Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
- Information about immigration, Canadian citizenship, government programs and community services
- English as a Second Language Training for adults, 18 years of age or older who are Permanent Residents of Canada, Convention Refugees or persons in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed in Canada and who have an approval in principle.
- Orientation to the local area and to Canadian customs and traditions
- Referrals to education, employment, health, legal, recreational and other services in the community
- Youth club activities for newcomer youth ages 10-17
- School-based settlement services in some schools
- Interpretation services upon request.
FESPA School - 19 weeks of classes for women and preschoolers
Mom and Baby - Year round home visits and group sessions for pregnant moms and babies up to three months
Family Support - Transportation to and interpretation at appointments for those registered in either the FESPA School or the Mom and Baby program
Newcomers, Settlement Services and Outreach - Assessment, information, and referral services to newcomers * assists newcomers to settle in Elgin County * interpretation services to help newcomers understand and access community services * orientation to life in Canada
Volunteer Driver Program - Recruits volunteer drivers and coordinates interpreters and drivers for health-related appointments
DE BRIGJ 105.9 FM CHPD - Low German radio programs for the whole family * Integration and Inclusion through Information and Education * news and weather * bus delays * health education programs * contact De Brigj at 226-544-0122 or radio@mcson.org
Aylmer Thrift Store - Gently used clothing and household items * affordable prices * donations accepted during open hours only
Services and Programs:
- Employment Services
- Family Education and Support Project Aylmer
Westmount Location: 519-472-5502
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Assists newcomer students and their families settle into school and community * program offered in partnership with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), the London Catholic District School Board (LCDSB), and community agencies
SWIS staff work in more than twenty designated schools in London to perform the following tasks:
- provide orientation to the education system (in conjunction with school staff)
- provide orientation to other Canadian customs, institutions, culture, and society
- information and referrals to education and community resources
- assist students and their families to strengthen their community connections
- promote culturally sensitive links between school staff and newcomer families
- organize group sessions for parents and students about community resources
- organize annually, with partners, the Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) for new high school students
Settlement Worker at library branch provides information and referral about resources offered by the library and the community * program offered in partnership with London Public Library
Services include:
- meet with clients to assess their needs and set individual priorities
- facilitate referrals to appropriate community services
- facilitate greater involvement in library specific services and programs
- provide group information sessions and library tours in conjunction with library staff
- work with library staff to arrange programs to be inclusive to LSP clients
- provide Citizenship Information Sessions to prepare newcomers for citizenship tests
Westmount Location: 519-472-5502
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Funds are provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) * services are provided in a culturally competent manner by multilingual staff and volunteers
Information and Orientation Services for Newcomers:
- assesses needs and provides guidance to make informed settlement decisions
- provides timely, useful, and accurate information
- develops settlement plans to meet needs and help establish priorities
- assists with appointment scheduling and registration for appropriate programs
- assistance with coping with the problems of everyday living, and navigating the Canadian system
- information on the rights and obligations of newcomers
- one-on-one, family, and group information sessions to enhance newcomer integration into society
- information packages, including web-based information sources and referrals to IRCC programs and other programs/services in the community
Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP) - Settlement Worker at library branch provides information and referral about resources offered by the library and the community * program offered in partnership with London Public Library
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) - Assists newcomer students and their families settle into school and community * program offered in partnership with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), the London Catholic District School Board (LCDSB), and community agencies
Providing flexibility and programs to serve your unique needs. With health and fitness branches, camps, child care centres, community programs and newcomer services across the region, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to the development of healthy communities.
Bosom Buddies - Mastectomy and breast surgery support group offering aqua fit and discussion
Child Care Services - Operates licensed child care centers in a variety of locations in London, St Thomas, Strathroy and Woodstock
YMAP - YMCA Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth - Leadership, community engagement and integration program for high-school aged permanent residents and convention refugees
Children's Safety Village of London Area - Community project aimed at reducing accidents involving children
Settlement Services for Newcomers to Canada - Settlement services for newcomers
Services and Programs:
- Bob Hayward Branch
- Family YMCA of St Thomas-Elgin
- Middlesex Centre
- Strathroy-Caradoc Family YMCA, Marilyn Buttery Branch
- Woodstock Branch
- YMCA Education Centre
Services and Programs:
- Goodwill Bookstore - London - Adelaide St N
- Goodwill Bookstore - London - Wellington Rd
- Goodwill Community Store - London - Horton St
- Goodwill Community Store - London - Oxford St E
- Goodwill Community Store - London - Wonderland Rd N - Sherwood Forest Mall
- Goodwill Community Store - St Thomas
- Goodwill Community Store - Strathroy
- Goodwill Outlet Store - London - White Oak Rd
- Goodwill Career Centre
- Goodwill Community Store - Goderich
- Goodwill Community Store - Stratford
- Goodwill Community Store - Tillsonburg
- Goodwill Community Store - Woodstock
Group, family and one-on-one orientation sessions * help in finding and using services and resources available in the community * guidance through the immigration process
Centre of Hope - Services to help with basic needs including shelter, housing assistance and material aid
Correctional and Justice Services London - Education programs for people who have become involved with the criminal justice system
London Village - Multi-service centre providing child care, respite care and adult day programs
Services and Programs:
- Salvation Army - Westminster Park Community Church - Hospitality Meal and Food Bank
- Salvation Army London Citadel - Emergency Services Vehicle - Hospitality Meal
Specializes in employment programs and services for immigrants and Canadian newcomers
Services include:
- resume development
- foreign credential recognition assistance
- employment preparation workshops
- volunteer work experience placements
- mentorship programs
- job interview practice
- networking opportunities
- direct hire opportunities
Services and Programs:
- Ontario Bridge Training Program
- Ontario Employment Services
Supports for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) to address medical, emotional, and social needs * case management services * on-site medical examination clinic
- initial health assessments
- medical evaluations
- referrals to community agencies
- workshops for GARs on relevant health and well-being topics
- emotional and psychological support
- community education - refugee health issues, liaising with community agencies
SWIS Workers:
- Assist parents and families with settlement needs
- Provide information on important issues to newcomers
- Provide referrals to community resources and services
- Organize group information sessions for students and parents
- Support newcomer youth to thrive in their new school environments
- Encourage school and community engagement
Orientation services provide information to newcomers (Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees) on government programs and services, community and social services, education, immigration, housing, employment, and community connections. Our services include:
- Needs Assessments
- Personalized, self-directed assessments are conducted to assist newcomers and identify their needs, barriers, and strengths
- Settlement Plans & Goals - based on a newcomer's initial needs assessment, personalized settlement plans are created with short-term and long-term goals
- One-on-one supports are available to all newcomers through Newcomer Settlement Advisors who help guide, inform, and equip individuals and families with the information, assistance, and resources they need to settle into life in Canada.
Information Sessions Information sessions are 1-2 hours in length and provide important information on a wide variety of specific topics including:
- Overview of Canada
- Sources of Information
- Rights and Freedoms
- Canadian Law & Justice
- Important Documents
- Improving English or French
- Employment & Income
- Education
- Housing
- Health
- Money & Finance
- Transportation
- Community and Media
- Community Connections
- Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Client Support Services - Partners in Caring - Supports for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) to address medical, emotional, and social needs * case management services * on-site medical examination clinic
Newcomer Settlement Program - Newcomer information and referral services
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) - Assists newly arrived Government Assisted Refugees with the resettlement process * provides support and essential services for the immediate needs of refugees destined to London and transferees during their first 6 weeks
Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS) - The SWIS Program places settlement workers in elementary and secondary schools throughout London and St.Thomas-Elgin to help newcomer students and their families adjust to their school and community.
Services include:
- assisting refugee claimants through the refugee application process
- assistance with applying for Ontario Works
- assistance with registering at applicable English as a Second Language programs
- help finding suitable, permanent housing and obtain household items
Programs include:
- Adult and Family groups and outings
- Youth groups including Leadership, Health and well-being, and Sports Activities. Supports newcomer youth to adapt, integrate and overcome barriers associated with transition to a new country. Provides volunteer opportunities, physical activities, social events, educational workshops and clubs
- Canada Connects Targeted Matching and Networking Groups. Connects newcomers with Canadian volunteers to learn Canadian values and traditions
- Volunteer with Ambition Skill Development, Civic Engagement, and Volunteer Placements
- Conversation Circles
- Special Events and neighbourhood activities
- English Conversational Circles practice English and make social connections
Ongoing recruitment and training of volunteers
Orientation services provide information to newcomers (Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees) on government programs and services, community and social services, education, immigration, housing, employment, and community connections. Our services include:
- Needs Assessments
- Personalized, self-directed assessments are conducted to assist newcomers and identify their needs, barriers, and strengths
- Settlement Plans & Goals - based on a newcomer's initial needs assessment, personalized settlement plans are created with short-term and long-term goals
- One-on-one supports are available to all newcomers through Newcomer Settlement Advisors who help guide, inform, and equip individuals and families with the information, assistance, and resources they need to settle into life in Canada.
Information Sessions Information sessions are 1-2 hours in length and provide important information on a wide variety of specific topics including:
- Overview of Canada
- Sources of Information
- Rights and Freedoms
- Canadian Law & Justice
- Important Documents
- Improving English or French
- Employment & Income
- Education
- Housing
- Health
- Money & Finance
- Transportation
- Community and Media
- Community Connections
- Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Client Support Services - Partners in Caring - Supports for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) to address medical, emotional, and social needs * case management services * on-site medical examination clinic
Newcomer Settlement Program - Newcomer information and referral services
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) - Assists newly arrived Government Assisted Refugees with the resettlement process * provides support and essential services for the immediate needs of refugees destined to London and transferees during their first 6 weeks
Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS) - The SWIS Program places settlement workers in elementary and secondary schools throughout London and St.Thomas-Elgin to help newcomer students and their families adjust to their school and community.
- client support services
- intercultural competencies (cultural diversity) training
- employment counselling
- orientation services for newcomers
- settlement counselling
- settlement workers in schools
- volunteer opportunities
LGBTQ Settlement Services - Support for LGBTQ immigrants settling in Canada * information and orientation, problem solving, and assistance with immigration and Canadian documentation
LGBTQ Social/Support Group for Newcomers - Warm, safe, and welcoming environment for LGBTQ newcomers * meet other newcomers in the LGBTQ community for coffee, conversation, education, social activities, peer support, friendship, and fun * to join or support the group, call for information
Community Connections - Provide newcomers with a safe space to integrate while helping feel engaged, welcomed, and independent.
Joseph's House - Provides temporary accommodation for newly arrived refugee claimants * residents usually stay an average of one and a half months
Language Assessment and Referral Services (LARS) - Provides immigrants with English or French langauge assessments for government funded programs * services are offered at no cost to eligible clients.
Settlement Services - Orientation services provide information to newcomers (Permanent Residents and Convention Refugees) on government programs and services, community and social services, education, immigration, housing, employment, and community connections. Our services include:
- Needs Assessments
- Personalized, self-directed assessments are conducted to assist newcomers and identify their needs, barriers, and strengths
- Settlement Plans & Goals - based on a newcomer's initial needs assessment, personalized settlement plans are created with short-term and long-term goals
- One-on-one supports are available to all newcomers through Newcomer Settlement Advisors who help guide, inform, and equip individuals and families with the information, assistance, and resources they need to settle into life in Canada.
- Overview of Canada
- Sources of Information
- Rights and Freedoms
- Canadian Law & Justice
- Important Documents
- Improving English or French
- Employment & Income
- Education
- Housing
- Health
- Money & Finance
- Transportation
- Community and Media
- Community Connections
- Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Services and Programs:
- Job Search Workshop for Newcomers
- Translation and Interpretation Services
Supports provided by English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers and Settlement Workers from either the Cross Cultural Learner Centre, LUSO Community Services, or the South London Neighborhood Resource Centre
- junior and senior kindergarten, elementary, secondary and adult education
- French Immersion
- alternative education programs including: continuing education * night school and summer school * special education programs and supports services to address the needs of exceptional students and those experiencing difficulties
- special Education Newsletters
Records Centre - Collects and retains school records of students who graduated or left a Thames Valley public secondary school more than five years ago * issues transcripts for a fee from schools in London, Elgin and Middlesex * 519-452-2000 ext 21078 * recordcentre@tvdsb.on.ca
Address:
951 Leathorne St
London, ON N5Z 3P7
One World International Welcome Centre - Assists newcomer students and their families to access education services across the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) * introduction to Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) * orientation to TVDSB Secondary Schools * conducts assessments for literacy, math, and language skills * assessments help determine program/school placement
Anishnaabe Skiniiw Centre - Alternative School - Offers First Nation students an alternative education high school program * designed to give students who have not succeeded in traditional schools a chance at pursuing a secondary diploma
GA Wheable Centre - Adult and Continuing Education - Adult and continuing education centre
Wiingashk Centre - Alternative Secondary School - Alternative secondary school program * follows secondary school curriculum in addition to culturally appropriate programming, including life skills and aboriginal cultural teachings * goal to enhance identity, self-esteem, confidence, and aboriginal way of life
Services and Programs:
- Balaclava Street Adult Learning Centre - Adult and Continuing Education
- Blossom Park Education Centre - Adult and Continuing Education - Thames Valley Alternative Secondary School
- ESL (English as a Second Language) - St Thomas
- FESPA (Family and Education Support Project) - English as a Second Language Program
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit Team
- Gateway Program (Upgrading) - Thames Valley District School Board - Gateway Program - Literacy and Basic Skills
- Gateway Program (Upgrading) - Thames Valley District School Board - Gateway Program - Literacy and Basic Skills
- Gateway Program (Upgrading) - Thames Valley District School Board - Gateway Program - Literacy and Basic Skills
- Hutton House Learning Centre - Literacy and Basic Skills
- Oneida Training Centre - Gateway Program (Upgrading), Literacy and Basic Skills
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Strathroy Adult Learning Centre - Adult and Continuing Education
- Tillsonburg Adult Learning Centre - Adult and Continuing Education
Services and Programs:
- London Islamic School
Service is provided at LUSO main office as well as at the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre one day per week.
In elementary schools, staff work with parents * in secondary schools, staff work with youth and parents
Program is a offered in Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board schools * workers can work with families and youth regardless of their status in Canada to support settlement needs and successful connections to schools and the education system