Searching for Refugees

Self-help centre open for drop in clients offering services to assist individuals to settle into new lives in Canada

Family in Settlement Together - https://ccsfamily.ca/

• holistic settlement support to families as a unit including families with children with special needs
• specialized needs assessment; one-on-one support; group activities
• parenting skills building workshops
• weekly English Conversation Circle
• caregiver self-care sessions
• creative classes for children and youth
• volunteer opportunities
• partnership with East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club

Settlement Services

• needs assessment, information and referral, supportive counselling
• information on employment, citizenship and immigration, education and housing, financial literacy
• support to file forms
• group sessions including English and French conversation groups, citizenship preparation sessions, computer training
• walk-in services, free access to computers and Internet

Community Service Program for socially isolated women at high risk of domestic violence and mental health challenges

• activities to build social networks and break isolation
• short term skills training for employment such as customer service, sewing, food handling and how to become a self-employed artist
• workshops series such as chronic pain management, how to manage diabetes, nutrition (healthy eating) programs

Services at Other Locations

Itinerant Settlement Counselling Services - delivered in collaboration with partner agencies such as ACCES Employment, Dr. Roz's Healing Place, East Scarborough Storefront, Springboard Employment, and YWCA to better support newcomer clients at those locations

Library Settlement Program offered on an itinerant basis at Cedarbrae Library, Woodside Library, Albert Campbell Library, Goldhawk Park Library, and Burrows Hall Library. Additionally, services are available Monday to Saturday at Agincourt Library

All offices are open; services are offered in person by appointment and remotely over the phone and by Zoom

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Settlement Services

• assessments and referrals
• supportive counselling for youth, families and women
• wellbeing and crisis counselling
• employment services
• sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search
• commissioner of oaths

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

• classes from Literacy to Level CLB 6
• full-time and part-time classes available
• blended hybrid service delivery
• childminding for toddler and preschool child while parents attend full-time classes

Youth Programs

• after school programs for newcomer youth including Homework Club, arts and crafts and Youth Engagement Group

Seniors Service

• increases social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities
• activities led by seniors' leadership groups brought together from the local community
• activities include physical and mental wellness sessions such as yoga, Zumba, arts and gardening basic computer skills workshops and information sessions on topics including government benefits and filing taxes

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)

• free seasonal income tax clinic for newcomers with low incomes

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

In-person services by appointment only; program staff can assist clients virtually by email, phone or Zoom

• individual and group counselling
• employment and skills based training:
  • basic cashier
  • customer service
  • digital skills
  • entrepreneurship
  • job search
  • worker health and safety
• information and referral:
  • health care
  • housing
  • school
  • recreation
  • transportation
  • banking
• career and skills assessment

Online training and webinars available

Multiservice centre for newcomers

• settlement and pre-employment support
• Family in Settlement Programs
• financial literacy
• free computer access for settlement needs
• English conversation circle
• skill building sessions and activities
• seniors programs - Golden Agers Club, see separate entry
• LINC - Literacy Class

Newcomer Settlement and Language Training (NSLT) Program

• provides career action plans and guidance on the preparation of cover letters and resumés
• clients are provided with employment support for job search and retention based on employment needs

Indigenous Community Connection

• connects newcomers with Indigenous communities through workshops on culture, history, art, and traditions
• Building Relationships Through Indigenous Knowledge and Understanding - insights into First Nations' traditional structures, impacts of colonization, current realities, and pathways to allyship

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Program

• through interactive workshops and community conversations, participants gain tools to challenge bias, build empathy, and connect across differences

Youth Wellness Program

• virtual and in-person workshops and events aimed at fostering inclusivity, community engagement, and skill development through volunteering opportunities
• education and academic support, workplace preparation, career guidance, and mentorship to promote well-being of newcomer youth

Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information, call 416-266-1777

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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

• full-time day classes and part-time 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

Food Security Program

• food package distribution to seniors, families on Mondays and Wednesdays 11 am-3 pm

Community Development

• childminding available for clients attending sessions
  

Provides newcomers with employment readiness services, including:

• essential employment job skill development
• English languages skill improvement for healthcare centre
• first aid/CPR and food handling certificate
• employment resources and job search tools

Community connections:

• education about healthy food choices, nutrition, culinary skills, and grocery budget management

Additional supports:

• transportation assistance
• laptop lending

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

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

Settlement services for immigrants and newcomers, as well as programs for youth, women and families

• information and referral
• employment preparation, job search workshops
• self employment, business integration training
• basic and advanced computer and Internet training; digital literacy training skills
• networking groups for newcomer women and seniors
• French language classes
• basic and advanced sewing and fashion design program
• crime prevention programs
• addiction counselling and mental health support services
• Afro Carib Festival yearly in August

Programs for Children and Youth

• information technology training and web development training for youth
• after school program, mentoring, and recreation for children and youth, including those at risk
• youth outreach worker for Black youth helping with counselling, career planning, employment support

Senior Program - for seniors with low incomes residing in Scarborough

• digital literacy program and computer training

Computer Donations - donations of new or refurbished laptops, desktop computers and accessories accepted

Information and Orientation Services - settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Youth Girls Program

• ​empowers and supports immigrant and refugee girls focusing on healthy relationships, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and sexual health
• individual and group counselling with gender-based analysis positive (GBA+) approach
• educational and recreational activities

HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)

• ​home visitation program supporting vulnerable, isolated, and low-income mothers of children aged 3-5 years
• empowers mothers to take active role in preparing their children for school
• builds confidence, skills, and community connections.

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

• crisis intervention and safety planning
• individual and family counselling for women and children
• support groups and educational workshops
• referrals to community services such as Legal Aid, subsidized housing and Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• advocacy, education and information

Men Make a Difference - culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources

• all services provided by phone, online, or in-person
• LINC classes offered hybrid and in-person

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Provides settlement services to newcomers

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

Family Literacy Program -- language and age-appropriate family reading resources through a lending library

• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Internationally Trained Medical Professionals

• 18 week sector-specific language training and career orientation for health care professionals
• mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation for those with international experience within the health care sector

Job Connect Program - online portal that offers employers a platform to directly connect with and hire newcomer job seekers to Canada.

Self Employment for Newcomers Program

• supports newcomers to explore self-employment options, develop personalized road map to self-employment, and get connected to specialized supports for small business
• monthly workshops and one-on-one support to clients who are looking for self-employment opportunities or starting their own business in Canada

Language & Skills Training Program for Transportation and Supply Chain, see separate listing

Supports newcomers in building skills and experience needed to become job-ready in the transportation and supply chain sectors

• hybrid (online/in-person) language and job-specific training
• hands-on, experiential learning
• employer site visits
• job readiness and resume-building support

Housing help, including information and referral, advice on tenant rights and responsibilities, eviction prevention, assistance with housing search and subsidized housing application process

Landlord Recruitment Program
Matches tenants with landlords, includes free rental listings, and information on landlord and tenant rights

Toronto Rent Bank
Access centre for grants to pay off overdue rent to eligible applicants with rental arrears who are at risk of eviction; also gives grants to eligible applicants for first and last month's rent. For questions of eligibility, contact organization directly.

Utilities Program
Access centre for utilities assistance

• help with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program providing reduced rates for electricity to lower-income customers
• help with applications for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) providing financial assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity or gas bills
• access to Toronto Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) providing one-time grant to help pay electricity and gas bills

Information Sessions
Group information sessions on topics including

• subsidized and market rate rental housing in Toronto
• tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities
• settlement/orientation information for newcomers to Canada
• financial information - banking, taxes, government benefits
• assistance programs that can be accessed at THHC - Toronto Rent Bank, Low-income Energy Assistance Programs (LEAP), Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) and Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Settlement Program

• orientation and information sessions
• information and referral to education, employment and health services
• help with form filling
• citizenship test preparation classes

Housing and Support Services, York Region, see separate listing

Housing support and settlement services, including information and referrals to other services

• assists low income youth, families, newcomers and seniors in determining housing needs and with applications to York Region Subsidized Housing and Special Priority
• assistance with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
• information sessions on subsidized housing and utility assistance, as well as Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program
• mediation for landlords and tenants, including connections to community resources and long- term support
• landlord registry, including recruitment of landlords, free rental listings, and landlord and tenant matching
• information on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities

For service in Cantonese or Mandarin, call 437-855-1469

For Markham office, call 416-317-3655

For Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) intake, contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327

Information and training support services

• online applications and forms, serves Canada (except Quebec)

• services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
• all workshops offered online

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Multiservice centre for newcomers

Settlement Service Centre -- assessment, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social 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), child care and transportation assistance available

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Internationally Trained Medical Professionals -- 18 week sector specific language training and career orientation for health care professionals

• individual counselling and action plan development, 100 hour volunteer placement
• mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation
• free training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Settlement and Education Partnership in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools) -- services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Scarborough during the school year, and in libraries and summer schools from July to August -- free summer programs for children and their families

Self Employment for Newcomers Program

• supports newcomers to explore self-employment options, develop personalized road map to self-employment, and get connected to specialized supports for small business
• provides monthly workshops and one-on-one support to clients who are looking for self-employment opportunities or starting their own business in Canada
• provides career action plans and guidance on the preparation of cover letters and resumés

Newcomer Settlement and Language Training (NSLT) Program

• provides career action plans and guidance on the preparation of cover letters and resumés
• clients are provided with employment support for job search and retention based on employment needs

LGBTQ+ Program

​Supports LGBTQ+ newcomers and allies as they navigate their settlement journey in Canada, offering a safe, inclusive environment where clients can access a variety of services

• workshops on topics such as employment, housing, and legal rights, as well as community outings to cultural sites and social events
• one-on-one support - personalized assistance to help clients overcome challenges, build skills, and connect to resources
• guidance on finding work, navigating housing options, and understanding rights as newcomers
• LGBTQ+ support group - confidential space where participants can connect with others, share experiences, and discuss issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ newcomer experience. Topics include cultural adjustment, mental health, relationships, and understanding LGBTQ+ rights in Canada

Youth Career Empowerment

• for newcomer youth 16-24 years living in Scarborough
• soft skills training, job search tools and career exploration

• individual, family and youth counselling
• information and referral, housing search assistance
• assistance with government forms, translation and intrepretation
• refugee settlement information and assistance
• youth outreach, volunteer opportunities
• employment consulting, assistance with resumes and interview skills, employment mentoring, employment workshops

• crisis intervention and counselling
• case management
• child advocacy
• child care and children's program
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

Call for appointment

Core Programs and Services

• settlement and immigration services - needs assessment, information sessions, assistance with applications
• employment counselling and referrals - newcomer orientation to the labour market, self-assessment and career options, resumes and cover letters, networking
• Women Aiding Women program (WAW) - assistance adjusting to Canadian society, networking, information and referrals for community resources, empowerment
• mental health and wellness -- short term counselling for newcomers dealing with mental health issues, action plan development, educational workshops
• family support and counselling
• seniors program - information sessions, recreational activities

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

Other Services

• translation and interpretation
• information and referral
• Commissioner of Oaths

• 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

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

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

Newcomer orientation and welcoming supports to assist with settlement process, including workshops, mentorship and volunteer opportunities, mental health education and support, homework help and educational supports, and recreation and sports activities and outings

Orientation Communities

• information on mental health services, and social skills training for youth and their families

Welcoming Communities

• youth leadership and mentoring training
• homework help and educational supports to develop employment skills
• information and integration support
• workshops on topics such as communication and social skills, cross-cultural and diversity skills, and public transit navigation

Training available to service providers, youth in schools, and community agencies on various mental health and settlement topics

Information, application forms and assistance on citizenship and immigration programs, including Permanent Resident Card

Administers Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): ensures health services for refugees, protected persons and refugee claimants not yet covered by provincial health care

• information for clients, information for health care providers can be found here: www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre

Medical service providers that already accept IFHP:
ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca/en/search-ifhp-providers

Report suspected citizenship fraud: call the Client Support Centre and follow the options, or email [email protected]

Report suspicious immigration activity: call the Canada Border Services Agency Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060

Human trafficking hotline: 1-833-900-1010

Refugee claims: forms available on website and may be submitted online

For any application, appointments may be offered at

• 325 Milner Ave, Suite 200, Scarborough
• 3085 Glen Erin Drive, Mississauga
• 5343 Dundas St W, Ste 105, Etobicoke

COVID-19 Travel considerations affecting immigration and refugees:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html

• centre community engagement projects
• seniors yoga
• women's English Circle
• EarlyON programming for children 0-6 years and their caregivers
• public computer access

Newcomer Centre -- provides settlement programs and services for new immigrants, refugees and newcomers LGBTQ2S+, programs and supports include:

• information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops on financial literacy and other topics to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation -- offers courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada -- provides basic language skills in English upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- (see separate listing, online learning option)

Integrated Employment Services (IES) provides employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario (see separate listing)

Lead agency for Dorset Park Hub

Other services provided by partner agencies including, Reconnect Community Health Service, John Howard Society of Toronto, VHA Home HealthCare, Chinese Canadian Council, Madison Community Services, Black Youth Jobs and Dorset Park Neighbourhood Association