Searching for Interpretation / Translation

Sign language interpreting services in Durham Region and surrounding four counties

• facilitates clear two-way communication between Deaf and hearing people through sign language and spoken language
• interpreting services provided in American Sign Language (ASL) - English, or la Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) - French
• interpreting services are available on-site, or through video remote technology - video remote interpreting (VRI) services enable Deaf and hearing people to communicate through an interpreter who is located off-site

In cases of a sudden, unforeseen crisis that requires immediate attention:

• emergency services are offered 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year
• emergencies may occur in: hospital emergency rooms; after-hours medical clinics, crisis centres, shelters, police services, court settings, and child welfare cases
• NOTE that Emergency Interpreting Services are based on availabilities and may not be available on-site in all communities

COVID19 - services offered virtually, office closed to public until further notice


Services, products and education that empower the Deaf and hard of hearing to overcome barriers to participation

Hearing Care Counselling Program for ages 55+ -program to develop, maintain, or augment sensory capacity to promote maximum independence

• assessment and support for seniors with hearing loss
• home consultation or virtual visits on coping with hearing loss, communication strategies, use, care and maintenance of hearing aids
• assistance with selecting specialized communication equipment including telephones, alerting devices, TV accessories, etc.
• education and training are also provided to caregivers and service providers such as retirement homes, long-term care homes, etc.

Hearing Help Classes - Sound Advice on Hearing Health Workshops - virtual workshops in a supportive group environment for hard of hearing adults and their significant others

• information on coping with hearing loss and improving communication skills in a variety of listening environments
• information on hearing loss, hearing aids, technical devices
• speech reading and other communication and coping strategies
• classes at various times throughout the year

Employment Services - work with employees and employers to put the right supports in place, employment consultants provide help with:

• career planning
• preparing for interviews
• accessing funds for work-related expenses, such as appropriate clothing or assistive devices, including hearing aids

Sign Language Interpreting Services

• facilitate clear two-way communication between Deaf and hearing people through sign language and spoken language
• interpreters provide communication in American Sign Language (ASL) - English, or la Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) - French
• available on-site or through video remote technology
• interpreters can assist in a variety of settings including: at a job interview, at a medical appointment, in a business meeting, banking matters, reporting a crime, court proceedings, in crisis in a hospital, shelter and police station

Emergency services

• offered 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year
• emergencies may occur in hospital emergency rooms, after-hours medical clinics, crisis centres, shelters, police services, court settings, and child welfare cases

For emergency service email urgent@chs.ca, SMS/Text 416-712-6637, or call 1-866-518-0000

General Support Services - services to support Deaf and hard of hearing people 16 years and older

• guidance, advocacy, support and counselling to Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who need assistance managing everyday life events such as completing government forms, navigating systems, and coping with hearing loss
• includes help with renewing driver's license and health card, navigating government services, attend meetings where additional support is needed

CONNECT Mental Health Counselling - professional support for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, 16 years and older, who are living with mental health issues or other serious challenges.

• counselling includes (but is not limited to) support in times of stress, marital, family or relationship problems, coping difficulties, addictions, mental health issues
• counsellors are aware of the specific issues and cultures of Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people and can be a great support

COVID19 - Services are available in person, by phone, email or video conferencing * for settlement services call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at ­1-877-761-1155


Assists newcomers to Canada

• supports newly arrived immigrants in Canada
• information and referral for immigrants - immigration documentation, economic, social, health, cultural, educational, income supports, housing supports, and recreational services in Durham Region
• assist with government application
• help with information on banking, shopping, everyday tasks
• employment supports, learn job search skills
• non-therapeutic counselling
• services are free, confidential and culturally sensitive

COVID19 - for settlement services call the Welcome Centre Communication Centre at ­1-877-761-1155


Guidance and information about settlement and orientation to immigrants and refugees

Information and referrals regarding:

• immigration, employment, social assistance, transportation, and legal services
• childcare and health care
• language classes
• housing - Landlord-tenant issues
• education - finding and enrolling in schools, other training programs, and credential assessment
• housing search information
• supportive counselling, problem solving

Assistance and guidance on:

• filling out government forms
• commissioner of oaths for original documents
• affidavits, travel consents, and letters of invitation assistance
• applying for various types of ID such as OHIP, Driver's Licence
• setting appointments, such as for doctors, court, government agencies
• understanding documents and referrals to translation services

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)

Individual and group settlement assistance including

• case management
• information and referrals
• form filling, interpretation and translation assistance

Community and support services

• information and referrals, and settlement services
• supportive counselling
• employment and job search assistance
• legal information, assistance applying for benefits, and year round tax clinic
• youth tutoring and homework club, student mentoring programs
• senior community involvement programs
• interpretation service for Tamil community, including accompaniment to appointments
• health education, community outreach
• social and recreation events and activities

COVID19 -- contact organization for current COVID policies


Settlement services for immigrants and refugees

• individual, family and youth counselling
• information and referral, housing search assistance
• assistance with government forms, translation and intrepretation
• refugee settlement information and assistance
• youth outreach, volunteer opportunities
• employment consulting, assistance with resumes and interview skills, employment mentoring, employment workshops

Newcomer orientation and welcoming supports to assist with settlement process, including workshops, mentorship and volunteer opportunities, mental health education and support, homework help and educational supports, and recreation and sports activities and outings

Orientation Communities
Includes information on mental health services, and social skills training for youth and their families

Welcoming Communities
Includes support, skills and training

• youth leadership and mentoring training
• homework help and educational supports to develop employment skills
• information and integration support
• workshops on topics such as communication and social skills, cross-cultural and diversity skills, and public transit navigation

Training available to service providers, youth in schools, and community agencies on various mental health and settlement topics

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

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 -- offices are open, but appointments are recommended


Settlement and Adaptation Services

• information and referral, orientation, housing referrals
• one to one gambling counselling and workshops
• translation and interpretation
• documentation, form filling
• outreach, social development program, educational workshops
• career mentoring

Employment Services

• employment counselling, resume preparation, job search techniques
• assistance obtaining certification of education and/or trade documents

Other services -- citizenship, community advocacy, cultural events, volunteer opportunities

Immigrant Resource Centre -- multiservice centre with newcomer, job seeker and family services for all ages

Settlement and Employment Services

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

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 - contact 416-940-3360

Professional Development and Small Business Resource Centre

• walk-in centre
• resource materials for internationally trained professionals
• business information
• referrals

Settlement and Integration Resource Centre

• drop-in centre providing settlement and integration information and resources
• access to computers, Internet

Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto (SEPT) (Settlement Workers in Schools)

• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June, and in libraries and summer school programs from July to mid-August
• homework club
• multi-languages service in North York area, connecting parents and students with the schools, parent interviews with schools, parenting group sessions, settlement information sessions - contact 416-292-7510 ext 301

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• staff assistance available
• resource materials
• job boards
• labour market information
• resume clinics
• mock interviews
• workshops

Early Years Services

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, preschool education program for children and their parents
• social and learning skills for preschool children
• parenting education
• parent-child interactive activities

Children and Youth Programs

• after school program
• summer camp
• Saturday enrichment classes
• leadership and life skills training, homework help
• employment readiness

Seniors and Family Programs

• form filling
• supportive counselling
• client intervention assistance
• social, educational and recreational programs
• support groups
• health information workshops

Volunteer Services

• training and development
• placements
• public education

Community Kitchen including

• food skills training programs
• also facility or hall rentals

COVID19 Services provided remotely; call, email or fax and staff will follow up

Housing help, including information and referral, advice on tenant rights and responsibilities, eviction prevention, drop-in Tuesday mornings

• promotes affordable housing options
• Housing Connections (see separate entry) Community Partner, assistance with housing search and application process

Toronto Rent Bank
Access centre for interest-free repayable loans to low-income households in rental arrears, or needing to move into more suitable housing; also interest-free loans for first and last month's rent deposit to move into more affordable housing

• must have legal status in Canada and meet income requirements of 50 percent or less from social assistance
• landlord and tenant mediation
• follow-up search assistance and community referrals

Utilities Program
Access centre for utilities assistance

• help with applications for Ontario Electricity Support Program providing assistance to lower-income customers with their electricity bills
• help with applications for LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) providing assistance to low income individuals and families who are in arrears for their electricity utility bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support
• for help with Enbridge gas bills call 1-855-487-5327
• access to Toronto Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) providing one-time grant to help pay electricity and gas bills

Community Building and Connections
Advocacy or access to financial aid to support integration and settlement in new community, including support to maintain or access permanent housing

• for women, seniors and individuals who are unhoused due to domestic violence, and not eligible for existing federal settlement programs
• also for residents of Scarborough or eastern North York, who have low income and at risk for homelessness

Settlement Program
Orientation, interpretation, referral to education, employment or health services, help with form filling, citizenship test preparation classes

Landlord Recruitment Program
Matches tenants with landlords, includes free rental listings, and information on landlord and tenant rights

EPIC Program
Follow-up case management services for individuals recently housed by the City of Toronto, by referral from City of Toronto outreach service

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

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

Settlement Services

• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling, bridging services
• form filling, seasonal income tax clinic
• workshops and tours, employment counselling, job board, resume help, job readiness clinic, employment communications

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• Mentorship Program -- trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development
• English conversation groups, contact 416-940-3360

Library Settlement Partnerships

• settlement services provided at public libraries
• information and referral, orientation, needs assessment
• translation and interpretation
• supportive counselling, bridging services, information workshops
• library programs in partnership with libraries, call 416-316-3803 (Chinese); 416-707-8259 (Urdu)

Employment Resource Centre

• walk-in job search centre, access to computers, internet, fax, photocopiers, telephone
• staff assistance available, resource materials
• job board, labour market information, workshops

Early Years Services

• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, preschool education program for children and their parents
• social and learning skills for preschool children
• parenting education, parent-child interactive activities, contact Miranda Fung at 416-292-7510 ext 124

Family and Seniors Programs

• client intervention and assistance, form-filling
• supportive counselling, social, educational and recreational programs
• health information and workshops
• community visits and trips
• contact Cindy Yee at 416-292-7510 ext 129

Culturally sensitive counselling and advocacy

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• counselling for women in an abusive relationship and for children who witness acts of violence
• safety planning for protection while in transition
• crisis intervention, advocacy, and legal referrals
• interpretation, information and referral
• assistance for stress and depression related to separation from the familial surroundings, lack of adequate finances, physical and mental health issues, and support services and housing assistance within the Greek community
• counselling to develop the life skills of self-confidence and courage, parenting guidance, encouragement for further education
• referral to counselling groups for abusive men
• preventive community education, and public awareness as to the social and criminal consequences of domestic violence

Counselling -- to improve family relationships, parenting or children's education; referrals for anger management

Newcomers -- referrals for housing, employment, language training and settlement

Division of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada

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 -- call for appointment

Core Programs and Services

• settlement and immigration services -- needs assessment, information sessions, assistance with applications and form-filling
• employment counselling and referrals -- newcomer orientation to the labour market, self-assessment and career options, resumes and cover letters, networking, on-going job search support
• Women Aiding Women program (WAW) -- assistance adjusting to Canadian society, networking, information and referrals for community resources, empowerment
• mental health and wellness -- short term counselling for newcomers dealing with mental health issues, action plan development, support groups to build a support system, educational workshops
• family support and counselling
• seniors program -- information sessions, recreational activities, computer workshops

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

Other Services

• translation and interpretation
• information and referral
• Commissioner of Oaths

COVID19 -- all locations now open to the public, and services are now available in-person, via telephone, email and other online tools

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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

Language and Skills Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, part-time and evening classes

COVID19 -- all locations now open to the public, and services are now available in-person, via telephone, email and other online tools


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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

Language and Skills Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding for eligible attendees, full-time, part-time and evening classes

Community Services

• programs for youth, seniors, and women
• EarlyON parenting program
• recreation activities, workshops and seminars, volunteer training program, and heritage program for children
• seasonal income tax clinic

COVID19 -- all services and programs provided through phone, email, zoom, google meet, what's app and other channels whether in group sessions or individually; location is open by appointment

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Settlement Services

• information and referral, housing and legal assistance
• translation and interpretation
• escort to appointments
• counselling for students, individuals and families, liaising with Children's Aid Society
• youth counselling and parenting sessions
• orientation
• Community Connections Mentorship Program -- community support through volunteer befriending, help adapting to community life skills, conversation circles to practice English
• credential assessment - referral to World Education Services (WES)

Refugee Services

• referral and assistance with shelter, attendance at inquiry, employment, social, welfare and legal services
• social and cultural activities
• Ontario Community Participation -- volunteer placement program for Ontario Works recipients

Welcoming Syrians

• services for Syrian newcomers or sponsor groups
• support to facilitate the settlement process
• workshops on cultural safety and sensitivity
• GAR (government assisted refugees) Support Teams composed of settlement counsellors and volunteers

Career Café -- ACCT's Employment Services helps newcomers understand and integrate into the Canadian job market

• delivered one on one and in a group setting, both online and in-person
• self assessment, writing resumes and cover letters, job search techniques, researching the job market and networking

Youth Services

• settlement program encouraging civic participation and integration through a focus on recreation, sport, and mentorship

Access Centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program

• assistance with applications

Problem Gambling Program

• culturally appropriate prevention, education and treatment with outreach and public education to community groups
• individual or group counselling for gamblers or those affected by gambling

Domestic Violence Education Program

• counselling and referral for victims of family violence

COVID19 In-person and virtual services available; phone and virtual counselling to frontline health workers and their families, and others members of the public, in Ontario; also assists permanent residents, convention refugees, student visa and work permit holders with Employment Insurance (EI)and Canada Emergency Resource Benefit (CERB) applications

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Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families

Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy, for issues such as elder abuse, family violence, wife assault, male batterers, incest, sexual assault, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling, substance abuse; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary

• consultation for human service providers
• satellite offices (limited hours, by appointment only) in Toronto (602 Queen St W), Markham (5665 14th Ave), Mississauga (720 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Unit 2), and Unionville (600 Village Pkwy)

Family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
• group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation; information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training

• computer access
• job search and employment counselling
• assistance in accessing services

Housing and Transitional Support Program
Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children

• community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
• settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support