Over the past few months the world has watched as Canada welcomed 25,000 Syrian refugees. Service providers in Halifax prepared to meet increased demand for settlement support of these newcomers, with the YMCA focusing on children and youth. The first days and months of a child’s experience in a new country can have a big impact on their future as a contributing member of society.
For more than 160 years, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has provided services such as community outreach, health and wellness, employment services, child care, residential and day camping, youth and leadership development, and immigrant programs. Over the past 25 years, immigrant services offered through the YMCA evolved in response to community-wide realities.
- YMCA delivers daily programs and services to more than 1,500 immigrants including:
School Settlement, on-site staff support at 29 schools throughout Halifax; - Saturday Study Skills, supporting elementary-aged children;
- Youth Outreach, including homework club, recreation programs, field trips, special presentations, and volunteer opportunities;
- Active Living, providing fitness classes for all ages focused on health and wellness, and community building; and
- YREACH, delivering in-person settlement services in nine rural communities across the province and also raising awareness about the benefits of immigration in Nova Scotia.
Additionally, the YMCA has helped with the initial settlement of 800 Syrian refugees and continues to support their integration into new schools and communities in Halifax and across Nova Scotia.
Help create welcoming communities by making an effort to support and understand our new neighbours. For first-hand involvement, volunteers are welcomed to support YMCA programs such as the Homework Club, community dinners, field trips, and workshops throughout the year. For more information on how to get involved call the YMCA Centre for Immigrant Programs at 902-457-9622.
