YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
About YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
Since 1879, the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg has provided thousands of children and adults with programs and services dedicated to personal growth and community development. The Y is best known for our work with youth and in promoting health, but we also provide opportunities for people to develop leadership skills, philanthropic attitudes and a global perspective. We deliver lasting personal and social change. Newcomer Services is an umbrella of programs within the community programs at the Y that specifically responds to the needs of newcomers to Canada (immigrants, refugees, and more), and has been active since 2007.
Products & Services
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).
Organization Contact
| susan.emerson@ymanitoba.ca |
| 204-831-3264 |
| www.ywinnipeg.ca/ |
| 301 Vaughan St |
| Winnipeg |
| MB |
| CA |
| R3B 3H9 |