Searching for English As A Second Language

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
  

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

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

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

• 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

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

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)

Telephone Counselling - 24 hour distress line

Emotional support for individuals experiencing grief, loneliness, illness, conflict or other crisis

• English distress line - 416-938-4673
• Korean distress line - 416-241-5456
• text line - 416-999-1392

Counselling Services

• individual counselling
• family counselling
• group counselling
• community outreach counselling and visitation for clients facing barriers to accessing services
• Life Conversation - youth counselling
• Window of Conversation - seniors counselling

Other program offerings include

• career counselling
• English Cafe - weekly meetings and education classes to increase English language skills
• youth mentorship program
• volunteer training
• information and referral to other services as needed

Visit website for information on current program offerings

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

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

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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

Case management, immediate needs relief items and prevention programs to support individuals and families

• computer classes
• children and youth programs including homework help and tutoring, summer camps, March break day camps
• child care, see separate listing
  

Food Bank
3-4 days supply of unprepared, non-perishable food, appointment required, see separate listing

Adult and Youth Meals
Also assistance obtaining resources such as hygiene supplies, baby items, warm clothing, see separate listings

Adult Services
Includes meals, life skills classes, Bible studies

Bridges Adult Program, [email protected]
Poverty alleviation activities including courses, workshops, mentoring, tutoring, case management and social events

• health promotion
• volunteer and employment programs
• summer social program

Counselling Services
Professional therapy for youth, adults, couples and families unable to afford counselling, by appointment

• psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger management, anxiety, depression, emotional wellness
• Christian orientation provided as requested
• in-person and virtual sessions available
• call 416-355-3568 or email [email protected]

Drop-in Programs
Includes employment services and housing assistance

Employment Services
Individual employment and job readiness support for adults and youth, call 416-929-9614 ext 2278 or email [email protected] for information

Community Development
Collaborates with, supports, and equips residents, community agencies, grassroots groups, and faith communities to strengthen neighbourhoods

Member of Daily Bread Food Bank, and member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

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

• 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

• 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

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

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support

• confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment
• contact for information on available languages

Settlement Services

• needs assessment
• orientation
• supportive counselling
• interpretation and translation services
• employment counselling and computer training
• peer support groups
• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documentation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs

• specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• computer classes
• citizenship preparation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Befriending Program

• community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders

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

• 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