Searching for Refugees

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

• educational, cultural and heritage language programs in Greek
• social services

• information and referral, orientation, assistance with form filling, employment information
• escort and interpretation services for senior or hospitalized members
• workshops and seminars on Canadian society and culture
• traditional dance classes

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program
• Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)

• supportive counselling
• information and referral

• assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
• Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre
• Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
• LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)
• Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program
• Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

All offices are open and all settlement workers are available 4 days in person and 1 day online; call at 647-438-8145

Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health - support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events

Employment Related Services - for new immigrants and Convention refugees, legally entitled to work in Canada

• 3 or 4 day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking
• extensive individual assistance

Community Connections Mentorship 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

Community Development

• Afghan Sewing Circle

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

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

• assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
• 
  
• Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
• LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): LEAP 416-924-2543 ext 1
• Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre and Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368

• The Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) program
• The Personal Support Services (PSS) for Low Acuity Home Care program

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

All programs have virtual options; in-person options are available for a few programs, including Food Service Hospitality Training programs. Wearing a mask is required for in-person counselling services

Training and employment services focusing on immigrant, refugee and other marginalized women and their families

Food Service and Hospitality Program (FSHT) - flexible 10 week program - sector-specific skills training for unemployed immigrant and refugee women and/or women from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). A transportation/program completion incentive is provided
● goal setting; career planning;
● digital skills training;
● employment-readiness and life-skills workshops such as interview skills;
● specialized workshops on the food and hospitality sector such as food services,
catering, administration, events management, and social entrepreneurship);
● resume development;
● WHMIS Certification; Food Handler Certification;
● In-person work-based learning opportunities at social enterprise partner;
● 6-month post-program support as needed.

Digital Literacy Training - a drop-in program for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults living in
Toronto.
● hybrid service delivery model, including virtual one-to-one mentorship support
and in-person digital skills training workshops.
Volunteer and Student Placement Program - for community colleges, universities and foreign trade professionals, to be placed in programs to build skills and gain experience

• opportunities such as settlement services, counselling support, administration, reception, computer training, gardening, leadership training

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)

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

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

Office open to the public 5 days a week; for more information call 416-422-2225

___________________________________________________________________

Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
• Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
• citizenship test preparation classes

English as a Second Language / LINC - participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• day or evening classes

Community Connections Mentorship 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

Financial Literacy Project - one month certificate course

• individual counselling and orientation sessions

Family Support and Mental Health Services - parenting sessions

• mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• Women's Circle
• childminding available for clients attending sessions

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

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

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

Assists highly skilled internationally trained immigrants (ITIs) gain equivalent work experience in Ontario

• network cabling occupations

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)

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

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