The YMCA Newcomer Information Centre is a welcome hub for immigrants from all over the world looking to start their new lives in Canada. Newcomers are well-received by warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff. After free registration, members can access a great variety of support:

• Accurate settlement information and referral from knowledgeable staff
• Monthly settlement information sessions
• Guest speaker series – presenters from professional associations, social, legal, government and educational institutions
• Newcomer youth services
• Newcomer Volunteer Network
• Resource centre with computers, fax, photocopier and library

To access service, newcomers must be at least 16 years of age and register as a member with one of the following original immigration documents:

• Permanent Resident (PR) card
• Landing paper
• Notice of Decision letter

Registered members receive a NIC member card that provides repeat access to one-on-one support or repeat access to the computer or resource areas. Clients that do not have proper documentation will be given a temporary card valid for the first visit only. Proper ID and documentation must be brought to the next visit in order to access the centre.

At each NIC you can receive information on dozens of topics including:

• Essential Government Documents and Benefits
• Immigration and citizenship
• Employment
• Education and Training
• Credential Assessment
• Language classes (LINC, ESL, FSL, etc.)
• Health
• Housing
• Legal and Social Services
• Child, Youth and Family Resources
• Community and Recreation
• Consumer Information
• Personal Finance and Income Tax
• Shelter, Food and Clothing

Visit any one of our three full-service hubs:

• Toronto YMCA Newcomer Centre
• North York YMCA Newcomer Centre
• Scarborough YMCA Newcomer Centre

Other locations with limited services include:

• Toronto Reference Library
• Centennial Library
• Etobicoke YMCA Employment and Newcomer Centre
• Scarborough Town YMCA Employment and Newcomer Centre

Settlement Workers and Educators

Would you like us to come to you? We can deliver a settlement presentation to your permanent resident newcomer clients in a variety of languages. Browse through our list of in-house information sessions to find the right topic for your group. We also provide customized presentations on all YMCA Newcomer Settlement Programs and other YMCA programs that support newcomers in their integration into Canadian society.