— Empowering Immigrants to Write “A Story We All Belong To”
TORONTO, ON – June 22, 2023 — As part of the celebrations for its 55th anniversary, the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is excited to launch the Newcomer Resource Guide, an indispensable and up-to-date tool designed to empower newcomers in the City of Toronto and York Region. This comprehensive guide, available in both English and Chinese, provides essential information and support to newcomers (including open work permit holders), assisting them in their settlement journey.
Providing up-to-date and relevant information, the Newcomer Resource Guide encompasses a wide range of topics, including community resources, language learning, employment, education, childcare, transportation, housing, healthcare, taxation, finances, and more. By equipping newcomers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and navigate their settlement process, the guide serves as a roadmap for their successful integration into Canadian society.
CICS Executive Director Alfred Lam said that given the tremendous popularity of CICS' newcomer handbooks among local communities in the past, the occasion of CICS’ 55th anniversary celebrations provided a prime opportunity for the agency to elevate its offerings, “It became evident that publishing a comprehensive and expanded Newcomer Resource Guide was a natural choice, ensuring that we provide even more valuable content than ever before.”
Lam stressed that CICS has extensive years of front-line service experience and a profound understanding of the challenges newcomers face while settling in Canada. “In the Newcomer Resource Guide, we have offered the most practical and relevant information for newcomers, in the hopes that we can empower them to integrate into, participate in and contribute to Canadian society, which aligns with CICS’ overarching vision.”
CICS’ Newcomer Resource Guide is available in the following formats:
- Physical copies can be picked up at all CICS locations, while quantities last.
Stay tuned for more announcements as we continue to celebrate CICS' 55th anniversary with additional activities.
About the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
Founded in 1968, CICS is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity that provides core settlement and integration services, including language training and employment, at eight locations across Toronto and York Region, serving more than 20,000 clients every year from early years children to seniors. CICS has also established a community food program that aims at increasing food security through our own community garden, community kitchen and food bank. CICS is as well committed to building welcoming and inclusive communities by being a strong advocate for social justice and anti-racism. Learn more at CICS’ website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Leung