Settlement Services for Newcomers
Quick Facts
Did you know that The SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools) program at TNO has been supporting newcomer High-school and middle school students through the NOW and WIN programs since 2007—17 years and counting! Over this time, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming and connecting thousands of newcomer youth and their families to their new schools, school system, and communities, helping to make their first days of school a smoother, more enjoyable, and rewarding experience.
TNO provides free services to help newcomers successfully adjust to their new community by staying informed and connected.
Our team can help newcomers find a job, learn about healthcare, navigate the education system in Ontario, seek social assistance, connect with community programs, or meet new friends. TNO‘s Settlement Services team is here to assist.
Information and Orientation
The program offers Information sessions and workshops to educate newcomers on topics such as housing, employment, local community resources, civic engagement, the Ontario education system, health, wellness and citizenship preparation, etc. We also offer Orientation to Ontario (O2O) workshops. Please call in or check the website to access the calendar for the workshops’ schedule.
Needs Assessment and Referral Services
Based on their individual needs, newcomers will receive information on how to access these resources and many more:
- Canadian education and school system
- Citizenship and immigration
- Employment and volunteering
- Health and dental services
- Language classes
- Family benefits and social assistance
- Housing
- Assistance in filling out forms
- Support letters
- Recreational activities for students and families
- Community resources
- Support services for childcare, transportation and translation
Community Connections Groups
Cross-cultural interaction and learning which includes:
- Youth mentorship groups, homework clubs, and conversation circles.
- Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for newcomer secondary school students before the start of the school year.
- Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) program for newcomer middle school students and their parents one week before the start of class.
Join the Program
Event Calendar
Check out our calendar to find upcoming program, workshops, and events.
Who is Eligible?
We offer our Settlement Services to any individual aged 16 or older who is new to Canada and requires support in adapting to life in Ontario. Our individualized services support diverse groups, including- but not limited to-the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, refugees, temporary foreign workers, caregivers, and international students.
Contact Details
Malini Singh, Manager of Newcomer Support Services
416-467-0126 x 1235
Jennifer Rajasekar, Manager of Newcomer Support Services
416-421-3054 x 2201
We also offer services at:
- School Boards
- Toronto Public Libraries
- City of Toronto Sites
- Colleges and Universities
For more information, please email settlement@tno-toronto.org
or call 416-421-3054
Our Programs
HUB Settlement Services
HUB Settlement Services provides free support to help newcomers settle confidently into the community, offering in-person, virtual, and group services at TNO HUB locations. Our team assists with job searches, healthcare navigation, understanding Ontario’s education system, and accessing social assistance.
Attend Orientation and Information Sessions
Use Needs Assessment and Referral Services for Personalized Support
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
Newcomers often prioritize school attendance as they recognize education’s crucial role in shaping their children’s future success. Through collaboration with the TDSB/TCDSB, SWIS Settlement Workers extend support to newly arrived immigrant families and youth in 145+ schools. They assist with school registration, understanding Ontario’s school system, English classes, finding jobs, immigration, accessing community services and much more.
• Newcomer Support Services
• NOW (Newcomer Orientation Week)
• WIN (Welcome and Information for Newcomers)
Library Settlement Partnership (LSP)
In partnership with Toronto Public Library, LSP Settlement Workers have been assisting newcomers with their settlement needs at multiple library locations across Toronto since 2007.
• Thorncliffe Park Branch: 48 Thorncliffe Park Dr, Toronto
• Flemingdon Park Branch: 29 St. Dennis Dr. Toronto
• Parliament Branch: 269 Gerrard Street East. Toronto
2SLGBTQI+ Settlement Program
We offer services to newcomers who identify as part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, providing essential settlement support, including employment, housing, mental and physical health services, and advocacy for refugee and compassionate cases.
Resources and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers
Newcomer Mental Health Workers
We offer confidential, supportive counselling sessions for youth and adults tailored to address settlement needs and devise personalized plans to provide emotional support. We connect individuals to specialized community resources, including drop-in centers, support groups, and cost-free programs.
Roma Youth Outreach Worker (YOW)
Youth Outreach Worker – Roma This an initiative for Roma at-risk youth ages 12 to 21 and their families in East Toronto. It is designed to help empower and provide them with individualized programming to meet their unique needs and circumstances. Contact: 647-709-2990
Newcomer Services Kiosks
City of Toronto sites include:
• Access to Housing
• City Hall
• Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre
• Yonge/Eglinton Employment and Social Services
International Students Connect (ISC)
Studying in a different country can be exciting and challenging; TNO provides settlement information and orientation to international students pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario. The goal is to help international students and their families integrate successfully should they choose to settle in Ontario after graduation.
• George Brown College
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
Provides settlement services and group sessions for youth and their families in 180+ schools. Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) and Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) is an orientation program for newly arrived students and their families to help familiarize newcomers with the Ontario/Canadian school system, school culture, and community support services.
Library Settlement Partnership (LSP)
In partnership with Toronto Public Library, the LSP program provides settlement services to newcomers at Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, and Parliament branches.
LGBTQ2S+ Settlement Workers
Provides newcomer-friendly resources and advocates for refugees and Humanitarian and Compassion cases.
Newcomer Mental Health Worker
Provides counselling, support, and referral services for newcomers seeking mental and emotional support.
Roma Youth Outreach Worker (YOW)
Provide settlement support to Roma youth and their families to settle in Canada.
Newcomer Services Kiosks
Settlement supports are available at Access to Housing, City Hall, Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre, Golden Mile Employment, and Social Services Yonge Eglinton Employment and Social Services.
International Students Connect (ISC)
Provide settlement support to international students and their families to assist them in integrating successfully if they decide to remain in Ontario after they have completed their studies.