Newcomer Youth 

YMAP (London, Windsor and Sarnia)

What is YMAP? YMAP is a YMCA Integration & Leadership Program - Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth. YMAP's main goal is to provide support and enrichment opportunities for newcomer youth to ease the adjustment to Canadian life. YMAP focuses on self-governance and opportunities for newcomer youth to establish social and professional networks.

What We Do & Why YMAP program is funded by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada as a settlement program for newcomer youth. Through sessions based on themes such as life-skills training, career exploration, community involvement, and leadership development, we support newcomer youth to achieve their goals and become active community participants. Throughout the year, YMAP hosts a number of special events that provide participants with the opportunity to practice their developing leadership skills and to engage in their community.

Things to do in YMAP: 

  • Acquire volunteer hours
  • Participate in fun field trips - Receive homework help
  • Participate in mentorship sessions to learn about post-secondary education and Canadian culture
  • Learn about community
  • Receive information about Canada, rights and freedoms, Canadian law and justice, employment and income, education, money and finance, transportation, media, and citizenship.
  • Build community connections
  • Visit cultural and local services
  • Participate in different sports - Receive on-one-on supports through our Newcomer Youth Settlement Advisors who help guide, inform, and provide resources to settle into your new life in Canada.

Benefits:

  • Create meaningful and long-lasting friendships
  • Access to YMCA facilities - Create your settlement plan and goals action plan
  • Develop and enhance leadership skills
  • Connect to the community - Build your resume and employability skills
  • Increase confidence and assertiveness
  • Gain Canadian experience and a sense of belonging
  • Practice and improve English language

Eligibility:

  • Participants must be a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee.
  • 12 to 24 years old We are always accepting new participants.

Find out what YMAP can do for you!

Locations:

London
YMCA Centre Branch 382 Waterloo Street, London ON
Phone: 519-667-3300 ext.2017 or Cell: 226-448-0799
Monday to Friday 2:30pm to 6:00pm

StarTech.com Community Centre, YMCA, & Library 501Southdale Road West, London ON
Phone: 519-667-3300 ext.2017 cell: 226-448-0799
Friday: 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Sarnia
YMCA Learning & Career Centre 660 Oakdale Ave, Sarnia ON N7V 2A9 
Phone: 519-336-5950 ext. 5532 Cell: 226-964-1649
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Windsor
YMCA Windsor Learning Centre 500 Victoria Ave, Windsor ON
Phone: 519-258-9622 ext. 2649 Cell: 226-280-6349
Monday to Thursday 3:00pm to 6:00pm
 

For more information, connect with a program Settlement Advisor in your area:

London: Marcela Jerez
marcela.jerez@swo.ymca.ca
226-448-0799

Sarnia: Tatyana Cedeno
tatyana.cedeno@swo.ymca.ca
226-964-1649

Windsor: Maysam Shbeeb
maysam.shbeeb@swo.ymca.ca
226-280-6349

 

Settlement Workers in Schools- Sarnia 

Settlement Workers in schools assists the integration of newcomer families and students into the education system and community. This program is a collaboration between the Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board. 

The SWIS Program: 

  • Offers support in the Sarnia and Lambton Region
  • Offers settlement support and referrals to school, community resources and programs
  • Encourages relationship building with school staff, Newcomer students and families
  • Helps Newcomer Families and students understand how the Canadian school system works
  • Supports schools’ staff with cross cultural understanding and help students achieve their full potential

How to Apply:

  • Complete a consent form available at your child’s school
  • Return your consent to the school
  • Your School Settlement worker will contact you

Contact:

Lambton Kent District school Board

Elementary Schools
Farg Elmuhr (Settlement Worker in Schools)
Cell:  226-559-3142 Email

Secondary Schools
Asma Ahmad (Settlement Worker in Schools)
Cell: 519-381-4550 Email

St. Clair Catholic District School Board

Elementary and Secondary Schools
Mackenzie Nolan (Settlement Worker in Schools)
Cell: 519-466-5338 Email

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