Here’s what’s going on at Newcomer Centre. Check out the links to find out more or to register for a session.
SETTLEMENT INFORMATION SESSIONS
To help orient newcomers, Newcomer Centre offers group information sessions on various topics, including:
- General overview of Canada and its history
- Local and national sources of information in 15 other settlement areas including rights & freedoms, education, transportation, housing and more.
Sessions held online every Tuesday from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm MST. After the info session, Newcomer Centre can book a personal follow-up session if you’re interested.
Register for a Newcomer Settlement Info Session:
- Call 780-424-7709 or 780-462-6924 or 780-945-2295
- Email info@newcomercentre.com
- Visit www.newcomercentre.com/program/settlement-information-orientation
Newcomer Centre offers group information sessions for first-time Canadian citizenship applicants.
Sessions held online every Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm MST. After the info session, Newcomer Centre can book a personal follow-up session if you’re interested.
Register for a Citizenship Application Info Session:
- Call 780-424-7709 or 780-462-6924 or 780-945-2295
- Email info@newcomercentre.com
Newcomer Centre offers group information sessions on how to sponsor an immediate family member.
Sessions held online every Wednesday from 1:30 – 3:00 pm MST.
Register for a Family Sponsorship Info Session:
- Call 780-424-7709 or 780-462-6924 or 780-945-2295
- Email info@newcomercentre.com
Newcomer Centre offers 2-hour, in-person CUE Welcome Sessions to find out more about the CUE program.
In-person sessions are held every Monday from 10 am—12 pm MST.
- To register, send an email to: info@newcomercentre.com or call 780-424-7709.
- Or visit www.newcomercentre.com/program/connecting-ukrainians-to-employment-cue-program
ESWIS INFO SESSIONS
Newcomer parents of children with severe and permanent disabilities find out how to apply, access and use available financial and health benefits supports through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).
Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.
Supports Provided Include:
- Accessing youth and adult benefits
- Health benefits
- Personal benefits—like money over and above monthly living allowance for specific needs such as special diet or assistance in an emergency for youth and adults with disabilities.
- Living allowances
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or underlying health conditions
 Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) Info Sessions provide tailored supports for newcomer children, youth, and families. These info sessions provide culturally-sensitive and tailored support to meet the unique needs of parents and caregivers to understand better a child’s needs and benefits, such as respite, assistance with the cost of going to medical appointments, accessible transportation, personal care assistance, and so much more.Â
Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or children with underlying health conditions
Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
Newcomer parents and caregivers learn about the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital’s (Glenrose) mission, services, and commitment to supporting children with disabilities and their families.
- Gain insights into discovering a range of services available at the Glenrose and in the community, including therapy, education, and social supports.
- Explore ways to manage stress, enhance resilience, and prioritize self-care while caring for their child.
Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.
Benefits of the Session:
- Knowledge Enhancement: Parents better understand their child’s disability and available support services.
- Empowerment: Parents feel empowered to advocate for their child’s needs and navigate the healthcare system more effectively.
- Community Building: Parents are connected with other parents, share experiences, and build a sense of community and solidarity.
- Self-Care: Parents learn strategies to manage stress and prioritize self-care, ensuring you can continue to support their child effectively.
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Parents and guardians of children with disabilities or underlying health conditions
Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre’s ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
The Newcomer Centre’s ESWIS program provides psychosocial group-based support info sessions tailored for newcomer parents for their children with disabilities or underlying health conditions to cultivate social, emotional, and cultural prowess, enabling them to excel academically, pursue their chosen career paths, and emerge as active participants in society.
These sessions are delivered in partnerships with:
AISH—Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
FSCD—Family Support for Children with Disabilities
PDD—Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Alberta Health Services
Service Canada
Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) info sessions help eligible newcomer adults gain insights to plan, coordinate and access services to live independently in their community, helping them navigate the system and access the supports and services.
Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Individuals with other developmental disabilities
 Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
Newcomer children and youth students (of all grades) can join the ESWIS Social Wellness, Education, Learning & Leadership Program (SWELL) group info sessions in public, Catholic, and chartered board schools for a journey of growth, learning, and connection. These info sessions cover vital aspects of programs that help students thrive while learning the following topics:
- Supporting Healthy Lifestyles: learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and discover practical tips for maintaining personal well-being.
- Reducing Risky Behaviours: gain valuable insights into making informed choices and building resilience to navigate challenges such as bullying, managing conflict, identity and cultural integration.
- Communications: identify and communicate similarities and differences, set goals and values, build relationships.
- Internet safety and Browsing: learn to understand cyber security threats, exposure to harmful online content, and excelling academically.
The Newcomer Centre works with school administrators with many schools in the Metropolitan Edmonton area and with parents to determine needs on a student-by-student basis. Although we have established relationships with many schools in the Metropolitan Edmonton area, we are always available to any school or parent who requires supports.
As the demand for services changes from year to year, so does the list of schools in which our program operates.
 Register:
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
These info sessions support newcomer fathers in making a difference in their children’s lives through a four-week parenting program for fathers and parents, and are facilitated by the ESWIS program team.
Sessions are held monthly. A maximum of 40 participants per session.
Topics covered are focused on how a dad can positively impact their children’s lives, such as:
- The Role of a Dad – Positive Parenting Strategies for Dads
- Effective Communications
- Positive Parenting – Mastering Your Child’s Emotions.              Â
- Family and Work-Life Balance   Â
Fathers are taught how to engage the lives of their children, building strong, vibrant bonds, learning how to listen, assess, and emotionally connect with their children and spouses while encouraging mutual respect between parents in supporting their children with understanding the distinct roles fathers play in the upbringing of their children, inspiring their participation in all aspects of their children’s lives.
Register
- Contact the Newcomer Centre ESWIS program coordinator at: eswiscoordinator@newcomercentre.com
AGENCY INFO SESSIONS
As part of our community engagement, the Newcomer Centre offers one-hour complimentary Information Sessions to learn more about why we exist, a bit of our history, as well as what we do and how we do it across our diverse and inclusive programming.
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Employers, researchers and other organizations interested in partnering with Newcomer Centre,
- Individuals interested in a career with the Newcomer Centre,
- Individuals interested in serving as one of our volunteer Board of Directors, and
- Members of the community and other organizations that would like to know more about how to support newcomers to thrive in the Edmonton area.
Sessions are held:
- In-person at our Newcomer Centre – downtown Edmonton location, and
- On Wednesdays throughout 2024.
Register
- Register for a Community Information Session (MS Form).
Get to know the Edmonton Newcomer Centre in one hour.
The Newcomer Centre offers Impact Information Sessions for those who’d like to hear about how the enduring generous donations and funding support to the Newcomer Centre has supported newcomers to settle and thrive in the Metropolitan Edmonton area.
Sessions are held:
- In-person at our Newcomer Centre – downtown Edmonton location, and
- Once a month from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.
Contact Adebola at aadedoyin@newcomercentre.com to learn more
The Edmonton Newcomer Centre offers 2.5-hour, in-person Volunteer Information Sessions to:
- Learn about the volunteer opportunities available through the Newcomer Centre,
- Learn about some of our community partners and other non-profit organizations, and what they have available for volunteer positions. Each session has guest speaker(s) from community agencies.
Sessions are held monthly – except for July and August when there are no sessions – and in-person at our Newcomer Centre downtown location. Full details sent to registered guests only.
AUDIENCE: These sessions are intended for:
- Newcomers looking for Canadian volunteer opportunities.
- Those who are interested in meaningful volunteerism in our community.
Register for a Newcomer Centre VOLUNTEER Information Session (MS Form).
January 2025
January 9 – 21 Computer Workshops
- We are offering online and in-person computer workshops in January.
- Registration is required for all workshops.
- The sessions focus on Microsoft Excel, AI for job seekers, setting up Gmail accounts and general computer knowledge.Â
- Register here to see what classes are available.
January 9 – I-WIN Drop-In Session
- Every Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, from January 9, 2025 at 7609 38 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6K 3L6.
- Every Thursdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, from January 23, 2025 at 10170 – 112 Street NW Edmonton, AB, T5K 2L6.
- These sessions feature a variety of fun and engaging activities designed for women to connect, learn new skills, and enjoy each other’s company. Expect topics ranging from arts and crafts to dance, educational activities, and more.
- Registration is required before dropping in. Click here to register.Â