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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
- 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
HMC guide for Ukrainians New to Canada and living in Halton, including links to resources 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
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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
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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
HMC guide for Ukrainians New to Canada and living in Halton, including links to resources 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)
905-333-3499 ext 460
Visit Website
Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
- Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
- Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
- Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
- free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
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
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.
Office: 905-403-8860
Visit Website
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Settlement services -- needs assessment, 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 to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture
Peel Halton Integrated Services Reception Centre
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) -- needs assessment, including emergency needs
- life skills support including orientation in clients' language on a variety of topics, such as federal and provincial programs and services, health care issues, managing money, education system, family life, employment
- referrals to community services and other settlement programs
- assistance with searching for, viewing, selecting, and moving into permanent accommodations
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry,
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) -- assists newcomer students and their families with settling into schools and the community
- outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June
- after school activities for children 6-12 years including coding, robotics and life skills
- other programs for youth include Homework Club, and Youth Job Connection, see separate entry
- 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
- 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 services
Settlement information for immigrants and refugees (including GARs)
- job search and housing help; information about health and education system
- in-home settlement visits available
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2 to 6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees
- computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time
Family abuse, mental health and rights information
Community Volunteer Income Tax program for low income families
Help for low-income families and seniors
- applying for Ontario Works in Peel or for Peel Access to Housing
- assistance with applications for OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program)
905-333-3499 ext 461
Visit Website
Provides services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society, including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
- English Classes - language instruction for newcomers to Canada
- Enhanced Language Training - language training for newcomers preparing to enter the Canadian workplace
- Settlement Assistance - information about settling into Halton
- Community Connections Programs - free programs and events to learn about life in Canada, meet new friends, learn about other programs in your community, improve your English conversation skills in a relaxed atmosphere and more
- free Commissioner of Oaths services available - call for an appointment
Visit Website
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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
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
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
Crisis: 416-455-8252
Alternate Crisis: 416-450-8734
Visit Website
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LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- English classes
- LINC classes running online and in-person
- childminding may be available; part-time or full-time classes
- employment and business start-up assistance
- resume writing and job search skills
- networking and interview skills
- in-person and online classes
- information and referral
- translation, interpretation and certification of documents
- citizenship preparation classes
- assistance with forms and applications, including access to Ontario Electricity Support Program
- workshops
- services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Mississauga during the school year
- information about the school system
- parent and youth-specific workshops with information on topics such as housing, health care and job search
- group activities for newly arrived immigrant and refugee youth, adults and seniors
- trained volunteer mentors
- homework help for youth
- computer classes and low impact exercise for seniors
- tools to de-escalate conflicts and advocate for children
- helps parents define acceptable behavior, respond to their children's needs and reinforce their family's values
___________________________________________________________________
Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees
- needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
- sponsorship of refugees
- health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling
- heritage language classes
- skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
- seniors program including support groups and health education
- youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
- Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
- citizenship test preparation classes
- 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
- day or evening classes
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3Y3 (14km)
Branch Locations
Educational sessions covering topics such as career, current technology such as 3-D printing
Homebound Services for those unable to visit a branch
Newcomer services -- career and training sessions, commissioner of oaths, interest circles for conversation
- personalized counselling and support workshops, information sessions and guidance on skills development, training and employment
- translations and interpretation for settlement related issues
- Commissioner of Oaths services
- information and referrals to external services such as income tax clinics and legal aid or to other relevant community and government resources
- online citizenship test preparation classes
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- bus fare for eligible attendees, and childminding for children 19 months-6 years while parents attend
- part-time classes, mornings or afternoons
- job search training; skills assessment
- resume and cover letter help, interview coaching
- labour market information
- access to computers, internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
- multi-sector job fairs, networking events
- learn sewing and clothing alterations, with skills, knowledge and language to manage a small business; work experience
- goal to become financially independent and self-employed
- for those in Canada less than 3 years
- community support through volunteer befriending
- orientation to the community and services such as banking, transit, education
- settlement counselling and orientation; employment information
- information on housing, health care, financial supports, assistance filling documents and forms, referrals to community resources
Child, Youth and Parenting
- supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
- positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
- crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
- support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families
- Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
- advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
- skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability
- support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
- helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
- helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
- assistance documenting the history of abuse
- court accompaniment where appropriate
- culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
- crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
- women's groups to support health and wellness
- support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
- French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)
- drop-in, safe space, for settlement information with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens
- private, confidential, one-to-one settlement support
- peer mentoring
- referral to other services
- workshops and information sessions
- resource library, and social activities such as movies, art and crafts
- promotes welcoming communities through community presentations and information sessions
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
Visit Website
- orientation and information workshops
- translation and interpretation services
- housing
- referrals regarding government services, including social assistance
- assistance in filing forms for social insurance numbers, driver's licensing, child tax benefit
- referral assistance in accessing health services and related referrals
- assistance in completing Citizenship and Immigration forms, sponsorship applications
- referral to lawyers, legal aid, doctors
- basic language skills in English upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
- offers morning and evening classes
- bus fare for eligible attendees
- employment sector specific information sessions
- referral to Para-professional counseling services to individuals, families and youth
- referral to Youth at risk para-professional counseling
- English language classes referrals
- accessing education, whether grade schools or higher education
- supply chain management