We work with Syrian newcomers and families to address their unique challenges as they settle in Canada.
Quick facts
Service type: Newcomer
Eligibility: Newcomers of Syrian descent, including Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Protected Persons, Naturalized Canadian Citizens, Refugee Claimants, Temporary Foreign Workers and International Students. We serve individuals of all ages and families.
Delivery: Currently, the program is being offered virtually. This information will be updated once in-person programming resumes.
Fee: Free
Program dates: Year-round
Program description
Our Arabic-speaking Family Support Worker offers individual support and group sessions to help Syrian newcomers of all ages adjust and settle in Canada. We offer supportive counselling, assistance with government benefits and service applications, and help in accessing neighbourhood programs and connecting with the broader community. We also offer activities for all ages, including social and recreational activities, drop-in programs for children, and workshops on settlement, parenting and citizenship test preparation.
Services are available in English and Arabic.
Supporting resources
Citizenship test preparation classes
This program offers citizenship test preparation classes. Learn more here.
“During Christmas, WoodGreen let us feel that we are not alone here in Canada, including our kids. They received many gifts through their participation in the program. During the pandemic, we needed a lot of information about COVID-19-related financial support and we got help to fill out the applications and receive the right information.”
Yara
Client
“My husband and I took the Canadian citizenship test, and we passed. I would like to thank WoodGreen’s Syrian Family Support Worker very much for all she did towards this significant milestone in our life. Her presence and her unconditional help were all very important in our success.”
Due to COVID-19, in-person services are currently unavailable. The program is being offered virtually.
If you are interested in this program, please fill out this form in Englishor Arabicor contact our Syrian Newcomer Support Worker.
To learn more, please contact:
Contact information
Ghaidaa Arbash
Syrian Newcomer Support Worker
(437) 247-4044
garbash@woodgreen.org
Location
815 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON
M4J 1L2
1491 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON
M4J 1N5
Hours
Monday − Friday: 9 a.m. − 5 p.m.
Related programs
Online
In person
Skills for Success for Older Workers
This 4-week training program supports older workers (45+) in building the skills needed to adapt to the fast pace of developments in technology and the changing world of work.
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 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.
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Designed for youth who are new to Canada, this program offers recreational, skill-building and mental health services, working with young newcomers as they make friends and settle into their new home.
In partnership with George Brown College, this 11-week skills training program provides newcomers and jobseekers with an opportunity to start their skilled trades career in plumbing. Participants will have access to additional supports to assist them with their training throughout the program.
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.
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The Mentoring Pathways to Employment (MPE) program empowers skilled newcomers to find and retain meaningful employment in line with their education, skills and experience.
Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration (EEII)
The Employer Engagement for Immigrant Integration (EEII) program supports newcomer professionals to improve their cross-cultural communication skills and connect with employment opportunities. We provide customized support to help clients build their network, understand the expectations of Canadian employers and adapt to workplace culture.
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.
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)
Better Jobs Ontario (formerly known as Second Career) provides unemployed individuals with financial support and skills training to secure in-demand jobs in their communities.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to prepare participants for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. This program includes 14 weeks of CNC/Precision Machining training and employability skills training, as well as an 8-week paid job placement.
Building Code Skills Development for Internationally Trained Individuals
Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, this 20-week skills-training program prepares internationally trained job seekers for the role of Building Official, working in the construction sector or public administration.
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program
This free program equips students with skills related to the millwright trade, which involves installing, maintaining, diagnosing and repairing industrial machines. Delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen, the program includes trade readiness, employment preparation and academic upgrading.
