Searching for English As A Second Language

Full and part time undergraduate and graduate degree programs

• programs for internationally trained professionals
• continuing education
• distance learning
• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

Language training and settlement services -- assistance to immigrants and newcomers including

• settlement services and referrals
• form filling
• translation and interpretation

Licensed child care

Recreational facilities and programs

• fully equipment fitness centre
• swimming lessons, aquafit and other aquatic programs
• afterschool program
• children's day camp during spring, summer and summer breaks
• youth programs and after school activities
• community events including annual Grange Festival

Music and arts programs -- individual or group lessons

Seniors services

• advocacy, supportive counselling, income tax clinic
• fitness and cultural activities

COVID19 -- all appointments by phone or video chat, no in-person services; call for appointment

Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Services

• assistance with applications for citizenship, passports and protected person travel documents
• help with spouse, common-law partner and child sponsorship applications
• refugee system navigation and related procedures such as work/study permits, permanent resident applications as protected person/Convention refugee
• assistance with applications to become permanent resident based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds
• help with permanent resident card and other Canadian identification forms
• assistance with study permit renewal and work permit applications for international students; information about pathway to become permanent residents
• help for migrant workers such as work permit assistance for vulnerable people

Online English classes and conversation circles

Community Resources

• assessment, information and referral to food programs, clothing and furniture banks, employment centres, schools and education resources, health centres
• assistance with applications for government programs such as Ontario Works, Employment Insurance, Legal Aid, transitional and subsidized housing

Spiritual Care

• provided through chaplain - referral and resources for religious communities, one-on-one spiritual counselling, and for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and blessings

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

• National Trauma Informed Care Program

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

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

Cultural, social, recreation and education activities

• community drop-in
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre, program for children under 6 years
• before school program and after-school program for children 6-12 years
• PA day, march break and summer children's camps
• youth drop-in program
• English as a Second Language (ESL) and ESL tutoring
• older adults fitness and dance classes * many additional programs and classes
• volunteer opportunities
• annual income tax clinic
• meeting, auditorium and program space for community groups to rent, rental space for public use

Services provided by other agencies

• Toronto District School Board
• Common Thread Community Chorus
• Ontario Chinese Seniors Association

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

Bridging Program -- connects Internationally trained Francophone Professionals in Supply Chain Management with job placements, mentorship, volunteering and networking connections

OSLT (Occupation Specific Language Training) -- 12-15 week workplace communication skills programs in English for health care and business professionals

French as a Second Language Program -- French for Life and Work in Canada

• conversation and pronunciation classes
• beginner to advanced levels available, free placement test

Youth programs

• for newcomer youth 14-19 years
• Youth Engagement program -- focus on English practice and skills building
• workshops
• Newcomer Youth Mentorship -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors * hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth

Trans Youth Mentorship program (TYMP) -- monthly program delivered by peer mentors

• hands-on activities which explore issues that matter to youth
• community engagement, individualized support, group sessions and workshops

English language classes, basic or intermediate levels

Newcomer Settlement Program -- one-to-one help including needs assessment, supportive counselling, orientation, forms filling, information and referral, translation and interpretation, volunteer opportunities

Family support services including advocacy, care management, Christmas assistance; lunch program, in partnership with Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

• supper program
• computer classes
• children and youth programs including after school programs, homework help and tutoring, sports, summer camps, March break day camps
• fathers group
• child care (see separate listing)

Food Bank
2-3 days supply of unprepared, non-perishable food, appointment required (see separate listing)

Take-away meals
Also assistance obtaining resources such as hygiene supplies, baby items, warm wear (see separate listing)

Adult Services
Includes meal, life skills classes, Bible studies

Bridges Adult Program
Chronic poverty initiative includes courses, workshops, mentoring, tutoring, case management and social events

• health promotion
• volunteer and employment programs
• summer social program

Counselling services
Professional therapy for youth, adults, couples and families unable to afford counselling, by appointment

• psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger management, anxiety, depression, emotional wellness
• Christian orientation provided as requested

Drop-in programs
Includes employment services and housing assistance

Employment services
Individual employment and job readiness support for adults and youth, call 416-929-9614 ext 4275 or email ees@ysm.ca for information

Mental health
Telephone counselling by appointment, call 416-355-3568 or 416-929-9614 ext 3235

Women's community development
Programs include workshops, skills development, computer classes

Member of Daily Bread Food Bank, and member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

COVID19 -- blend of virtual and in-person services offered


Settlement Services

• counselling, individual or group integration and orientation assistance
• information and referral in the areas of training and education, legal assistance, health care, housing, interpretation, translation
• form filling
• employment program
• English conversation circle

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

• free on-site child care available (19 months-6 years)
• year round blend of virtual and in-person women-only classes available

COVID19 Shelters and respite centres open

• takeaway breakfast available Friday 10 am at 30 St Lawrence
• takeaway dinner available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 6 pm at 30 St Lawrence
• no communal dining
• meals on wheels open, call for details
• some programs remain remote, other have begun in-person activities, check website for details

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Multiservice agency with programs for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, including social, recreation and education programs for individuals and families with low income

• summer day camp
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• breakfast program Friday 10 am
• assistance with budgeting, identification, government forms Monday-Friday 1 pm-4 pm
• income tax clinic February-April
• community development
• youth health promotion worker
• employmentsServices including Literacy and Basic Skills

Dixon Hall Music School
Includes individual or group lessons, fees on a sliding scale

Seniors Services
Includes escort to medical appointments, friendly visiting, telephone security check, client intervention and assistance, health education, and social, recreation and fitness programs

• home support services includes homemaking services such as laundry, vacuuming, and light meal preparation (fee)
• Mandarin Outreach, including settlement and newcomer services, social and cultural events, support groups and workshops

Supportive Housing Programs for Seniors
Includes personal care, essential homemaking, emergency response, and care coordination

• 4 participating buildings including Old York Tower, Performing Arts Lodge of Canada, Older Women's Network Co-op, New Hibret Co-op

High Risk Youth Project
One-on-one peer counselling, and social, recreational, and educational activities

Growing Up Healthy Downtown for families of young people in Regent Park, see separate listing

​Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Social, education and recreation programs for all ages ; information and referral

Health

• first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, nutrition programs
• community based health promotion and disease prevention initiative
• screening for specific health conditions
• one on one support addressing diabetes
• certain cancers and cardiovascular disease among newcomers

Employment Services -- career counselling, job club, one on one support

• advocacy
• child minding
• citizenship test preparation
• conflict resolution
• human service worker
• public speaking
• computer access and training
• food handling
• English language basics

Seniors Services

• escort to medical appointments, friendly visiting, telephone reassurance
• health education
• home support
  • food preparation
  • grocery shopping
  • light housework and repairs
  • referral services
  • seniors club

Recreation -- sports and physical activities including swimming and other fitness

Lending, reference and research libraries

• materials in print and other various formats including multiple languages
• additional library services
• community programs

Branch Locations

Library Services -- bookmobile and home library services

• computers
• Internet access, including free Wi-Fi
• digital services
• online research
• special collections
• musical instrument lending library
• meeting rooms

Community Programs -- classes, workshops, outreach programs and exhibits

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
• literacy
• homework help
• seasonal income tax clinics
• Library Settlement Partnerships -- outreach program offering settlement information and referral

Seniors Tech Help -- call Answerline 416-397-5981 Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-4:30pm

• staff provides quick answers over the phone to tech questions
• if longer help session required, contact local branch

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)

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

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) -- training program for teachers; workshops on teaching and presentation skills

COVID19 -- services continue by phone, email, and video; online workshops and webinars available; offices are open for in-person services by appointment only; see website page linked here for phone numbers to contact staff at specific services
COVID-19: SERVICE NOTICE

Settlement Services

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

English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction

• conversation and pronunciation classes
• part time and full time classes
• citizenship preparation classes
• CAAT (Canadian Adult Achievement Test),
• ESL for work permit holders and visitors (online)
• computerized accounting software training (QuickBooks - online)

Drop-in centre * social, recreation and education programs * information and referral * counselling * translation and interpretation * assistance in filling out forms * income tax clinic * English as a Second Language (ESL) classes * computer classes * dance, music and other recreational classes * gateball club

COVID19 -- settlement services are being delivered in-person with staff at full capacity since April 2022 at both locations of the agency; services are still also available via phone and email, call 416-536-4420 or pia-parkdale@piaparkdale.com for immediate support ; youth peer tutoring program suspended until further notice


Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes
• drivers licence written test preparation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Newcomers from the Ukraine who came to Canada via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can also receive settlement services

Employment Services

• referral to employment centres
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring - suspended until further notice
• leadership development

Educational and Cultural Activities

• year round income tax clinic for up to 10 years past by appointment
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals

Child Minding Training Program: in partnership with Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, and Queen West Community Health Centre

COVID19 -- all settlement services are being delivered at full staff capacity since April 2022; service users can access in-person settlement services. Services also available via phone and email, youth peer tutoring suspended until further notice


Settlement Program

• needs assessment and referral, information and orientation
• translation and interpretation
• assistance with government applications and form filling
• citizenship classes and facilitation of ceremonies
• drivers licence written test preparation classes; computer classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, childminding and TTC tokens available -- see separate entry

Settlement services are also available to newcomers from the Ukraine who have come to Canada through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

Employment Services

• drop-in resource centre, referral to employment centres
• job search training, resume preparation, workshops
• access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier

Newcomer Youth Program

• social, educational and recreational services
• information and outreach
• employment assistance
• peer tutoring (suspended)
• leadership development

Educational/Cultural Activities

• year-round income tax clinic for up to 10 years previous by appointment
• seasonal income tax clinic with West Neighbourhood House
• anti-racism and access and equity programs
• community events, festivals

Child Minding Training Program: in partnership with Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre, and Queen West Community Health Centre

Seniors Programs

• Saturday social and exercise program
• Tibetan Seniors Program
• Tai Chi, Line Dance and Yoga
• Thursday afternoon English conversation class for Tibetan seniors

Community gardens

• urban farms
• education -- after school gardening program
• environmental awareness
• volunteer opportunities

COVID19 Contact college for course availability and start dates

Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program includes training programs such as Enhanced Language Training for Early Development, and Introduction to Providing Home Based Child Care

• professional learning sessions including online courses
• community data group
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre onsite (see separate listing)

COVID19 -- Beginning April 25, 2022, in-person services resume BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; remote service by telephone, video-conferencing and email continue to be available during regular office hours


For resources on COVID-19 related topics such as health and safety, social assistance and other benefits, career path information and working from home CLICK HERE


Settlement services, language training, skills upgrading and employment preparation

• programs for women, youth and seniors

Information and Assessment Sessions -- daily, weekly or bi-weekly evening sessions -- schedule varies

• referral to programs as needed

Settlement Services for Newcomers -- general orientation, information and referral

• information sessions and workshops
• individual assistance including needs assessment, mentoring, form filling
• programs for newcomer youth
• Women Connecting with Women -- for any newcomer who is woman-identified
• counselling, including crisis counselling
• workshops on mental health and self esteem, life skills, legal rights, money management, employment skills
• child minding available for participants, refreshments provided, transit fare to all events attendees

Language Training -- assessment of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English administered by YMCA of Greater Toronto, required for all language training programs -- see separate entry

• English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, in partnership with local school boards
• Communication for the Canadian Workplace (CCW) -- for internationally trained professionals, with a focus on engineers, information technology professionals and retail sales personnel
• 5 week sector specific language training in engineering, information technology, retail and sales management
• job search training and mentoring
• child care may be available -- call for information
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- in English

Employment Programs, including programs for youth, and Job Board

Seniors in Sync -- workshops for seniors on health and wellness, estate and final planning, fitness, recreation and cultural activities

Services also offered at offices in Brampton, Hamilton and Markham