MNLCT Summer 2024 Newsletter

Read Executive Director Dwayne O'Connor's column | Watch The Story of MNLCT video | MNLCT Annual Report 2023 | Join our Prenatal Info Session | Upcoming registration dates for Bridging Programs | What we've been up to | NEW uploading process for our Translation Services

Dear Friends,

As we step into the second half of 2024, we continue to work for the communities we serve, and in that work, we see the accomplishments that have been made through the hard work of our team. Those accomplishments are important enough to see through completion and make even stronger.

It is our job to decrease or eliminate barriers to achieving our clients’ goals and these changes have proven to be important and, in most cases, essential to the people that need these services. We are also taking on an aspect of Artificial Intelligence to help improve our services both internally and externally. In doing so, we will be automating some of our daily tasks to free up our Information Technology department to assist our clients and staff.

As a wise man once said to me and my team, “We have more in common than we have in differences.” I wholeheartedly agree, and as an immigrant myself, I know that we all struggle similarly. We have varying differences in what led us to leaving our home country, whether as a refugee fleeing instability or just seeking a better life. But we all had enough drive to make the move and adapt as best we could to the new circumstances awaiting us in our new home.

We will focus on this struggle and work on making an easier pathway for other immigrants to survive, cope, and thrive. We are excited about the future and its promising possibilities.

The Year in Review video was presented at our Annual General Meeting on June 19, 2024. This video details the various events, activities and services we hosted and attended in 2023.

In 2023, we celebrated our 40th anniversary, reflecting on the Centre’s accomplishments over the years. We are proud of the progress so far, thanks to our team’s hard work and dedication. We recently created a Settlement Resource Centre and two new bridging programs to support our clients in pursuing their goals toward a new life in Canada.

In collaboration with Humber College, we are proud to host an informative session on how you can access various prenatal services on our new prenatal healthcare website.

Interested in a Bridging Program?

Our Bridging Programs are accepting students in the fall. Learn more below.

BESIP provides internationally educated professionals with entry to a wide variety of positions in human, social, and community services. You can transfer your skills from your previous education and/or experience to a fulfilling career helping others in need.

Next start date: September 9, 2024

The Bridge for Immigrant Women Reskilling into IT Professions (C-Women) Program supports immigrant women from all professional backgrounds in obtaining working knowledge of coding and testing to enter the IT sector.

Next start date: September 10, 2024

BREM supports immigrant mental health professionals (e.g., counselling, social work, medicine with specialization in psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, psychotherapy, therapy focusing on mental health, divinity counselling, etc.) who wish to work and license in their field.

Next start date: September 3, 2024

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 start date: October 15, 2024

If you are interested in learning more about any of our four Bridging programs (BEMC, BESIP, BREM, or C-Women), join one of our in-person or online info sessions to learn more, ask questions and meet other professionals for informal networking.

Recent events and activities

Participants pose for photos at Hilton Falls
Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Hikes

Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Hikes is a program for newcomers looking to connect with others, explore Canada’s stunning wilderness and cultivate resilience.

Staff and volunteers at the MNLCT booth
Toronto Newcomer Day 2024

The 10th annual Toronto Newcomer Day on May 23 at Nathan Phillips Square brought a crowd of newcomers together. A group of MNLCT staff and BESIP students took turns speaking to newcomers about our programs and services at our booth. We enjoyed meeting new and old friends alike.

LINC students and family members
LINC Students Come Together

Over the past few months, our LINC students and their family members came together over the past few months for field trips, picnics and celebrations. These include a field trip to Gibson House Museum, picnic at Downsview park and birthday celebrations at our Keele office.

Some of MNLCT's Hispanic staff members
First Hispanic Fair

In May, our staff members attended the First Hispanic Fair aimed at connecting the community with non-profit organizations. They represented the Centre, engaging with Hispanic community members and offering information on language services, mental health support, settlement assistance, and Bridging Programs.

Translation Services

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our NEW uploading process for our document translation services in Spanish and English! You can now make a request for translation services online.

For more than 40 years, the MNLCT has served as a beacon of hope for thousands of immigrants and refugees. Thanks to your support, we are working for the future of thousands of newcomers from around 130 countries this year.

The need for our services continues to grow as more individuals and families seek refuge and a fresh start in Canada. We urge you to help us build our capacity as we strive to expand our reach and enhance our programs to meet the evolving needs of our diverse community.

$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

Thanks for joining our group of community builders and shaping a Canadian landscape that values diversity and growth!

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"The Mennonite New Life Centre and its BEMC program came in very handy for me at the lowest ebb of my life by providing a lifeline and I am eternally grateful for that,”

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