Searching for Human Rights

A multi-use community centre houses a number of creative projects, and provides both short-term and long-term space for community meetings, workshops, events, and artistic/commercial purposes.

Promotes Ukrainian culture in Canada through cultural, educational, publishing and leadership training activities. Operates the Chaika School of Ukrainian Song and Dance.

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

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

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation 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
Includes 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

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

COVID19 -- telephone inquiries only, online information about housing security during the COVID19 emergency
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Legal clinic focusing on individual and systemic anti-Black racism

• legal representation
• test case litigation
• law reform and community development
• summary legal advice, brief services and public legal education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

COVID19 -- walk in services suspended, call 416-971-9674

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Community legal clinic

• deals primarily with immigration, tenant issues, social assistance, employment rights, human rights, poverty law
• most refugee cases referred to Legal Aid
• may provide representation
• summary advice in domestic violence and other family law cases
• community education
• speakers
• law reform
• community advocacy
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Works to protect, promote and advance respect for human rights

• may initiate applications or intervene in cases before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
• policy development, research and analysis
• public education and training
• reports to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Working Together -- e-learning training video for public, private and not-for-profit sectors towards completing Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) requirements

COVID19 -- staff working remotely
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National organization promoting equality for women, girls, and people who experience gender-based discrimination

• intervenes in court cases to challenge discrimination against women using the equality guarantees of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• focus includes immigrant and visible minority women, women with disabilities and Aboriginal women
• research
• does not provide general legal advice and is not a legal clinic

Legal advice and support, including possible representation and application assistance for applicants to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Information on social and environmental issues including

• human rights
• community and economic development
• health
• social action
• community organizing
• activism
• other resources including a directory of grassroots groups and a directory of Canadian media

Resolves disputes under the Human Rights Code and maintains neutrality

• does not defend, represent or advise either person or organization
• holds mediations and hearings

Administers and enforces Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination in employment, accommodation, contracts, vocational associations, or goods, services and facilities, based on age (16 years and older in accommodation, 18 years and older in services and 18-65 years in employment), sex (includes pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status (includes common law), same sex partnership status, family status, physical or mental disability, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, receipt of public assistance (in accommodation), record of offences (in employment) and reprisal or threat of reprisal

Partner agency in Ontario Human Rights System with Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) and Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) -- see separate listings

under auspices of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

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

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation 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
Includes 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

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

• National Trauma Informed Care Program

Promotes legal protection of civil rights and liberties, particularly with reference to freedom of expression, police powers, government intrusions

• organizes court interventions
• presents briefs to provincial and federal legislative committees
• provides deputations to public inquiries
• education programme provides seminars and workshops in schools and education faculties
• does not provide legal advice

Supports self help community development programs in developing countries and in Canada

• implements the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• fundraising
• public awareness

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

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

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation 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
Includes 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

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

Anti-racism and human rights promotion, as well as equity, social justice, workers' rights, inclusive civic participation, and respect for diversity

• activities include public education, systemic advocacy, ommunity development and coalition building
• participant-led education and training on civic participation, social and political advocacy
• neighbhourhood outreach providing marginalized Chinese community members with community information, resources and referrals
• cross-generational discussion groups
• volunteer opportunities

Human trafficking education, awareness, information, and prevention

Vctim support

• exit support, information and referral, court support
• financial aid, medical support, life skills training
• family and caregiver support group

First Response Bag
Backpack for victims includes coat, clothing, toiletries, gift cards

Volunteer organization

• through service, education and social action works to ensure the rights of women, children, and families, the disabled and new Canadians are upheld
• raises awareness of trafficking of human persons
• organizes a book club
• provides social activities and networking opportunities for women and their families
• member of International Council of Jewish Women

Volunteers needed to:

• Plan and participate in educational programming/book club
• Raise awareness of trafficking of human persons

Tribunal

• protects individuals from discrimination
• states that all Canadians have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment, and an environment free of discrimination
• legally decides whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act
• applies these principles to cases that are referred to it by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)

Grant-making organization that provides direct financial support to women's rights organizations in the global South

• the fund supports women to dismantle barriers, challenge perceptions, and change the world for women and girls and trans folk

International cooperation and development organization

• founded in 1961
• works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada

Focuses on:

• creating economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups
• advancing gender equality and social inclusion
• improving economic resilience and delivering progress on climate action

Legal services

• supports actions aimed at equal access to justice in French through close collaboration with other government, community and legal organizations
• provides tools to justice professionals so that they can offer their services in French
• informs and equips the general public to develop an understanding of, and capacity to participate in, the legal system in French