Searching for Interpretation / Translation

The Help Centre delivers a wide variety of services and programs that are not addressed by other government or social service agencies.

THC assists Northumberland low-income residents with:

• Navigating through the social service system
• Completing government forms
• Advocating with other community agencies and organizations
• Money Management (budgeting and financial literacy)
• Helping with the preparation of income tax returns
• Meal planning and grocery shopping assistance, senior check in for seniors
• Providing one-on-one tutoring to residents who would like to improve their language skills
• Providing English as a Second Language classes for newcomers
• Drop off location for translations (any language)
• Assisting through financial grants or advocating with the utility company
• Free photocopying and faxing
• Providing information and referrals
• Distributing back packs for kids and food hampers for families
• Supporting clients to find affordable housing

See separate listings for:

• Housing Support
• Income Assistance
  
  Outreach program allows THC to provide programs and services throughout the county. Campbellford, Brighton, Colborne, Warkworth, Port Hope, Alderville are the locations where THC delivers its services at the community hub offices

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)

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 immigrants and newcomers to Durham Region * weekly visit from Community Mental Health Worker from Durham Mental Health Services


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, 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

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

Multilingual communication services (written, verbal and digital) for over 100 languages including services such as traditional interpretation and translation services, interactive digital tools (DVD/web instructional videos with fillable forms) and a Multilingual Contact Centre that helps organizations talk directly to their customers or convey messages for them

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

COVID19Telephone or virtual services only; for intake or to reach a service provider, call Intake 416-438-3697 ext 12248

-----------

Includes group workshops, mentorship and volunteer opportunities, mental health education and support, homework help and educational supports, and employment skills development

Welcoming Communities
Group orientation activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees with trained volunteer mentors

• help in establishing social and professional networks
• development of citizenship and civic engagement
• skills and career development

Settlement Program
Includes orientation and counselling, needs and eligibility assessments, information and referral to community resources, service bridging, language and skills training, interpretation and translation, job search and employment counselling

• assistance in establishing social and professional networks
• assistance in accessing services

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 facilities or hall rentals

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 -- service/program updates on website

---------- --------------- ---------------

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

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

Services and supports for individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing

• general support counselling
• mental health/wellness counselling
• sign language interpreting
• hearing care counselling program for 55+
• hearing healthcare/audiology services
• communication devices program
• video conferencing services
• employment services for job seekers
• sign language classes for individuals and businesses

Emergency Interpreter Service, 24 hours, 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, urgent@chs.ca, SMS or text 416-712-6637

Deaf-Blind Intervening Services 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham awareham@chs.ca

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

----------------- -----------------------

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


----------------- -----------------------

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 -- services continue by phone, email, and video, online workshops and webinars available; offices are closed except for refugee shelters; see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE


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

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

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv [York Region] -- see separate entry

• language skills training in English for work or studies, Canadian culture, settlement and employment information

Attendees may qualify for bus fare, or childminding during class

Settlement services

• orientation, assistance with documentation, interpretation and translation
• information and referral -- employment, housing, health, legal
• crisis intervention and supportive counselling

LTW (Language Training at the Workplace) at the employer workplace within York Region -- employer customized training for eligible employees

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