Building Connections. Advancing Skills. Supporting New Beginnings.
CDCD’s Newcomer Community Services help newcomers build connections, develop practical skills, strengthen well-being and participate more fully in community life as they settle in Durham Region. Through community-based programs, school settlement support, youth services, wellness initiatives and digital literacy training, newcomers can access opportunities that support confidence, independence and belonging.
How We Support Newcomers
Newcomer Community Services brings together programs that help newcomers build relationships, navigate school, strengthen skills and well-being, and participate more fully in community life.
Community Connections
Building Connections and Belonging
Community Connections creates opportunities for newcomers to meet people, practise language skills, share experiences, participate in community life and build social and professional networks.
Program Activities Include
- English Conversation Circles
- Women’s Groups & Social Activities
- Community Kitchen
- Community Garden
- Canada Connects
- Building Bridges
- Community Activities, Field Trips & Events
Want to Meet People and Feel More Connected to Your Community?
Building a new life is about more than accessing services. Community Connections provides opportunities for newcomers to practise English, learn about their community, build relationships and participate in activities that strengthen their sense of belonging.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
Helping Newcomer Students and Families Navigate School and Community
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) supports newcomer students and families as they navigate the school system, connect with community resources and build a strong foundation for settlement in Durham Region.
How SWIS Works
Each participating school is assigned a settlement worker. In cooperation with the school, SWIS workers connect with newcomer parents and youth to provide school and settlement information and referrals to community services.
Students under the age of 16 require parental consent to access SWIS. SWIS workers are part of a multilingual team and can help families access services in a range of languages.
SWIS Can Help With
- Accessing school and community resources
- Understanding and navigating the school system
- Connecting with social and cultural services
- Learning about English-language supports
- Housing, health and employment information
- Immigration and settlement services
- Legal and community-service referrals
- Supporting newcomer students as they integrate into their schools
Who Can Access SWIS?
SWIS services are available to newcomer students and families registered with the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) and Durham District School Board (DDSB). Schools are assigned a SWIS worker who can support eligible newcomer students and their families.
Support for Parents & Guardians
SWIS provides newcomer and immigrant parents and guardians with information and referrals to community resources that can help their families settle and navigate life in their new community.
Support for Youth
SWIS youth activities and initiatives include Newcomer Orientation Week, Peer Leader Training, Youth Advisory Committee, SWIS Making Connections, March Break activities, volunteer hours and community involvement opportunities.
SWIS Resources
How to Connect With SWIS
Families or youth can complete a SWIS Consent Form available through the school office or their school settlement worker. Once the completed consent form is returned, a SWIS worker can follow up with the newcomer student or family.
SWIS Consent Forms
Consent forms are available in multiple languages.
Find Your SWIS Worker
Find the SWIS worker assigned to your school.
Newcomer Youth Services
Helping Newcomer Youth Build Skills, Confidence and Connections
Newcomer Youth Services creates opportunities for young newcomers to develop practical skills, strengthen confidence, connect with peers and community, and prepare for education, employment and everyday life in Canada.
Program Areas
- Recreation & Fitness
- Leadership & Life Skills
- Education & Employment
- Health & Wellness
- Volunteer & Community Engagement
- Information, Resources & Referrals
Support Includes
- Leadership and life-skills development
- Education and employment preparation
- Health and wellness activities
- Recreation and fitness
- Volunteer and community involvement
- Peer and community connections
- Information, resources and referrals
Newcomer Wellness
Supporting Well-being, Resilience and Connection
Adjusting to life in a new country can bring significant change, new opportunities and unexpected challenges. Newcomer Wellness supports newcomers in strengthening their well-being, building connections and accessing information and resources that can help them navigate the settlement experience.
Through wellness-focused activities, education, community connections and appropriate referrals, the program creates supportive spaces where newcomers can connect with others, develop strategies for managing everyday challenges and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Newcomer Wellness Includes
- Wellness education and information
- Wellness check-ins and supportive conversations
- Group activities and workshops
- Opportunities for social connection and peer support
- Information about community resources
- Referrals to appropriate services when additional support is needed
- Activities that promote resilience, belonging and healthy settlement
Important distinction: Newcomer Wellness focuses on wellness activities, education, connection and referrals. It is separate from the formal short-term Newcomer Mental Health Counselling Services offered through Welcome Centre & Immigrant Services.
Volunteer Program
Contribute. Connect. Make a Difference.
Volunteers support CDCD through tax clinics, conversation circles and events across Durham Region. The Volunteer Program connects volunteers with opportunities to contribute their skills, support newcomer programs and strengthen community connections.
How Volunteering Works
- Apply — Complete the online application form.
- Training — Training runs three times a year, before each program season (fall, spring and summer). If you miss the current session, you will wait for the next one.
- Program Matching — CDCD’s Volunteer Coordinator contacts you to discuss program areas.
- Screening — A Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required through Durham Regional Police Services or your local equivalent, at your own cost. CDCD provides a letter for a discounted rate after training.
- Get Involved — Start volunteering once the required steps are completed and an appropriate opportunity is available.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. A Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required. The whole process typically takes 4–6 weeks; placement is not guaranteed for every applicant.
Select Voulunteer when completing the intake form upon clicking on Apply to Volunteer.
Computer & Digital Literacy Training
Building Confidence in a Digital World
Computer & Digital Literacy Training helps newcomers develop practical digital skills and confidence to use technology safely, access online services, support employment goals and navigate everyday digital life.
Training Includes
- Basic Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Internet & Email
- Online Services & Applications
- Cyber Safety & Scam Awareness
- Online Job Applications
- Digital & Financial Literacy
Not Sure Which Newcomer Program You Need?
Tell us what kind of support you are looking for and we will help direct your request to the appropriate CDCD program or service.
Request Support