Read Executive Director Dwayne O’Connor’s column | Watch our interview with MNLCT Board Chair Rochelle Fine | Congratulations, Bridging graduates! | Register for Bridging programs | New LIGHTS program enrollment dates | Save the Date for our 40th Anniversary celebration!
Dear Friends,
We, as a global community, have experienced some very difficult challenges in the last few years. We’ve gotten through a pandemic, massive inflation, a housing crisis compounded by ever-increasing poverty, and now more wars.
Through all of this, we have been resilient, resourceful and caring towards one another even though the world tells us that we’re split like no time before. Our clients in and outside of the community have come to us looking to make things better – for themselves, our shared community, our shared country and for the success of our futures together.
Our organization is built on community, partners, friends and of course, family. Our staff is part of that community and works as hard for clients as they would for themselves and their own families. To ensure success, our team is incredibly committed to the success of the community through our increasingly vital services.
Our training is like no other in the community, we look at everything using a holistic approach where we see every individual as a whole person with real needs. We will continue to grow and address the needs of our community in every way possible. From assistance with immigration to full mental health support, we are here with you, to make you as successful as you wish to be.
The season of giving is upon us. During these times, many families are getting together to celebrate the holidays or to just get together to strengthen their bonds. We honour and respect all who do so and even if you don’t celebrate the season, know that you are always important to us. We are here for you.
Find our website and our mobile app to learn more, or even receive the support you need from our highly experienced and talented team.
Happy Holidays!
Watch Our Board Chair Rochelle Fine's Insightful Interview
In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we sat down with MNLCT’s Board Chair Rochelle Fine to discuss her involvement with the Centre. She spoke about how she first joined the Board and reflected on the journey we shared. She also highlighted the importance of providing newcomers with mental health support.
Watch all of our 40th Anniversary videos here or click the button below.
Congratulations, Graduates!
On October 20, 2023, we celebrated the class of 2022 and 2023 of our four Bridging programs (BEMC, BESIP, BREM, C-Women) at the Scarborough Civic Centre.
They received their graduating certificates in the presence of their family, friends and fellow classmates. The event was a celebration of their hard work, dedication and preseverance.
We wish all of our graduating students the very best on their new adventures!
Interested in a Bridging Program?
Our Bridging programs are accepting students for their new cohorts. Learn more below.
Bridging to Employment in Services for Immigrant Populations (BESIP)
BESIP provides internationally educated professionals with entry to a wide variety of positions in human, social and community services. By the end of the program, participants will have a career advancement plan to progressive positions in their field of interests.
Next Cohort Start Date: January 2024
Bridge for Immigrant Women Reskilling into IT Professions (C-Women)
C-Women supports immigrant women from all professional backgrounds in obtaining working knowledge of coding and testing to enter the IT sector.
Next Cohort Start Date: January 2024
Bridge to Employment in Media and Communications (BEMC)
BEMC prepares internationally trained media, marketing, and communications professionals to find a meaningful career in Ontario in fields related to broadcast media, digital marketing, social media, communications, Public Relations, and journalism.
Next Cohort Start Date: March 2024
Register for our LIGHTS program
Our Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) program is a FREE supportive language training program with emotional wellbeing activities for learners who need extra support.
We aim to empower participants to manage stress and boost confidence by creating a safe and supportive environment.
Our winter session starts in the second week of January 2024.
To register, please contact:
Lama Al-abweh: lalabweh@mnlct.org
Judith Herrera: jherrera@mnlct.org
More from our MNLCT Community
Overcoming Uncertain Times, by Samina Akter Nayla
Excerpt: When I was very young, my father died. We were three siblings, my Ma has only one daughter & two sons. We were learning slowly & gradually things were not in our control. We were accepting the risks & moving forward. Our conscious & sensitive selves always knew, we would not fail as we chose the path of supporting each other & listened to our Ma.
LINC Celebrations
Over the last few months, our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving and birthdays.
Our students participated in carving pumpkins for Halloween, set up a swap spot in their classrooms and came together for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.
These initiatives, which foster community and belonging, are also a great way for them to get to know each other beyond the classroom.
Save the date: February 10, 2024
We would like you to join us in celebrating 40 years of the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto. We are honored to be able to serve our communities for 40 years and are grateful for all of the partnerships and collaborations along the way.
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Location: Liuna! Local 183 – Wilson Centre (1263 Wilson Ave, North York)
We wish you and your loved ones a warm and safe holiday and a welcoming and inclusive new year!
Our services will be closed for the holiday season from December 23, 2023 and we will be reopening on January 2, 2024.
We will be happy to see you again in the new year!
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Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (MNLCT)
Serving immigrants and refugees in-person and virtually across Ontario
1774 Queen St East. Toronto, ON M4L 1G7
1122 Finch Ave West, Unit 1, North York, ON M3J 3J5
2737 Keele St, Unit 9, North York, ON M3M 2E9
647-812-1332 | 647-776-2057
info@mnlct.org
