Searching for English As A Second Language

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• adult language classes for newcomers to Canada upon assessment by Assessment Centre
• care for newcomer children available

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• adult language classes
• Citizenship classes

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)

• classes for internationally trained professionals seeking employment
• internship available for eligible participants

Women's Pre-employment Prep Program (WPEP)

• classes for LINC eligible women wanting to prepare for working in a professional office environment
• improve English and learn office and software skills in Windows, Internet, Microsoft Office

Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) - Adult Upgrading/Credit Prep

• improve reading/writing, mathematics or computer skills
• work toward independence, high school credit, employment or apprenticeships, training and certificate programs

Continuing Education

• daytime and evening classes are available throughout school year and during summer
• high school credits for diploma purposes, upgrading, correspondence and e-learning credit courses
• English, Math, Science, Physical Education, Social Sciences, Co-op
• pathway training programs in Logistics and Distribution, Hospitality, Office Administration, Building Maintenance, and Environmental Services
• career planning/assessment services
• document evaluation service
• international language classes
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
• workplace preparation programs

Assistance for those that are in financial need

Financial Assistance

• monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income
• monthly drug benefit card
• income tax clinic

Other services include:

Mandatory and Discretionary Benefits

• may include dentures, emergency dental services
• eyeglasses
• special diet allowance
• health care supplies
• medical transportation funds
• prosthetic devices
• funerals and burials
• programs may vary by City or Municipality

Community Participation

• volunteer placements
• job search programs based on individual's skills, experience and circumstances
• employment placement, job matching service
• job skills training - development of skills for specific jobs
• on-the-job training
• supports to self-employment, referrals to self-employment programs
• basic education, basic adult upgrading
• high school upgrading
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• literacy and basic skills

Employment Assistance

• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• resource materials
• job banks
• labour market information
• assistance with resumes
• referrals to job counselling and training

Employment Start-Up Benefit

• covers costs related to starting a job or work placement
• families with children -- newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs, basic dental care for children

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

• help young parents finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment

Click here for Employment Supports

Additional services:

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268

• available Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm and Sat, Sun noon-5 pm
• automated information and payment details, payment history, file status
• information and announcements about Ontario Works
• service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867

• to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program assistance

Satellite Locations for Existing Clients

Ajax Office
140 Commercial Ave,
Ajax, ON L1S 2H5
Phone 905-428-7400

Oshawa Office
C1A-200 John St,
Oshawa, ON L1J 2B4
Phone 905-436-6747

Oshawa Office (Employment Counselling)
200 John Street West, Upper Level
Oshawa, ON L1J 2B4
Phone 905-432-2929

Uxbridge Office
2 Campbell Drive, Suite 305
Uxbridge, ON L9P 1H6
Phone: 905-852-4566

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)

• classes are offered at CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 1-6
• childminding available for those who qualify

English as a second language (ESL) classes

• offered at CLB 1-8

COVID19 - Offering in-person by appointment only * staff are still available to support you by phone, email or video where possible * call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at 1-877-761-1155 to book or re-book an appointment or for any other information



Welcome Centre for refugees, immigrants and newcomers to Durham Region

Settlement and Orientation Services

• assistance with housing, health care
• assistance with Government applications
• Social Insurance Numbers
• community and government resources
• child care, basic needs

Language Instruction and Assessment

• English classes with computer aided instruction
• childminding and transportation allowance for eligible candidates

Accreditation and Qualifications Information

• accreditation information, assistance and information for internationally trained professionals
• accreditation portfolio assistance and action plans

Employment Related Services

• Job Search Workshops, resume assistance
• return to work action plans, job search resources
• free internet and fax services

Language Supports

• translation and interpretation services

Resource Area

• access to computers with Internet, wifi
• fax machine, photocopiers, scanners, telephones and webcams/headphones

Tax Preparation Assistance

• Income tax clinic during tax season

Self Filing Tax Program

• free coaching and support
• connects you to a volunteer for one-on-one support
• volunteers answer questions and review return before filing
• FREE Turbo Tax software - special version that will not ask you to sign up for
  upgrades
• how-to-videos and guides

Other Services

• Other services determined based on needs (such as legal services, mental health services, culturally-appropriate family counselling, youth services, newcomer women Entrepeneur, digital literacy, volunteer program)

Settlement and Orientation Services

• assistance with housing, health care
• Social Insurance Numbers
• community and government resources
• child care, basic needs

Language Instruction and Assessment

• English classes with computer aided instruction
• childminding and transportation allowance for eligible candidates

Accreditation and Qualifications Information

• accreditation information
• assistance and information for internationally trained professionals
• accreditation portfolio assistance and action plans

Employment Related Services

• job search workshops
• mentoring, networking
• resume assistance
• return to work action plans
• job search resources
• free internet and access to computers

Language Supports

• translation and interpretation services

Resource Area

• access to computers with Internet, wifi
• photocopiers, scanners
• telephones
• webcams/headphones

Tax Preparation Assistance

• income tax clinic during tax season

Other Services

• other services determined based on needs (such as legal services, mental health services, culturally-appropriate family counselling)

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• adult language classes for newcomers to Canada upon assessment by Assessment Centre
• Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) available for eligible clients
• classes are offered at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 1-6

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• adult language classes are offered at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 1-8
• citizenship classes

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)

• classes for internationally trained professionals seeking employment
• internship available for eligible participant

Women's Pre-employment Prep Program (WPEP)

• classes for LINC eligible women wanting to prepare for working in a professional office environment
• improve English and learn office and software skills in Windows, Internet, Microsoft Office

Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) - Adult Upgrading/Credit Prep

• improve reading/writing, mathematics or computer skills
• work toward independence, high school credit, employment or apprenticeships, training and certificate programs

Continuing Education

• daytime and evening classes are available throughout school year and during summer
• high school credits for diploma purposes, upgrading, correspondence and e-learning credit courses
• English, Math, Science, Physical Education, Social Sciences, Co-op
• pathway training programs in Logistics and Distribution, Hospitality, Office Administration, Building Maintenance, and Environmental Services
• career planning/assessment services
• document evaluation service
• international language classes
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
• workplace preparation programs

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; childminding available

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry * childminding available

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry * childminding available

Public library

• Books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, downloadable audiobooks, electronic books and downloadable magazines and downloadable newspapers
• Online databases
• Beyond books lending, items include Chromebooks, Culture Passes, Hotspots and Snowshoes
• Document scanning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Internet accessible workstations with Office software
• Local History collection
• Makerspace and recording studio
• Mobile printing
• Adult, children and youth programs

COVID19 -- service continues online or in person, by appointment

Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to English or French language government-funded programs

• programs include Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)/Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada (CLIC), LINC Home Study/CLIC en ligne, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs/French as a Second Language (FSL), Higher-Level Language Training (HLLT) such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT)/Cours de langue de niveau avancé (CLNA), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)/ la Formation linguistique axée sur les professions (FLAP), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

COVID19

• all services provided by phone, online, or in-person
• LINC classes offered hybrid and in-person

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Provides settlement services to newcomers

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; transportation and child minding available

Family Literacy Program -- language and age-appropriate family reading resources through a lending library

• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service


Information and Orientation Services -- settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Violence Against Women

• individual and family counselling for assaulted women and children
• support group for abused women, educational workshops
• assists victims of domestic violence who are at risk of abuse
• domestic violence prevention workshops

Men Make a Difference -- culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources

COVID19 -- all offices are open for appointments; services are offered remotely over the phone, zoom, email

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Settlement Services

• orientation, information, assessment and referral
• supportive counselling for youth, families and women
• employment and educational counselling
• commissioner for taking affidavits
• sessions on housing, education, health care, social assistance, immigration and job search

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• morning or afternoon classes available, also part-time evening classes
• computer lab with Internet
• childminding for children 19 months-5 years while parents attend classes

English Conversation Club -- improve by practicing conversational English

Youth Achievers

• 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

Seniors Organized and Supported Program (NHSP)

• 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

Drop-in Lounge with

• recreational activities
• computer lab
• audio/visual Studio
• full kitchen
• job board
• room rentals

Settlement Services

• one-on-one supportive counselling on site or by phone

English Language and Education

• conversation circle
• conversation group for beginner French
• homework club tutoring grades 9-12
• reading and writing clubs
• high school student English writing workshops

Pre-Employment and Education Help

• job search workshops
• resume and cover letter writing
• university and college preparation

Leadership and Life Skills Training

• Healthy Living and Physical Fitness including emergency first aid and CPR training
• March break and summer camps

Volunteering

• iCAN Committee represents youth voices within IYC to plan events, volunteer opportunities

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto (see separate entry), childminding and transportation assistance available, full-time or part-time classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling
• bridging services
• form filling
• workshops and tours
• employment counselling
• one-on-one and group information sessions

COVID19

• services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
• all workshops offered online

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Multiservice centre for newcomers

Settlement Service Centre -- assessment, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
• seasonal income tax clinic
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- (see separate entry), child care and transportation assistance available

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) for Internationally Trained Medical Professionals -- 18 week sector specific language training and career orientation for health care professionals

• individual counselling and action plan development, 100 hour volunteer placement
• mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation
• free training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Settlement and Education Partnership in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools) -- services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Scarborough during the school year, and in libraries and summer schools from July to August -- free summer programs for children and their families

COVID19 -- all offices are open for appointments; services are offered remotely over the phone, zoom, email

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Settlement Services

• assessment and referral
• supportive counselling for youth, families and women
• educational counselling
• Commissioner of Oath services
• sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• childminding for preschool children while parents attend classes

Seniors Organized and Supported Program (NHSP)

• 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

Settlement services

• information and referral -- ID (including health cards and Permanent Resident Cards), legal, housing
• NAMF ESL program
• family counselling
• health and welfare programs -- parenting support group, seniors group, cancer support group
• academic and employment counselling -- skills development, networking, assistance with resumes

Halal Food Bank -- by appointment only, open to all in need, identification and proof of income required

• Monday-Friday 12 noon-4 pm

Also runs

• NAMF Day Care Service for children 1.5-4 years
• NAMF Academy, kindergarten-grade 8
• gender specific evening and weekend fitness activities
• summer camp
• hall rental
• Friday prayer services

COVID19 -- contact location directly for COVID service updates


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

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

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement services offered at this location by partner agencies

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance available

Settlement Services

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment, supportive counselling
• translation and interpretation, form filling
• bridging services, employment counselling
• workshops and tours
• seasonal income tax clinic

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

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) -- Office Administration Employment Training- help low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work
  • 6 weeks of virtual training on developing computer skills/ job search strategies/soft skills
  • one-on-one job search coaching
  • 4 weeks placement with potential employers
  • connection to employment opportunities
  • call to arrange intake interview and pre-screening assessment
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• 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

• youth workshops, homework club
• parenting workshops
• seniors' social club, wellness group

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

One-stop service to guide and support immigrant women, children (6-12 years), youth (13-24 years) and seniors from diverse backgrounds as they integrate into Canada

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 Centre for 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

• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• SOAR (Skills, Opportunities, Action plan, Resources) -- Office Administration Employment Training- help low and moderate income earning immigrant women to enter the job market, especially in office/administrative work including
  • 6 weeks of virtual training on developing computer skills/ job search strategies/soft skills
  • 2 weeks one-on-one job search coaching
  • 4 weeks placement with potential employers
• connection to employment opportunities
• call to arrange intake interview and pre-screening assessment
• individual action plan with one to one coaching
• 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

• youth workshops, homework club
• parenting workshops
• seniors' social club, wellness group

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

Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information, call 416-266-1777

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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, crisis intervention
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program for mutual support and 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

English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• day or evening, full-time and part-time classes

Community Connections Mentorship 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

Financial Literacy Project -- one month certificate course

• individual counselling and orientation sessions

Family Support and Mental Health Services -- Parenting Sessions

• mental health -- support groups, counselling, crisis intervention
• Women's Circle

Food Security Program

• food package distribution to seniors, families on Mondays and Wednesdays 11 am-3 pm

Community Development

• Afghan Women's Catering Group, Afghan Sewing Circle, media and overseas projects

Childminding available for clients attending sessions