At COSTI, we believe that with support early on, we can help reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by newcomers when they first arrive in Canada. Our priority for 2020/21 was to continue to enhance and strengthen our settlement support services to settled immigrants and newcomers, both adults and young people, who live in the greater Toronto area, within the province, or overseas. Last year, over 7,800 people received settlement counselling and help including accessing government services, completing government forms, translation, interpretation and referral services to additional supports in their local communities.

Finding solutions and eliminating barriers for newcomers who face significant hardship due to the global pandemic has been and will continue to be a priority for our Settlement Services in 2021/22. Many of our clients do not speak English well, do not have computers, live in shared and small spaces, struggle to secure work, or have only recently found employment. Our staff have responded by securing donations to address some of the hardships magnified by the pandemic including food vouchers, helping many with navigating their children’s education and with their health needs during this past year.

COSTI’s Settlement Services from pre-arrival to initial assessment and interpretation services, advocacy and counselling, promote a greater sense of security and well-being, helping newcomers and their families engage in their communities faster. We are committed to staying true to our mission in helping those in need throughout this challenging time and beyond.