Noir Newcomer Connect

SUPPORT FOR AFRO-CARRIBEAN REFUGEES & NEWCOMERS IN ONTARIO

We focus on assisting African immigrants in acquiring the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to integrate into Canadian Society.

REGISTER WITH US

WHO CAN JOIN

  • 2SLGBTQ+ asylum seekers, refugee claimants, convention refugees, protected persons, government-assisted refugees, and permanent residents (18+ in age, and living in Toronto, GTA, or Southern Ontario)


  • Non-2SLGBTQ+ convention refugees, protected persons, government-assisted refugees, and permanent residents



REGISTER WITH US

Group of People with Hands Stacked Together

About Us

We focus on the immediate needs of African newcomers and refugees, by directing them to settlement resources and providing them with, pathways and coaching towards social and economic opportunities as well as programs that help them overcome the systems and structures that impede their success.

Our Mission

Noir Newcomer Connect focuses on assisting African immigrants in acquiring the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to integrate into Canadian society.

Our Vision

Our intention is to support visible minorities with ethno-cultural barriers, by assisting in the settlement, adjustment, and integration process.

Our values

Inclusion, Equity, Integrity & Empowerment

OUR TEAM

Loretta Amponsah-

Board Chair

“My work with newcomers is grass roots and is a reflection of my passion and experience to ensure that many newcomers can become engage socially and feel included and emerged in Ontario as early as possible. Although I have been doing this organically for the last 10 years with communities such as: Toronto Community Housing and Brong-Ahafo (Ghana) Association, my goal is to gain the skills and support system to assist African Newcomers to comfortably emerge into Canadian Society."


Kwaku. G - ​

Commitee Chair ​

"I know from first-hand experience what it feels like to be confused, frustrated and isolated in a foreign country. I was once a newcomer who had to learn how to merge into societal norms and understand Canadian fundamentals. Years later, I’ve dedicated so much of my time and effort to various Refugee Settlement Programs across GTA specifically in the Afro-Caribbean community. I believe every newcomer deserves to have a solid support system to smoothly transition into Canada. Here, as the Volunteer Project Manager, I get to facilitate important programs that aids to the needs of newcomers & refugees."



Clifford Barima-Sakyi-

Board Secretary

"As a child to immigrant parents, I found my passion to give a helping hand to newcomers through the past struggles of my parents as newcomers came to Canada.

Over the years I have led and participated in African Centred Newcomer Social Inclusion activities such as: Site seeing, Cultural showcasing, Language Barrier Workshops, Hosting Mentorship Programs and Attending meetings. As an Operations Manger my role is to plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations of on-going programs."


UP COMING EVENTS &

ON-GOING PROGRAMS

Canada Flag

CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP TEST PREP

Starts 1/09/2024- On-going

Every Monday & Wednesday

Time: 5pm to 7pm

*Fully Virtually Zoom*


Computer laptop

NEW TO CANADA WORKSHOP

Starts 1/09/2024- On-going

Every Thursday

Time: 5pm to 6pm

*Fully Virtually Zoom*


Food Knife Fork Plate Menu Food Logo

AFRO HOT PLATES

Starts 1/09/2024- On-going

First Sunday of every month @ Christ Assembly Church

Time: 3pm to 5pm



CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP CLASSES

CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP TEST PREP

Canadian citizenship classes are offered to newcomers seeking to practice speaking English while preparing to become a Canadian Citizen. Our students get to improve their English Language skills in a supportive classroom settings that helps them understand their new community.


Test Preparation: We offer Free Canadian Citizenship Mock Test for individuals to study from.


Eligibility Requirements


  • Be a permanent resident.
  • Be a landed immigrant.
  • Be a convention refugee.
  • Have a Level CLB 4 and over with Minimum 4 Assessment each in Listening, Speaking, and Reading


If the answer to these two questions is YES, please call 437-242-7586

Registrations are now open for 2024 starting January 9th 2024 Mondays & Wednesdays 5:00 pm to & 7:00 pm


All classes are fully virtual via ZOOM





People Smiling

Settlement Programs

WELCOME TO CANADA CHECKLIST- FIRST MONTH



We provide information and support with the following:


  • Apply for a Social Insurance Number.
  • Find an Employment Resource Centre near your home.
  • Apply for a Health Card.
  • Shelter, food, clothing banks
  • Find a nearby public library.
  • Apply for the Canada Child Benefit.
  • Open a bank account.
  • Apply for a driver’s licence or Ontario Photo ID card.
  • Register your children in school.


Contact Us

Call us at 437-242-7586

Email us at info@noirnewcomerconnect.org


FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM

RBC LITERACY PROGRAM FOR NEWCOMERS

Financial advisors from RBC & Capital One will share tips on managing finances in Canada


We provide information and support with the following:


  • Open a Bank Account.
  • Understanding Canadian Credit System & Credit Bureau.
  • How to apply for a Capital One Credit Card.
  • Canadian Income Tax System
  • Understanding Pay Stub Deducations


Contact Us

Call us at 437-242-7586

Email us at info@noirnewcomerconnect.org







Food donations are given to us from other organizations & African Caribbean grocery food chains.


Once a month we cook and distribute hot Afrofusion meals within our community to newcomers & refugees who are at shelters, who cannot afford decent meal. Followed by donation packages of Non-perishable Groceries.


To Donate, Sponsor or Volunteer


Contact Us

Call us at 437-242-7586

Email us at info@noirnewcomerconnect.org



Afro Hot Plates


EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

1 on 1 CAREER COACHING

Our coaching is done via Zoom/Phone with employment counsellors. We help develop an action plan to ls achieve goals.


RESUME BUILDING

We create outstanding resumes and LinkedIn profiles.


MOCK INTERVIEWS

Real life, hands-on interview experience with employment professionals who will give feedback and advice.


WORKSHOPS WITH HIRING MANAGERS

We help you arrange job interviews and follow up with the hiring manager to get feedback on your strengths & weaknesses.


MEET & GREETS WITH EMPOLYERS

We host Meet & Greet Speed Networking and hiring events to put you face-to-face with employers and connect you to amazing opportunities.




two black people shake hands after an interview

IMMIGRANT WOMEN SERVICES

With the support from volunteers and community partners, we offer a variety of women's programs and support groups all year around. All the programs & support groups provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for immigrant women. To enhance their financial independence, we have various employment related programs such as:




  • Nail Technician
  • Hair Braiding
  • Wig Making
  • Eye Lash Technician
  • Make Up Artist Workshop
  • Linkedin Workshop
  • Self-Empolyment Program
  • Food Handler Certificate Program
  • Cashier Training Program
  • First Aid and CPR Training

Our Program volunteer training aims to enhance self-confidence in immigrant women. They practice their language skills, learn about community resources, build the skills they need to help themselves and their families, and expand their social network beyond their ethnic group.

HOUSING SUPPORT


Tenant Support Services aim to increase tenants’ knowledge and awareness of their rights and responsibilities in the private rental market. We assist tenants experiencing housing challenges and issues to improve their housing quality.


Same time, we are working closely with our community to build up a healthy and welcoming community environment for our newcomers.


Provided Services:


  • 1:1 Information & Referral Service
  • Appointment/telephone/email/social media/live chat)
  • Community Group Activities & Information Workshops
  • (Example: tenants’ rights and responsibilities/ eviction orders/ rentals preparation etc.)




typical low-rise apartment building. construction of affordable housing.

Contact Information

4000 Steeles Ave West

Toronto, Ontario


Tel: 437-242-7586

Email: info@noirnewcomerconnect.org

Website: www.noirnewcomer.org


Not for profit incorporation # 1573185-2