Programs
Youth Programming at NAOT
The Newcomers Association of Toronto (NAOT) offers a variety of programs specifically designed to support immigrant youth, ages 13 to 24, as they navigate the settlement and integration process in Canada. Our goal is to equip these young individuals with the skills and mindset needed to achieve their personal goals and overcome the challenges they face, enabling them to become active contributors to Canadian society.
These programs are delivered in elementary and high schools across the Toronto area, at community health centers, and through the NAOT Newcomer Youth Centre. This center provides a safe, welcoming space for immigrant and refugee youth to access free support through a variety of programs, including academic guidance, life skills training, counseling, and arts-based activities, all within an engaging and youth-centered environment.
Newcomers Youth Program
One of our cornerstone programs is the Newcomers Youth Program, specifically designed to support refugee youth as they adjust to life in Canada. This program provides both group sessions and one-on-one mentorship, focusing on helping youth balance their cultural identities with Canadian society, while also addressing the psychological trauma many have experienced. Our Newcomer Youth Mentors offer guidance on navigating the immigration process, setting educational and career goals, and addressing mental health challenges.
The program extends to schools, community centers, and local spaces, offering conversation circles, book clubs, and recreational activities like soccer. Additionally, we assist with job readiness and employment support, ensuring that youth have the resources to explore career paths and develop valuable job skills. Through our close collaboration with the Toronto District School Board, we further enhance educational and employment opportunities for newcomer youth.
After-School Programs
We also provide a robust selection of after-school programs for youth ages 7-18, designed to foster creativity, physical activity, and academic success. Our arts programs include painting, spoken word, and poetry, allowing youth to express themselves creatively and explore their talents. For those interested in sports, we offer basketball and soccer programs, helping to build teamwork and physical fitness. Additionally, we provide tutoring services to support academic achievement and help students reach their educational goals.
Youth-Led Approach
What sets NAOT apart is our commitment to a youth-led approach. We consult directly with youth to design programming that meets their needs and interests. Whether it’s organizing workshops, special events, or community projects, our youth participants take the lead, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.
At NAOT, we are dedicated to creating a space where immigrant and refugee youth can thrive, build connections, and develop the skills they need to succeed in their new home.
Seniors Program
The Newcomers Association of Toronto (NAOT) offers a dedicated Seniors Program to address the unique needs of immigrant seniors by fostering social support networks, providing access to critical resources, and promoting intergenerational learning. Through personalized needs assessments, information sharing, and referrals, we help seniors navigate various aspects of their daily lives, such as accessing subsidized bus passes, pensions, benefits, community resources, and volunteering opportunities. Additionally, we offer activities designed to build peer support and community engagement.
Combating Social Isolation
Social isolation has become a growing issue for seniors, especially with recent physical distancing measures. Social isolation is not only detrimental to mental and emotional well-being but can also impact cognitive and physical health.
NAOT’s Seniors Program aims to combat this isolation through several initiatives:
1. Stay Active:
- We offer online settlement services for senior newcomers through phone, email, and platforms like Zoom and WeChat, helping them apply for essential documents and benefits such as SIN, PR cards, pensions, seniors’ benefits, and bus passes.
- Seniors are provided with information about interpretation services in 240 languages (811) and 911 services in 150 languages, ensuring they can access critical support.
- Our team regularly follows up with socially isolated seniors through phone calls and emails to maintain connection and provide ongoing support.
2. Learn Something New:
- Seniors can improve their English through our Community-Based LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program.
- We offer a variety of workshops and webinars on topics such as mental health, pensions and benefits, the Canadian Food Guide, banking, housing, health services, and how to use technology like smartphones and computers.
- Seniors can join peer support groups through online and in-person platforms like Zoom and WeChat, participating in activities such as art, photography, knitting, and cooking.
- We also help seniors learn new technologies like the internet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WeChat, teaching them how to use smartphones, computers, and tablets to stay connected.
At NAOT, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where seniors can access the resources they need, stay socially connected, and continue learning new skills, all while building strong community ties.
Skilled Trades Training Program for Youth and Adults
NAOT’s Skilled Trades Training Program provides both youth and adults with the certifications and skills necessary to enter the workforce confidently. Our program offers training in:
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
- Mandatory Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training
- Electrical Safety, Lockout, and Ladder Safety Awareness
- Soft Skills Development
- Working at Heights Certificate (Part 1 and Part 2)
- Forklift Awareness Training
In addition to technical training, we assist participants in finding entry-level employment opportunities in sectors such as plumbing, electricians, and construction. This past summer, we successfully placed over 50 youth and adults into jobs across the Greater Toronto Area, helping them begin their careers in high-demand fields.
Ontario is projected to need 100,000 more skilled workers over the next decade to meet the government’s ambitious infrastructure goals, including building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031, according to the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. Our program is committed to equipping participants with the technical qualifications and soft skills needed to fill these critical roles and contribute to Ontario’s growth.