YMCA Immigrant Services
At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves to feel connected, supported, and proud to call Grey Bruce home.
We offer friendly, free services to support you as you settle and build your life here in Grey and Bruce counties. Our team helps you feel connected, find resources, and understand your new community. We work with local partners to provide support that meets your unique needs.
Who Can Access YMCA Immigrant Services in Grey Bruce?
We Welcome:
Permanent Residents (also called Landed Immigrants) who do not yet have Canadian Citizenship
A person in Canada who has received an Approval in Principle letter for their Permanent Residence application
Convention Refugee and Protected Persons
Temporary Workers or Students who have obtained initial approval for a concurrent application for Permanent Residence
If you do not qualify for our program, we will help you find other services in the community.
Programs and Services for Immigrants and Newcomers
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We can help you:
- Fill out forms, applications and other documents
- Understand local systems such as health care, education, recreation services, income assistance, taxes and more
- Find programs and services within the community
- Provide referrals to programs and services including; counselling, employment services, language assessments, children and youth services, legal issues and refugee other specialized services
- Communicate with employers, landlords, social and government services, legal services and more
- Learn about life and culture in Canada
- Get help with licensing and accreditation
Our group information sessions help you learn about important settlement topics and about life in Canada and your community.
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Join to learn about important topics like:
- Banking in Canada
- Getting ready for school
- Protecting yourself from fraud and scams
- Canadian laws and police
- Finding housing
- Voting in elections
- Filing income taxes
- Adjusting to winter weather
- Parenting in a new community
Our citizenship classes will help prepare you to become a Canadian citizen. Each week covers a different theme and discussions will encourage participation. You can join any time. Classes are open to families and invidiuals.
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Classes are offered twice a week in the afternoon and evening.
Weekly themes on “Discover Canada”
- Week 1 – Canada, who are you?
- Week 2 – Here’s a map, let’s explore!
- Week 3 – Hop on the train: journey through the past and present
- Week 4 – Who is in charge of Canada?
- Week 5 – The wheels of justice
- Week 6 – Canada: “With great freedom comes great responsibility”
Want to improve your English for citizenship, work or school?, Our certified teachers help you practice reading, writing, speaking and listening through real-life examples. To participate in these classes, you must complete a Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment.
Book an assessment with Achēv Language Assessment Services, or speak with your Settlement Worker for assistance.
Conversation Circles
Practice your English Language Skills in an informal setting to support your language development.
Conversation Circles are offered offered across Grey Bruce and are open to families and individuals with no assessment required, join any time. Call 519-371-9222 for more information.
Our team supports newcomer children and youth to feel welcome and comfortable in their new school and community.
We help with:
- School registration
- Understanding classes and schedules
- Finding activities and clubs.
- Conversation circles to improve English.
- Cultural awareness activities.
We support newcomers in the workplace, in partnership with YMCA Employment Services, including help understanding workplace documents, on-the-job orientation support, and training in health and safety, communication, and Canadian workplace culture.
We also support employers by assisting with the onboarding and training of newcomers.
Community Connections
Make friends, celebrate your culture and feel part of your new community through fun activities.
We believe that connecting with others is a powerful way to shine in your new community. That’s why we offer a wide range of fun engaging activities designed to bring people together, create meaningful experiences and build strong support networks.
What you can look forward to:
- Joining in local cultural festivals and community celebrations like Multicultural Day, where newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and long-time residents come together to enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and engaging activities.
- Volunteering opportunities that help you give back and grow your skills.
Immigrant Services Workshops
What Our Clients Have to Say
A Refugee’s Resettlement Journey to Canada
This video provides refugees resettling to Canada with an overview of what to expect, including services and support that will be provided to help them get settled in Canada.
Canada's Immigration System: An Overview
To help Canadians understand how our immigration system works, Citizenship and Immigration Canada developed this short animated video.