Newcomer Settlement Services

Moving and settling in a new country can be hard. YMCA of Three Rivers Immigrant Services is the official source of official government funded settlement services in Perth County. They exist to help ease the fear and lessen the difficulties. Their knowledgeable and multilingual team are often the first step in helping newcomers establish Canada as their new home. 

A variety of programming and services are geared to help newcomers navigate and learn about life in Canada, linking families with schools, supporting children and parents with various settlement needs, and connecting individuals with community resources. Their information sessions and workshops are tailored to a number of topics relevant to newcomers, with a goal of fostering connection and belonging in community. 

For more information, call 226-448-0637 or email: newcomersperthcounty@ytr.ymca.ca

Services:

Community Settlement

A settlement worker is the first connection for information and support. Through a settlement needs assessment, a settlement worker identifies and connects newcomers to necessary services and information. To book an appointment with a settlement worker or connect directly please call: 

• Donna Dong - email: donna.dong@ytr.ymca.ca, telephone: 519-504-3219
• Svitlana Dzhura - email: svitlana.dzhura@ytr.ymca.ca, telephone: 519-489-8927

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Services (CLARS)

This service provides official Canadian Language Benchmark Assessments to immigrants and referrals to the most appropriate language learning option. If you would like to have a language assessment and referral, or learn more about language classes please connect with us at intake@ytr.ymca.ca

Library Settlement Program (LSP)

In partnership with the Perth East Public Library, West Perth Public Library, and Stratford Public Library, LSP Settlement Workers continue to support newcomer and immigrant needs by providing support and information in areas including citizenship, housing, education and referrals to community resources. 

Settlement Workers in the Schools

Committed to building bridges to link newcomers with the school and the community, these services are provided through a partnership between the YMCA of Three Rivers, the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), and Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB).

Mentorship Program

Designed for internationally trained professionals (ITPs) who have been in Canada for less than three (3) years and have not yet worked in their field of expertise, this program matches them with experienced professionals from Canada based on shared education and similar work experience to provide guidance, give insights, and expand networks.

Canada Connect

This program is designed to help meet the social needs of our newcomer neighbors during a time of social distance. Through Canada Connect, newcomers can be connected with caring, and welcoming community volunteers (called Connectors) who can help a newcomer and their family quickly gain a greater sense of community, belonging, and safety in their new home. Matches are made based on location, family composition, hobbies, interests, and more. 

Community Connections

This program offers opportunities to learn and build connections through English Conversation Circles, Citizenship Support Group and the Computer Literacy Program. 

For more information, call 226-448-0637 or email: newcomersperthcounty@ytr.ymca.ca

Hours:

• Monday 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Tuesday 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Wednesday 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm 

YMCA programming also offers opportunities to welcome new immigrants to Perth County and build a vibrant and more inclusive community.  YMCA programming offers opportunities to:

• Practice English/ French in Conversation Circles
• Learn about Canadian Culture
• Learn new skills
• Get involved through Group Activities

For more information or to register for a program, visit the YMCA Three Rivers website: www.ymcathreerivers.ca.