Searching for English As A Second Language

Offices are open; services are offered in-person 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 counselling
• employment services
• youth enrichment programs
• Commissioner of Oath services
• sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search

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

• childminding for preschool children while parents attend classes
• classes from Literacy to Level CLB 7
• full-time and part-time classes available, in-person and remote
• blended hybrid service delivery

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, meditation, Share Your Talents, gardening, painting and community exploration trips

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)

• free seasonal income tax clinic for newcomers with low incomes

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

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• orientation, needs assessment
• supportive counselling; newcomer mental health service
• assistance in form filling
• bridging services
• employment counselling
• group information sessions; workshops and tours
• supports newcomer tenants in private rental market

Welcome Centre is a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

Provides a one-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers with

• settlement services
• services for women, seniors, children and youth

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv - see separate entry

• child care, Care for Newcomer Children (CNW) for eligible participants
• for children 6 months-6 years, in-person, Mon-Fri

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) at Welcome Centres offers internationally trained professionals sector-specific English as a Second Language for the following occupations:

• accounting and finance
• teaching and education
• health care
• information technology (IT)

English as a Second Language - adult English for life and work in Canada

Employment Supports

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications (AQIS)
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) - Office Administration Employment Training - helps low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• job search workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

Welcome Centre is a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada

Provides a one-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers with

• settlement services
• services for women, seniors, children and youth

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv - see separate entry

• child care, Care for Newcomer Children (CNW) for eligible participants
• for children 6 months-6 years, in-person, Mon-Fri

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) at Welcome Centres offers internationally trained professionals sector-specific English as a Second Language for the following occupations:

• accounting and finance
• teaching and education
• health care
• information technology (IT)

English as a Second Language - adult English for life and work in Canada

Employment Supports

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications (AQIS)
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) - Office Administration Employment Training - helps low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• job search workshops program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

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

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

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 commissioner of oaths 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
  

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

Language and Skills Training

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

Community Services

• programs for youth, seniors, and women
• 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

• 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

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
  

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

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

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to English or French language government-funded programs

• programs 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)

• 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

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

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)

• 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

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

• recreational activities
• computer lab
• audio/visual studio
• full kitchen
• job board
• room rentals

• one-on-one supportive counselling on site or by phone

• conversation circle
• conversation group for beginner French
• homework club tutoring grades 9-12
• reading and writing clubs
• high school student English writing workshops

• job search workshops
• resume and cover letter writing
• university and college preparation

• Healthy Living and Physical Fitness including emergency first aid and CPR training
• March break and summer camps

• iCAN Committee represents youth voices within IYC to plan events, volunteer opportunities

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

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

One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information
• transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Enhanced Language Training for Multi-Sector Professionals -- 13 week sector specific language training and career orientation

• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language -- adult English for life and work in Canada, part time or full time options

Employment Supports

Job Search Workshops - program and walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone, staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, job search assistance with resumes, cover letters, job search tips and interview coaching

Self Employment Pathways for Newcomers - information, assistance, and coaching on self employment

Simpact Practice Firm - clients will be able to improve their skills in : administration, data entry, accounting, marketing, sales and more

Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition, or alternate career pathways in Canada

Bridge to Healthcare Alternatives (B2HA) - online program for internationally trained health professionals to assist them in finding related careers in Canada

Children, Youth, Women and Seniors - specialized programs and services for newcomers from diverse backgrounds as they integrate into Canadian society

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, see separate listing
Other Services

• appointments with York Regional Police
• Housing Help - assistance to find or maintain housing, eviction prevention, partnership with The Housing Help Centre (see separate entry)
• Newcomer Wellness - walk-in appointments with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA); appointments available with a nurse practitioner for medications and referrals
• community legal clinic
• Service Canada

Managed by a partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations: COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), Centre for Information and Community Services (CICS), Job Skills, and Social Enterprise for Canada