Resources during COVID-19
Tech Supports
- The RCTech OUTREACH program provides low income individuals with affordable computer packages
- Computer Access at some Toronto Public Library Branches https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/programming/our-reopening-plan.html
- Outdoor Pop-up Wi-Fi, Aug 4 -8 from 12 – 6:30 pm at City of Toronto Parks http://welcome2school.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Covid19_Wifi-On_Wheels_8.5×11.pdf
- WIFI Access for Everyone- Shaw Communications’ Go WiFi finder: https://www.shaw.ca/internet/wifi
Digital Literacy
- ABC Life Literacy Canada – Online lesson plans focusing on technology that will help adult learners get and stay connected:
School Boards
1) Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
2) Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
- Learning at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Distance Learning Resources
- FAQ
- IT Supports for Students
3) Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (French-Language Public School Board)
4) CSC MonAvenir (French-Language Catholic School Board)
Ontario Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Education Information during COVID-19
- School Closures
- OSAP
- Emergency Childcare
- Mental Health and Addictions
Supports for Learning at Home
- Ontario Ministry Learn at Home
- K – 12 learning resources
- Resources for parents and guardians
- Resources in French available
- Educational Videos for Preschool – Grade 12:
- The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program: free, bilingual lesson plans to help start meaningful conversations about disability with students from K to 12.
- Toronto Public Library:
- Recreation, arts and culture activities for all ages to enjoy at home https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-reduce-virus-spread/covid-19-stay-play-learn-at-home/
Safety Online
Connect with a Settlement Worker
- Call 211 or visit: https://www.211toronto.ca/topic/newcomers
Supports for Mental Health
- Mental Health and Well-Being Resources during COVID-19 – TDSB
- Mental Health Resource Hub for Chinese Canadians and others affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
- COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub
- Phone-In Counselling for Ages 0 – 29 (no health card needed)
- Talking to children about COVID-19 and its impact – CAMH
- Crisis Resources – CAMH
- Asking for Help When Things are not Right – CAMH (Factsheet available in multiple languages)
- City of Toronto Mental Health Support Strategy:
- Call 211 for support/ get connected to one of seven primary mental health service partners for direct phone support.
- Mental health service information is also available at http://www.211toronto.ca/
- Big White Wall (online teen peer support)
- Bounce Back (Life skills program for youth and adults)
- Online Peer Support Group for Newcomers
- Everyday: 10:00 to 11:00 am; Online Platform: Zoom
- Email: Settlement@mosaicbc.org to receive email invitation.
- Share this information with newcomer clients who may be facing social isolation.
Financial Supports
- Canada COVID-19 Economic Response Plan – For individuals, families, students and recent graduates
- COVID Support for Individuals (Gov’t of Canada) – Updated and Q&A
- Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) – For post-secondary students and recent graduates
- Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
- COVID-19 financial assistance for newcomers, temporary residents and refugees in multiple languages
- Financial Support for Families During COVID-19 – ON Government
- National Student Loans Service Centre NSLSC)
- OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program
- Micro-funds to women to access education https://www.wisewomenways.net/
- Foreign Credential Recognition Loan Program -ACCESS Community Capital Fund provides affordable loans of up to $15,000 to internationally-trained individuals to pay for career-related expenses such as courses, exams, licensing, certification and training.
- August 6th: Online via Zoom
- August 13th: Online via Zoom
- September 3rd: Online via Zoom
- September 10th: Online via Zoom
General Resources for Newcomers
- News/ Updates for Newcomers in Ontario: https://settlement.org/news/ontario/
- Free Interpretation Registration Form – MCIS is enabling a toll free line for free immediate interpretation services to support Non-English or Limited English speakers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
International Students
- Helping international students with settlement needs and transition to PR http://www.internationalstudentconnect.org/
- Keep.meSAFE Student Support Program – Web content and counsellor support available in Simplified Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Spanish and French. Call 1-844-451-9700 or https://keepmesafe.myissp.com/Home/
Programs and Services to Support Education
General
- YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Online Services:
- One-on-One Live Chat providing customized settlement plan.
- Information and Referrals including Education and Training, Credential Assessment, Language Training etc.
- Webinars cover topics of Life in Canada, Study in Canada
Children and Youth
- Youth from a Visible Minority Group – Skills training and work experience for youth who face barriers to employment: https://prepr.org/fun-program-participants/
- Youth at Risk – 10 week virtual program for youth who have had experience with the justice system, starts Aug 31 http://welcome2school.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/MAD-Sep-Nov-2020.pdf
- Newcomer Youth 18 – 29 years interested in a Green Career – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project
- Boys and Girls Club – Albion Neighbourhood Services https://www.albionneighbourhoodservices.ca/
- Summer Programs for Girls and Young Women (Jeanne Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment)
- TDSB Education / Summer School Programs – For Elementary, Secondary and Adults https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Summer-Programs
- Toronto4Kids – Virtual Classes and Summer Camps https://www.toronto4kids.com/Virtual-Classes-Camps/
- Summer Camp, West Neighbourhood House – Ossington and Dundas W area, Ages 6-12, Weekly sessions until Aug 28 http://welcome2school.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WNH-Summer-Camp.jpg
- Licensed Child Care in Toronto
- 11 of the 47 City-operated Toronto Early Learning & Child Care Centres have reopened to support parents returning to work: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/children-parenting/children-programs-activities/licensed-child-care/
Financial Literacy
- Access to Aspire Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Skills – For At-Risk Youth (Seneca College and Prosper Canada, Starts late 2020
- For more information: James Andrews Project Leader | Enactus Seneca | jandrews14@myseneca.ca | (905) 751-4907
Physical Activity
- ParticipACTION Physical Activity Guidelines Ages 0 – 4
- ParticipACTION Physical Activity Guidelines Ages 5 – 17
Learning Disabilities
Adults
- GED Prep and FAQ’s – Amadeusz is offering free online lessons and support
- Newcomer Kitchen Training Program, as of May, 2020, currently seeking interested newcomer women for its new semester, starting soon
- Advance Your Career, Aug 18-Oct 6 – Glendon College, York University: a hands-on course providing the tools needed to design and execute a career action plan that considers your personality, current situation, and career goal glendon.yorku.ca/continuingeducation/professional-development-courses/
Parents
TDSB Summer Orientation Programs for newly arrived students and families – https://www.tdsb.on.ca/New-to-Canada/Settlement-Workers