YMCA launches Next Stop Canada for pre-arrival youth and adults
YMCA of Greater Toronto has launched Next Stop Canada, a pre-arrival settlement service designed for overseas immigrants whose permanent residence application is in its final stages. An online platform, it delivers settlement information, orientation and referral services, and helps participants prepare for their new life in Canada, through its two programs; The Electronic Newcomer Information Center (eNIC) for new immigrants ages 16 and up and the Youth Pre-Arrival Learning Site (YPALS) for newcomer youth aged 12 to 19.
Here, YPALS program coordinator Candy Chow explains the benefits that Next Stop Canada provides to its clients. Moving into a new community, for that matter, any change is stressful and, exciting. YPALS’ mentorship program connects youth with real life people from who they can learn about their future community. This will help make them more confident and informed about their new community and make transition easy.
Registered participants for the eNIC platform have access to live chat needs assessment and referral services , live webinars, pre-recorded information sessions, interactive Q&A forum and the Mentor’s forum.
Next Stop Canada is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.