Searching for English As A Second Language

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)

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

• LINC classes are offered from level 0 to 6

• conversational English
• computer training for seniors
• recreation and fitness

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• French as a Second Language (FSL) classes (online)
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
  • programs are non-credit
  • childminding available for LINC-eligible learners

• 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

Settlement Services

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• supportive counselling; newcomer mental health services
• assists with form filling,
• seasonal income tax clinic for families with low incomes
• employment counselling and mentorship
• workshops and tours,
• English conversation circle

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

• from Literacy to CLB 5
• full time and part time classes from Monday-Friday; evening and Saturday part time classes
• childminding and transportation assistance available

Support Services

• supports newcomers in private rental market with information and legal consultations
• senior support services and case management
• support for Canadian citizens and refugee claimants

English as a Second Language classes

• levels 1-5
• offered in person and online

English as a Second Language (ESL) for Health Care Professionals: 10 week sector specific language training for health care professionals

• CPR and first aid training
• hospital workplace training
• job search strategies
• resume and interview preparation
• partnership and volunteer opportunities with Toronto East General Hospital (Michael Garron Hospital)
• in-person classes only
  

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

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

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

• LINC classes are offered from level 5 to 6

Workplace communication courses

• students practice dialogue and communication tasks commonly performed on the job, in their field, sector and occupation
• offered part-time, twice a week evenings
• currently delivered remotely
• funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Full time Ontario College program that helps students for whom English is a second or additional language to build their English language and study skills

• hybrid model
• language placement assessment prior to program start required to determine starting level
• access to college resources, free tutoring, conversation circles, counselling

• workplace communication courses for business and health services sectors
• courses include: Canadian workplace culture. networking, soft skills, speakinf, listening and pro

Offers 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

• child care available

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

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

Family Literacy Program

• language and age-appropriate family reading and listening resources through a lending library
• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning with a certified Family Literacy Worker

Language Training for Childminding and Food Handling

• supports newcomer participants with language instruction, skills development and work experience placements to become job-ready in the Food Handling or Childminding Sectors
• access to digital literacy support to build on technical skills
• device lending program for clients who qualify for the program

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

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, seniors' benefits, recreation
• free annual income tax clinic for newcomers and seniors with low incomes
• free commissioner of oath services for select documents; call to inquire
  
• 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

Language and Skills Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA -- see separate entry, part-time and evening classes

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

Newcomer Seniors Group

• community information sessions
• social activities

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

• 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

• 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

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
  

• kindergarten through grade 12
• single gender and coeducational secondary schools
• Catholic family life education
• Advanced Placement Program
• alternative education programs
• French as a second language, French Immersion and Extended French
• support services

• adult upgrading centres
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• citizenship language classes

• child care centres, after school programs, recreation programs, caregiver and child drop-ins and parenting centres at some schools

• placement centre for new Canadian secondary school students, call 416-393-5500 for appointment