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 – 29) 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
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 – 29) 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.
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.
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Virtual and in person
Youth between the ages of 16-30 years old; Living in Toronto; Homeless or precariously housed
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In-person
Youth of African descent or identify as black (age 12-29)
Employment Accessibility Services for Persons with Disabilities - EAS
This program assists post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Our team aims to reduce disability-related barriers to employment while supporting clients to achieve their goals.
WoodGreen offers free Pre-Apprentice and Trades Programs, catering to newcomers and those facing employment barriers to provide a pathway to high-demand trades. Participants undergo assessments for grade 12 Math and English and engage in Academic Upgrading to develop essential communication and numeracy skills for entry into skilled trades.
In partnership with George Brown College, this 15-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 newcomer 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
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.
Delivered in partnership with George Brown College, this free training program is designed to prepare women and gender-diverse individuals for entry-level work in the manufacturing sector. The program includes Academic Upgrading, CNC/Precision Machining training, and the opportunity for a paid job placement.
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.
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.
