Community Connections
Connecting with others
Immigrant-serving organizations offer support with all your settlement needs, including making recommendations on different places to make community connections. In Huron County, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario offers settlement services.
Contact Settlement Manager, Firas Sefian for an appointment.
Email: firas.sefian@swo.ymca.ca
Phone: 226-973-7572
Volunteering
Volunteering your time is an excellent way to meet people, contribute to your community and gain your first Canadian work experience. You can volunteer in many places, including community centres, schools, charitable organizations, hospitals, retirement homes, and other organizations. To find more information about local volunteer opportunities, visit The Centre for Employment and Learning
Sports teams and sports centres
In most communities, there are organized leagues for many sports. For each sport, there are different age groups (adults, teenagers and children). There are also sports centres where you can enjoy fitness classes, swim, work out and do other sports-related activities. To find a sports club, go online and search your nearest town’s name and the sport you wish to play.
Community supports
- Community Living is a non-profit organization that provides services and supports to people with disabilities and their families residing in the communities of Huron County.
Community Living-Central Huron
Call 519-524-7362 or visit www.clch.ca/
Community Living South Huron
Call 519-237-3637 or visit www.clsh.ca/ - Rural Response for Healthy Children serves Huron and Perth County families. They support families through education and support groups, activities and workshops for parents and caregivers.
Call 226-699-0707 or visit www.rrhc.on.ca/
Business supports
- Huron Business Services supports people looking to start a new business or purchase an existing one. They offer a variety of no-to-low-cost resources, services, and programs. Visit www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/our-services/business-services-support/
- Community Futures Huron is an organization that supports entrepreneurs in Huron County. They provide management counselling, business loans, and support for community projects that strengthen the local economy. For more information, visit www.cfhuron.ca/
Joining social clubs or associations
There are also many opportunities for people with common interests to gather. Examples include joining book clubs, game clubs, and music, arts or dance clubs. You can find out about associations and clubs in your area by consulting a local library staff member or inquiring at a Town Hall.
Getting involved in your child’s school
In Canada, schools encourage parents to support their child’s education by getting involved with the school and school board. This helps your child succeed and provides an excellent opportunity to meet people and become part of the school community.
Your neighbourhood
Introduce yourself to your neighbours. If you have children, you can also meet other parents at the local playground. While Canadians are generally very friendly, it is important to show initiative in approaching others.
Interpretation and translation services
- London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre
Call: 519-432-1133 or visit: www.lcclc.org/ - Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington
Call: 519-836-2222 or visit: www.is-gw.ca/ - Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre Call: 519-745-2531 or visit: https://kwmulticultural.ca/
- Translation of documents
World Education Services Call: 1-800-361-6106 or visit: www.wes.org/ca/
Immigration consultants
Many people choose to hire an immigration consultant to help with their applications to become a temporary resident, permanent resident, or citizen in Canada. To learn more please visit: www.settlement.org/ontario/immigration-citizenship/immigrating-to-ontario/general-information-about-applying/should-i-get-help-with-my-immigration-application-from-an-immigration-consultant-or-lawyer/
To find a registered immigration consultant visit: www.college-ic.ca/protecting-the-public/find-an-immigration-consultant
Huron County Immigration Partnership newsletter
The Huron County Immigration Partnership collaborates with organizations and service providers to host events for newcomers. Learn about upcoming events. Sign up for their newsletter:
www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/our-services/immigration-partnership/resources/newsletter/
How Can We Help?
Huron County is always excited to support new and innovative ideas and businesses.
We’re here to help!
Find Us
57 Napier Street,
Goderich, ON
N7A 1W2
Canada
Phone
+1 (519) 524-8394 ext.6