Searching for English As A Second Language

COVID-19 (6 Sept 2021) continues to provide the following supports to our vulnerable, isolated community members living in the former cities of Kanata and Nepean and the former townships of Goulbourn and West Carleton:

• telephone based crisis intervention
• telephone based crisis counseling
• telephone based counseling for women experiencing gender based violence
• telephone based regular check-ins
• telephone support with navigating systems
• food/supplies deliveries
• medically necessary transportation
• virtual programming and services
• online resources

Visit the Facebook page for details on all other programs and services.

Community and social services

Services for Children, Youth and Families

• Ontario Early Years Centre
• Bullying Prevention Program
• The ZONE drop-in for youth
• Queerios Youth Drop-In
• child and youth community development
• homework club
• resources
• Fun Friends programs
• Toys on Tour program

Community Support Programs for Seniors and Adults with Physical Disabilities

• Adult Day Program
• Diners' Club
• caregiver support
• Home Help and Home Maintenance Program
• Telephone Reassurance Program
• Meals on Wheels/Frozen meals
• friendly visiting
• transportation to medical and non-medical appointments
• foot care clinics
• social programs
• Snow Go Assist

Violence Against Women Program

• individual and group counselling for abused women and their children
• Peer Support Program (volunteers supporting abused women)
• Child Witness Program
• Transitional Housing Support Program
• Chrysalis House, a shelter for abused women (24-hour crisis line 613-591-5901)

Counselling Services

• short-term counselling
• crisis counselling
• information and referral services
• confidential counselling and referral services to the LGBTQ+ community

Social housing community with around 130 family units and approximately 500 people. Many are children and youth, single parents and new immigrants.

Offers a wide range of services to the community

• Homework club
• Art program
• United Sisters
• March Break/summer day camps
• Leadership programs
• Youth drop-in
• ESL/conversation classes
• Collective Kitchen
• Community computer access
• Free printing/photocopying/scanning
• Food cupboard for after-school program
• Community garden
• Good Food Box
• Parenting workshops

COVID-19 (20 Dec 2021): Britannia Woods Food Pantry now operating by appointment only. Britannia Woods Food Pantry is now operating by appointment only. Clients can call 613-820-0853 or book online at https://britanniawoods.com/. Delivery for clients not able to come to food pantry is available. Mental Wellbeing Program Workers can be reached at healthandwellness@britanniawoods.com or by phone. All programs have been modified to operate within public health guidelines and subject to change depending on public health guidelines and measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

Community and recreational programs that are geared to the needs of residents of the Britannia Woods and surrounding area.

Programs:

• after-school educational programs
• recreational programming for children and youth
• Mental Wellbeing Programs (SNAP, Student Family Advocacy)
• Short Term Counselling (Black Racialized Individual Support Channel) 613-596-3299
• youth leadership training
• youth basketball
• homework club
• summer camps
• lunch club program
• Millennium Learning Centre
• Emergency Food Pantry
• COVID19 Emergency food delivery

Provides education from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Ottawa

• website contains a link to information on school closures and bus delays due to weather conditions
• 113 elementary schools (including two special education centres)
• 25 secondary schools (including one adult high school)
• five Alternate Programs
• two Outdoor Education Centres
• English as a Second Language (ESL) program
• Continuing Education credit courses
• International Languages Program
• summer school

English as a Second Language (ESL) * courses will improve English communication skills * offered during the day, on a part-time basis during the afternoon and evening * all students registered in this course have access to the Multimedia Language Lab

French as a Second Language (FSL) * courses will improve French communication skills * all students registered in this course have access to the Multimedia Language Lab

Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT) * free training course teaches Canadian terms and words used in a specific profession and introduce newcomers to cultural norms of the Canadian workplace

Teacher of English as a Second Language/Foreign Language (TESL/FL) * the specialized knowledge and skills in the area of TESL/FL methodology, instructional techniques, syllabus design and evaluation

Official testing accepted for immigration and academic purposes (IELTS, CELPIP, CAEL, TEF)

Provides flexible learning options

• over 80 programs and 700 courses offered anytime, anywhere

Covid-19 (8 Apr 2021) Proposed schedule and locations for the new school year are subject to change depending on directions from Ottawa Public Health or other factors at the School Board.

English as a Second Language (ESL) / Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) helps participants with English reading, writing and grammar, speaking and listening, pronunciation, work skills and computer skills.

Day and night adult classes are available for all Canadians and Newcomers to Canada.

Classes offered:

• ESL (all levels)
• IELTS Test Preparation
• Grammar/Writing
• Academic Writing
• Reading and Writing
• Conversation & Pronunciation
• Citizenship Preparation
• ESL Skills Training

Visit the website for details and schedule.

Centre that provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs

• following assessment, language benchmarks are assigned and clients are referred to the appropriate program
• an information and referral specialist is available to assist newcomers referrals to diverse settlement needs

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• eligibility screening
• language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English [and French] language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• LINC Home Study
• English as a Second Language (ESL) [and French as a Second Language (FSL)] programs
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Certified Language Assessors administer:

• standardized Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
• Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
• Batterie de test de classement (BTC)

Community services centre for immigrants and refugees

• assists newcomers, refugees and ethno-cultural groups to become equal participants in social, economic and political life
• creating community and safe spaces
• visiting programs include Legal Aid, Housing Help
• free citizenship test classes for eight weeks, three hours per week
• requirements Canadian Language Benchmark 4

Community Economic Development:

• delivers career mentoring and networking programs to support newcomers to:
• obtain employment in their field
• develop an understanding of the workplace culture
• build networks
• develop strategies for employment maintenance and advancement

Programming includes

• Core Career Mentorship
• Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN)
• Refugee and Immigrant Supports to Employment (RAISE)
• Pre-Arrival Supports
• Ottawa Mentoring Collaborative
• Job Search Workshops

Multicultural Liaison Officer Program: Multicultural Liaison Officer (MLO) partnering with the English Public and English Catholic school boards of Ottawa to provide:

• settlement services to newcomer families in schools and summer programs
• leadership development
• civic engagement opportunities
• helps create a welcoming school environment for newcomer students
• helps youth gain the necessary skills to achieve their goals and develop a positive mindset to overcome the challenges they may be facing so that they can contribute to Canadian society
• offered both at the elementary and high schools levels for immigrant and refugee youth, ages 13-24

Settlement and Integration Program:

• multilingual and multicultural services to facilitate successful adaptation and integration processes
• information and orientation sessions for individuals, families and groups
• supportive counselling
• settlement consultation
• client advocacy
• community referrals

Counselling Program:

• see separate record for more information

YOCISO:

• offers academic, life skills, counselling, and arts-based support in a fun and interactive way

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC):

• full-time and part-time English language training for newcomers for settlement and community
• open to all landed immigrants and convention refugees over the age of 17
• classes are offered in the South region of Ottawa
• daytime and evening classes available
• child care is also available

Refugee Sponsorship: private sponsorship of refugees by any group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents 18 years of age and older who live in the expected community of settlement

• group must collectively commit to provide the necessary support for their sponsored refugee for the full duration of the sponsorship
• refugee must qualify as refugee according to Canada's refugee and humanitarian resettlement program.

COVID-19 (October 1rst, 2021): Yet Keen Seniors' Day Centre will pause its regular in-person programming until further notice * to continue to serve the Yet Keen community, the staff team will be reaching out to members by phone to identify individual needs and provide information, support and referral remotely * are encourage members to call the Centre at (613) 232-6695 during office hours for any questions or concernsCommunity and recreation day centre

Outreach to members who are isolated and/or are living with physical disabilities

• annual outdoor activities and celebrations
• workshops on mental/physical health and social services

Activities: Senior exercise:

• tai chi
• qi gong
• luk tung kuen
• heung kung
• table tennis
• badminton
• pool table
• line dancing
• ballroom dancing
• lunch programs

Interest Groups:

• chinese painting and calligraphy
• majong
• sing along
• chinese chess
• cards
• board games
• classic movies
• Chinese literature
• recitation

Study Groups:

• Mandarin
• English
• computer
• nutrition

Provides opportunities for individuals to participate in social, recreational,educational and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services

Programs:

• day centre activities
• Adult Day Program
• Community support services
• Seniors' Centre Without Walls (telephone-based programming)

Food Services:

• reasonably priced meals
• nutritious hot lunches, soup and sandwiches, muffins, desserts, snacks, beverages
• take-out meals
• festive and theme dinner parties
• some diet restrictions can be accommodated
• grocery shopping/food delivery

Physical Activities:

• chair exercise
• fitness centre
• yoga
• dance classes
• well-being classes
• weights or cardio
• zumba
• pole walking

In House Services:

• hair salon
• foot care
• massage therapy
• esthetics
• wellness clinic

Craft Program:

• painting
• quilting
• stained glass
• knitting
• crochet
• jewellery making
• woodworking

Performing Arts:

• choir
• choir chimes
• performing groups and bands
• home of the Grey Jazz Band

Education and Health Program:

• computer classes
• current affairs
• language classes
• wellness seminars
• guest lecturers
• day trips

Games and Social Program:

• cards
• dance
• sing along
• monthly birthday party
• special events and teas
• bingo

Fitness Programs:

• for adults regardless of fitness level, mobility or agility and for persons who suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis, or other muscular or cardiovascular conditions

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is provided at many OCDSB locations throughout Ottawa

• classes are offered at Literacy and LINC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and includes preparation for the Citizenship Test
• in-person classes at all locations with online options as well

English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit classes for adults offered at many OCDSB locations throughout Ottawa

Levels available:

• basic
• intermediate
• advanced

Specialized courses for adults may include:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
• Academic Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, etc)
• Workplace English
• ESL for Hospitality, and for Home Renovation
• Listening, speaking, pronunciation, reading, writing and grammar

To register, LINC and clients should have one of the following:

• current CLBs within the last year from any LINC or ESL class; or
• current Language Assessment from the YMCA Language Assessment and Resource Centre
• more information here

For information on LINC and ESL classes:

• visit the website

Centre that provides immigrants with English or French language assessments for government-funded programs

• following assessment, language benchmarks are assigned and clients are referred to the appropriate program
• an information and referral specialist is available to assist newcomers referrals to diverse settlement needs

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre

• eligibility screening
• language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English [and French] language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• LINC Home Study
• English as a Second Language (ESL) [and French as a Second Language (FSL)] programs
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)
• Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Certified Language Assessors administer:

• standardized Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
• Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
• Batterie de test de classement (BTC)

COVID-19 (October 7 2021): Services available by appointment only. Staff still available by phone. Many services now offered online and organisation offering volunteer outreach to isolated seniors to get food and medication to their homes. Call 613-235-4875 ext 181 to access emergency volunteer senior services (available in mandarin).

Settlement and community services agency

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• orientation within the city
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support for Chinese newcomers through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation

• courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test
• offered on site

Language Training Services

• enhanced language training
• sector specific language training and career orientation in the fields of accounting and IT
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement
• mentoring
• networking
• resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language

• English or French for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• provides basic language skills in English or French
• courses offered part-time

Employment Counselling and Preparation

• job search preparation and training
• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills
• job search workshops
• on site job search and preparation training courses

Employment Counselling

• resume help
• job readiness clinic
• employment counselling
• skills and career development
• help in establishing social and professional networks

Other Settlement Services

Library Settlement Partnership

• workshops
• one-to-one counselling
• settlement referrals
• English Conversation Club

Commissioner of Oaths

• commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents (only at 400 Cooper St)

Other Services
Counselling services workshops and support groups for:

• financial difficulties
• family conflicts
• mental health issues: depression, anxiety, stress, family relationships, caregiver stress, grief and loss, parenting, effective communication, workplace stress
• problems with the law
• racial discrimination
• family law
• legal problems
• sponsorship matters
• Convention Refugee support

COVID-19 (22 Aug 2022): Services offered remotely by phone and email and in person by appointment only.

Employment services that are designed specifically for newcomers, immigrants and refugees

• Information and orientation sessions, language and skills training to help facilitate access to employment.
• Employment needs assessments and referrals.
• Pre- and post-arrival information and referrals.
• Job search workshops and training, resume and interview coaching, employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to access employment opportunities.
• Enhanced language training courses and workplace language courses for eligible clients.
• Targeted recruitment and coaching and networking events with employers.
• Sector specific support for internationally trained professionals (ITPs).
• Specific programming for clients with lower language skills in English (CLB 3-5) and to clients with intermediate and advanced language skills in English (CLB 5 and above)
• Pre-screening and preparation of candidates for the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program
• Job search workshops and some employment services in French

English and French for academic purposes language courses are offered to adults at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels

Health centre focused on family and community health

• information and referral
• community development and engagement
• seniors' programs
• Health Card Assistance Program and assistance to obtain Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) cards
• English as a Second Language for Newcomers
• Community Food Action: collective kitchens, community garden
• Contact Ottawa - Community Voicemail: voice mail box service for those who need to maintain affordable voice mail access

COVID-19 (3 September 2021) Food Bank open until further notice

Non-profit organization providing social, recreational, educational and health programs, services, supports and referrals

Core programs:

• preschool
• playgroup with community nurse
• after school programs
• summer day camps
• basketball & open gym
• youth outreach & drop-in programs
• youth academic & employment support
• ice rink available in winter months
• food security programs
• good food programs
• computer access
• monthly women's nights
• community garden
• community events
• school supplies program (see separate record for details)
• academic support and skills building
• referrals

Adult programs:

• building social capital and learning new skills
• engaging opportunities for connecting with others

Individualized and accessible home-based Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) to eligible adult newcomers who cannot attend regular classes by matching them to trained volunteers in the community.

Our program is offered to newcomers who can't attend any of the regular ESL/LINC classes for a variety of reasons, including:
• The classes do not fit the student's schedule (work, school, health...);
• Caregivers who are too busy with the kids or have babies;
• The pace of the class is too fast for the student (Seniors,...);
• The student has very special needs that can't be met by other classes (visual or hearing issues,..);
• ELTOC accepts all devices (cellphone, phone, laptop, Chromebook, tablet or computer) for online learning;
• ELTOC tutors use a variety of platforms including but not limited to: Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, Viber, Skype, Facetime, Google Duo;
• The student should be a resident of Eastern Ontario.

COVID-19 (5 May 2022) all programs and services except the Food Bank are cancelled until further notice.

This information is regularly updated on their website page.

Community House offering a variety of services and activities to its tenants and residents living in Confederation Court and the surrounding area.

• preschool programs
• parent and child programs
• children and youth programs
• after-school programs
• youth activities educational services
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program

Some programs will change seasonally so contact to verify

Academic evaluation and individualized training

• access to the following programs: Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS), academic upgrading, English as Second Language/French as Second Language (ESL/FSL), professional and post-secondary training