada
• supportive counselling
• help with selected documentation including permanent resident card renewal
• information and referral
• newcomer workshops
• online and in person workshops

Newcomer Youth Settlement - for youth 12-29 years

• friendship and emotional support
• individual counselling
• leadership training
• homework club
• sports, social and recreational activities; field trips
  
• job search support

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; childminding for children while parents attend classes; tablet lending for online classes

Volunteer Services -- many volunteer opportunities for all including newcomers to Canada

Some programs and services provided at other sites

Short term emergency shelter, including meals, information and referral, settlement orientation, assistance with immigration procedures, housing search, life skills development, and in-house health clinic for residents

• capacity 60

Satellite Shelter: short term emergency shelter at 250 Queen St E

• capacity 34 single men
• services and meals at main location

Family Shelter: shelter for families at 165 Grange Ave

• capacity of approximately 225 persons, 78 rooms

Outreach Program: for refugees in shelters and follow-up service to clients who have moved into the community

Housing Stabilization Program: ensures clients find the health care or financial supports they need to maintain housing

Transitional Housing Program: 52 supportive housing units for clients needing longer term support up to 2 years

• single or shared accommodation
• coordinated, specialized supports to help residents integrate
• by referral from shelter

Youth Skills for Life: for refugees 16-24 years separated from their families, includes life skills, counselling and social activities to build support network and integrate into community