Immigration Partnership Highlights | |
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We are excited to share the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership's 2023-2024 Annual Report. This report is an important step in our goal to make Waterloo Region a stronger and more welcoming place through immigration. It marks the fourth year of our five-year plan and shows our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant community.
This report is a tribute to our amazing community partners and the growing immigrant community that makes Waterloo Region better. It highlights the diverse people and organizations in the WR Immigration Partnership and shows how we are working together to build a stronger and more inclusive community through immigration.
We invite you to read the report and celebrate the progress we have made together. Our shared efforts are helping Waterloo Region become a better place for everyone.
Learn more and share: Immigration Partnership Annual Report 2023 - 2024
Accessible PDF: Immigration Partnership Annual Report 2023-2024 - Accessible PDF
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2024 Newcomer Landlord Awards' nominations are opening soon! Do you know an exceptional landlord who makes the difference?
Waterloo Region has always welcomed immigrants and refugees. The Newcomer Landlord Award recognizes landlords that go above and beyond to provide innovative, flexible, caring and affordable housing solutions for recent immigrants and refugees in Waterloo Region. The award was founded in 2016 in response to an outpouring of support for Syrian refugees. The Award is presented as part of Waterloo Region's National Housing Day celebrations in November.
You can nominate landlords that you think should be recognized for going the extra mile in helping newcomers find a home in Waterloo Region.
Learn more about past honorees: Newcomer Landlord Award
Nominations will open soon, stay tuned!
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Resources of session three of the Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series are now available in our website!
More than 100 front-line staff of immigrant and community service organizations joined session three of our 2024 Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series. Share you feedback and help us understand the specific questions you need answered to make upcoming Brown Bag sessions more valuable for you: Feedback Survey
Resources from this and past Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series sessions are available here: Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series
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Introducing our new brand to partners, organizations and the community
We are excited to present you with some updates about the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership. In our constant drive to improve and evolve, we have recently undertaken a subtle but significant transformation of our brand. We believe that a fresh, contemporary look reflects the innovation and forward-thinking spirit that defines the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership.
Partners and organizations collaborating hand-in-hand with us, we're excited to offer you access to our refreshed branding. Please reach out to Diana Carrillo at djoya@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Immigrant Survey Results & Snapshots | |
The Immigration Partnership conducted the Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey in June 2023, providing almost 1,700 immigrants the opportunity to share their experiences of living, working or studying in Waterloo Region and impact organizational and community change. Check out the reports released to date. | |
Submissions to Federal & Provincial Government | | |
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The Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership recently contributed a submission to the Federal Government outlining recommended federal investments in Budget 2024 across ministerial portfolios to meet the needs of immigrants and address the pressing issues faced by a fast growing population.
Read here: Submission to Government of Canada’s 2024 Pre-Budget Consultation
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Waterloo Region faces pressing challenges that limit the wellbeing of immigrants and others in our community. In setting Budget 2024, the Immigration Partnership urged the Ontario Government to increase investment in programs and services that empower immigrants to reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving community for all.
Read here: Ontario_Budget_Consultation_2024
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Public perceptions of immigration vary widely and are subject to deep fluctuations. They influence the experiences and successes of immigrants, and their desire to stay and contribute to a thriving, prosperous community. While opinions about the impact of immigration in Waterloo Region tend to be fairly positive, less favourable perceptions are held by a significant minority of the population. This report provides the highlights from local data.
Read the full report here: Public Perceptions of Immigration 2023
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Waterloo Region is set to grow to almost 1 million residents in the next 20 years, largely through immigration. This regional immigration forecast up to 2030 is a tool to support strategic, investment and service decision making and planning, to proactively meet the needs of a growing and changing population
Read the full report here: Forecast 2023 - 2030
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Immigration Partnership Resources | |
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Make your organization accessible to over 10,000 residents who don’t speak English or French by providing interpretation.
Use the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" here: Interpretation Checklist
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Explore antiracism resources and join our campaign at: www.racialequitywr.ca | |
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Get insights into recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and integrating the best immigrant talent with this new resource created with World Education Services.
Explore the Playbook: Waterloo Region Employer Playbook
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New to Waterloo Region? Our partners can help! | | |
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July 23, 6 - 7:30 PM
Immigration Law Workshop
This informative workshop, hosted by YMCA of Three Rivers and MLSC staff lawyer Halime Turkmen, will provide an overview of the immigration process to Canada, including how to sponsor a family member, the implications of an expired visa, the rights of refugees, and more. Gain valuable insights and have their questions answered by an expert in the field.
Contact to patricia.borquez@ytr.ymca.ca or Sunanda.sachdev@ytr.ymca.ca for registration.
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Join KW4 Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
CAC volunteers work to co-design initiatives for the KW4 Ontario Health Teams (OHT). Members help to identify community needs and gaps for Kitchener, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich.
Help build a healthier community with timely access to care and services.
Apply today: KW4 OHT Community Advisory Committee
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The Cambridge North Dumfries OHT Patient, Family and Caregiver Advisory Council (PFAC) is Recruiting for New Members
Patients, families and caregivers are invited to join the CND OHT PFAC and participate in the CND OHT Connecting Care Co-Design workgroups. The voice of a Patient, Family & Caregiver Advisor is invaluable and essential for the success of the work they are doing. The CND OHT PFAC is a dedicated group of patients, family members, and caregivers who collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance the delivery of care within our communities.
As a PFAC member, your stories, suggestions and ideas will directly shape improvements to the health and wellbeing of CND communities.
Learn more and join: Patient, Family and Caregiver Advisory - Cambridge North Dumfries OHT
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Building the future of hospital care, together!
Your input matters! Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital are joining to Build the Future of Care Together. Provide your input about how a merged hospital can better serve the communities of Waterloo - Wellington.
Find the survey here and please, share it with your network: Building the Future of Hospital Care, Together
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November 25 -27, Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver - Hybrid
Pathways to Prosperity 2024 National Conference
The Main Conference will include plenary sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, poster presentations, and enhanced opportunities to network with colleagues.
Learn more: Pathways to Prosperity 2024 National Conference
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Initiatives & Funding Opportunities | | |
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Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) 2024 funding application deadlines
OTF has published the 2024 deadlines for their Capital Grant and Youth Opportunities Fund, as well as their Seed and Grow grants.
Deadline to submit applications:
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Nominations are closing this week for the 2024 WRCF Community Awards!
Waterloo Region Community Foundation is asking members of the community to nominate individuals or organizations in three award categories: Ken Murray WRCF Community Catalyst Award, David Borges WRCF Organizational Goodness Award, WRCF Social Infrastructure Champion Award.
Submit your nominations by July 17, 2024.
To learn more visit: Award Nominations — WRCF
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Enabling Accessibility Fund is Closing Soon!
This funding opportunity aims to make communities and workplaces across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. It will fund projects that create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, and access employment.
Virtual information sessions will be hold to provide an overview of the application process for organizations interested in applying for funding.
Submit your application by: July 23, 2024
Learn more: Enabling Accessibility Fund – small projects
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Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund
City of Kitchener has partnered with GreenHouse (social impact incubator) to deliver the new- Youth Climate Action Fund, to provide $68,000 in micro-grants for youth-led climate projects that take place in Kitchener. Teams can apply for up to $6,500 – together we can make positive climate impacts!
Submit your application by: July 31, 2024
Learn more: Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund - City of Kitchener
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Promoting Welcoming Communities: A Toolkit for Communities and Those Who Support Them
Pathways to Prosperity is pleased to announce the launch of their second Welcoming Communities Toolkit. This toolkit features a variety of practices and programs that can be used to address and improve each of the characteristics of a welcoming community. The goal is to mobilize and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information related to each characteristic of a welcoming community for those who are looking to improve their practices or develop new ones.
Learn more: Promoting Welcoming Communities: A Toolkit for Communities and Those Who Support Them – Pathways to Prosperity: Canada
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Social Media Toolkit for Immigrant - Serving Organizations
The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration (CERC) at Toronto Metropolitan University has developed a Social Media Toolkit for immigrant-serving organizations. This comprehensive resource guides organizations in building effective social media teams, developing strategies, and creating and assessing content. This toolkit is designed to empower organizations in using social media platforms to assist immigrants throughout their settlement journey.
Check it out: : CERC Social Media Toolkit 2024
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What does it mean to be a host
WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.
If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help.
Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:
Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)
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Front-end processes for
refugee claimants
Front-end processes for refugee claimants are rapidly changing as applications are digitized and government seeks new efficiencies. This infographic has been designed to assist service providers in
keeping up with these changes.
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Un Guide Pour Tous
GuideMoi est une application mobile gratuite dédiée spécifiquement aux immigrants francophones qui souhaitent ou viennent de s’installer en Ontario. Cette application est un guide intuitif qui accompagne l’immigrant et l’oriente tout au long de son parcours d’intégration.
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Find a mentor to help you become a licensed health professional in Canada
Mentor Me aims to assist internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) in obtaining licensure in Canada. It provides a simple solution by connecting unlicensed IEHPs with licensed IEHPs for personalized peer mentorship.
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Support for Deaf and hard of hearing newcomers to Canada
The Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) Settlement Program supports Deaf and hard of hearing newcomers in overcoming barriers related to settling in Canada. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this free program helps individuals with everyday living needs and transitioning to life in Canada. It provides assistance in areas such as housing, legal systems, technical devices, transit use, form completion, and health services, ensuring newcomers understand their rights, responsibilities, and can access community resources.
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La Communauté en Français | | |
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16 juillet, de 11h à 13h, Hespeler Room, 250 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
Le travail d’intervenant(e) de première ligne / kiminisaw vous intéresse ? - Session d'information
Le YMCA de Three Rivers organisera une session d'information pour les personnes intéressées à explorer les possibilités de carrière au sein du Service correctionnel du Canada. Cette séance s'adresse exclusivement aux citoyens canadiens et aux résidents permanents, car les critères d'admissibilité actuels ne permettent pas aux réfugiés ou aux demandeurs d'asile de postuler pour les emplois offerts par le SCC.
Inscrivez-vous
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Sondage 2ELGBTQIA + francophone
Ce sondage a pour but de connaître les expériences de santé de la communauté francophone 2ELGBTQIA+. Vos réponses permettront d'identifier les principaux obstacles et de développer des stratégies pour améliorer les services de santé. L'enquête prendra environ 10 à 15 minutes.
Répondre ici: Sondage 2ELGBTQIA+ francophone
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Guide d’accueil pour les nouveaux arrivants francophone
Lors de la Semaine d’Accueil Ottawa (SAO), Le Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone dans l’Est de l’Ontario (RSIFEO) a officiellement lancé son guide d’accueil intitulé : "91 gestes pour accueillir un.e nouvel.le arrivant.e francophone dans l’Est Ontarien".
Plus d'informations: 91 Gestes pour accueillir un.e nouvel.le arrivant.e francophone dans l'Est Ontario
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New episode! - Behind the Business podcast
The Behind the Business Podcast is a weekly podcast created by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that highlights the important people and issues in Waterloo region and in our community. Business and community leaders share their thoughts on the issues that affect the region and business community.
Don't miss the latest episode with Ren Navarro, Owner & Operator of @bdiversitygroup: Behind the Business Podcast
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July 18, 12 - 1:30 PM, Online - Free
Workshop Summary: Resume Reboot: Leveraging Global Skills
Join the Workplace & Immigrant Network for an insightful and practical online resume building workshop specifically designed for professional immigrants. This event is part 1 of a three-part summer series focused on enhancing your career prospects in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region.
Register Now
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July 16, 11 AM - 1 PM, Hespeler Room, 250 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
Are you interested in working as a primary worker / kimisinaw? - Information Session
YMCA of Three Rivers will be hosting an information session for people interested in exploring career opportunities with Correctional Services Canada. This session is exclusively for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents, as the current eligibility do not permit Refugees or Refugee Claimants to apply for the jobs with CSC.
Register Now
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Sept. 25, 10 AM - 3 PM, Manulife Sportsplex at RIM Park, Waterloo
P4E Job Fair
P4E Job Fairs are a collaborative effort among the University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. This Job Fair is focused on full-time career opportunities and is promoted heavily to final year students and recent alumni.
Learn more
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Sept. 26, 10 AM - 2 PM, Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener
Kitchener/Waterloo Career Fair and Training Expo Canada
Get in front of hiring managers! Network and apply with Employer Exhibitors. Build meaningful rapports you need to advance your career in the direction that you want. Learn about exciting new career options and obtain valuable information about how to earn the credentials and diplomas you need to get the job you want with the Training Exhibitors.
Register now
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Grow your Skills with Google Career Certificates!
Scholarships are now available for Google Career Certificates! No experience required – just your passion and ambition!
Scholarships are available upon application – first-come, first serve – until September 30, 2024.
Learn more: Grow with Google - First Work
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Employment Readiness Workshop Series - Online
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help! These workshop series will help you become employment ready. Special one-time sessions feature guest speakers. Certificate given on completion of all 8 workshops
July 30 - Effective Job search strategies
Aug. 2 - Canadian culture in the workplace
Aug. 6 - Polite requests and suggestions
Aug. 9 - How to prepare for interviews (1)
Aug. 13 - How to prepare for interviews (2)
Aug. 16 - Workplace Communication Skills
Aug. 20 - Disabilities and Accommodation (guest speaker)
Aug. 23 - Home accounting and record keeping (guest speaker)
Register Now
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National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4)
July 24, 1 PM - Online - Free
Unlocking Nurse Retention Success: Strategies for Internationally Educated Nurses
Join an engaging session to explore the new national nurse retention toolkit. Get essential guidance tailored to the unique considerations faced by nurses who received their education outside of Canada. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform nurse retention in your organization.
Register Now
September 11, 1 PM - Online - Free
Seeking Cultural Safety: Ethical Considerations for Newcomer Health
This interactive learning experience utilizes a case-based approach to demonstrate the potential breadth of concerns that may arise with barriers for newcomers accessing the healthcare system.
Register Now
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July 17, 10 AM - 12 PM - 480 Charles St. East, Kitchener - Free
Expressive Arts
Learn to understand, describe and express emotions and feelings through art. This workshop will be done in two parts, Part 1 will focus on understanding and describing your emotions/feelings and Part 2 will focus on expressing them through different ways. You can attend one or both workshops.
Register Now
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July 24, Aug 7 & 28, 6 - 8 PM - Waterloo Public Square - Free
Campfire
Grab a seat around the fire or on a nearby patio and listen to live music by local musicians at Waterloo Public Square. Takes place on select Wednesdays throughout the summer.
Learn more
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July 22 & 29, 1 - 3 PM - 480 Charles St. East, Kitchener - Free
Self-care Letters
Using your creative skills, make greeting cards and use them to exchange thoughts, beliefs, and feelings with yourself or others. You may write a letter of compassion, empathy, or gratitude, or forgiveness to yourself. This will be a two part workshop so you have ample time to pen your thoughts. You can attend one or both dates if you wish.
Register Now
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July 28, 120 Shade St., Cambridge
Emancipation Day 2024
Join Rhythm & Blues Cambridge for and unforgettable day filled with music, joy, and community spirit. Celebrate freedom, unity, and culture!
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August 2, 1 - 3 PM- 480 Charles St. East, Kitchener - Free
Stress Relief Kit
Learn how to build resources than can help you make healthy choices when coping with stress and adversity. Each participant will have an opportunity to build a personal kit designed to help them nurture themselves in ways that can reduce stress and improve their wellbeing. All supplies will be provided.
Register Now
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August 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1 - 3 PM, Victoria Park, Kitchener
Tatreez and Talk
Join Camino in this four part workshop series designed to introduce you to the rich and vibrant art of Tatreez (Palestinian embroidery). These workshops aim to educate about the positive impact of arts and crafts on mental health and the power of collective healing through embroidery. You are encouraged to attend as many dates as you can.
Register Now
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SAVE THE DATE - August 23 & 24
Caribana Ignite
Join the Caribbean Canadian Association of WR (CCAWR) to experience the tradition and rick tapestry of the Caribbean heritage right in the heart of Kitchener.
Stay tuned!
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August 26, 5:30 - 7 PM, 480 Charles St. East, Kitchener - Free
Food Nostalgia
Nostalgia can be a great tool to enhance your well-being. Join us to explore nostalgia through food and its connection to wellbeing
Register Now
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Thursdays until August 29, 7 - 11 PM, 75 King St S, Waterloo - Free
Salsa in the Square
Enjoy free lessons, live music and dancing. All ages and ability levels are welcome, no partner or experience needed!
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September 21, 12 - 5 PM, Gibson Park, 17 First St W., Elmira - Free
Multicultural Festival of Elmira
Enjoy of an unforgettable day filled with culture, fun and community spirit!
Learn more
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October 24, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Waterloo Public Library, Waterloo - Free
Tea and Tales
Join Tea and Tales with Coalition of Muslim Women to have some delicious treats and listen to some wonderful stories.
Register here: wisam.osman@cmw-kw.org or 2264992269;ext - 4003
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July 15 - 19, 3:30 - 5:30 PM, Waterloo Main Public Library, James J. Brown Auditorium, 35 Albert St, Waterloo - Free
Newcomer youth Connections - Aged 13 - 16
Join Camino for an afternoon of activities. Connect with other youth through fun games, art, exercise, conversation and team building! PLUS! Join a clay workshop on Wednesday, July 17, at the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery. Snacks, bus tickets an interpretation provided!
To register, please email groups@caminowellbeing.ca or call 519-743-6333 ext. 3250.
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July 15 - 18, 4 - 7 PM, 85 Queen St. North, Kitchener - In-person - Free
Let's Talk Summer Camp
Free program for newcomer youth ages 14 -21 focused on career guidance.
For more information contact: letstalk@kwmulticultural.ca
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July 25, 10AM - 1 PM, 150 Main St., Cambridge - In-person - Free
Strategic Resume Writing Workshop
Suitable for seasoned professionals, new immigrants, or if you already have a resume. This workshop will dive deeper into systems used to shortlist resumes and tailor them to stand out.
Register Now
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Mondays, until August, 6 - 8 PM - 645 Westmount Road E, Kitchener - In-person - Free
Tutoring Program for Grade 3-12
Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with Camino are offering tutoring for a variety of subjects such as Math and English.
Register Now
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August 12 - 16, 1 - 5 PM, 85 Queen St. North, Kitchener - In-person - Free
Let's Talk Summer Camp
Free program for newcomer youth ages 14 -21 focused on career guidance.
For more information contact: letstalk@kwmulticultural.ca
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August 12 - 16, 2 - 5 PM, 645 Westmount Rd. E, Kitchener - Free
Skills for Success
Grow your skills with Camino's summer program in partnership with Pathways to Education
To register, please email groups@caminowellbeing.ca or call 519-743-6333 ext. 3250.
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From September - October - In-person - Free
We Belong – Introduction to Photography for Newcomer Seniors
In this introductory photography program, newcomers 55+ will learn basic photography skills and capture what belonging means to them through a camera lens.
For more information visit: Central Library: Introduction to Photography for Newcomer Seniors
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