Searching for Refugees

Social services

• assessment, information and referral to community and social services
• help filling out government forms
• referral to health care services
• interpretation

Newcomers orientation and adaptation

• information and referral
• supportive family counselling, short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada
• referrals to employment counselling, help in establishing social and professional networks

Community support

• coordinates volunteer visitation to seniors' homes and provides Armenian meals, emotional support, pastoral services and organizes Armenian cultural events
• organizes community events such as food and clothes drives

All offices are open and all settlement workers are available 4 days in person and 1 day online; call at 416-588-3585

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 Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

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

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

Settlement Service

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• supportive counselling
  
• assists with form filling
• workshops and tours

• settlement services for newcomers
• information and referral
• support groups
• mental health counselling
• English conversation class
• seniors program
• workshops on mental health, wellness or health, employment and entrepreneurship, recreation or personal development
• fitness programs (yoga, zumba)
• book/literacy club
• art class
• cultural events
• employment workshops
• children's classes

Emergency shelter, including crisis and case management, wrap-around supports, settlement supports, housing search help, meals, recreation

• capacity 337
• staff on site 24 hours
• onsite services for residents only

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

Culturally appropriate, trauma informed child protection information and support services, and wraparound programs for Muslim children, youth and families

• support for families involved with children's aid societies and/or criminal justice system
• family advocacy, including home visits
• family support includes information on abuse, community resources, and referrals to other Muslim or community organizations
• information and support for fostering within Muslim communities including assistance through application process
• integration support for immigrant and refugee families

Some programs in partnership with community agencies; not a Children's Aid Society (CAS)

Range of services and programs provided through communication channels such as phone, email, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp and other channels, either in group sessions or individually; physical location is accessible by appointment

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Settlement Services

• information and referral services, housing and legal assistance
• translation and interpretation services
• counselling for students, individuals and families
• youth counselling and parenting sessions
• orientation programs
• Community Connections Mentorship Program for community support
• volunteer befriending for help adapting to the community and learning life skills
• group sessions such as wellness, English conversation classes, digital literacy
• referral services for credential assessment through World Education Services (WES)

Refugee Services

• support with attending inquiries
• assistance finding employment opportunities
• guidance with accessing social, welfare and legal services
• housing referral and assistance connecting with potential landlords
• provision of social and cultural activities
• Ontario Community Program Participation for placement of Ontario Works recipients as volunteers

Career Café - assists newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market

• provides one-on-one and group sessions, both online and in-person
• offers self assessment tools,
• provides guidance in resume and cover letter writing
• assists in researching the job market and gives networking support

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

• introduction to OESP; eligibility information
• assistance with applications; assistance in renewing previous applications

Range of services and programs provided through communication channels such as phone, email, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp and other channels, either in group sessions or individually; physical location is accessible by appointment

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Youth Services

• youth engagement programs and services
• recreational activities and sports programs
• leadership development and mentoring opportunities
• social and cultural events for youth
• career guidance and job readiness workshops
• mental health and wellness support services tailored to youth

Halftime

• project designed for empowering Black youth
• aims to enhance resilience against risk factors of violence

Toronto Youth Job Corps (TYJC) - employment preparation program for youth, especially those facing a difficult life situation or having a hard time getting a job

• full time paid employment preparation program for youth 15-30 years who are out of school, out of work, and in need of employment support
• 5 week pre-employment activities including resume preparation, employment readiness skills, career planning, counselling and referral services
• 8 to 16 week supported placement with an employer in the community, with ongoing support even after completing the program
• placements are in various fields such as sales, administration, construction, or trades

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

• 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

Clothing Bank

• gently used and new clothing - by appointment only
• book appointments through website
• accepts clothing donations Mon-Thu 9 am-4 pm Fri 9 am-12:45 pm, check website for details

Employment skills training

• business office skills
• retail and customer service skills
• workshops including; digital support, job search, ecommerce, entrepreneurship

Suit Program for Men

• provides professional work attire to men seeking employment
• virtual styling and in-person appointments for suiting

Settlement Support Program

Needs assessment and 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
• community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Volunteer opportunities

• gain work experience, new language skills, meet new friends, [email protected]

• internships
• summer jobs
• job skills workshops including resumes and interviewing skills

• builds awareness of available resources
• social well-being and mental health support

• outreach and cultural activities
• indoor stage events
• outdoor activities: performances, entertainment, speakers, music, food,
• social celebrations
• adult and youth volunteer opportunities

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

Full and part time diploma, certificate and degree programs

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• employment services
• multiple campuses located in the Greater Toronto Area

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

• group orientation activities
• support for women and youth in Afghan, Arab, Iranian, Somali and Nigerian communities

Neighbourhood Multiservice Centre

• cross cultural focus
• employment support and partnerships
• community kitchen
• rental space for community and resident groups
• partnered programs with numerous other organizations including Toronto Public Health

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) - in-home school readiness program for low income newcomer families

Settlement Program - formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program

• information and referral, orientation, interpretation
• counselling, documentation, social assistance applications
• information and workshops

Women's Support Services - counselling and support groups available

Community development initiative

Hot desk space that can be booked for employment or training

Victoria Park Hub Lead Agency
Other services provided by partner agencies including, Family Service Toronto, Sesheme Foundation, East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church, Labour Education Centre and YMCA Youth Employment

• available for delivery to isolated seniors in specific buildings, contact for information
• available for pick-up
• dine-in available for seniors, 12:30 pm-1 pm

Immigrant Resource Centre - multiservice centre with newcomer, job seeker and family services for all ages

Settlement Services

• needs assessment
• information, orientation and referral
• supportive counselling
• newcomer mental health services and crisis intervention
• assists with form filling
• bridging services
• workshops and tours
• support to newcomer tenants in the private rental market
• seasonal income tax clinic for low income families

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

Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools)

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June, and in libraries and summer school programs from July to mid-August
• homework club
• multi-languages service in North York area, connecting parents and students with the schools, parent interviews with schools, parenting group sessions, settlement information sessions - contact 416-292-7510 ext 1301

Employment Support Services

• sector-specific skills training programs
• one-on-one employment counselling, career exploration and job referrals
• pre-employment skills workshops such as resume, cover letters and interview preparation
• hiring events and job fairs; self-employment and small business workshops

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• staff assistance available
• resource materials
• job boards, labour market information
• resume clinics, mock interviews
• workshops

Early Years Services

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, preschool education program for children and their parents
• social and learning skills for preschool children
• parenting education
• parent-child interactive activities

Children and Youth Programs

• after school program
• summer camp
• Saturday enrichment classes
• leadership and life skills training, homework help
• employment readiness

Community Service Programs

• social, educational and recreational programs
• interest classes
• health information workshops

Volunteer Services

• training and development
• placements
• public education

Community Garden and Kitchen including

• rental of garden planters
• food skills training programs
• also facility or hall rentals

• information and referral, orientation, housing referrals
• one to one gambling counselling and workshops
• translation and interpretation
• documentation, form filling
• outreach, social development program, educational workshops
• career mentoring

• employment counselling, resume preparation, job search techniques
• assistance obtaining certification of education and/or trade documents

• 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