Newcomer Services – Ottawa
Many of these services are available to all Ottawa residents. However, settlement and newcomer-specific services are also listed. Please contact the organization directly to see if you qualify. Ronalee Carey Law is not affiliated with any services listed. Our list is intended to act as a guide to support new residents in building their own personal communities and support systems as they settle in the Ottawa area.
City of Ottawa - https://ottawa.ca/en
Call 311 – interpretation available in 170 languages
Email: 311@ottawa.ca
- Information on city recreational programs and children’s day camps
- Assistance with applying for child care and information on support for parents and children
- Financial and social assistance
- Job searching
- City services
Ottawa Public Library - https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en
- Locations across the city (https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/library)
- Programs, courses and events
- Movie nights, gaming nights and book clubs for adults and children
- Free-to-use computers
- 1:1 program to learn computers or library services (https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/blogs/library-11)
YMCA of the National Capital Region
https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/our-events
https://www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/settlement-resources
- Resources on education, employment and training opportunities
- Language assessment and classes
- Community settlement workers
- Newcomer youth leadership program
- New Beginnings Virtual Information Centre - https://www.ymcaottawa.ca/employment-immigrant-services/immigrant-services/new-beginnings/
- Webinars regarding life in Ottawa, including Ottawa by-laws
Ottawa Community Resource Hub - https://cneo-nceo.ca/record/80314636/
- Safe and warm resting space
- Washrooms
- Charging stations and public computers, wifi and telephone
- Crisis supports and referral services
- Mental health and addiction services
- Vaccine clinics
Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization - https://ociso.org/
- Get Settled
- Learn English
- Counselling
- Youth Services
- Community Connections: Friends of the Family
- Employment Support (after eligible to work)
Catholic Centre for Immigrant Services - https://cciottawa.ca/
- Settlement services
- Language services
- Employment services (after eligible to work)
- Community Connections
Jewish Family Services Ottawa - www.jfsottawa.com
- Open to persons of all or no faiths
- Sliding-scale counselling services (cost depends on income level – please call their reception to discuss)
- Walk-in counselling clinic
- Settlement support
- Social events and workshops
- Community Kitchen
- Drop-in playgroups for children and parents
- Senior supports
Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre - occsc.org
- Serves individuals of all nationalities with services available in English and Chinese dialects
- Settlement services, including help with children’s school registration, driver’s license and health insurance
- Interpreter and translation services
- Counselling services
- English language classes
- Employment Services (after eligible to work)
PAND Settlement Services - www.pandsettlement.ca
- Settlement Services for Iranian and Farsi-speaking individuals
- Program connection
- Employment support (after eligible to work)
- Mentorship
- Pre- and post-arrival supports
- Language training
Settlement services are also available at:
Find your local Community Health Centre
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-services/health-centres-and-resources.aspx#
- Family doctor and health services
- Community programs vary by location
Find a Canadian tax clinic: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/free-tax-help.html
Family Services Ottawa - familyservicesottawa.org
- Sliding-scale counseling services (cost depends on income level – please call their reception to discuss)
- Parenting programs
- Walk-in counseling clinic
Canadian Mental Health Association - https://ottawa.cmha.ca/
Call: (613) 737-7791 Email: general@cmhaottawa.ca
- Mental health services
- Addiction services
Immigrants Working Centre - Trades Gateway Program - tradesgateway.ca
- Online portal to assist internationally trained tradespeople in the steps to licensing and/or certification for trades in Ontario
Mental Health 4 Success Program - https://fruitsfromtheroots.com/psychotherapy/
- Mental health services for newcomers
- In-person in the Greater Toronto Area
- Virtual for Ottawa and other areas
- Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health Program (BREM) for Newcomer Clinicians
Ottawa Immigrant Women Services - (Women Only) www.immigrantwomenservices.com
- Settlement Services
- Counseling
- Childcare services
- Employment services
- Language development
- Computer training
- Weekly community activities
- Interpreter services
Bruce House - Clients with HIV/AIDS and their families
https://brucehouse.ca/programs/become-a-client/
- Volunteer Support
- Health and Wellness programs
- Outreach and support
- Safe housing supports
AIDS Committee of Ottawa - http://aco-cso.ca/support/
- Outreach and supports
- One-on-one support
- Social groups
- Phone/computer access
- Health promotion and therapies
Youth Service Bureau - www.ysb.ca
- Mental health walk-in clinics
- Employment services
- Health clinics and various walk-in programs
- 24 hours youth crisis line: 613-260-2360
Good2Talk - https://good2talk.ca/ontario/
Call: 1 866 925 5454 Text: Good2TALKON to 686868
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture - https://ccvt.org/
Call: 416 363 1066 or 416 750 3045
- Mental health services
- Settlement services
- Language services and skills training
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa - https://sascottawa.com/
Call: 613 234 2266
- Emergency therapy
- Group support groups and therapy
- Survivor information sessions
- Women and war peer group (all women who have experienced war violence of any type can join.)
Operation Come Home - https://operationcomehome.ca
- For youth separated from their parents
- Employment program for those under 29
- Drop-in resources for those 25 and under
- Education support for high school, GED or applying for College/University
- Housing support for youth ages 16 to 26
