Settlement counsellors at PCHS help newcomers in their settlement and integration process. The goal of these services is to facilitate newcomers’ social, cultural, economic and political integration into Canada through:

• • Needs Assessment and Referrals
• • Information and Orientation Sessions (in one on one, family and group formats)
• • Provide administrative support in filling forms for PR card, pensions, health card, housing, child tax benefit, employment insurance and others
• • Translation/interpretation services
• • Commissioner of oath
• • Removing barriers and enabling settlement through the provision of support services
• • Service Co-ordination and System Navigation

The Employment Preparedness Program provides eligible clients with the tools and skills to find employment, and to be prepared to enter the Canadian workforce. The Employment Preparedness Specialist connects clients with resources to bridge their education, validate credentials, conduct job searches, and assists to prepare and assist clients with their cover letters, resumes, and in being prepared for job interviews.

The program assists newcomer children and youth to build their life skills, and make decisions for the best quality of life. Youth are provided with supportive counselling, ; training in leadership, civic engagement, and academic engagement; information sessions; arts & crafts classes; parent and youth relationship building sessions; and volunteer opportunities!

Community Connection Program (CCP) is a matching program designed to ease the settlement of newcomers to Canada. Trained and established volunteers in this program are matched with newcomer families and individuals (with common interests and characteristics) to enable them to successfully settle in their communities. Qualified Program Coordinators recruit, train, and supervise the volunteers (settled immigrants and long-timed Canadians) and match them with newcomer clients. The process of matching helps newcomer clients with a better understanding of day-to-day activities associated with settlement in Canada, such as using the public transit system; how to access grocery stores; connecting them with informal social and cultural groups etc.

Childcare services are available for clients with settlement needs, and language classes are offered for students We provide childcare services for children ranging from 19 months to 12 years of age. The PCHS Care for Newcomer Children’s Program (CNC) follows a philosophy of learning through play. Through children’s natural curiosity to explore their environment, PCHS is committed to creating a setting that first engages - and then stimulates - physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development; with a goal of maximizing their potential.

The LINC program works in collaboration with PMC (Peel Multicultural Council) to provide basic language training in English to adult newcomers. LINC facilitates the social, cultural and economic integration of immigrants and refugees into Canada through its curriculum. The LINC program assists newcomers in adapting to the Canadian way of life and in turn, assists them to become participating members of the Canadian Society.

Immediate support and services are provided to newcomers, individuals, and families. Short–term Counselors assists clients to:

• • Identify and prioritize needs, as well as develop plans
• • Provide on-going short-term supportive counselling
• • Refer to community resources to help clients achieve their goals
• • Empower them in developing effective solutions during crisis and challenging life situations
• • Promote positive mental health and well-being
• • Address any other arising needs