NEWCOMER RESOURCES

COVID-19 Posters and Graphics – Staying Safe during COVID

City of Toronto has simplified, redesigned and translated a number of key COVID educational materials:

COVID-19: Posters & Graphics – City of Toronto

 

Health Care and Mental Health

Health Care for Uninsured People during COVID

Webinar: Nov 27, 12 – 1:30 pm

Registration (gotowebinar.com)

 

Mental Health and Well-being of newcomers

Video by federal gov’t complements existing resources aims to reduce the stigma around discussing mental health

Your Mental Health and Well-being - YouTube

 

Education

The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) hosts their annual High School Conference virtually on November 27, 6 – 9pm
Click Here

 

Culture Arts and Media Program (CAMP) for Newcomer Youth

Free, Open to Newcomer Youth Grades 9 – 12 across GTA
Click Here

​

Will going back to School in Canada Help Your Career?

Read the WES Advisor Blog:

Will Going Back to School in Canada Help Your Career? (wes.org)

 

Volunteer Opportunity for Youth - Community Healing Project

Looking for paid youth volunteers (ages 18 – 29) who have had lived experience with youth violence 
Click Here

​

Employment

Bridge to Employment Webinar by Humber College
Click Here

Refugee Claimants

Refugee Claim Steps and Updates during COVID-19 webinar:
Thursday, 19th November 2020 at 1:00 p.m.
Click Here

​

Volunteer Opportunity for Newcomers

Volunteer Toronto is designing a pilot program to help newcomers become volunteer leaders, coaches and organizers for sport groups.

Virtual discussions on Tuesday, November 24th, 2:30-4:00 pm or Thursday, November 26th, 9:30-11:00am (interested applicants need only select one session, $75 honorarium

Fill out application form or contact Volunteer Toronto’s Training Manager, Sammy Feilchenfeld directly at sfeilchenfeld@volunteertoronto.ca

 

Employment

The Mentoring Pathways to Employment program empowers skilled newcomers in finding and retaining employment commensurate with their education, skills, and experience!

Upcoming Information Sessions: Nov 20 and 27
Click Here

​

Educational/ Employment during COVID

Post Secondary Conversations Webinar – Nov 23 and 24
Click Here

​

Education and Career Paths for High School Students

Two upcoming webinars will identify strategies and tools for school counsellors/career practitioners to support career education among high school students. Includes supporting positive outcomes for Black students.
Click Here

Housing

Toronto Rent Bank provides interest-free loans to residents

Click Here

 

Health and Safety

COVID-19 – Protect Yourself, Family and Community – Teleconference with Toronto Public Health, Nov 25 at 1pm
Click Here

 

Mental Health

Transforming Trauma Conference – Nov 22 – 27

For professionals and survivors
Click Here

 

Computer Skills Training

Free Digital Fluency for the Workplace Program

Humber College, Online, Jan 2021
Click Here

 

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy Webinar – Nov 26 at 9:00 am
Click Here

 

Career Development

Second Career Orientation – Nov 19
Click Here

​

Employment

Small Business Accelerator program – last call

Free, six-week online training session to help take businesses from ideas to solid plans ready to launch Click Here

​

100 Occupational Health and Safety Inspector positions at Provincial Gov’t

Priority focus is under-represented diversity groups, such as Black, Indigenous and Racialized applicants

Link 1     Link 2      Link 3

​

CINTAS Virtual Job Fair – Wed Nov 25
Click Here

​

How to Start an Online Business with Shopify? – Nov 19

Get informed from industry experts on how to start an online business.
Click Here

​

Research/ Study

Recruitment of Refugees and Service Providers for a Study Experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (LGBTQ) of refugees in Ontario
Click Here

Mental Health

French language mental health support line for young people under 25

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 647-881-6761 or 647-268-2016

 

Mental Health Support during COVID TPH/ 211 - Click Here

Language Interpretation is available

 

Families and Mental Health Virtual Workshop – Nov 10 at 11:00 am

For immigrants and Refugees - Click Here

 

Coping with Stress Interactive Webinar – Nov 10 at 1:00 pm

Our panel of experts can support in English, Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish.
Click Here

​

Health Care

Outdoor Flu Clinics – Sat Nov 7 – Two Wet Toronto Locations

Those with and without Health Card Welcome - Click Here

 

Walk-in Clinics that provide services to uninsured patients:

Please call clinics to confirm services and hours - Click Here

​

Ontario Expands Health Care Coverage during COVID - Click Here

 

Information for Uninsured people in Toronto during COVID
Click Here

 

Updates on the law and legal services during COVID

Click Here

 

Financial Supports

Transition from CERB to EI and New Canadian Recovery Benefits
Click Here

 

COVID-19 Scams

How to protect yourself - Click Here

​

Arts and Environmental Issues

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) looking to engage Black Youth (18 – 30 years) in virtual focus group. Honorarium paid.
Click Here

Employment and Training

Free Business Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs, Starts online Nov 24 
Click Here

​

Dress for Success Toronto Men’s and Women’s In-person and Virtual Suiting Program
Click Here 

 

Housing

Toronto Rent Bank provides interest-free loans to residents
Click Here

​

Reaching Home (MMAH) - Housing/ homelessness -related payments and supports

Click Here 

 

Health and Wellness

Mindful Resilience – Free 3-week series, Starts Nov 11

To register: 416 252 6471 x308; jasmind@lampchc.org

 

Health and Safety

Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource Exchange (SHARE)

Experiencing Sexual Harassment at Work? Contact SHARE

Click Here

 

What would a community-based crisis response look like?

Complete the City of Toronto online survey

Click Here

 

Education/ Computer Training

Free Microsoft Excel Workshop – Online, Starts Nov 11

Click Here

 

Free Microsoft Word Workshop – Online, Starts Nov 19

Click Here

Education

Website with resources to support newcomer families around education (includes COVID resources page) Click Here 

 

Free Web Design Course for Youth, Starts Nov 3

Click Here

 

Employment and Training

Youth Virtual Job Fair, Wed. Oct 28
Click Here

 

Career Pathways for Women Program, Starts Nov
Click Here

 

GROW Program – Training for career in Landscape and Horticulture, Winter Cohort
Click Here

 

Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub

New to Canada and interested in starting a business?
Click Here

 

Tech Support/ Devices

Refurbished computer packages for limited income families at affordable prices
Click Here

 

Housing

Virtual Tenant Workshop

Learn about the latest changes to housing laws and rights as tenants
Click Here

Education

TDSB Update: Secondary Assessment and Evaluation and Reporting
Click Here

​

Free Microsoft Excel Workshop, Oct 27 – Dec 3
Click Here

 

Work Permits

Webinar - How to fill out Work Permit Forms Online - Oct 21
Click Here

​

 

Employment

New Career Cruising Webinars, Live Sessions with an Exert! - Oct 21 or Nov 4
Click Here

​

COVID-19 Update – Public Information

Ontario’s Modified Stage-2 for 28 days in Toronto, Peel and Ottawa
Click Here

Mentorship

netWORKS – Career mentorship for 18 – 29 years, orientation is Oct 13
Click Here

 

Pumped for Post-Secondary program – Be mentored by Humber College Student, starts mid-Oct, for Grades 9 – 11 Click Here

​

Financial Support

Supporting Canadians through the next phase of the economy re-opening: Increased access to EI and recovery benefits Click Here

​

Employment

Free Business Training Program for Newcomer Women – starts Oct 5
Click Here

 

Tapping into the Hidden Job Market webinar - October 20, 1:00 -2:00 PM

Click Here

 

Volunteer

Toronto Police Service Race-Based Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
Click Here

Housing

Tip Sheets for Renters – Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario Click Here

 

Access to Tech for OW Clients
Digital device and wrap around services for youth and older workers on OW  Click Here 
 

Digital Skills Training for Seniors Click Here

​

Afterschool Program

Turtle Family Arts Program – Free online art and community network program for refugee/ newcomer parents and their children Click Here

Return to School

TDSB Virtual School Delayed to Sept 22 Click Here

 

Gov’t of Ontario - Reopening Schools - Info for Parents in Multiple Languages
Click Here

 

Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) - Back-to-School Mental Health Kit Click Here
 

Hand in Hand: Classroom & Beyond Program - Educational and social supports for children ages 9-14 and their families Click Here

​

Colouring pages to help children learn about COVID-19 Click Here

 

Job Fair – Sept 19

ParaMed Toronto is hosting a Field Staff Job Fair Event for PSW’s, HSW’s and Nurses
Click Here

 

Digital Literacy

Support Package to help newcomers develop and practice skills for accessing Settlement services remotely Click Here

 

Refugees

A Guide for Refugee Claimants is fully revised for COVID-19 and available in multiple languages Click Here

 

Wellness

Wellness Workshop Online Series at LAMP – Sept 2020 Click Here

 

Media

Media for and about Newcomers to Canada Click Here

Return to School

Most TDSB Secondary Schools will now start Sept 17 Click Here

 

Newcomer Families and TDSB Supports – Q & A (Sept 2) Click Here

 

Registration for City of Toronto’s fall recreation programs begins this weekend Click Here

 

Service Canada – online service request or in-person by appointment Click Here

Telephone: 1 877 355 2657

City of Toronto Update on COVID-19 – Sept 2 Click Here

​

City of Toronto Reopening Information for the Public Click Here

​

Return to School:

Virtual Orientation Session for Families/ Parents with a Public Health Nurse and a School Settlement Worker – Sept 4 at 3:00 pm Click Here 

 

Ministry of Education – what to Expect as School Reopens Click Here 

​

Mental Health Supports for Parents and Families as Children Return to School Click Here

 

Toronto Public Libraries – Latest Updates Click Here

School Reopening – Find Updates On Returning to School: Click Here

 

City of Toronto After School Care and Recreation Programs
 

After School Rec Care: Click Here

​

Free and Lower-Cost Rec Options:  Click Here
 

For updates about City of Toronto Rec programs: Click Here

​

 

Government:

CERB extended from 16 weeks to 24 weeks – See criteria and more info: Click Here

​

Pathway to Permanent Residency for Asylum Claimants working in Health-Care Sector during COVID-19 Click Here

​

Seniors:

Support for Seniors during COVID-19 (City of Toronto) Click Here

 

Black Resilience Resource:

Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) has developed a survey to better understand the impact of COVID-19 | Click HERE to complete the survey.

 

Women

Immigrant Women Integration Program - 8-month Full-time FREE training program that develops community leaders.  
Apply by September 18 | Apply at: HERE | Info Session Aug 31.

 

Youth

Youth Employment Pathways for Success Program (COSTI) – Youth between 17 – 25 years interested in STEM.  Click HERE or contact MOJGAN HAGHI AT 647.827.1434 OR EMAIL Mojgan.Haghi@costi.org

 

Internationally Trained Individuals

Foreign Credential Recognition Loan Program (Access Capital Fund)
Webinar dates: September 3rd: Online via Zoom 

More Information fares@accessccf.com

Returning to School – Find Updates in the News Section:

http://welcome2school.ca/

​

COVID-19 Measures for Persons with Disabilities | For more information Click Here

 

Financial Help Finder during COVID-19 (Gov’t of Canada) | For more information Click Here

 

School Supplies for Grades 1-12 – Registration Required, Pick up week of August 24 | For more information Click Here

 

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) – Online Classes via Zoom, August Start Dates

| For more information Click Here

​

WRAP Around Support Program – For Newcomers on Ontario Works needing support during COVID-19 | For more information Click Here

​

SIN Number for Newcomers | For more information Click Here

 

12-Week Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Youth Program  | For more information Click Here

​

Mental Health Resources during COVID-19 (Available in many languages) | For more information Click Here

 

Returning to School – A Guide to the Safe Reopening of the TDSB | For more information Click Here

​

Webinar Series about Reopening of TDSB Schools – Next one is Thursday Aug 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm  | For more information Click Here
 

TDSB Pre-Registration Process (includes Q & A) | For more information Click Here

​

TCDSB Reopening Action Plan 2020 | For more information Click Here

​

Virtual information session with the TTC (Newcomer Women's Services of Toronto) - Wednesday, August 19, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | For more information Click Here
 

Essential Skills for Newcomer Success on the Job - For newcomers with low language or literacy skills who have no more than high school and are interested in moving toward employment in Canada.| For more information Click Here
 

Newcomer Youth Economy Project – For newcomer youth in the GTA interested in a career in the environmental sector | For more information Click Here

 

Dress for Success Toronto – Upcoming Virtual Programs | For more information Click Here

Housing - Eviction Prevention | Link

​

Wi-Fi Lending Program | Toronto Public Library 

Make requests through THIS LINK 

 

Free Wi-Fi in Edgeley Park Aug 7 & 8 

​

Training for Youth who have had Experience with the Justice System | Link

 

Family Violence | Link

​

Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub Sept 2020 | Link

Housing

Workshop for Tenants – Know Your Rights (Aug 11, Aug 18)

 

Tenant’s Rights Tipsheet  (Link to file)

 

Financial Literacy

Managing Your Money Workshop (Aug 6)  (Link to file)

 

Translations of COVID Resources (Link to file)

 

Returning to Work – What Clients Need to Know

CLEO Webinar: https://cleoconnect.ca/yourlegalrights-webinars/returning-to-work-what-clients-need-to-know-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

 

Child Care Reopening

City of Toronto Reopening 10 more child care centres by Aug 4:

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/affected-city-services/?accordion=childrens-services

Canadian Centre for the Victims of Torture (CCVT) - Webinar Series 

Working with Women Survivors of Torture  
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM EDT 
Register here

Narrative Therapy: Supporting the Mental Health of Survivors of Torture 
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT 
Register here

Working with Children and Youth Survivors of Torture and War 
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM EDT 
Register here
 

COVID-19 and Parenting 
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT 
Register here

Promising Practices of Self-Care 
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT 
Register here 
 

The IRB is gradually re-opening its doors
Click Here

 

Recreation, arts and culture activities for all ages to enjoy at home
Click Here

​

Toronto Public Library 

Update on Stage 2 of Reopening (In-branch computer access at some branches)
Click here

​

Youth from a Visible Minority Group 

Skills training and work experience for youth who face barriers to employment: 
Click here

 

Licensed Child Care in Toronto 
11 of the 47 City-operated Toronto Early Learning & Child Care Centres have reopened to support parents returning to work: Click here

​

 

Toronto Swimming and Splash Pads
Click Here

 

Housing and Eviction Prevention 

Community Workers toolkit: Eviction Prevention
Click Here

​

 

COVID-19 Support for individuals (Gov’t of Canada) - Updated 
Click Here

Seniors  

Exercise Class for Mandarin-speaking seniors from home via telephone 

(English flyer, Mandarin flyer) 

​

International Students 

Helping international students with settlement needs and transition to PR 

http://www.internationalstudentconnect.org/ 

 

Food Access  

For women/ girls in South Etobicoke experiencing food insecurity due to COVID-19 (link to flyer in July 2 folder) 

​

Victims of Torture 

Toolkit for helping international victims of tortue 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oKuvHrVs0uOk0btBlZAL-5bbCqa0rrD032B6mB1pY3g/edit 

 

Domestic Violence 

Crisis Lines and Resources for Women Experiencing Violence 

https://www.torontowestlip.ca/wp-content/uploads/WAV-Crisis-List-June15.pdf 

Refugees and Undocumented Residents 

Help for Refugees and Undocumented Residents to Get Essential Products  

https://www.covidcarecollective.com/request-support 

Flyer available here

 

Seniors 

Support for Seniors during COVID-19

​

Education / Summer School Programs 

TDSB programs for Elementary, Secondary and Adults 

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Summer-Programs 

 

For newly arrived students and families – Orientation programs in the summer: 

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/New-to-Canada/Settlement-Workers 

 

Newcomers Experiencing Family Violence 

Newcomers and their dependent children without status in Canada who are experiencing family violence can apply for a fee-exempt Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/fees-permits-victims.html 

Ontario Human Rights Commission 

Information and resources regarding many areas of human rights.  Access their Legal Support Centre at 416 597 4900  

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en 

 

Emergency Cooling Centres 

Click below to find a cooling centre near you: 

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/hot-weather/cool-spaces-near-you/#location=&lat=&lng= 

 

Relocation of TPL Food Bank Service 

 

African Food Basket Initiative 

Supporting members of the African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) community to access fresh produce during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

https://africanfoodbasket.ca/ 

 

List of Organizations Supporting People with Precarious Immigration Status in Toronto 

NEWCOMER/REFUGEE RESOURCES

 

Toolkit for Supporting Refugee Claimants and Non-Status Persons during COVID-19

 

Health Care for Uninsured Persons during COVID-19

​

ACCESSING SERVICES IN TORONTO AS A PERSON WITHOUT STATUS

 

For questions about identification requirements for any service provided by the City of Toronto, call 311.

 

You do not need to provide any personal information when asking for this service.

 

Translate option at the bottom of the City of Toronto website - Translate the information into 51 different languages.
 

Housing and Financial Supports 

Social Planning Toronto has developed a website to help front-line workers answer their clients’ most basic questions around financial and housing supports.  Available in multiple languages.  https://orghelpto.ca/covid/ 

 

Financial Relief Navigator: 

Learn about the help you can get to raise your income or lower your expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  https://financialreliefnav.prospercanada.org/ 

 

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) COVID-19 Key Information 

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/odsp-covid-fact-sheets.aspx 

 

Temporary Foreign Workers 

“COVID-19: A Guide for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada” from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in the following languages: 

English version: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/foreign-worker-rights/covid19-guide.html  

French version: https://www.canada.ca/fr/emploi-developpement-social/campagne/droits-travailleurs-etrangers/guide-covid19.html 

Spanish version: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/foreign-worker-rights/covid19-guide-spanish.html 

​

Health and Mental Health 
 

Online Multilingual Health Information Library 

https://www.rionetworkonline.ca/auth/login 

Food 

Food Hamper Delivery – See flyer for eligibility and contact info 

 

Education 

Resource to connect newcomer clients to program and resources around education:  http://welcome2school.ca/ 

 

French-speaking Newcomers 

Community Resources for Francophone Newcomers 

 

Resources to Help Newcomers Settle in Ontario/ Toronto: 

https://settlement.org/ 

 

News and Updates for Newcomers in Ontario: 

https://settlement.org/news/ontario/ 

 

Social Isolation 

Online Peer Support Group for Newcomers
Everyday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am 
Online Platform: Zoom 
Email: Settlement@mosaicbc.org to receive an email invitation. 

General 

How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services: visitors, foreign workers and students 

 

Persons with Precarious Status 

Toolkit for Supporting Refugee Claimants and Non-Status Persons during COVID-19 

Resource for Uninsured Patients in Toronto During COVID-19 

 

Health 

Ministry of Health has developed Q & A sheet about COVIC-19 in multiple languages: https://mnlct.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Covid19-Flyer_FINAL.pdf 

Mental Health Resource Hub for Chinese Canadians and others affected by the COVID-19 pandemic 

 

Women 

COVID-19 Resources for Non-Status Women 

 

Violence at Home 

Domestic Violence Toolkit for Frontline Staff 

 

City of Toronto Resource Page for “Violence at Home” 

 

Home Delivery for Vulnerable Persons 

Friendly Neighbour Hotline (Organized by University Health Network’s OpenLab): 
Service to help seniors in low-income housing pick up essentials like groceries and household items. Hotline available in 180 languages: 1 855 581 9580 

 

Red Cross Home Delivery Call Centre: 1 833 204 9952 

 

Housing  

Housing Security for Black Tenants COVID-19 

 

Legal  

• Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO): stepstojustice.ca 

• Community legal clinics: Find your local clinic at: legalaid.on.ca/legal-clinics/ 

• Workers’ Action Centre - Hotline is open M – F from 12 – 5:00pm: 416 531 0778; 1 855 531 0778 

•  Ministry of Labour’s Employment Standards Information Centre - 416-326-7160; 1-800-531-5551 

 

Tech Devices and WiFi 

The RCTech OUTREACH program provides low income individuals with affordable computer packages 

 

WIFI Access for Everyone- Shaw Communications’ Go WiFi finder: https://www.shaw.ca/internet/wifi   

 

Interpretation 

 

Free Interpretation Registration Form - MCIS is enabling a toll-free line for free immediate interpretation services to support Non-English or Limited English speakers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  

 

Internationally Trained Health Care Workers 

Call for Skilled Frontline Health Care Workers - If you are retired, non-active, internationally educated, or a student in health care, please visit: onhealthworkforcematching.ca 

​

International Students 

Flexibility in post-graduation work permit rules to help international students – New Release Gov’t of Canada May 14, 2020 

Canada making major study and work visa change for fall 2020 – CIC News, May 15, 2020 

NEWCOMER/REFUGEE RESOURCES

 

Toolkit for Supporting Refugee Claimants and Non-Status Persons during COVID-19

 

Health Care for Uninsured Persons during COVID-19

​

ACCESSING SERVICES IN TORONTO AS A PERSON WITHOUT STATUS

 

For questions about identification requirements for any service provided by the City of Toronto, call 311.

 

You do not need to provide any personal information when asking for this service.

 

Translate option at the bottom of the City of Toronto website - Translate the information into 51 different languages.