Read Executive Director Dwayne O’Connor’s Column | MNLCT on CBC’s Metro Morning | Get a FREE Health Check | MNLCT’s C-Women Bridging Program Uplifts Newcomer Women in Tech | Client Spotlight: Azar Faramarzi | LIGHTS Spring 2025 Session starts | Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace Workshop | Canoo App for New Citizens and PR Holders | Beach Community’s Kindness Supports Newcomers
Building Brighter Futures: Our Commitment to Settlement and Integration
At MNLCT, we are dedicated to empowering newcomers as they build new lives in Canada. Our mission is to 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.
In today’s climate, the landscape of immigration services is evolving rapidly. Increased global displacement, processing backlogs, and a rising demand for social services have placed added pressure on the sector. Yet, despite these challenges, our commitment remains unwavering. We have adapted by expanding our digital services, offering virtual language classes and online employment workshops, ensuring that no one is left behind. Our dedicated team continues to provide in-person support for critical needs, balancing safety with accessibility.
The journey of resettlement is not without its hurdles, but it is also marked by remarkable resilience. We have witnessed incredible success stories—newcomers securing meaningful employment, children thriving in schools, and families finding a true sense of belonging. These moments remind us why we do what we do.
To our clients: We see your strength and determination. Know that you are not alone. With every step you take, we are walking alongside you.
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.
MNLCT on CBC’s Metro Morning
Recent government funding cuts make it harder for newcomer support organizations to help immigrants. In a CBC “This is Toronto” interview, our Executive Director, Dwayne O’Connor, explained how these cuts are affecting settlement services.
With less money, organizations like MNLCT are struggling to provide important programs that help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. This creates challenges for many people who need support.
Get a FREE Health Check with the Black Creek Health Van!
MNLCT and the HAP Clinic (Community Health Services), in partnership with Black Creek Community Health Centre, are bringing healthcare to you with our Health Clinic in a Mini Van!
Tuesday, April 8, 2025: 10am – 3pm
We’re offering free on-site consultations with a Nurse Practitioner or Doctor who will be available to answer your health-related questions regarding:
- Health teaching for chronic conditions (diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Prenatal education and mother baby health teaching
- Wound assessment and wound care, including diabetic foot care
- Nutrition education
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Interpretation in Spanish is available
- You don’t need to have an OHIP card for these free services.
Contact Community Health Services to make an appointment:
- Phone: 647-812-1332 ext. 4400
- Email: chs@mnlct.org
- Address: 1122 Finch Ave West, Unit 23, North York, ON M3J 3J5
You can also continue to make appointments with our Community Health Services (CHS). CHS operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
You can make an appointment to get a health check-up, referrals to other healthcare providers or get health education!
We are collaborating with the Humber Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness – Bachelor of Nursing Program on our shared vision of a sustainable, multidisciplinary health services program for newcomers.
Community Health Services (CHS) offers FREE health services to anyone who has difficulties accessing health care.
Please note: The last day of our Community Health Services for this term will be on April 10, 2025.
We will resume again in September 2025.
MNLCT’s C-Women Bridging Program Celebrates International Women’s Day and Uplifts Newcomers in the Industry
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On March 6, 2025, we hosted the Uplifting Newcomer Women in Tech event to celebrate International Women’s Day. This special event brought together C-Women graduates, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to support women in the tech industry.
We listened to inspiring guest speakers who shared their experiences, career advice, and strategies for success. Our graduates also shared their journeys, showing how determination and the right support can lead to meaningful careers. The event ended with a great networking session, helping our graduates connect with employers and professionals in the field.
Azar Faramarzi: An Inspiring Filmmaking Journey from Iran to Canada
Azar’s journey from Iran to Canada is truly inspiring. After relocating in 2019, she faced challenges rebuilding her career, but her passion for filmmaking never wavered. Her film Life’s Illusion, which explores immigration and identity, recently won Best Director at the Widescreen Film and Music Video Festival in Toronto. A recent graduate of our Bridge to Employment in Media, Marketing, and Communication (BEMC) program, Azar’s success is a testament to how internationally trained professionals continue to break barriers. We’re proud to celebrate her career breakthrough!
A Season of Joy
Celebrating Culture, Connection, and Community in Our LINC Class
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In our Language Instructions for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) class, we love to celebrate the wonderful mix of cultures that makes our community so special! Recently, we came together to celebrate the New Year, birthdays in December, January and February, and the joy of the holiday season.
These celebrations are more than just marking dates—they’re about creating a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels at home. Whether it’s singing birthday songs, sharing delicious food from different cultures, or simply enjoying each other’s company, these moments remind us of the beauty in our differences and the strength we find in community.
LIGHTS Spring 2025 Session starts in the second week of April
Our Language Instruction Giving Hope to Trauma Survivors (LIGHTS) program is back! This FREE supportive language training program, starting April 8, 2025, combines language learning with emotional well-being activities, specially designed for learners who need extra support.
- Start Date: April 8, 2025
- Duration: 12 weeks
This program will:
- Help you manage stress and build confidence
- Teach you the language to express your feelings
- Make you comfortable with simple conversations
- Prepare you for further ESL/LINC programs
- Connect you with technology, community resources, and support networks
To register, contact:
- Lama Al-abweh: lalabweh@mnlct.org
- Judith Herrera: jherrera@mnlct.org
- 647-812-1332
We can’t wait to welcome you! Let’s learn, grow, and thrive together.
Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace Workshop
Thursday, April 24, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Facilitator: Rika Sawatsky
Join our workshop “Harassment and discrimination in the workplace.”
You will learn:
- What is harassment
- What is discrimination
- What are my employers’ responsibilities around protecting me from harassment and discrimination?
- What can I do if I’m being harassed or discriminated against at work
To register, contact: settlementworkshops@mnlct.org
The Canoo App: Explore Canada for Free!
Are you a permanent resident (within your first 5 years) or a new citizen?
With Canoo, you and up to four children (under 18) can visit over 1,400 attractions across Canada for free! You’ll also get discounts on travel and products from top brands like Air Canada and Via Rail.
Don’t miss out! Download the Canoo App for a free one-year membership.
Beach community’s kindness and generosity shown in support of newcomers
We are truly grateful for the incredible kindness of the Beach community. When we put out a request to replenish our community pantry and clothing closet, we never expected such an overwhelming response.
Neighbours from all around stepped up, donating food, clothing, and even brand new winter essentials. Their generosity filled our space and our hearts with warmth and hope. This outpouring of support was more than just donations; it was a reminder of how a caring community can make a real difference in the lives of newcomers.
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 interpretation services for healthcare needs
$60 ($5/month)
for a newcomer's access to interpretation services for healthcare needs
$150 ($12.50/month)
for a newcomer's access to virtual sessions and services through tech solutions
$300 ($25/month)
for a newcomer's better employment options through regular coaching sessions
Together, we are not only helping newcomers settle—
we are helping them grow and succeed.
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