Searching for Interpretation / Translation

Virtual Language training programs for:

• corporate and private sector (English, French)
• provincial and federal government (English, French)
• individuals
• one-to-one and group classes (all virtual meeting style)
• customized programs
• day or evening instruction

Utilizes MSTeams, Zoom, Webex, and other platforms. Private training (all levels) - French and English as a Second Language offered in various formats; other languages available upon request

Services include:

• settlement counselling and orientation:
• information and referral
• assistance with government benefits application
• assessment of English language skills
• referral to English language instruction

Settlement Services -- 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. Needs and eligibility assessments, post-arrival information and referral to job search and employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement and community services.

Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS) -- provides settlement support to newcomer families in schools during the school year (Sep-Jun). Settlement workers connect with newcomer students and families. One-on-one and group settings. Provide settlement-related information for successful integration * services are available to all UGDSB and WCDSB schools.

Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Services (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).

Translation and Interpretation Program Services (TIPS) -- services for individuals and organizations

Employment Counselling Services -- assistance with resumés and job search, employment training including Canadian workplace culture, computer skills, and worker health and safety information.

Programs and Groups:

• income tax clinics, income tax information sessions
• Orientation to Ontario Workshop
• English conversation circles
• one-on-one conversation practice
• Women's Group
• Seniors' groups

Information Sessions -- available monthly on a variety of topics, visit calendar for details.

Commissioner of Oaths

Provides students and their families new to Canada, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the Region of Halton, and their new school environment

Services offered include:

• Math and language assessments for students
• Access to community services and resources for parents
• Access to the Youth Settlement Program​
• Interpretation Services

Locations:

• Halton North (Milton), 2800 High Point Dr, Suite 212, 905-693-0623
• Halton South (Oakville), 255 Morden Road, 905-847-5113

Offer a wide range of culturally and linguistically appropriate services to Canadian-born citizens, naturalized citizens, permanent residents, refugees, international students and temporary foreign workers to help them settle and integrate into the community.


Successful integration is a two way process that requires adjustments for both newcomers and the community; settlement workers work closely with other agencies, businesses and all levels of government to ensure this happens.


Assists clients with issues they are encountering in adapting to their new home and ensuring that agency services are accessible to them regardless of how long they have been in Canada. Offers settlement services in-house and throughout the community.


Many of the Settlement Counsellors work out of branches of both the Waterloo and Kitchener Public Libraries to better reach the community.

This listing gives an overview of services to assist newcomers to Canada, and is an index to related listings in this directory

• for comprehensive information, please see the Halton Newcomer InfoPod

DRIVER'S LICENCE:

A newcomer to Ontario can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days

• after 60 days, a newcomer must switch to an Ontario driver's licence
• for more information on driver's licences for newcomers, see Ministry of Transportation website
• to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, go to a Drivetest Centre (for locations, see full listings here)

HEALTH INSURANCE:

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides publicly-funded health care for residents of Ontario

• for more information, see separate listing here
• to apply for OHIP, go to a ServiceOntario Service Counter (for locations, see full listings here)

Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who do not have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage

• for more information, see Government of Canada website

IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the arrival of immigrants, provides protection to refugees, and offers programming to help newcomers settle in Canada

• also grants citizenship and issues travel documents (such as passports) to Canadians
• for more information, see Government of Canada website

Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship test is used by newcomers to study for the citizenship test

• the publication is available online to read, listen to, or download
• a free print copy can be ordered online or by calling 1-888-567-7183
• also available to borrow at some library locations

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL FOR NEWCOMERS

For Community Information Centres throughout Halton that maintain information about the full range of human services and which function as the primary source of information about and linkage to human service providers in the community, see here

• for help in languages other than English, dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Ontario, which uses data from the Halton Community Services Directory and has live translation services in more than 150 languages

Settlement.org

INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION:

For a list of organizations that may provide this service, see full listings here

• may be a fee for document translation

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION - ESL, FSL AND LINC:

Programs that offer opportunities to learn listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on developing the level of communication competence that is essential for adults who are living in a setting in which English or French is the primary language

• for more information, see separate listing here

NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES:

Free services for newcomers to Canada are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to provide advice and help on:

• looking for a job
• getting a language assessment
• registering for language classes
• finding a place to live
• signing children up for school
• learning about community services

Available in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton and surrounding areas

Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively

Services include:

• Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
• work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
• can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
• services provided in 130 languages
• a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation

Translation

• translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
• provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
• offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
• offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
• voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
• visit the website for more information
• developing visual multilingual products

Cultural Diversity Training for service providers

• the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
• provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
• provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
• delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors

Services offered include school registration, assessment and settlement support

Assessment

• students from Grades 1 to 12 will have their English language and mathematics skills assessed
• helps schools offer students the supports needed as they begin studying in the Halton District School Board

Community Connections Specialist

• works with schools, parents and community partners to develop school community activities and projects
• support school and system initiatives relating to community outreach and parent engagement, equity and inclusive education, literacy, numeracy, tutoring/mentoring, and interventions for students at risk
• Virtual Newcomer Conversation Club
• Virtual High School Student Hangout
• to register please contact Dunja Cajko, Community Connections Specialist at [email protected]​​

Youth Settlement Workers

• help newcomer families interact with schools to maximize parental involvement and student success
• provide interpretation and translation services​ and connect families with useful community services that help students and their parents transition into the community and schools

Youth Settlement Specialist (YSS) in Schools

in partnership with HMC Connections (HMC), supports student and family engagement through the support of Youth Settlement Specialists (YSS) at the Welcome Centre and in schools

School Specific Youth Settlement Specialists

• meet with and provide continued settlement support to families as they navigate the HDSB system
• refer families to resources and support within the Halton community
• collaborate with HDSB staff in problem solving and identifying necessary support for students specific to language and/or culture
• provide language support to families and HDSB staff when/where needed (i.e confirming a meeting, supporting families new to the school etc.)

Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively

Services include:

• Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
• work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
• can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
• services provided in 130 languages
• a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation

Translation

• translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
• provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
• offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
• offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
• voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
• visit the website for more information
• developing visual multilingual products

Cultural Diversity Training for service providers

• the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
• provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
• provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
• delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors

Immigrant Services -- settlement information and orientation to life in Canada

• needs assessment
• referral to other agencies and government services
• help filling in government forms and applications
• Commissioner of Oaths, document translation and interpretation with service providers
• crisis support counselling
• Youth Achieving Employment Project (YAE) research project to develop an intervention for recent postsecondary graduates struggling to find employment
• Mississauga Cycles cycling mentorship and do-it-yourself Bike Hub
• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) where seniors help seniors learn computer based social networking skills, digital photography, event management, report writing and also a social and physical exercise club

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) -- sector specific language training with job search workshops and a co-op placement
English Conversation Circles (ECC), and ESL Home Based Business Language Training

Community Connections Mentorship Program (formerly HOST 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

Community Services

• digital Literacy Training
• free seasonal income tax clinic
• mobile dental clinic
• Orientation to Ontario (O2O) webinars

Access centre for Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications


Winter clothing items needed; to make a donation or for more information email Jagdeep Kailey: [email protected]

Newcomer Settlement Program

• needs assessment
• orientation and workshops on topics such as housing, employment, accessing government services
• information and referral,
• assistance filling government forms
• interpretation and translation

Winter clothing items needed; to make a donation or for more information email Jeff Msangi: [email protected]

Offers a wide range of services and learning opportunities to newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees

Settlement and Integration Services

• orientation, information
• translation and interpretation
• job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques

Family Support Program

• counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
• information and referral
• violence prevention education

COVID19 -- open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services from Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm, no appointment necessary.


Neighbourhood multi-service agency

Pathways to Settlement: client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society

Information and Awareness Services: helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:

• immigration, health, education and housing
• translation and interpretation
• form filling;
• referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
• supportive counselling for individuals and families;

Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM): assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations

• provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
• facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
• one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
• post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
• access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet

New Beginnings-Settlement & Employment Program (NB): supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaption process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.

Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program: see separate listing

Community Connections in School: in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access

Community Connections in Library: in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including sessions for seniors and English conversation circles

Seniors Program -- helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.

Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively

Services include:

• Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
• work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
• can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
• services provided in 130 languages
• a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation

Translation

• translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
• provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
• offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
• offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
• voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
• visit the website for more information
• developing visual multilingual products

Cultural Diversity Training for service providers

• the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
• provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
• provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
• delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors

Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively

Services include:

• Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
• work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
• can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
• services provided in 130 languages
• a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation

Translation

• translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
• provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
• offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
• offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
• voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
• visit the website for more information
• developing visual multilingual products

Cultural Diversity Training for service providers

• the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
• provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
• provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
• delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors

COVID19 -- open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; no appointment needed


Neighbourhood multi-service agency

Pathways to Settlement: client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society

Information and Awareness Services: helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:

• immigration, health, education and housing
• translation and interpretation
• form filling;
• referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
• supportive counselling for individuals and families;

Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) -- assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations

• provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
• facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
• one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
• post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
• access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet

Integrated Employment Services (IES) Program -- see separate listing

Community Connections in School in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access

Community Connections in Library in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including sessions for seniors, English conversation circles

Volunteers for Change (V4C)

• youth leadership project engages youth between the ages of 15-24 to build their leadership and communication skills
• increases engagement and level of participation in school, community and civic processes and builds self-confidence/self-esteem while expanding social network
• helps youth develop sense of identity, learn diversity awareness and team-building skills as well as strive to meet personal and social challenges
• participants complete at least 120 hours of volunteering and 40 hours of leadership training

Seniors Program -- helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.

Make Islamic resources fully accessible to the Deaf through a variety of services including:

• raising awareness in the community regarding the challenges faced by the Deaf
• approaching organizers to make their events accessible to the Deaf
• arranging for interpreters to be present at local mosques for the translation of sermons and prayers
• arranging for interpreters to be present at festivities (e.g. Eid, Ramadan, Holy night celebrations) as well as Islamic workshops, conferences, and conventions
• setting up Islamic classes with interpreter services - the curriculum addressing the knowledge level of a Deaf audience
• training interpreters on Islamic terms and signs so that they are able to interpret in an Islamic setting and context
• interpreting the Quran into ASL

Provides Deafblind individuals with accurate information in an appropriate manner to enable them to make choices, plan future actions, communicate successfully, navigate their environment, and achieve as much independence as possible.

Services include:

• communications to access services (ex. bank, shopping) or participate in the community (ex. library, community group)
• accessing and sharing accurate information during meetings such as medical appointments or meeting with a lawyer
• learning how to use community services such as public transportation
• conducting daily activities

Intervenors are also available 24/7 to assist Deafblind persons in emergency situations.

Provides resources, services, and courses to help blind and visually impaired individuals learn to read braille and improve their literacy skills. Also offers braille transcription services.

Contact for specific courses and services offered in your area.

• hearing aid clinics open
• core services offered virtually
• continuing to provide emergency support services - Emergency Interpreting Services 1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, [email protected], SMS/Text 416-712-6637 (charges may apply)
• Deaf-Blind Intervening Services1-866-518-0000, TTY 1-877-215-9530, Allan Wareham [email protected]

Multiservice agency for adults who are deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing

• audiology and speech-language pathology
• communication devices
• hearing aid services and hearing tests
• support for coping with hearing loss
• American Sign Language (ASL) classes for individuals and businesses

Interpreter Services -- professional ASL interpreters for medical, legal, business, employment, social and government services

Emergency Interpreter Services -- sign language interpreters for health or mental health emergencies, Mon-Sun 24 hours

Connect Counselling Services -- for mental health issues, addiction, relationship problems, domestic violence or other serious challenges

Educational Support Services -- note takers, sign language interpreters and assistive devices for part time postsecondary students

Settlement Program for Newcomers

• needs assessment and referrals
• translation (English and American Sign Language)
• form filling
• problem solving
• information on technical devices, housing, transportation, health, employment, education, legal system, settlement issues, local community

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) -- basic communication skills, reading and writing in English, adapting to life in Canada; instruction is in American Sign Language (ASL)

Provides business services that support the community in working with newcomers effectively

Services include:

• Interpretation and Cultural Ambassadors
• work with clients in a variety of situations including assessments, consultations, intakes and meetings
• can provide interpretation in any style - whisper, simultaneous, consecutive
• services provided in 130 languages
• a Cultural Ambassador can communicate the importance and significance of religion and religious practice, family or cultural traditions, or of common beliefs and practices of the person requiring interpretation

Translation

• translate documents including passport stamps, birth and certificates, identification cards or other legal documents
• provide translation for projects like brochures, flyers, presentations and video transcribing
• offers CILISAT (Cultural Interpreter Language & Interpretation Skills Assessment Tool), a language proficiency accreditation program
• offers an online Core Community Interpreting Training course
• voice overs for visual production in multiple languages
• visit the website for more information
• developing visual multilingual products

Cultural Diversity Training for service providers

• the goal of the program is to assist organizations in understanding issues related to cultural inclusion
• provides training to service providers and their staff to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive community by combating stereotypes, bias, and discrimination
• provides workshops and presentations to the community at large, tailored to the length of time and to the subject matter requested
• delivers multiple training sessions annually in the areas of children services, mental health, for respondents such as firefighters, police officers, long term care for seniors, public and catholic school boards and refugee private sponsors

This office has moved temporarily to 40 Peel Centre Dr, Unit 209, Brampton until March, 2024


Services and learning opportunities for newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English and French, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding may be available for attendees - LINC classes virtual only until this office moves to permanent site

Settlement and Integration Services

• orientation, information
• translation and interpretation
• job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques

Family Support Program

• counselling; support for children exposed to family violence
• information and referral
• violence prevention education

Senior Program

• cultural and linguistic support; peer support
• guest speakers on topics of interest
• recreational and social activities

COVID19 -- open for in-person, virtual, telephone and email services Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm; no appointment needed


Neighbourhood multi-service agency

Pathways to Settlement: client-centred program to facilitate newcomers' integration and participation in Canadian society

Information and Awareness Services: helps newcomers settle including information and orientation on issues such as:

• immigration, health, education and housing
• translation and interpretation
• form filling;
• referrals to government and community resources ; monthly information seminars
• supportive counselling for individuals and families;

Navigating the Canadian Labour Market (NCLM) -- assists newcomers and internationally trained professionals become employable in Canada, create an effective job search plan and learn about employer expectations

• provides needs assessment and customized action plan on career planning
• facilitates workshops on Canadian workplace culture, resume writing, interview skills, pre-employment training and networking events
• one-on-one job search coaching and mentoring
• post-post-program follow-up and support, and job leads
• access to computers, printers, telephones, fax machines, photocopiers, Internet

New Beginnings-Settlement & Employment Program (NB): supports immigrants, refugees and citizens in their settlement and adaption process to help newcomers and citizens to be fully engaged in Canadian life, and to maximize the benefits of their contribution into Canadian society.

Integrated Employment Services (IES) - see other listing

Community Connections in School: in partnership with Peel District School Board, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates the adaptation of newly-arrived newcomers to school and community life by providing support services typically needed by newcomers in their first year in Canada, focusing on information, orientation, advocacy, referral and access to services

Community Connections in Library: in partnership with Brampton Library and IRCC; programs include group information sessions including workshops for seniors and English conversation circles

Volunteer Management Program -- offers volunteer opportunities to newcomers, seniors and youth; bilingual/multilingual volunteers are assets as they help clients with language barriers; volunteering will provide opportunities to:

• job-shadow and learn about the Canadian work environment
• work with clients in a settlement based environment learning about the process of the initial intake and assessment
• assist with prepping and facilitation, job search and resume writing
• learn about completing Service Canada and Service Ontario forms for clients
• organize and assist in fundraisers and other events

Enriching Lives - mental health and addictions' initiative providing culturally sensitive care to community members to overcome systemic barriers and stigma surrounding mental health and addictions One-on-one counselling, group sessions and specialized workshops are given.

Crisis Counselling: provides support and guidance during a crisis working on achieving stability, increasing empowerment and safety of community members via one-on-one and group sessions

Youth Crisis Counselling: provides mental health supports, crisis intervention to youth 12-21 years who are experiencing school, emotional, and/or behavioural challenges

Seniors Program -- helps seniors enhance their knowledge and skills on various topics of interest, and engages them in activities such as social interactions and outings to to Canadian cultural sites; reduces isolation by bringing older adults together in a safe environment.

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person services; some service by telephone and Zoom

Culturally appropriate mental health, addiction, violence prevention, settlement, geriatric, youth and family services, and community and leadership development in South Asian communities, including volunteer opportunities and student placements

Seniors and High Risk Seniors Services
Supportive services to assist in aging at home

• health promotion (diabetes education, tobacco prevention, healthy eating, cancer)
• domestic violence support and assistance
• women's and men's group programs
• group programs for youth and children
• parenting programs
• food bank services for abused women
• translation services
• resource development
• diversity training

Sahara Mental Health Program
Culturally and linguistically appropriate support for clients 16 years or over dealing with mental health challenges

• short term and long term case management
• early psychosis intervention for youth and adults 14-35 years
• supportive counselling to clients and family members
• concurrent disorder support group
• mobile community support group

Sahara Addiction Program
Culturally appropriate service to individuals and family members struggling with substance abuse

• case management
• addictions day program
• groups for men and women
• relapse prevention group
• coping skills for family members
• peer support program
• Sahara Opioid Addiction Program, including case management and prevention support group (collaboration with Home and Community Care Support Services Central West)

Settlement Services
Newcomer integration assistance, including information and referral, and information on training and skills development

• orientation sessions including Canadian laws and norms
• assistance in filling out government forms
• attestation of documents
• translation/interpretation services
• supportive counselling

Sahara Geriatric Program
Community support for seniors 55 years and older, including case management, referrals, crisis management, caregiver support and counselling

• Integrated Seniors Team (IST) Program in partnership with Peel Senior Link and Supportive Housing in Peel
• Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Day Program for caregivers of adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia
• education, assessments and capacity development in partnership with other community agencies
• Senior Caregivers Support Day Program, including separate and combined groups for women and men

Better Families Program
Support, groups, mentoring, and referrals for youth 13-24 years and their parents in addressing issues related to healthy interactions between families and communities

Community Development and Social Enterprise
Leadership and community development, and civic engagement for youth and adults in South Asian communities in Malton

Provides students and their families new to Canada, with guidance and support as they become familiar with the Region of Halton, and their new school environment

Services offered include:

• Math and language assessments for students
• Access to community services and resources for parents
• Access to the Youth Settlement Program​
• Interpretation Services

Locations:

• Halton North (Milton), 2800 High Point Dr, Suite 212, 905-693-0623
• Halton South (Oakville), 255 Morden Road, 905-847-5113

COVID19 -- call or email concerning service updates


Settlement information for immigrants and refugees including government assisted refugees

• job search assistance and information about workplace rights and Employment Standards Act
• information about health and education system, landlord and tenant rights, banking
• anti-violence information for families, mental health information
• seasonal income tax clinic (Community Volunteer Income Tax Program) for families with low incomes
• information and referral to community services
• assistance with forms and applications such as PR card renewal, citizenship applications and forms for income security and health programs
• English-Chinese interpretation and translation, commissioner of oaths
• in-home settlement service visits available

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry, childminding may be available for attendees with children 2-6 years, bus fare for eligible attendees

• computer/Zoom classes: Zoom classes open to all who want to learn video conferencing via the Zoom app; class outside LINC/ESL class time

Seniors Programs

• needs assessment, information and referral
• community connection activities and workshops such as Chinese painting, Taiji, line dance, Chinese folk dancing