LEF’s Settlement Department provides a variety of supports to newcomers to ease their transition and support economic integration into a new country. For more details of each program, including times and dates they are available, contact us at 416-769-0830.
One-on-One Settlement Information and Supports – Everyday we provide one-on-one supports and counseling to newcomers on a variety of issues and topics. These supports including information around documentation and status, support with sponsorship of family members, education, employment and housing, translation services, and escorting to community services. Our settlement staff are all qualified to support all of the needs of newcomers and ease their transition into the community. For those services which are not available at LEF, we can refer to large network of community partners.
Workshops and Information Sessions – We run a variety of workshops on different topics related to the needs of newcomers. Workshops we have run include settlement matters such as immigration, early childhood development, the Canadian income tax system, Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, Professional accreditation, rights and responsibilities and housing information. If there is a topic you would like more information about or would like to know what workshops are upcoming, contact us.
Computer Training Sessions – We offer computer-training sessions for newcomers. These provide basic information about Internet use and programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.
Soccer Program for Newcomer Children – In partnerships with local schools and Toronto Community Housing Connections, we offer soccer for children under 12 years of age. This is offered in local schools and is supervised by staff of the Settlement Department. This program is always expanding and new children are always welcome.
Income Tax Clinics – As tax season approaches, we offer supports for newcomers filing their taxes. This involves workshops and supports, as well as a clinic providing more individual supports.
International Doctors Network (IDN) – The IDN was created to formalize the work of International Medical Graduate’s self-study group, and to provide more specialized support to its members. This serves as a social and professional network that provides internationally trained doctors access to professional supports in their field, and connects them to various dimensions of Canadian society.
Assistance with Academic Credential Evaluation (WES Gateway Program) - We are a referral partner for the WES Gateway Program which assesses the educational credentials of refugees and other displaced persons who have limited proof of academic achievements. A WES Gateway Program credential evaluation report can help eligible clients continue their education, become licensed in their field, or take the next step on their career pathway in Canada. The report can be accepted by higher education institutions, regulatory bodies, and employers. The program is available to individuals educated in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela, who meet program requirements.
