Searching for Refugees

Provides direct services for newcomers and established immigrants

Services provided include:

• Assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement
• Assistance to access a range of settlement services
• Orientation programs
• Job search and employment counselling
• Individual agencies may provide needs and eligibility assessments
• Language and skills training to help facilitate employment
• Pre/post-arrival information and referral
• Programs to welcome newcomers to the community

Information, Orientation and Referral (IOR) Services

Provides newcomers and established immigrants with practical assistance for the challenges of every day life in Canada

Services include advocacy, referrals, consumer and community information, orientation and information sessions and assistance for completing all forms in the following areas:

• Canadian law
• Education
• Employment and job preparation skills
• Health and medical services
• Housing
• Immigration and citizenship
• Language training
• Legal services
• Parenting issues

Free mobile app to help immigrants, refugees and international students to settle in Ontario

• includes information on finding employment, housing, English or French classes, health care
• connects newcomers to the O20 Chatbot, relevant government websites/phone numbers and the Welcome to Canada Guide
• allows users to connect with 911, 211 and ConnexOntario's Mental Health Services with just one click

Assists newcomer youth to successfully transition to life in Canada by providing a variety of supports to meet their needs

The program can assist with:

• Developing strategies to transition to life in a new country
• Referrals to appropriate outside agencies for services
• Homework and school assignment help
• English conversation and pronunciation
• Employment programs and opportunities

Youth Mentorship Program

• Supports youth in achieving their full potential in education, employment, community engagement and leadership through volunteer mentors and group activities

Offers settlement and community orientation services for immigrants and refugees, including:

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• Offers needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services, support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• Provides help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• Offers workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Commissioner of Oaths

• Serves as a Commissioner of Oaths for verifying original documents

Translation and Interpretation Services

• Offers professionally trained interpreters with expertise in health, community and social services

Supportive counselling

• Provides short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges

Job search preparation and training

• Provides assistance in developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills

Employment counselling

• Offers resume help, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Newcomer Settlement Program

Provides walk-in information and referral services to refugees and newcomers

Services and supports provided may include (with examples):

• Initial settlement (housing, schools, orientation to Thunder Bay life)
• Immigration (filling out applications for permanent residence, work permits and citizenship)
• Health issues (referral to programs at Thunder Bay Health Unit, filling out OHIP applications)
• Housing issues (filling out applications for Thunder Bay District Housing, apartment search)
• Family Issues (filling out applications for Pro-Kids, Child Tax benefits, referral to various agencies)
• Citizenship Application support
• Employment Related Matters (job search, resume writing, employee rights, application for Employment Insurance)
• Education issues (information and referral to ESL, LINC programs, tutors)
• Social Services issues (assistance in applying for Ontario Works, assistance in dealing with agencies)
• Sponsorship-related issues (assistance in filling out applications for sponsorship)

Refugee Sponsorship Program

• Any parish or group of individuals may sponsor a refugee family
• Refugee Sponsorship Coordinator assists parishes and other refugee sponsorship groups with information, planning, training and the application process

Levant Canada is a non-profit organization that supports refugees fleeing crises and promotes newcomers' empowered integration into Canadian life. Levant privately sponsors refugees seeking safety in Canada. Through artistic, cultural, and athletic programming, facilitate newcomers' integration into Canadian life and encourage exchange between newcomers and established Canadians. Programs and events foster intercultural dialogue, create a sense of belonging in the community, and support newcomers' pride in their home cultures. Visit website or contact us to learn more about our programs and activities, including:

• Levant Soccer Club
• Steps Dance Club
• Community Dabke Group
• Refugee Sponsorship
• Levant's Annual Cultural Event
• And more

Covid-19 -- office open to in-person service; check website or call for updates


Employment Services

• career service centre
• career advancement counselling
• resume writing, job search workshops, job matching, job placement
• networking events and mentorship

Education Programs

• academic counselling
• leadership development
• credentials recognition and licensure assistance
• anti-racism webinars
• Toastmasters' Club

Pre-apprenticeship and Ontario Bridge Training Programs

• Gateway programs
• pre-apprenticehip programs for electricians and plumbers
• bridge training program for internationally trained accounting and finance professionals to obtain a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation

Online tool for individuals who wish to offer lodging to refugees

• organization reviews the application and then pass it on to a local settlement organization, who will find a match
• volunteers welcome

Office mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect people forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution

• provides shelter, food, water, medical care, and other life-saving assistance to refugees around the world

Protection:

• observes Canadian asylum practices and policies in order to promote the highest standards of protection for refugees and asylum-seekers

Resettlement:

• works with the Canadian government and private sponsorship groups to help coordinate resettlement opportunities in Canada

Awareness:

• informs and educates Canadians about the situation of refugees and other displaced persons around the world

Fundraising:

• encourages the Canadian public and the Government of Canada to provide financial assistance to UNHCR programs worldwide

UNHCR Gift Shop:

• targeted donations toward essential resources for refugees such as shelter, medical care, education, nutrition,and clean water

Employment and education services provider linking Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) with Canadian businesses

Employment and education services for IEPs, including:

• Job referrals
• Career counselling
• Workplace communication & industry specific English training
• Work placements
• Mentorship matches
• Networking opportunities

Staffing and support services for businesses, including:

• Staffing solutions
• Work placements
• Cultural competency training for employers
• Workplace mentorship initiatives
• Bookkeeping, taxation and IT support for start-ups and SMEs

Non-profit organization which supports immigrant and refugees from Nepal

• includes Nepalese speaking Bhutanese refugee during their integration into Canadian life
• provides special support to those who are dealing with extreme anxiety, stress and PTSD
• provides counseling, settlement and information to help them get settled
• works as a bridge between clients and service providers
• currently we are serving 58 seniors directly and about 300 people indirectly

Main focus

• intergenerational activities once a week
• seniors support and provide socialization activities
• crisis support/student support