DURHAM REGIONDURHAM REGIONOVERVIEW

Quick HistoryQuick History

• The journey began almost 7 years ago...• Between 2006 and 2009, a series of public

consultations were held to seek community input and support in the creation of Durham’s first Immigrant Service Centre.

• In November of 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada agreed to fund not one but two Welcome Centres in Durham Region

Reasons Immigrants Settle in DurhamReasons Immigrants Settle in Durham

• Growing industry and Employment Opportunities

• Promising Economic Activities• Improving transportation and Infrastructure• Competitive Housing• Culture of inclusion

Barriers New Immigrants FaceBarriers New Immigrants Face• Language• Employment• Access to accurate Information• Geographic Strain• Mobility• Accessibility• Childcare• Cultural, personal and environmental factors• Financial constraints

Welcome CentresWelcome Centres

• The first Welcome Centre officially opened in Vaughan in June 2007

• Four other Welcome Centres opened in Fall 2010• And now two more in Durham Region 2011

Ajax and Pickering

Our MissionOur Mission

Durham Welcome Centres seek to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that addresses and supports the complex and changing needs of newcomers by providing integrated services through community alliances.

Service Delivery ModelService Delivery Model• Two locations – strategically located for ease of access• One-stop service; under one roof• A coordinated, integrated case management system • Provide services to immigrants in

Durham Region • Holistic flexible approach• Providing all settlement services under one roof makes

it easier for clients who are not mobile.• Broad range of cross-sector services

and expertise available

Core ServicesCore Services

• Settlement and Integration Services • Language Classes • Employment Supports• Accreditation/Qualifications Information• Translation and Interpretation

Services

Case ManagementCase Management

• Unique relationship established with one Case Manager, right from the beginning

• Case Manager is a familiar, ‘trusted’ face who assists the client to build their individualized settlement plan

• Five Centres linked by a secure Case Management System

Case Management Contd.Case Management Contd.

• All information collected is confidential• Each client has only one file that is accessible

from any location• File is updated regularly by Case Manager who

keeps track of client’s progress

Creating a mix of services through Creating a mix of services through our Associate Partnersour Associate Partners• Agencies that will utilize the Welcome Centre

Immigrant Services as a location to provide information or services, or develop a service that meets the needs of the newcomer community.

• creating a network of hubs to support newcomers and immigrants under one roof.

Types of Associate PartnersTypes of Associate Partners

•HOTELLING

•INCUBATING

•OCCASIONAL OR ONE TIME USE

The LeadsThe Leads

• Community Development Council DurhamOperates and is accountable for the Ajax Welcome Centre

• Durham Region Unemployed Help CentreOperates and is accountable for the Pickering Welcome Centre

The Two LocationsThe Two Locations

• Ajax – 458 Fairall St Unit 5• Approx. 9,000 sq ft

• Pickering – 1400 Bayly St Unit 5• Aprox. 11,000 sq ft

www.welcomecentre.cawww.welcomecentre.ca

1-877-761-11551-877-761-1155

The End The End Thank YouThank You