FOR NEWCOMERS - IMMIGRANTS
CONTRACT WORKERS/REFUGEES
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  • Welcome receptions to Newcomers
  • Computer Lessons Assistance in MS Word MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Simply Accounting
  • Career Counselling
  • Job Referral
  • Resume Preparation
  • Internet Job Search
  • Translation of employment or educational documents
  • Interpretation (courts, other social service agencies)
  • Access to social services i.e. childcare, pensions for seniors
  • Supportive counselling (personal, financial)
  • “You & Canada” Orientation Workshop re: history, laws, regulations, services
  • Referral to health, housing, legal services
  • Information re: OHIP, Child Tax Benefit, SIN, Student Loans / college and university registration requirements, Immigration sponsorship
  • Information/referral re: Accreditation of Foreign Educational Credentials
  • Access to computer, fax, copier and internet
  • Youth, Women/Family, Seniors educational and cultural activities
  • Study Group Program / Tutorial for Grades 7-12 students
  • Information Regarding: CARE (Creating Access to Regulated Employment) for Nurses Project
  • Information Regarding: Access to Engineering and Social Work Profession

WELCOME AND ORIENTATION SESSION
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Provides the new immigrants with an overview of the general situation in Greater Toronto and Canada as a whole. A newcomer’s kit or guide is provided.

SETTLEMENT / ADAPTATION
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Provides orientation, referral and escort services relating to seeking employment, wanting to start one’s own business, housing, educational and job evaluation, day care and assists in the application of health and social services in Canada.

INTERPRETATION and/or TRANSLATION
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Assists in translating of documents relating to employment, educational and legal matters necessary for immediate settlement.

INFORMATION SERVICES ON SPONSORSHIPS
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Provides information on immigration such as requirements, procedures and policies. It also assists in completing application forms and in the preparation of affidavits.

INCOME TAX CLINICS
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This is a seasonal service offered from mid-February to the end of April each year. The Centre assists individuals within certain income range in the preparation of their income tax returns. The service is provided by volunteers who are accountants by profession.

COUNSELLING
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Provides counselling and/or refers to the proper agency or office.

PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN
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The Centre works on issues and concerns that are particular to the Filipino women in the community. The Centre also works in alliances and coalitions within the immigrant and visible minority and mainstream women’s movement. It provides counselling organizes support groups for women who are in abusive relationship; conducts educational forums, workshops on women empowerment. Provides leadership skills and capacity building for women.

OUR YOUTH, OUR FUTURE
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Provides counselling and organizes support groups for the youth to address the issues on identity crisis, adjustment of newcomers, building link among Filipino nationals, coping with stress/depression. Provides positive alternative experiences and leadership skills for youth development.

ADVOCACY
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The Centre, together with other communities and organizations, lobbies all levels of government legislation, policies and programs that enhance the quality of life of its people to ensure equality, equity and justice in the society.

EMPLOYMENT
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Recognizing that most Filipino immigrants are affected by under employment, the Centre provides workshops on employment related issues. The Centre also empowers injured workers and laid-off workers of their rights under the provincial legislation. It provides life and work skills to both the unemployed and employed. The Centre, with other groups is working for mandatory employment equity in an end to discrimination in the workplace.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
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The Centre conducts research and studies on issues that are relevant and have impact on the lives of the Filipino-Canadian community. Changes in policies, programs, projects and services are based on data and information available. These are the special projects of the Centre:
Care for Nurses Project (The project assist nurses obtain their license to practice nursing in Ontario. This is a joint project with consortia partners; St. Michael's Hospital, Woodgreen Community Centre, and Yee Hong Geriatric Care). Access to Engineering and Social Work Profession.
The Study Group Tutorial Program for Grade 7 - 12 Filipino Students.

SELF DEVELOPMENT/CIVICS PROGRAM
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The Centre conducts quarterly educational sessions, entitled “You and Canada...taking pride in our roots, looking forward to the future...”, the sessions include self-awareness, orientation, on the Canadian way of life, leadership skills, volunteer development and empowerment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT COMPUTER CLASSES
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Provides basic computer skills (Windows 98, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Simply Accounting & Job Search Workshop.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS
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Handles the needs of the seniors in their search for housing , employment, volunteer work and assists in their application for pension and access to social services. Organizes support groups for seniors to address the needs and concerns of elderly abuse, living alone, feeling of belonging, family and/or sponsorship break-up and use of seniors’ talents and skills.