Read Executive Director Dwayne O’Connor’s Column | Rebranding Notice | Fundraising Drives | Program Updates: Aurora House, Community Health Services, BREM Program | MNLC Community Kitchen Pilot | Latest Articles | Annual Report | Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Stepping In with a New Look:
A Bolder and Broader Scope
We recently rebranded. No longer MNLCT, we are now MNLC, to emphasize that we are not confined to providing services in Toronto. We dropped the “T” in our name because over the years we’ve grown to serve other geographical areas besides Toronto. Our dedication to empowering newcomers as they build new lives in Canada remains – just not limited to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
We also want our clients, partners and funders to understand that we are NOT a religious organization, even though our name is Mennonite. Since our inception, we have opened doors to newcomers regardless of their racial or religious backgrounds. Our mission remains as we provide vital settlement and integration services that help individuals and families navigate the complexities of a new country with dignity and confidence. From language training and employment support to housing assistance and cultural orientation, we are here every step of the way.
We are addressing the needs of the newcomers in Canada who are still working on their immigration statuses. Case processing backlogs are increasing, and so is global instability. Despite these challenges, our commitment remains. We are addressing other newcomer barriers such as unemployment, poverty and housing challenges through our programming.
Our Aurora House Program is picking up steam. We have more requests for client assistance and housing support for those fleeing violence and human trafficking.
To our generous donors and supporters: Your compassion fuels this mission. Your contributions enable us to offer life-changing programs and services. Together, we are not only helping newcomers integrate – we are helping them flourish.
As we look ahead, we remain hopeful. By working together – staff, clients, and supporters – we will continue to build a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant Canada for all.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We Have Rebranded!
We are now MNLC. The change was both timely and necessary as we continue to serve newcomers in the evolving immigration and settlement landscape.
We are not only fronting a new name and look, we are also stepping in with a bolder and broader commitment to serve newcomers across Ontario.
What's Happening Now
Help us Build Brighter Futures For Newcomers
Your support goes directly into MNLC programs that provide essential services for newcomers. Every fundraiser helps us remove barriers and open doors for individuals and families building new lives in Canada.
Grand Prize Draw:
August 25, 2025 at 2 PM
Fundraising Evening:
August 21, 2025
Dreams & Dollars
50/50 Draw
Sip & Support for
Aurora House
Support a good cause and enter for a chance to win money!
An evening of networking, drinks and conversation!
When you buy tickets for MNLC’s Dreams & Dollars 50/50 Raffle, 50% of total sales goes to one lucky winner, and the other 50% will help newcomers with vital services.
Funds raised will go to directly help residents of Aurora House, our transitional home for survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
Program Updates
Aurora House
Safe Shelter | Hopeful Futures | Lasting Change
We recently took over management of Aurora House – a transitional home for women and children escaping human trafficking and gender-based violence.
For years we have been collaborating with the House, especially offering most-needed mental health services to residents but now Aurora House is a vital part of our work. We are offering case management, safety, stability, and other wraparound services that help survivors rebuild their lives.
The number of requests for these essential services has been growing. This summer, we’re working hard to raise the funds necessary to support the women and children who need us most. With your help, we can expand our impact and bring hope to them.
Community Yard Sale Raises $2,500 for Aurora House,but Fundraising Efforts Continue
On Sunday, July 20, the community came together for a lively and heartwarming yard sale fundraiser in support of Aurora House, raising $2,500 for the transitional housing program dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence.
Hosted in east Toronto at the Toronto United Mennonite Church (TUMC) in partnership with MNLC, the event brought together neighbours, families, and local businesses in a shared effort to uplift a critical community resource.
The Yard Sale in Pictures
Cassandra's Story of Survival, Strength, and Hope
Cassandra Harvey, a survivor of human trafficking and former resident of Aurora House will be sharing her story at our upcoming Sip & Support event aimed at raising funds to support programs to help survivors like herself restart their lives.
Humber Polytechnic Nursing Students Community Health Placement
This summer, MNLC welcomed yet another group of community health placement students. The new cohort comprising of eight passionate nursing students from Humber Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program started in May through August, led by their nursing instructor, Rita Street.
These third-year, second-entry students (already university graduates) brought not only their academic knowledge but also a passion to learn more about community nursing.
“Our focus was on developing community health promotion and educational material, for the community members that attend MNLC,” says Rita.
The Health for All Partnership (HAP) ClinicResumes this Fall
We are thrilled to welcome back another Humber Polytechnic cohort for our Health for All Partnership (HAP) clinic. The clinic will reopen this September and will continue to serve the needs of individuals with barriers to health care due to lack of valid immigration status.
Contact Community Health Services:
- Phone: 647-812-1332 ext. 4400
- Email: chs@mnlct.org
- Address: 1122 Finch Ave West, Unit 23
North York, ON
M3J 3J5
Exciting News! Our BREM program recognition by regulation body, CRPO, has been renewed for another five years!
BREM continues to stand out as the only non-academic bridging program recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
This recognition affirms BREM’s vital role in supporting internationally trained mental health professionals as they prepare for registration and successful employment in Canada.
BREM to Introduce Part-time Option
To better meet the diverse needs of our participants, we are developing a part-time option of the BREM program, featuring the same high-quality content as the full-time offering. The part-time program is expected to launch in the January 2026 intake.
Both the full-time and part-time options will be delivered in a hybrid format, combining asynchronous online learning with in-class instruction. This flexible model is intended to accommodate the varying participant schedules and learning preferences, making the program more accessible than ever.
When internationally trained psychotherapist, Arkadiy Volkov arrived in Canada from Russia, he needed to bridge his career. That’s when he found the Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM) program at MNLC. Through BREM, Arkadiy Volkov, MA, RP fulfilled all licensing requirements and founded Feel Your Way Therapy, where he also mentors future mental health professionals.
👏 We celebrate Arkadiy’s success journey and those of many other newcomers. Above all, we celebrate our unique collaboration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – recognizing BREM as the only non-academic pathway to registration for internationally trained psychotherapists in Canada.
Every other week, something magical happens at the MNLC Queen Street Office kitchen.
The air fills with the aromas of spices. Laughter bounces off the walls. Pots simmer, pans sizzle, and hands work in harmony – in a shared space where strangers have become a community. It is the MNLC Community Kitchen! The women here aren’t just cooking – they are stirring up skills, confidence, connection, and the courage to build something of their own.
MNLC News
Read the latest articles
In this report, we present the strides we made over the past year, in supporting newcomers. We highlight our key initiatives, success stories and the impact we made on the lives of newcomer individuals and families. Read about our achievements in 2024 and our vision for the future.
Upcoming Events
October 18, 2025
MNLC is a registered Charity Partner in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Come walk or run to support our mission. Every step you take will help us raise critical funds for programs that support newcomers, refugees, and vulnerable communities in Toronto. Spots are limited and selling fast. The in-person full and half marathons are already sold out. The 5K walk/run still has availability, or you can join virtually in any distance, full marathon, half marathon, or 5K, from wherever you are.
Get Involved with our Community
Your generosity is truly appreciated. With your support, we provide vital programs helping newcomers build a better future in Canada. Every donation brings hope, confidence, and opportunities to those starting over. Resettlement can be challenging, but your kindness ensures no one faces it alone. Your support empowers individuals and families to grow, succeed, and contribute to their communities.
$24 ($2/month) for a newcomer’s access to community resources through a personalized intake session
$60 ($5/month) for a newcomer’s access to interpretation services for healthcare needs
$24 ($2/month) for a newcomer’s access to community resources through a personalized intake session
$60 ($5/month) for a newcomer’s access to interpretation services for healthcare needs
Together, we are not only helping
newcomers settle—we are helping them
grow and succeed.
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