The Newcomer Youth Program leads a variety of activities with a focus on skill-building, fighting social isolation, promoting civic engagement and building English-language skills.
COVID-19 update: The Newcomer Youth Program is currently taking place virtually, with daily activities on social media and weekly activities on Zoom.
Essential Information
Who can join:
The Newcomer Youth Program is open to all youth aged 13-24 who identify as a newcomer to Canada. We are a LGBTQ+ inclusive program.
Where:
Most of our activities take place on our channels on Instagram TV and Facebook TV.
When:
Daily!
Cost:
Free
How to register:
We would love to meet and get to know you! There is no need to register for a program. Feel free to pop in or message us on social media at any time: Instagram and Facebook.
Call or send a text to one of our youth workers if you have any questions or if you do not have social media:
Youth Settlement Workers
Kitt Azores: kittaz@westnh.org or 416-206-8041
John Kok: johnko@westnh.org or 416-206-8043
Loretta Mui: lorettamu@westnh.org or 416-989-4515
Henzy Dasan: henzyda@westnh.org or 416-936-4004
Languages spoken by the youth workers:
Our Youth Workers speak Tagalog, Hindi, Tibetan, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil, Malayalam, Ilonggo and English. Please contact Jani at janitr@westnh.org or 416-532-7586 ext. 401 if you are hoping to communicate in another language.
Book an appointment with a youth worker:
Do you need a tutor? Need help finding a job? Are you looking for information on post-secondary education, scholarships, and how to apply? Have questions about life after school? Interested in ways you can de-stress and take care of your health/wellbeing? We have Youth Workers on hand to help! To book an appointment, click here or call Loretta at 416-989-4515.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to earn volunteer hours. How can I do that through this program?
Yes! We have a wide variety of experiences to help youth complete community service hours or enhance your resume. Please fill out this form and we’ll get back to you with a volunteer activity you can engage with.
I don’t know if I identify as a newcomer. What qualifies as a newcomer?
Youth aged 13-24 who were born outside of Canada (regardless of immigration status and length of residence in Canada).
I don’t have social media. Can I still participate?
We offer some group activities and one-on-one support on Zoom.
I’m looking for a job. Can you help?
Absolutely! We always post about new opportunities here. We also recommend visiting the City of Toronto youth employment website for information on job fairs, summer opportunities and more.
How can I contact your program leaders and youth settlement workers?
Coordinator
Jani Trindade, Immigrant and Refugee Services Coordinator: janitr@westnh.org or 416-532-7586 ext. 401
Youth Settlement Workers
Kitt Azores: kittaz@westnh.org or 416-206-8041
John Kok: johnko@westnh.org or 416-206-8043
Loretta Mui: lorettamu@westnh.org or 416-989-4515
Henzy Dasan: henzyda@westnh.org or 416-936-4004
What organizations do you have partnerships with?
We are grateful to have partnerships with the following schools and agencies:
- James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School
- Parkdale Collegiate Institute School
- Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave. Junior and Senior Public School
- CultureLink Settlement and Community Services
- Toronto Public Library
- North York Community House
- Working Women Community Centre
How long has the Newcomer Youth Program been around?
The Newcomer Youth Program has been supporting young people in Toronto since 2008.