Searching for English As A Second Language

Hosts free weekly English and French conversation for people to practice and improve their language skills

Manages an after school tutoring program that provides individualized lesson plans to assist students of all ages to succeed in school

Reading Readiness Program

• Provides help for a child who is experiencing challenges in mastering the fundamental skills necessary for becoming a successful reader
• Utilizes Phonics Assessment Test to determine level to build from and skill gaps to improve on
• Focuses on phonics, letter names, letter sounds, printing, vowels and consonant blends with attention to vocabulary and comprehension

Guaranteed Academic Upgrading Program (GAP)

• Tests students based on current, standardized Canadian assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Offers personalized programs in reading, math, writing and study skills

Lifetrack Tutoring

• Assists students who have a good grasp of all previous curriculum expectations but are experiencing difficulty in specific subject(s)
• Facilitates seminars on study skills, resumé writing, job search training, career testing and financial management

Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3)

• Provides a digital literacy training and certification program
• Offers a computer literacy credential that consists of 3 individual modules: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living Online

Scholars Employment Solutions

Offers various programs to assist individuals to gain the skills needed to secure employment including the following:

• Qualified Tutoring
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• General Education Development (GED)
• Study Skills Program
• Introduction to Computers
• Job Search Training Program (JSTP) and Creative Job Search Techniques (CJST)
• Customer Service Program
• Special Work Placement

Limited in-person appointments are available in Keele and Finch offices. Also, services continue to be offered via phone, email and online


Settlement Services

• orientation to life in Ontario; information on immigration issues
• accessing government resources including social assistance, income security, child tax benefits
• assistance with search for housing and social housing
• emotional support

Helping Our Newcomers Prepare for Employment/Entrepreneurial Success (HOPES) Program: resettlement stress support, education, skills and experience support

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

Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) Program: alternative language program that provides functional English as a second or additional language (ESL/EAL) instruction to vulnerable newcomers who experience emotional, cognitive, or academic barriers to learning in traditional English classes

COVID19 -- full-time in-person services have resumed, Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; call 416-533-8545 or email info@spanishservices.org; appointments only - no walk-ins


Settlement Program

• information, counselling and referral
• assistance with completing government and social services application forms
• ESL classes
• commissioner of oaths
• interpretation and translation services
• monthly settlement workshops

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• individual crisis counselling and group counselling by telephone or in person
• support groups for isolated women and their children
• information and orientation about legal rights
• assistance leaving the abusive home, finding transitional housing and applying for social assistance

Volunteer Program

Volunteer opportunities with ESL classes, food security assistance and interpretation and translation assistance

Seniors Program

• art-based workshops
• informational workshops

Legal Clinic, see separate record

Sexual Health Program, see separate record

Adult Education services for deaf clients including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS)

Counselling, crisis intervention, and support programs, including anger management and conflict resolution, and counselling education and volunteer training

Telephone Counselling
Immediate emotional support, crisis intervention or suicide prevention

• links to appropriate emergency services
• individual, group and family counselling
• community outreach counselling and visitation for clients facing barriers to accessing services
• information and referral
• translation and interpretation
• counselling education and volunteer training program
• public education and awareness
• health promotion, including recreation and social activities

Telephone Crisis Intervention Services
24-hour emotional support for individuals experiencing distress, grief, conflict, depression or other crisis; also available virtually (Zoom) and by email

In-person Counselling Services
Anonymous, confidential counselling for individuals, groups, couples and families

Violence Prevention Education
Anger management and conflict resolution classes and workshops

Health Programs
Health promotion and support

• home hospice program and palliative care provided by trained volunteers
• healthy lifestyle workshops
• smoke-free education for youth
• diabetes prevention program
• visitation for community members who are ill

Children's Programs
Includes homework club, early learning programs for kindergarten to grade 6, and summer camp

Parenting Programs
Parenting skills workshops, including parent and child activities, early years development, and separate programs for mothers and fathers

Seniors Programs
Includes reassurance, counselling, visitation, and outreach services

• English café
• recreation including singing, art and digital storytelling classes
• online virtual seminars

Youth Programs
Employment seminars, career development, leadership training, life skills workshops, and mentoring

• 2-weeks summer volunteering retreat (August)
• tobacco-free campaign program
• facilitation skills workshop
• recreational activities including Expressive Arts workshops