What’s New!

Check out our New Fall Newcomer Newsletter

Check out our Summer Newcomer Newsletter

BECOME A FYI YOUTH AMBASSADOR! -For all interested Newcomer Youth, click on our Youth Ambassadors Application 2011 to apply!

Are you interested in our Female Specific Sports and Leadership Volunteer or Student Placement Opportunity? Please call Penny @ 4167859900 ext 222 for more information.

Check out our 2010 Settlement Year End Report

Check out our News from “The Bridge” Summer Newsletter

THE BRIDGE offers a variety of recreational, social, and cultural activities. Throughout the calendar year, a variety of programs are offered including themes such as sports, arts, leadership, and academic. A unique aspect of the Bridge’s settlement program is in providing transferable life skills and leadership opportunities while building social networks and fostering sense of community.

The Bridge has a YOUTH ZONE with a fully equipped kitchen, video games, board games, a ping-pong table, and a computer lab! Come check out the space and other youth in the community. Please check the FYI program schedule to see what is happening this winter!
 

FOR UPCOMING programs, projects, job opportunities, trips, and other fun activities – sign up for the Bridge mailing list to get news updates! Just email your name to thebridge@foryouth.ca and type SUBSCRIBE into the subject heading of the email.

Please visit us at: 1669 Eglinton Avenue West, between Allen Rd. and Dufferin Street, next to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and Maria Shchuka Library. 
Closest Subway Station: Eglinton West

CURRENT PROGRAMS

Recreational Soccer
Interested in soccer? We play every Tuesday at 6:00pm at Archbishop Romero. Contact Alex (alex@foryouth.ca) or join the Soccer Facebook group for updates!
One of the soccer program’s objectives is to provide a healthy and fun activity through which newcomers can meet and make friends, and become acquainted with The Bridge and its services in an informal setting. In addition to this, youth will also have the opportunity to learn and practice new soccer skills. Structured drills and games will be part of the program as well as participation in a soccer league with other organizations.
Soccer Facebook Group LINK: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001704920388

Around the World
Want to learn how to cook? Interested in tasting foods from around the world? Come on Fridays at 4:00pm to check it out!

Around the World is a culinary arts program intended to provide youth an opportunity to learn how to prepare balanced meals, become aware of nutrition and health, as well as taste foods from around the world. The youth have the opportunity to share their culture and customs with all other youth in the program. The youth are able to gain leadership skills by passing on the know-how of their culture’s food and traditional cooking styles. Furthermore, this type of program promotes positive social interactions and builds tolerance within the diverse communities of Toronto.

Power Study
Need help with homework? Looking for a space with a computer lab to do your homework? Drop in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:00PM.
Power Study is homework space where newcomer youth can work together on school-related tasks. Power Study is offered with the mentorship of FYI staff and peer tutors who specialize in various subjects to meet the diverse needs and interests of the youth. We aim to create a safe, structured and youth-led teaching environment for everyone.

CALL FOR BRIDGE YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS!!
Between the ages of 13-24?
The Bridge Youth Council is an integral part of The Bridge and For Youth Initiative as a whole. The purpose of the council is to promote, encourage, assist and provide opportunities for active engagement within the communities to newcomer youth. Youth will be able to earn community service hours by being a part of the Youth Council. The council will focus on creating community awareness, planning of program activities, skills development and address current issues such as multiculturalism, diversity, civic engagement, healthy living/life skills, and anti-oppression. This is an excellent opportunity for newcomer youth to gain civic engagement experience as well as meet new people.

Joining the Bridge Youth Council is a great way to…

• build your resume
• obtain a reference for school or work
• complete your 40 community hours for high school
• meet new friends
• become involved in planning for programs at The Bridge
• become involved in organizing community projects
• have fun!

Please call 416-785-9900 or email ben@foryouth.ca for more information about this opportunity!

The Bridge is able to provide services in the following languages:

• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Somali
• Mandarin

If this does not meet your language needs, please let us know in advance so we are able to arrange for volunteer interpreters.
Eligible Clients Include:

• Youth between ages 13-24
• Permanent Residents/Landed Immigrants
• Convention Refugees
• Government Assisted Refugees
• Live-In Caregivers with a valid Work Permit

The Bridge staff can support you one-on-one with:

• Finding affordable housing
• Your resume, cover letter and interviews skills
• Finding a family doctor or accessing healthcare
• Interpretation and translation
• Finding a job or volunteer opportunities
• Finding legal help
• Gaining access to financial support
• Enrolling in school or upgrading your education
• Finding free English classes
• Applying for your SIN card, health card and driver’s license
• Finding child care
• Filing your income taxes