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For Halton resident wishing to help Ukrainian families
There are three immediate needs that HMC is asking for help from the community:
- safe low or no cost housing for families with children (typically 1 or 2 adults, 1 to 4 children)
- financial donations - this will go to support basic housing items and grocery cards (all financial donations will go 100% to support the families directly)
- employment - many of the Ukrainians have at least working English but there is a need for jobs that can support people who need language support and can help them learn on the job
- How Halton residents can support Ukrainians fleeing war living in Halton
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
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
* focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
* career mentorship
* settlement mentorship
* cultural presentation
* group mentorship sessions
* computer classes
* English conversation circles
For Seniors:
* English conversation circle
* social circle
For Youth:
* homework help
* art workshop
* in-school youth mentorship
* newcomer youth Leadership
Assessment
* students from Grades 1 to 12 will have their English language and mathematics skills assessed
* helps schools offer students the supports needed as they begin studying in the Halton District School Board
Community Connections Specialist
* works with schools, parents and community partners to develop school community activities and projects
* support school and system initiatives relating to community outreach and parent engagement, equity and inclusive education, literacy, numeracy, tutoring/mentoring, and interventions for students at risk
* Virtual Newcomer Mentor Hub
* Virtual Newcomer Conversation Club
* Virtual High School Student Hangout
* to register please contact Dunja Cajko, Community Connections Specialist at cajkod@hdsb.ca
Youth Settlement Workers
* help newcomer families interact with schools to maximize parental involvement and student success
* provide interpretation and translation services and connect families with useful community services that help students and their parents transition into the community and schools
Youth Settlement Specialist (YSS) in Schools
* in partnership with HMC Connections (HMC), supports student and family engagement through the support of Youth Settlement Specialists (YSS) at the Welcome Centre and in schools
School Specific Youth Settlement Specialists
* meet with and provide continued settlement support to families as they navigate the HDSB system
* refer families to resources and support within the Halton community
* collaborate with HDSB staff in problem solving and identifying necessary support for students specific to language and/or culture
* provide language support to families and HDSB staff when/where needed (i.e confirming a meeting, supporting families new to the school etc.)
DRIVER'S LICENCE:
A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days * after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
* for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website here
* to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario
* for more information, see separate listing here
* to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)
Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who do not have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage
* for more information, see Government of Canada website here
IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada
* also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
* for more information, see Government of Canada website here
Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test
* the publication is available here to read online, listen to, or download
* a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
* also available to borrow at some library locations
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS
For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here
* for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages
Halton Newcomer Portal www.welcometohalton.ca
Settlement.org website
INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:
For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see here
* may be a fee for document translation
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:
Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language
* for more information, see separate listing here
NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:
Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:
* looking for a job * getting a language assessment * registering for language classes * finding a place to live * signing children up for school * learning about community services
Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas
905-333-3499 ext 201
Visit Website
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
- counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Neighbourhood multi-service agency
Pathways to Settlement: client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society
Information and Awareness Services: helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:
- immigration, health, education and housing
- translation and interpretation
- form filling;
- referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
- supportive counselling for individuals and families;
- provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
- facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
- one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
- post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
- access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet
Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program: see separate listing
Community Connections in School: in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access
Community Connections in Library: in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including sessions for seniors and English conversation circles
Seniors Program -- helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.
For Halton resident wishing to help Ukrainian families
There are three immediate needs that HMC is asking for help from the community:
- safe low or no cost housing for families with children (typically 1 or 2 adults, 1 to 4 children)
- financial donations - this will go to support basic housing items and grocery cards (all financial donations will go 100% to support the families directly)
- employment - many of the Ukrainians have at least working English but there is a need for jobs that can support people who need language support and can help them learn on the job
- How Halton residents can support Ukrainians fleeing war living in Halton
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
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
* focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
* career mentorship
* settlement mentorship
* cultural presentation
* group mentorship sessions
* computer classes
* English conversation circles
For Seniors:
* English conversation circle
* social circle
For Youth:
* homework help
* art workshop
* in-school youth mentorship
* newcomer youth Leadership
- needs assessment
- referral to other agencies and government services
- help filling in government forms and applications
- Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
- crisis support counselling
- Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
- Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club
Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training
Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST 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
- digital Literacy Training
- free seasonal income tax clinic
- mobile dental clinic
- Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars
For Halton resident wishing to help Ukrainian families
There are three immediate needs that HMC is asking for help from the community:
- safe low or no cost housing for families with children (typically 1 or 2 adults, 1 to 4 children)
- financial donations - this will go to support basic housing items and grocery cards (all financial donations will go 100% to support the families directly)
- employment - many of the Ukrainians have at least working English but there is a need for jobs that can support people who need language support and can help them learn on the job
- How Halton residents can support Ukrainians fleeing war living in Halton
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
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
* focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
* career mentorship
* settlement mentorship
* cultural presentation
* group mentorship sessions
* computer classes
* English conversation circles
For Seniors:
* English conversation circle
* social circle
For Youth:
* homework help
* art workshop
* in-school youth mentorship
* newcomer youth Leadership
Oakville Public Library partners with several local organizations to offer assistance to newcomers:
* HMC Connections
* Newcomer Information Centre
* The Centre for Skills Development
Regular programs include:
* Settlement Services for Newcomers to Canada
* Citizenship Information Sessions
* Newcomer Conversation Circle
Other programs may include:
* Intermediate Computer Skills
* Orientation to Ontario
* Immigration Updates
Oakville Public Library partners with several local organizations to offer assistance to newcomers:
* HMC Connections
* Newcomer Information Centre
* The Centre for Skills Development
Regular programs include:
* Settlement Services for Newcomers to Canada
* Citizenship Information Sessions
* Newcomer Conversation Circle
Other programs may include:
* Intermediate Computer Skills
* Orientation to Ontario
* Immigration Updates
905-333-3499 ext 461
Visit Website
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
905-333-3499 ext 460
Visit Website
* English Classes
* Enhanced Language Training
* Settlement Assistance
* Community Connections Programs
* free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
- hearing aid clinics open by appointment only
- core services offered virtually
- continuing to provide emergency support services - Emergency Interpreting Services 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, urgent@chs.ca, SMS/Text 416-712-6637 (charges may apply)
- Deaf-Blind Intervening Services1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham awareham@chs.ca
Multiservice agency for adults who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing
- audiology and speech-language pathology
- communication devices
- hearing aid services and hearing tests
- support for coping with hearing loss
- American Sign Language (ASL) classes for individuals and businesses
Emergency Interpreter Services -- sign language interpreters for health or mental health emergencies, Mon-Sun 24 hours
Connect Counselling Services -- for mental health issues, addiction, relationship problems, domestic violence or other serious challenges
Educational Support Services -- note takers, sign language interpreters and assistive devices for part time postsecondary students
Settlement Program for Newcomers
- needs assessment and referrals
- translation (English and American Sign Language)
- form filling
- problem solving
- information on technical devices, housing, transportation, health, employment, education, legal system, settlement issues, local community
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- basic communication skills, reading and writing in English, adapting to life in Canada; instruction is in American Sign Language (ASL)
- information and referral to community and government programs and services
- information sessions for newcomers and internationally trained professionals by external guest speakers
- information topics: employment, settlement services, government programs, education and training, credential assessment, citizenship and immigration, Canadian labour market, Canadian professional licensing requirements
Programs include:
- monthly information sessions on immigration, citizenship, labour market, education, self-employment, finances
- Settlement Services (schedule applies-call for an appointment)
- Senior's Circle
- Women's Circle
- care for newcomer children ages 6 months and above, with at least one parent on-site
- Free Commissioner of Oaths services available: call for an appointment
For Halton resident wishing to help Ukrainian families
There are three immediate needs that HMC is asking for help from the community:
- safe low or no cost housing for families with children (typically 1 or 2 adults, 1 to 4 children)
- financial donations - this will go to support basic housing items and grocery cards (all financial donations will go 100% to support the families directly)
- employment - many of the Ukrainians have at least working English but there is a need for jobs that can support people who need language support and can help them learn on the job
- How Halton residents can support Ukrainians fleeing war living in Halton
Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
The program offers assistance in accessing a wide range of settlement services including:
- orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- needs assessments along with information and referral to community services
- short term adjustment counselling
- assistance with education, health care, housing
- assistance with citizenship applications and citizenship test preparation
- job search and employment counselling as well as assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
- interpretation and translation
- cultural competency training available for local agencies to ensure they have the tools and training to work with a variety of cultures
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
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
* focus on citizenship & civic engagement, or skills & career development
For all ages:
* career mentorship
* settlement mentorship
* cultural presentation
* group mentorship sessions
* computer classes
* English conversation circles
For Seniors:
* English conversation circle
* social circle
For Youth:
* homework help
* art workshop
* in-school youth mentorship
* newcomer youth Leadership
Service delivery is frequently changing as a result of COVID-19, please visit website for the most up-to-date information
-----------------------------------------
Helps newcomers settle and integrate into a community that is welcoming and inclusive
Programs include:
* Community Connections (OAK4196)
* Employment Supports (OAK0402)
* Interpretation and Translation (OAK2788)
* Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (OAK2790)
* Settlement Services (OAK2785)
* Support for Ukrainians (OAK0458)
* Transitional Housing for Newcomers to Halton (OAK0433)
Other HMC offices in Halton are located in:
* Burlington (BTN2194)
* Milton (MIL0937)
* Georgetown (ACT4130)
* North Oakville (OAK4343)