Taking Care of Your Mental Health: A Practical Guide for Newcomers May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind everyone that mental health matters. What is Mental Health? Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others,…
Networking in Canada: 4 Practical Tips for Newcomers What is Networking and Why Does It Matter when Job-Searching in Canada? It’s a process of building and maintaining relationships with individuals who can offer support, information, and valuable connections. These relationships can help in various aspects of our lives, including career development, personal growth, and social…
6 Canadian Etiquette to Understand for New Immigrants This blog was written by a former YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As you settle into your new surroundings, understanding local social etiquette can help you feel more at home and integrate smoothly into Canadian society. Here are some key aspects of…
A Newcomer Story: Finding Opportunities and Adapting for Success Armin’s journey with the YMCA began with the YMCA Pre-Arrival Settlement Services, Next Stop Canada. He learned about the program from the Government of Canada’s website and found out that they offer free services to help newcomers settle. “I was really nervous [about moving to a…
Welcoming Changes: Reflecting Your Journey and Growth in Canada The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect and think about what has happened over the past year and plan for a fresh start. For newcomers, settling into a new country comes with unique challenges but also opportunities to grow and learn. This…
Explore Winter Festivities in the Greater Toronto Area This blog was written in collaboration with the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As winter settles in, the Greater Toronto Area comes alive with exciting festivals celebrating the season. Join the community to explore the winter festivities and make this winter memorable. Most…
Celebrating Your First Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Culture in Canada How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving in Canada is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s all about spending time with family and friends and being grateful for what we have. The traditional meal usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce,…
Life in Canada: Discover Toronto’s Fall Festivals and Events This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As the vibrant city of Toronto celebrates the start of the fall season, newcomers have an opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture through various exciting festivals and events. Each…
