Our provincial YMCA Settlement Program provide place-based settlement and languages support to Immigrant, Refugees, and their families who are new to communities outside of HRM.

We work with local partners to create welcoming communities and have staff in multiple smaller centres across the province

• 9 in-person, local Settlement and Integration support sites

• Over 20 different Language Instruction sites

Our program includes:In-person Individual and group settlement services

• Community Orientation and support in accessing services

• Social events and recreational opportunities

• Child and Youth Programming

• Solution-focused counselling and advocacy

• Awareness raising and welcoming communities initiatives

• Community collaboration and referrals

• In-person Language instruction

• Needs Assessments and Settlement Plans for Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) participant

YREACH Language Programs are offered in multiple locations outside of HRM across the province. The YREACH Language program is for adult immigrants and refugees who need to develop the necessary language and communication skills to actively participate in Canadian society. YREACH is available to a broad range of participants with varying immigration statuses. Classes are flexible with times and days agreed upon  between the instructor and participant (within capacity). These classes are usually an hour and a half to 2 hours, a couple of times per week. A language assessment is needed before being placed in a class.

The program offers the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills based on Canadian Language Benchmarks, using real world tasks and learners are assessed through PENS (Proficiency in English Nova Scotia), a portfolio based language program. After attending for a minimum of 3 months, and having achieved a CLB 4 in listening and speaking, a participant can obtain a certificate that can be used to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Through the YREACH Settlement program, newcomers can also access informal language programming. Certificates for the purpose of applying for Canadian citizenship are not offered in informal language training, nor is a language assessment needed. It may, however, provide that perfect opportunity to practice and improve language skills while waiting for a formal language class and/or just build social networks, get connected and learn new things in English. Check out the local YREACH Settlement Program for days and times of offerings.

Newcomer children and youth have different settlement needs than adults. By providing empowering programs and services we are working together with young people to remove obstacles and to support them as the role models and leaders our communities need.

Youth Outreach programming for young people aged 13-21 that develops leadership skills, independence and a social network that are essential to sense of belonging.

There is no better way to connect to your community than through volunteering. Our volunteers support newcomers’ integration, creating a tight-knit community for all.

The following are some of the programs we are happy to offer at the YMCA and our volunteers can be part of.

Note: What you will need to complete:
· Volunteer interview
· Valid Criminal reference and vulnerable sector check
· Child Abuse Registry Check
· Three references
· Commitment to YMCA training

Volunteer at Canada Connects 
YMCA Immigrant Services 
The YMCA Canada Connects Program is a volunteer matching program that is needs-driven and supports newcomers to become fully engaged in Canadian life by increasing their understanding of the social, cultural, and economic context of the new community. This is also a great opportunity to expand on your cultural knowledge and build meaningful relationships.
Fill out the volunteer application form and send it to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Summer Camp Leader 
YMCA Immigrant Services 
Volunteers will engage and interact with children between the ages of 8-12 years. The YIS Summer Camp is a 6 week program that will begin in July and continue till the end of August. The Summer Camp Volunteer will support staff in effectively organizing and hosting activities. They will also be responsible for the well-being and safety of all the children attending the camp. Daily, there will be around 15 children present.
Fill out the volunteer application form and send it to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Interpretation Volunteer 
YMCA Immigrant Services 
Volunteers will be responsible for facilitating communication for people with limited English proficiency. Our center is currently looking for individuals who are fluent in Ukrainian, Swahili, Chinese, Tigrinya and Somali. In order to effectively provide services and programs to newcomers from different cultural backgrounds, we require language support for both clients and staff. The timings are quite flexible, as it is a needs-based support. All volunteers will be given at least a two week’s notice when volunteer opportunities are available.
Fill out the volunteer application form and send it to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

Tutor – Homework Club 
YMCA Immigrant Services 
The Homework Club is designed to provide academic support to Newcomer youth ages 13-18.
Fill out the volunteer application form and send it to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

After School Program 
YMCA Immigrant Services 
The After School Program has been designed to be active, healthy, and fun with an emphasis on letting children make their own choices. YMCA staff work to build a special relationship with each child, helping them develop new physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills in a caring, nurturing environment.

Volunteers will engage and interact with children between the ages of 5-12 years. 
Fill out the volunteer application form and send it to our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]

The YMCA works in partnership with schools in Southwest Nova Scotia to assist immigrant children, youth, and their families.

Since 1992, our YMCA has partnered with schools throughout our community to support the settlement of families new to Canada. Our friendly, welcoming YMCA School Settlement Support Staff work on-site at elementary, junior and senior high schools to provide practical assistance to immigrant children, youth, and families. 

Each family, every school, and all situations are unique. Our YMCA staff provide individualized support at all School Settlement Program locations to ensure that students and families feel confident, comfortable and most of all, connected to your community.

YMCA School Settlement Services Include:

• Orientation to your new school and community

• Support from YMCA staff serving as your personal liaison assistance between home and school

• Referrals to settlement, language, and employment services

• Becoming connected with local services suited to your needs

• After school programs and various recreational activities

• Help with your schoolwork through YMCA academic counselling, Homework Clubs, and peer tutoring

• Assistance with language translation and interpretation

• Making new friends and engaging with others at the YMCA multicultural clubs and events

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is an evidence-based program that works in the home to support vulnerable and isolated mothers in their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. HIPPY strengthens families and communities by empowering mothers to actively participate in Canadian society and prepare their children for success in school and life. As the foundational program of the Mothers Matter Centre, HIPPY Canada has transformed more than 45,000 lives.

Settlement Plan for AIP Candidates

• Completing the needs assessment and creating an individualized settlement plan for AIP candidates who reside in Nova Scotia, which are required to be included in the Endorsement application for AIP. 

• Collaborating with employers for referrals and settlement plans. 

• Providing clients with referrals/resources regarding information about the program, as well as connecting them to settlement staff across Nova Scotia, when necessary. 

Intercultural Competency Training

As part of the Atlantic Immigration Program, designated organizations are required to complete intercultural competency training.

This training aims to support those who are responsible for hiring or managing employees in your organization and covers topics such as:

• Creating welcoming and culturally inclusive workplaces

• Newcomer experiences

• Cultural awareness

Active Living is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and an important tool for successful settlement. YMCA Centre for Immigration Programs offers opportunities for newcomers to be involved, live an active lifestyle at our centre and in the community. We have a wide range of programming and something for everyone.

The Youth 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer Program at the YMCA Center of Immigrant Programs supports young newcomers who identify as LGBTQIA+. The program supports clients who face structural barriers to accessing and navigating systems of services. In-person and one-on-one sessions will be provided anonymously.

Place-based services including trainings, workshops and one-on-one sessions are provided in accessible manners.

Support: https://good2talk.ca/novascotia/

Employment and Education resources:

For:

• Service Providers

• Newcomer Clients

• National GBV Settlement Sector Strategy