Programs & Services
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA (LINC)
This program offers free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes to persons who are 18 years of age or older who are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees or have ‘approval in principal’ to remain in Canada.
You are not eligible for these classes if you are a Canadian citizen, Refugee Claimant, or a Temporary Resident (such as foreign student, foreign worker or visitor).
Before starting classes all student must first take a language assessment test to determine which level is right for you. These assessments are done by appointment only and are held at the BWG Library. Assessments can be done at any CLARS Assessment Centres available in other areas.
Full-time classes run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 2:30pm from September to June. Part-time classes run Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Transportation assistance and Care for Newcomer Children is available.
CARE FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN (CNC)
Care is provided on-site for children whose parents are registered in the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program.
Without this support, many newcomers would have been unable to attend due to the difficulty of finding care for their young children.
In April of 2014, the new CNC Model was implemented. This model created a comprehensive system for CNC delivery that integrates a wide range of programming options. This model is designed to be flexible and to permit agencies such as ours to care for more newcomer children in a variety of formats and settings. For more information on this please consult


INTEGRATION TO CANADIAN SOCIETY PROGRAM
The Integration to Canadian Society Program is geared specifically for newcomers. Newcomers typically immigrate to Canada to seek a better way of life. Some are fleeing their native countries leaving behind horrific living conditions and threats to their safety. Many show up on Canada’s doorstep with little to no money to their names. The vast majority of newcomers are raising their children in low income households. This program will reduce the impact of living in a low income household by improving the odds that the children will be successful in school. By having access to services and supports to assist them with their child’s education and increasing their social support circle, parents who are working, or looking for work, will experience less stress and need to take time away from work because of parenting and/or school issues.
This program will help parents recognize their role in their child’s education and increase their understanding of what is expected when their child enters school. This program receives funding support from the County of Simcoe.
SUMMER SCHOOL READINESS – SCAMP
This School Readiness Program is designed for children 3-5 years of age.
This FREE program is currently being offered to English as Second Language (ESL) families in our area.
The focus of this four (4) week program is learning and improving social, English language, self-help and reasoning skills.
The program will be held Monday to Thursday mornings in the month of July.
This program is designed to promote successful entry to Kindergarten along with a balance of active learning activities that help build a solid foundation for continued learning.
The program also gives parents a better understanding of the Canadian school system and how they can help their children learn.
This program receives funding support from the County of Simcoe.
GETTING READY FOR K (Kindergarten)
A workshop series for newcomer parents and their children 3-6 years of age who will start Kindergarten in September.
This workshop allows you to:
- learn how your child learns
- learn how to help your child get along
- learn how to help your child figure things out
- learn how to get your child ready for going to school
This program receives funding support through the County of Simcoe. For more information call 905-775-1498. These programs are delivered in partnership with the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) Bradford of Catulpa Community Support Services.
IMMIGRANT SUPPORT GROUP
Coming to Canada as a parent or young adult or on your own can be challenging. Learning a new language, new culture, and leaving family behind is difficult. We offer a safe place to meet new people and integrate into Canadian society:
- discuss feelings of isolation
- get help to overcome a traumatic experience
- get emotional support and strategies on how to adapt to a new country
- talk about your feelings in a safe and supportive environment
Free support group meets fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
This program receives funding support from the County of Simcoe.
OTHER SERVICES
Citizenship & Immigration: Applications for these purposes are kept in stock for our clientele, for example, Applications for the PR Card, Applications for Canadian Citizenship, etc. Assistance can be provided for the completion of these, if required.
Commissioner of Oaths: Our office deals with many documents in other languages as well as many government forms that must have a Commissioner’s Seals or must be certified original copies. A Commissioner of Oaths is available on site for this purpose. Please call us for an appointment.
Form Completions: Assistance is provided to those individuals requiring assistance in the completion of any government, immigration or any such form that they are unable to complete.
Information & Referral: We endeavour to assist a client with any problem or query they might have or refer them to the appropriate agency that could assist them.
Interpretations: We have a volunteer roster of interpreters in several languages. The use of interpreters is essential in assisting individuals with language barriers.
Translations: We are committed to providing the most reliable translation services of the highest quality, and at affordable and competitive prices. All documents are treated with strict confidence, and we can meet any requested turnaround time. We provide services in several languages and use experience translators that are fluent in both English and the language of translation. All translations are accompanied by an Affidavit of Translation. Please contact us for a free estimate.
Settlement Assistance: Assistance to refugees and immigrants to settle and adapt to life in the local area by providing assistance in completing forms; information on social services, schools, health care, housing and recreational facilities; referrals to education, government and community services; employment assistance; referrals to translators. Funding for this service is provided through the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka.