Community Belonging

Newcomer Settlement Services

Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services

85 Church St
St Catharines, ON
L2R 3C7

A community based non-profit charitable organization whose team of staff and volunteers provide vital settlement services to newcomers as they strive to create a new life in Canada.

WELCOME CENTRE / CENTRAL INTAKE
The Welcome Centre is a multi-purpose space that offers information, services and community referrals. This is the central area for all services at the Centre. Works from a holistic approach that looks at all of the individual's needs.

SETTLEMENT SERVICE
Provides confidential services at no cost to an individual, family and group basis; to newcomers and Canadian Citizens residing in the Niagara Peninsula.

Settlement Services Include:
* Information and documentation assistance pertaining to immigration, settlement and citizenship
* Orientation and workshops for newcomers
* Counselors provide service in several languages such as: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Mandarin, Hungarian and Hebrew

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 225

ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
Language instruction for Newcomers to Canada (Literacy and Levels 1-6); ESL (English as a Second Language) in partnership with the Niagara District School Board

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 242

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:
As part of the initiative "Welcoming Communities", newcomers receive help to establish social and professional networks that will enable them to integrate into their community and to feel welcome. Canadian volunteers and immigrants participate together in social events, language and mentor-ship matches and conversation circles to help immigrants develop language skills and knowledge of the community. The program helps newcomers to Canada make contacts with Canadian volunteers for cultural exchange and professional support during the settlement process. This program is available in St.Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland.

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 228

YOUTH SERVICES
Offers many opportunities for young immigrants aged 13 to 24 years to make friends, learn more about their community and participate in various activities such as youth group, cooking classes, sports and arts. Provides support to young people including: application for admission to university or college, tutors, resumes, how to find a job, educational workshops, finding volunteer work in the community etc.

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 243

SKILLS TRAINING
Programs such as Health and Safety, Customer Service, Small Business, Computer Training is provided on an on-going basis

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 226

JOB SEARCH PROGRAM (JSW)
An Employment Assessment Program which helps to create an Employment Action Plan. Offer one-on-one assistance and many workshops and sessions to choose from. Call to book an Employment Assessment

For more information call 905-685-6589 ext 231

CARE FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN (COMBINED CARE)
Long term care offered from September through June for parents attending the Centre's LINC/ESL classes. This care is provided to children from the ages of 6 months - 6 years of age.
Short term care is available throughout the year for children from the ages of 6 months - 12 months, whose parents may be attending a workshop or appointment offered here at the NFAMC.

RENTAL SPACE
Offers rooms for rent in the evenings and weekends. Robertson Hall is available all week for large groups and classrooms for small groups. The Hall has two floors and a full kitchen.

For more information, call 905-685-6589 ext 232

https://bridgesniagara.ca

Office: 905-685-6589 ext 225

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton / Niagara, Centre de santé communautaire Niagara - Settlement Program

810 East Main St
Welland, ON
L3B 3Y4

In collaboration with local partners, the CSC offers a wide range of services to enable immigrants and refugees to integrate into Canadian society including orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community * individual agencies may provide needs and eligibility assessments, pre- and post-arrival information and referral, job search and employment counseling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement services

Settlement workers assist newcomers in the following areas: Settlement services (intake, needs assessments, help with housing, Ontario Works, immigration and other government procedures) * immigration services (guidance and assistance with government application forms) * community legal services * informative workshops on immigration and settlement needs * referrals to community services * Interpretation and outreach assistance

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

Settlement Workers in School (SWIS): in-school support for parents and families * informative workshops and other activities

https://www.cschn.ca

Office: 905-734-1141

Toll Free: 1-866-885-5947

Hours vary, contact for information

Chez Marie Refugee Assistance Centre

16 Pelham Rd
St Catharines, ON
L2S 1P9

A centre of hospitality and outreach for refugees. The centre is supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of St Catharines. A vast volunteer program serves the Niagara Region.

http://saintcd.com/directory/default/view/11/3

Office: 905-682-5795

Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm

Fort Erie Multicultural Centre

50 Jarvis St
Fort Erie, ON
L2A 2S4

Provides reception, settlement, language skills training and community connection programs to meet the needs of refugees and immigrants living or in transition in the community of Fort Erie. Services include:

Community Settlement -- helps newcomers to adapt to life in Canada through assessing needs, goal planning and problem solving. Housing support is available through referrals, education and information about local rentals.

Refugee Reception -- service located at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, provides information and referrals for refugee claimants while they are being processed for their eligibility by CBSA

Supportive counselling -- provides short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties with adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges.

English Language Instruction -- provides English language classes in partnership with Niagara Catholic District School Board (located at St John's South Campus, 54 Jarvis St)

Employment -- group and individual support for building employment readiness, credential assessment, career planning, local job search and resources, sill development and referrals to other newcomer employment programs and mainstream training programs.

Community Connections -- group activities for newly arrived refugees and immigrants to welcome newcomers to the community and promote community engagement

https://www.firststepsincanada.com

Office: 905-871-3641

Tue-Thu 9 am-1 pm, Fri 9 am-12 noon * Mon 9 am-5 pm, Tue-Thu 1 pm-5 pm by appointment

Matthew House Refugee Ministry of Fort Erie

183 Central Ave
Fort Erie, ON
L2A 3S8

Provide refugee claimants and those who are homeless with Supported Transitional Housing, settlement and immigration services.

http://www.matthewhouseforterie.com

Office: 905-871-6059

Crisis: 289-871-1097

Fax: 905-871-7054

Administration Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm

Multicultural Network of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, ON

Offers settlement counselling to newcomers.

http://www.wellandheritagecouncil.com/

Office: 905-732-5337

Toll Free: 1-888-764-9041

Fax: 905-732-0212

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre

26 East Main St
Welland, ON
L3B 3W3

• Needs assessment and Information and referral to community and social services
• Help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• Assistance for privately sponsored refugees and their sponsors
• Workshops on Canadian culture and lifestyle
• English as a Second Language -- English for Life and Work in Canada
• Legal assistance with all immigration documents
• Assistance with foreign credential recognition and re-entering career in Canada, loan information
• Offers a variety of positions for volunteers

http://www.wellandheritagecouncil.com

Office: 905-732-5337

Toll Free: 1-888-764-9041

Fax: 905-732-0212

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm

YMCA of Niagara - Settlement Services

285 Bunting Rd
St Catharines, ON
L2M 7T9

Integrated Employment Services - Assistance for job seekers and support for job searching. Job coaches provide assistance and support with job search and/or job maintenance including resume development, skills assessments and interview preparation

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARS) -- Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), LINC Home Study, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS)-- A link between newcomer families, schools and the community, explain essential school information to newcomers and refer them to appropriate school staff, facilitate the settlement of newcomers and inform them about services and programs. Services offered are primarily information and referral. Contact Rohaina Saqib at 905-684-3500 ext 437 or rohaina.saqib@niagara.ymca.ca. Program can also be accessed by requesting SWIS support from the principal of the school the student is attending.

Wellness Navigators (SWN) - A link between newcomers and health and wellness agencies, including mental health supports. Essential information is provided to newcomers and to refer them to appropriate services and programs. Services offered are primarily information and referral. Contact Rohaina Saqib at 905-684-3500 ext 437 or rohaina.saqib@niagara.ymca.ca.

Newcomer Youth Employment (NYE) - Support to newcomer youth, up to age 29, seeking work in Canada. Individualized plans to navigate career search in Canada to secure meaningful employment to advance financial stability. Contact 905-684-3500 to connect with a Youth Employment Coach.

Accelerated Career Exploration (ACE) - Individualized supports for Internationally trained and educated Immigrants to navigate the steps required to enter their field of work in Canada. Contact 905-684-3500 to connect with an ACE Coach.

https://www.ymcaofniagara.org

Office: 905-684-3500

Fax: 905-688-9629

Mon-Fri 8 am-4:30 pm

YMCA of Niagara - Settlement Services

8123 Lundy's Lane
Niagara Falls, ON
L2H 1H3

Integrated Employment Services - Assistance for job seekers and support for job searching. Job coaches provide assistance and support with job search and/or job maintenance including resume development, skills assessments and interview preparation

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARS) -- Eligibility screening, language skills assessment and referral to government-funded English language programs including Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), LINC Home Study, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT), and Specialized Language Training (SLT)

Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS)-- A link between newcomer families, schools and the community, explain essential school information to newcomers and refer them to appropriate school staff, facilitate the settlement of newcomers and inform them about services and programs. Services offered are primarily information and referral. Contact Rohaina Saqib at 905-684-3500 ext 437 or rohaina.saqib@niagara.ymca.ca. Program can also be accessed by requesting SWIS support from the principal of the school the student is attending.

Wellness Navigators (SWN) - A link between newcomers and health and wellness agencies, including mental health supports. Essential information is provided to newcomers and to refer them to appropriate services and programs. Services offered are primarily information and referral. Contact Rohaina Saqib at 905-684-3500 ext 437 or rohaina.saqib@niagara.ymca.ca.

Newcomer Youth Employment (NYE) - Support to newcomer youth, up to age 29, seeking work in Canada. Individualized plans to navigate career search in Canada to secure meaningful employment to advance financial stability. Contact 905-684-3500 to connect with a Youth Employment Coach.

Accelerated Career Exploration (ACE) - Individualized supports for Internationally trained and educated Immigrants to navigate the steps required to enter their field of work in Canada. Contact 905-684-3500 to connect with an ACE Coach.

https://www.ymcaofniagara.org

Office: 289-296-8400

Fax: 289-296-9752

Mon-Fri 8 am-4:30 pm