About YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg

The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg provides the following newcomer specific services:

•  LINC Program/ESL:
  • English language classes for parents who need child minding is offered in the mornings (9-11AM)
  • English language classes are offered at midday, afternoon and early evening without childcare support
  • CLBs for classes from Foundations/Literacy to CLB 5
  • All classes are part-time (2 hours per day)
  • Care for Newcomer Children support (child minding) is available for morning classes only

•  Newcomer Youth Wellness Program
  • Provides group sessions for newcomer youth (aged 12-21) adjusting to life in Canada & experiencing issues related to their mental health and well-being.  
  • Sessions focus on mental, physical, social and emotional wellness through facilitated discussions, activities, peer connection, and recreation.
  • Groups run weekly at Downtown, Elmwood-Kildonan, and South branches of the Y. 
  • Clients can self-refer or be referred by a caregiver, support worker, teacher, or trusted adult in their lives (contact siham.merghani@ymanitoba.ca).
  • Participants earn a free Y fitness membership through their regular participation.
  • In 2020-2021, this program is also offering in-person homework supports to youth who have barriers to accessing remote/online academic supports during the pandemic.

•  YMCA Community Action Network (YCAN)
  • Community service program aimed at youth (under 30) who are underrepresented in leadership and civic engagement programming
  • Mentors youth to identify and respond to needs in their community with a service project
  • Supports available for barriers to engagement

Please note - the Y of Winnipeg also offers employment programming (focused on self-employment and entrepreneurship), has a variety of childcare offerings, seniors programs, and learning and leisure support programs for adults experiencing mental illness or mental health challenges. These programs are not newcomer-specific but welcome newcomer clients. 

Programs under the Newcomer Services umbrella are funded by the Government of Canada (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).