Searching for Refugees

Provides culturally sensitive information and referral on social, legal, health, and government issues to newcomers to Canada and to the communities of South Simcoe/York Region North area.

Offering:
Settlement Services -- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community. May provide needs and eligibility assessments, post-arrival information and referral, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement needs

Commissioner of Oaths
Available by appointment for documents that require a Commissioner's Seal or to certify documents as true original copies

Integration to the Canadian Society program
Assists and supports newcomer parents and their children with successful integration into Canadian society and the Canadian school system. Support and advocacy for newcomer parents providing interpretation and translation when required, education and awareness of school expectations

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
This program offers free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes to persons who are 18 years of age or older who are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees or have 'approval in principal' to remain in Canada. You are not eligible for these classes if you are a Canadian citizen, Refugee Claimant, or a Temporary Resident (such as foreign student, foreign worker or visitor). Language assessment test must be taken before starting classes, done by appointment only, held at the BWG Library or at any CLARS Assessment Centres available in other areas

Classes from September-June, full time and part-time classes (online and in-person)

Transportation assistance and care for newcomer children is available

Settlement services, employment services, accreditation and qualification information assistance, English language skills development, information and referral

• clients develop a one-to-one relationship with staff while accessing services to help integrate economically and socially into the local community
• assists individuals in gathering information and resources, and supports individuals in a culturally sensitive manner
• supports volunteer led English Conversation Circles where participants practice English skills and meet other newcomers

Serves clients by individual appointment at various locations and serving Simcoe County and York Region based on request

• English language assessment done in partnership with Achēv (see separate listing)

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

Open for in-person services. For more information call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, 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

• provides basic language skills training in English;
• allows newcomers to Canada to learn English language skills to make friends, find employment and adjust to living in Canada
• full-time program available at a range of levels from beginner to advanced (Literacy to Level 6)

Enhanced Language Training

• sector specific language training and career orientation in accounting, workplace administration and customer service, teaching and education, information technology and health care
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) Program

• supports newcomers in the process of having their international education, skills and professional experiences recognized by Canadian employers.
• AQIS is an information and career pathway planning service that advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on professional certification/ license requirements and application procedures, alternative career options, training and skills upgrading programs, credential assessment and local work experiences

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• Job Search Workshops program
• walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information
• transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Services for Women, Youth and Seniors

Women, youth and seniors often face specific difficulties to settle and live in Canada. The Welcome Centres provide specialized services, including:

• support groups
• recreational and educational opportunities
• social activities to help building friendships and networks

Other Services

• Older adults exercise program
• Mother Goose songs, rhymes and stories for parents, caregivers and their children
• newcomer family workshops, health workshops

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations:

• Social Enterprise for Canada
• COSTI Immigrant Services
• Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR)
• Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
• Job Skills

Accreditation Qualifications and Information Services -- information and help for international professionals to develop plans to obtain professional recognition * one-on-one confidential interviews, group information sessions, individualized action plan,
cross-cultural information, referral to interpretation services or document translation

Strategic Consulting Services -- identify service gaps within the community and develop program responses to fill needs

Newcomer Services -- settlement services provided through various Welcome Centre Immigrant Services offices (see separate entries)

Child care and Ontario EarlyON program (see separate entries)

Newcomer and settlement program

• Assessment and referral to government and community resources
• Information and orientation
• Community connections

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) -- assist newcomer families to integrate into their school and community

Community and Family Services

• Meal in a Box emergency food
• emergency clothing, furniture and household necessities
• referrals to community services such as homeless shelters
• newcomer and refugee supports
• Christmas assistance
• children and youth programming, including camps
• programming for adults and seniors
• backpacks and winter coats program
• pastoral support

Church worship held at Toronto Montessori School, 500 Elgins Mills E, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G1

Social services

• settlement services including form filling
• interpretation by volunteers
• resume editing
• support and counselling for abused women
• information and referral
• cultural events

Programs generally take place at Toronto Public Library, Northern District Branch, 40 Orchard View Blvd

Health and Wellness, participants may be eligible for transportation to programs, transit fare

• seniors wellness
• recreation programs
• family health and mental health
• youth engagement
• leadership development
• civic engagement
• skills and career enhancement
• community gardens

Newcomers and Refugees Settlement Services

• newcomer community events
• newcomer youth civic engagement events
• newcomer senior wellness programs
• support towards the social inclusion of the Arab/Afghan/other Refugees/newcomers
• support with basic needs, furniture, clothing, computers/tablets

Multi-Community Building Project (MCBP)

• youth projects, focused on mental health awareness
• adult and older adult wellness programs, focused on mental health awareness

Healthy Outcomes of Preventive Engagements (HOPE)

• health and wellness for older adults
• yoga or fitness classes, followed by information sessions, workshops, socialization, recreation

HOPE Adult Day Program

• structured and supervised activities in group setting for frail older adults with cognitive, physical, and communication impairments

Technology, Access and Support for Seniors (TASS)

• TASS technology was developed to keep seniors engaged, informed, active socially, and physically and emotionally healthy
• offers senior-friendly, fully integrated, with data/internet access and a multilingual technical support to seniors and seniors serving organizations across the province

Talent City Vaughan program

• Soft skills training, effective communication, computer training such as QuickBooks and Accounting, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Placement for high school/college/university students and newcomers

Multi-service agency addressing the health and social service needs of individuals and families in Caledon

Counselling and Care Coordination Program -- supportive counselling and other community services ; food support, help with heat and other programs available at The Exchange (see separate entry)

Caledon Specialist Clinic -- specialist medical services by referral ; in partnership with Headwaters Health Care Centre, William Osler Health System and the Central West LHIN

Newcomer and Settlement Services

• needs assessment
• information and referral to social network and community services
• assistance to complete forms and applications
• citizenship preparation classes

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English -- limited childminding and transportation available to participants
EH cafe -- weekly conversation circles

Seniors Health and Wellness

• fitness and recreational workshops and programming
• offered at several sites in Bolton, Caledon East, Caledon Village and Alton

Transportation service for seniors

• rides to medical appointments and day programs
• weekly shopping and other important resources that support the activities of daily living
• travel assistance for passengers may be available as an option, check with dispatch

Volunteer opportunities

COVID19 All CCSYR locations closed, no walk-in service

• telephone counselling appointments, call 905-770-7040 ext 241
• Welcome Centres available by phone or email, call 1-877-761-1155 for general inquiries or to book/reschedule appointment
• call 1-800-263-2075 or visit website for updates and information

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Integration services in partnership with school staff, parents, students and volunteers, including adjustment counselling, guidance and support, advocacy, and service navigationinformation and referral

• orientation
• cultural interpretation
• newcomer youth leadership program
• parents/students support groups
• cultural and engagement activities

In partnership with York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Helping newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being, informal language learning for children and adults
• translation and interpretation; notary public services
• refugee sponsorship

JumpStart -- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- 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

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, 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

Enhanced Language Training -- 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 and full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops
• Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition in Canada.
• 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
• information and assistance on self employment including practice firm

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, see separate listing

Other Services

• Professional Networking Café
• study groups and networking groups for internationally educated professionals

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

COVID19 All CCSYR locations closed, no walk-in service

• telephone counselling appointments, call 905-770-7040 ext 241
• Welcome Centres available by phone or email, call 1-877-761-1155 for general inquiries or to book/reschedule appointment
• call 1-800-263-2075 or visit website for updates and information

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Integration services

• orientation
• English and French conversation circles
• professional networking café
• group networking sessions
• healthcare study groups, mentorship
• year-round Income tax clinic
• volunteer opportunities

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID-related service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals

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

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

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

English as a Second Language (ESL): provided at various levels

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling
• citizenship preparation

Women's Employment and Life Skills (WELS): employment and life skills program for immigrant women

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, 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
• support group for Spanish-speakers

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

Enhanced Language Training -- 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 and full time options

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops
• Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) - advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on how to obtain professional recognition in Canada.
• 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
• information and assistance on self employment including practice firm

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Participates in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership , see separate listing

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

Language instruction for newcomers to Canada including reading, writing, listening and speaking skills

• free childcare for children aged 6 months to 4 years for those registered in the program levels 1 through 6
• Settlement Services provided in-person and virtually (telephone, text or online) call or text 705-241-2501 or 249-288-2970

Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program)

• Settlement Services provided in-person and virtually (telephone, text or online)
• orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
• may provide needs and eligibility assessments, pre-and post-arrival information and referral, job search and employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement services
• provide 8-week virtual Citizenship course to help with the application process, and learn about becoming a Canadian citizen

Partner with COSTI to hold 'Orientation to Ontario Workshop' and with Georgian College for International Student Connect group

Provide service for new Canadian children and youth throughout all local schools in the County of Simcoe

• Help students and their families adjust to the new school system and community
• Organize group information sessions, workshops and support cultural awareness activities
• Help in translation during Parent-Teacher Interviews
• Run Newcomer Orientation Week for newcomer high school students
• Support families to join parent councils and other similar activities at the school
• Continue to provide support to students and families throughout the school summer break
• Settlement Services provided in-person and virtually (telephone, text or online) call or text 705-241-2501 or 249-288-2970

Newcomer support ministry

• helps with arranging temporary accommodation
• assistance with documents and applications
• orientation and job search
• volunteer opportunities
• located at an English and Arabic speaking Congregation at Chapel Place Presbyterian Church, Arabic Presbyterian Church in Canada

Free and bilingual service offers:

• Practical guidance to answer your settlement needs
• Information and referrals to local and community services
• Tools and support to help at every step of integration
• Access free language courses in English or French
  • French classes also available online
  • email lang.barrie@collegeboreal.ca

Settlement services for newcomers and international students, including workshops for the immigrant community

Youth Employment Services

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

Community Events

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

COVID19 -- in-person or phone registration

• delivery to elderly or homebound clients possible, call for details

Offering groceries of non-perishable food items to those who are sick, elderly or are self isolated with no one else to care for them

• volunteers available to assist with shopping for the vulnerable population

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Food Bank

• monthly food hampers
• ree home delivery service may be available

Also international disaster response, refugee sponsorship and resettlement services

Welcomes and register students who are new to Canada and Ontario

• provides access to information and a streamlined admission process for students and their families
• services provided include reviewing
  • required documentation,
  • administering English proficiency and mathematics assessments
  • providing access to translators and other support agencies
  • presenting an orientation to the Ontario public school system
  • linking to community services, networks and continuing education, Adult Non-Credit English Classes and facilitating integration into Canadian society

COVID19 -- contact location for COVID service updates


Enhanced Language Training for Internationally Trained Professionals -- sector specific language training and career orientation in finance and accounting

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

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

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement Services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

COVID19 -- contact individual centres for service updates; services available by phone, email or video; call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca for more information



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
• youth, women and older adults programs and services

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

Enhanced Language Training for Accounting and Financial 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

• 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
• information on accreditation and qualifications
• 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

Transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Other Services

• appointments with York Regional Police
• assistance to find or maintain housing, eviction prevention, Tuesdays, in partnership with The Housing Help Centre (see separate entry)

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