One Place to Start Your Settlement Journey
CDCD operates two Welcome Centre Immigrant Services locations in Ajax and Oshawa/Clarington, providing access to settlement services, employment services, language programs and supports to newcomers, immigrants and refugees settling in Durham Region. Through an integrated service model, newcomers can access information, programs and community resources delivered by CDCD and participating service partners. Services may be available in person, by telephone, email or virtually, depending on the program.
Ajax Welcome Centre
458 Fairall Street, Unit 5
Ajax, ON L1S 1R6
Located across from Ajax GO Station.
Hours
| Monday–Thursday | 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Occasional |
Summer Hours — July & August
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Individual program, class and partner-service hours may vary. Contact the Welcome Centre before visiting for a specific service.
Oshawa/Clarington Welcome Centre
200 John Street West, Unit B9
Oshawa, ON L1J 2B4
Servicing Oshawa, Clarington, and surrounding areas.
Hours
| Monday–Thursday | 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Occasional |
Summer Hours — July & August
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Individual program, class and partner-service hours may vary. Contact the Welcome Centre before visiting for a specific service.
Welcome Centre Immigrant Services
Welcome Centres provide newcomers with a convenient place to access settlement information, programs, services and connections to community resources.
Through CDCD and participating service partners, newcomers can connect with settlement, employment, language, mental health, family, community and other supports in one coordinated service environment.
Our team can help you understand available services, identify appropriate supports and connect with programs and community resources based on your needs.
Settlement & Orientation Services
Helping You Get Settled in Durham Region
Settlement and Orientation Services help newcomers understand important systems, access community resources and develop a plan for establishing their lives in Canada.
Support Includes
- One-to-one settlement and orientation support
- Needs assessment and settlement planning
- Information about life in Canada
- Help understanding government and community services
- Assistance navigating forms and documentation
- Connections to housing, health, education and employment resources
- Information about benefits and community supports
- Referrals to appropriate services
- Group information and orientation sessions
Settlement support is based on individual needs and program eligibility. Through a needs and assets assessment, a settlement worker can help identify appropriate services and referral pathways.
Employment Support
Supporting Employment and Career Goals
Newcomers can connect with employment-related information, services and referrals designed to support job search, career development and labour-market integration. Program availability and eligibility may vary. Contact the Welcome Centre for current information.
Employment Supports Include
- Employment information and referrals
- Job-search support
- Employment preparation resources
- Accreditation and qualification information
- Connections to employment-service providers
- Mentoring and professional networking opportunities
Language Programs & Assessments
Building Language Skills for Life in Canada
Newcomers can connect with English-language learning opportunities and language-related supports through the Welcome Centre and participating service partners.
Language Supports Include
- English-language programs and classes
- Language assessments
- Information about available language-learning opportunities
- Referrals to appropriate language programs
Program availability, eligibility, class schedules and delivery formats may vary. Contact the Welcome Centre for current information.
Newcomer Mental Health Supports
Short-Term Counselling
Settlement and major life transitions can affect emotional well-being in different ways. Eligible newcomers can connect with short-term counselling and appropriate referrals for additional support when needed.
Important distinction: Newcomer Mental Health Counselling is separate from Newcomer Wellness programming. Newcomer Wellness focuses on wellness education, activities, social connection and referrals, while this service provides short-term one on one counselling support.
Care for Newcomer Children
Care for Newcomer Children supports eligible newcomer families participating in qualifying settlement and language programs by providing appropriate care for children while parents or guardians access services.
Availability and eligibility may depend on the program, location and scheduled activity. Contact the Welcome Centre for current information about Care for Newcomer Children.
Resource Centre & Partner Services
More Services in One Place
The Welcome Centre model connects newcomers with services delivered by CDCD and participating community partners. This helps clients access information, programs and referrals through a coordinated service environment.
Depending on location, eligibility and availability, newcomers may be able to access or connect with:
One location, multiple connections. Some services are delivered directly by CDCD while others may be provided in collaboration with community and service partners. Availability may vary by location and program.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us what kind of support you are looking for and we will help direct your request to the appropriate CDCD program, Welcome Centre service or community resource.
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