YMCA of Northeastern Ontario-Employment and Immigrant Services

06/19/2026

Throughout Refugee Week, community members have been sharing messages of hope, kindness, courage, and belonging on our Tree of Hopes. Each leaf represents a wish, a dream, or a message of support for newcomers and refugees in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed their thoughts and reflections. Together, we are growing a community rooted in compassion and understanding.

06/18/2026

EVERY STORY MATTERS

Behind every newcomer and refugee is a unique journey filled with experiences, challenges, hopes, dreams, and achievements. These stories help us understand one another, build empathy, and strengthen our communities. This Refugee Week, we celebrate the voices and experiences of refugees whose courage and resilience continue to inspire us. Their stories remind us that while every journey is different, the desire for safety, opportunity, connection, and belonging is something we all share. At YMCA Immigrant Services, we have the privilege of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Listening to their stories helps us build stronger relationships and more inclusive communities. When we take the time to listen, learn, and connect, we create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Because every story matters, and every voice deserves to be heard.

06/17/2026

SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACTS

Sometimes the smallest actions can make the biggest difference in someone's life. A smile. A friendly conversation. A warm welcome. An offer to help. These simple gestures may seem small, but for someone who is new to a community, they can create a sense of belonging and connection. Many newcomers and refugees arrive in Canada leaving behind family members, friends, familiar places, and support networks. A simple act of kindness can help someone feel seen, valued, and welcomed. At YMCA Immigrant Services, we witness the positive impact of these everyday actions. Communities become stronger when people choose compassion, understanding, and inclusion. This Refugee Week, challenge yourself to take one small action that helps someone feel they belong. Together, small acts create big impacts.

06/16/2026

Why is Refugee Week important?
Refugee Week provides an opportunity to recognize the experiences of millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or human rights violations. While every refugee journey is unique, many share experiences of uncertainty, loss, resilience, and hope. Refugee Week encourages us to learn more about these experiences, challenge misconceptions, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

This year's theme, "Courage," reminds us of the remarkable strength refugees demonstrate every day as they rebuild their lives, learn new systems, establish connections, and contribute to their communities. At YMCA Immigrant Services, we witness this courage every day through the newcomers and refugees we serve. Through settlement support, information services, referrals, community programs, and connections, we help individuals and families navigate their new lives in Canada. Refugee Week is not only about raising awareness—it is about recognizing human potential, fostering empathy, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive. Together, we can create communities where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.

06/15/2026

Welcome to Refugee Week 2026! This week, YMCA Immigrant Services joins communities across Canada in recognizing and celebrating the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world. Every refugee carries a unique story. Stories of leaving behind familiar places, overcoming challenges, rebuilding lives, and finding hope in new beginnings.

These stories remind us of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of creating welcoming communities where everyone feels valued and supported. This year's Refugee Week theme, "Courage," honours the determination and resilience shown by refugees as they navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and build new lives for themselves and their families. At YMCA Immigrant Services, we are proud to support newcomers and refugees as they settle into our community, access resources, build connections, and create a sense of belonging.

Throughout the week, we invite you to join us in celebrating courage, building connections, and creating belonging. You are seen. You are valued. You belong here.

06/10/2026

Our YMCA NEO Employment & Immigrant Services team was proud to attend the official launch of the 5th Annual Truth and Reconciliation Relay, hosted by the Greater Sudbury Police Service at the Northern Water Sports Centre.

This meaningful initiative continues to inspire organizations to learn, reflect, and take action toward reconciliation. This year’s focus on coming together as organizations to engage with a Call to Action highlights the importance of collective responsibility and lasting change.

We are honoured to be part of an effort that promotes understanding, wellness, and meaningful progress—both within our organization and throughout the community.

06/10/2026

Get ready for the Lot fest!

Join us June 20th 10am - 6pm at ReStore for a day of thrifting, treasure hunting, and sustainable shopping! Plus, all clothing items are just $1 each!

Find amazing deals, discover hidden treasures, and support Habitat for Humanity while keeping reusable items out of landfills!

📍2167 Armstrong Street, Sudbury ON

06/09/2026

Something meaningful is coming next week… 🌍

As part of Refugee Week, YMCA Immigrant Services will be hosting activities focused on raising awareness about refugees in our community, while also offering support and relevant information for the refugee community in Sudbury. These will include:

🔹 A community resource table at our office (10 Elm Street, Suite 132) with information and supports for refugees and newcomers
🔹 A special film screening that invites us to better understand the realities of displacement (All Nation Church)

This is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and stand in support of those rebuilding their lives in our community.

Stay tuned for more details — we look forward to having you join us.

06/08/2026

This Refugee Week, we invite you to pause, reflect, and connect. 🌍

Join YMCA Immigrant Services for a powerful film screening of A World Not Ours — a deeply human story that explores the lived experiences of refugees, their resilience, and the realities behind displacement.

This is not a light topic. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow as a community. By understanding these journeys, we take a step toward building empathy and supporting newcomers in more meaningful ways.

💬 Let’s come together to raise awareness and strengthen our commitment to inclusion.

🔹 Recommended for ages 13+
🔹 Free event – register using the QR code

Spots are limited, so make sure to secure your spot and be part of this meaningful experience.

06/08/2026

🚀✨ Ready to Build Your Future? ✨🚀

🌟 S.C.Y.L.D. (Shaping Careers for Youth through Learning & Development) 🌟

Take the next step in your education and career journey with S.C.Y.L.D.! This is your chance to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed. 📚💼

💡 What you’ll gain:
🎯 Access to accredited skills training
🎯 Hands-on learning opportunities
🎯 Personalized career guidance
🎯 Support to build confidence and lifelong skills

✅ Who can apply?
If you are:
👤 Youth ages 15–30 (inclusive), a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person legally entitled to work in Canada

👉 Then YOU qualify!

💥 Don’t just think about your future — start learning, growing, and building it today.

Ready to get started? Call 705-674-2324 ext. 3261 to learn more and join the program!

📩 Spots are limited!

Join now and get your first payment on us! Register for YMCA Summer Camp! Help Send Kids to Summer Camp! Apply Online! SchedulesChild CareFind a JobFind a CampSchedulesChild Care Find a JobFind a campNew to CanadaFind Your Local YYMCA EventsJOIN OUR TEAM! Find current employment and volunteer opport...