How We Help
Making Your New Start in Ottawa Easier
Our team will assess your needs, assist you in developing an appropriate plan, and connect you with suitable resources to help you establish a sense of belonging and achieve your objectives. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to access a wide range of settlement services.
Please note that we only provide services to Ottawa residents
Your Needs Assessment & Settlement Plan
We Listen to You
When you arrive, we’ll sit down together and talk about your situation, your goals, and any challenges you’re facing. We’ll ask about things like housing, jobs, health, language, and anything else that matters to you. This helps us understand how to help you best.
Your Personal Plan
Based on what you tell us, we’ll create a simple, step-by-step plan just for you. This plan will include helpful information, referrals, and support so you can reach your goals and feel comfortable in Ottawa.
Services We Offer
Each individual’s path is unique, and these resources are designed to assist with integration, building connections, and achieving success within your new community.
Information & Orientation Sessions
Sessions are available to help you learn about Canadian life, your rights and responsibilities, and the services in your community.
Documents
We will provide links to online applications for driver’s licence, health card, work permits, and more. Please note: We will not fill out documents for you.
Life in Ottawa
Learn how to use transit, enroll your children into school, find places to shop for food and clothing, dress for winter, file your taxes, find free fun activities for the family and more.
Document Interpretation
Support is available for interpreting important documents so you can access services and understand information.
Digital Literacy Training
Training is offered to help you use computers, smartphones, and the internet, making it easier to connect, learn, and find information.
Youth
We have a variety of workshops and activities to keep your younger family members busy and engaged. We help young people between the ages of 15 and 25.
Referrals to Other Organizations
If you need special support (such as legal help, mental health services, or refugee support), staff can connect you to trusted organizations in Ottawa.
English Conversation Circles
Conversation circles are available for newcomers who want to practice English in a friendly group setting. These circles help you build confidence and meet new people.
International Student Services
Support is available for international students, including help with settling in, understanding school systems, and connecting with other students.
Connecting with Ontario Services
Staff can help you access important Ontario services, such as health insurance (OHIP), child care, and other provincial programs.
Healthcare Connections
Guidance is available for finding a doctor, understanding health insurance, and learning how to use healthcare services in Ontario.
Employment Centers
Support is available for connecting with employment centers, job search programs, and resources to help you find work in Ottawa.
Housing Support
Guidance is available for finding a safe place to live and understanding your rights as a tenant.
Citizenship
We have monthly workshops to prepare you for the Citizenship test.
Oral Interpretation
Interpreters can help you communicate if you do not speak English or French well
Short-Term Crisis Counselling
Support is available if you are facing a difficult time, with connections to more help if needed.
If there is something you need and we don’t offer the service, we will connect you with another organization that can provide you with that service. We have many partners across the city who work with newcomers like you every day.
What We Can’t Do
While we offer many supports to help you settle successfully, there are some things we are not able to provide. These limits help ensure that we provide clear, realistic expectations while still offering strong support and guidance.
- We cannot guarantee housing — We can guide you, provide information, and help you understand your options, but we cannot secure housing for you.
- We cannot guarantee employment — We can support your job search and connect you to employment services, but we cannot place you in a job.
- We cannot provide financial assistance — We can help you understand available programs and refer you to the right supports, but we do not offer direct financial aid.