WoodGreen works with young newcomers to foster a greater sense of belonging in their new Canadian home.
Quick facts
Service type: Newcomer, Youth
Eligibility: Youth (age 12 – 24) born outside of Canada, Refugee claimants, Conventional refugee, and Permanent residents
Delivery: In-person, virtual and by phone
Fee: Free
Program dates: This program runs year-round on a cohort basis. Each cohort is 4 – 6 weeks.
Partners: Government of Ontario
Program description
Designed for youth who are new to Canada, this program offersone-on-onecounselling and group activities that build connections, including leadership training, homework and arts clubs, organized sports and trips.We also provide English language training.
Eligibility:
Youth (age 12 – 24) born outside of Canada
Refugee claimants
Conventional refugee
Permanent residents
Delivery:
In-person, virtual and by phone
Program testimonials
Nichole
Client
“Without WoodGreen, I wouldn't know where I would be. Without all of the people who were and are there to help me learn about life and help me build it as I'm growing, I don't think I would be the same person as I am right now or be in my position in life.”
How you can support
Every gift makes a lasting difference in our community
We work with immigrants and refugees to access affordable housing resources, employment opportunities and government services, including health care. We can also address questions regarding citizenship, permanent residency and work permits.
With English Language training, newcomers can expand employment opportunities and access government services and community resources. We provide child care during class and support with transportation expenses for our in-person sessions.
We work with Syrian newcomers, both individuals and families, to address their unique challenges as they settle in Canada. Services are offered in Arabic and English.
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The Youth Wellness Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space offering a range of services, including financial counselling, settlement programs, mental health support and access to community-based services to find supportive housing and employment opportunities.
The Youth Housing Navigator (YHN) program support young individuals aged 16-30 in Toronto by helping them find and maintain safe and affordable housing.
Virtual and in person
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The Youth Wellness Subsidy Support Program is a specially tailored initiative for young individuals access appropriate and culturally sensitive mental health support.
Intakes are primarily offered virtually or telephonically
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The Newcomer Women Entrepreneurship Program (NWEP) is a free online training program for English and Arabic-speaking women who are interested in learning and developing entrepreneurial skills to start a business.
The Newcomer Community Integration Program (NCIP) works to address barriers experienced by newcomer immigrants and refugees who identify as women. We help to improve access to supports and opportunities that foster social and economic integration.
Personalized Career Accelerator (for Newcomers to Canada)
The Personalized Career Accelerator program (formerly known as Mentoring Pathways to Employment) helps skilled newcomers to succeed in a Canadian job search and connects them with a mentor with shared experiences who can support their journey.
Our Diverse Workforce Advantage Program (formerly known as Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration) can help your organization get a competitive edge in today's rapidly changing world of work. We can strengthen your workforce through training and access to a pipeline of skilled and experienced newcomer talent.
Older Workers’ Initiative (Ontario Works recipients only)
The Older Workers’ Initiative (OWI) aims to improve access to sustainable employment for job seekers aged 45 years or older who are on Ontario Works and have been unemployed for at least 1 year.
815 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4J 1L2, and 1533 Victoria Park Ave. Toronto, ON M1L 2T3
The Youth Possibilities Project (YPP) is funded by Service Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The program is open to youth aged 15 – 30 and offers 4 weeks of paid pre-employment training, followed by a 10-week paid job placement. With support from a job developer, participants explore their career options, secure a placement opportunity in their chosen field and gain valuable work experience and practical skills.
Youth Job Connection (YJC) serves youth aged 15 – 29 who experience multiple or complex barriers to employment. The program provides more intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities.
Funded by the United Way Greater Toronto, Foundations for Youth Success is designed for youth experiencing multiple or complex barriers to education and employment. Building on activities offered through the Youth Job Connection program, it aims to equip participants with the life skills needed to successfully engage in employment or employment readiness programs.
The Mentoring Partnership connects skilled immigrants with Canadian professionals in their field. Newcomers work with mentors to understand Canadian industry trends and the local labour market, develop more effective job search strategies and build their professional network.
Commitment required: 18 hours over three months (about 1.5 hours per week)
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This VFX training program is designed to give Black youth a competitive edge as they launch careers in digital compositing. Over 23 weeks, participants gain the knowledge and experience necessary to find post-production work. Training includes a six-week paid internship.
