YMAP (London and Sarnia)

What is YMAP? YMAP is a YMCA Integration & Leadership Program - Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth. YMAP's main goal is to provide support and enrichment opportunities for newcomer youth to ease the adjustment to Canadian life. YMAP focuses on self-governance and opportunities for newcomer youth to establish social and professional networks.

What We Do & Why YMAP program is funded by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada as a settlement program for newcomer youth. Through sessions based on themes such as life-skills training, career exploration, community involvement, and leadership development, we support newcomer youth to achieve their goals and become active community participants. Throughout the year, YMAP hosts a number of special events that provide participants with the opportunity to practice their developing leadership skills and to engage in their community.

Things to do in YMAP:

  • Acquire volunteer hours
  • Participate in fun field trips - Receive homework help
  • Participate in mentorship sessions to learn about post-secondary education and Canadian culture
  • Learn about community
  • Receive information about Canada, rights and freedoms, Canadian law and justice, employment and income, education, money and finance, transportation, media, and citizenship.
  • Build community connections
  • Visit cultural and local services
  • Participate in different sports - Receive on-one-on supports through our Newcomer Youth Settlement Advisors who help guide, inform, and provide resources to settle into your new life in Canada.

Benefits:

  • Create meaningful and long-lasting friendships
  • Access to YMCA facilities - Create your settlement plan and goals action plan
  • Develop and enhance leadership skills
  • Connect to the community - Build your resume and employability skills
  • Increase confidence and assertiveness
  • Gain Canadian experience and a sense of belonging
  • Practice and improve English language

Eligibility:

  • Participants must be a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee.
  • 11 to 25 years old We are always accepting new participants.

Find out what YMAP can do for you!

Locations:

London
YMCA Centre Branch 382 Waterloo Street, London ON
Phone: 519-667-3300 ext.2017 or Cell: 226-448-0799
Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 2:30pm - 6:00pm 
Friday (1st & 3rd of the month): 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM

StarTech.com Community Centre, YMCA, & Library 501Southdale Road West, London ON
Phone: 519-667-3300 ext.2017 cell: 226-448-0799
Wednesday: 2:30pm to 6:00pm

For more information, connect with a program Settlement Advisor in your area:
Marcela Jerez
marcela.jerez@ymcaswo.ca 
226-448-0799

Sarnia
YMCA Learning & Career Centre 660 Oakdale Ave, Sarnia ON N7V 2A9 
Phone: 519-336-5950 ext. 5532 Cell: 226-964-1649
Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays 2:30pm - 6:00pm 
Wednesdays - one on one support 2:30pm- 5:30pm
Friday - One on one support: 2:30pm – 5:30 pm

For more information, connect with a program Settlement Advisor in your area:
Tatyana Cedeno
tatyana.cedeno@ymcaswo.ca 
226-964-1649

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