We hope this email finds you well and enjoying these sunny summer days. The Centre is having an exciting summer and we have many updates to share with you:

• Our new home at 3570 Victoria Park Ave, Suite 204 (just north of Victoria Park and McNicoll) is open for business! Over the last couple of weeks, our youth volunteers assisted us with posting flyers throughout our new neighbourhood highlighting our services, including our popular LINC classes (more details below).
• We hosted our Annual General Meeting in June with a good turnout of internal and external stakeholders. See our 2015 program report to learn how we made a difference in the lives of thousands of newcomers in Toronto last year.

Also in this issue: new anti-human trafficking program, Mario Bianchi's retirement, and programming updates for summer/fall.

As you can see, it's been a busy summer and we are looking forward to an eventful fall as well. We hope you enjoy the latest version of our newsletter — wherever the warm weather takes you this summer. 

The MNLCT Team 

Free LINC classes with childminding @ Vic Park

Registration opens August 15 for the fall session of our popular Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes. We offer full-time and part-time courses on weekdays and weekends, in levels Literacy to 6. A limited number of childminding spaces are available for children from 6 months to 6 years. Classes start September 6 at our Victoria Park office.

You must be a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee to attend. Visit our website for class schedule and full eligibility requirements.

To register, please bring your PR card or notice of assessment document and visit us in person at our Victoria Park office, or contact Ping Lu at 416-291-3248 for more information.

NEW Anti-Human Trafficking Program

We are pleased to announce that the MNLCT recently received funding from the Department of Justice Canada to provide comprehensive support for individuals who have been trafficked.

These services include:

• Intake and orientation, basic needs, safety planning
• Mental health counselling for those dealing with trauma
• Community-based safe haven transitional housing (Aurora House)
• Educational bridging programs and job placement
• Referral services to other programs and supports

To arrange a confidential appointment or to inquire about our services, please contact Jessika Liao at 416-699-4527.

Mario Bianchi's Retirement

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of our Settlement Manager, Mario Bianchi. Mario will be retiring on September 1st, 2016 after more than 25 years of service at the Centre.

While we are saddened to have Mario leave, we are truly happy to support him in this decision.

Over his outstanding career, Mario has been an impressive community presence with a reputation for compassionate and effective service to the larger Latin American community and newcomers from all diverse backgrounds. He has shaped this city in ways that are both subtle and stunning and through his writing, radio and television presence, he has contributed to the narrative of the immigrant journey in Toronto. Mario is also a highly regarded community member, participating in various coalitions, committees and organizing groups.

Equally inspiring is Mario’s love and passion for the clients of the Mennonite New Life Centre and his commitment to helping those in need build a meaningful life. Nowhere is there a better example of Mario’s contributions than looking to the programs and services offered within the Centre. From our settlement services to our burgeoning mental health program to our North York location, Mario’s influence and expertise is found in all areas of the Centre. Most significantly however, is the fact that not only did Mario shape our organization, he also shaped many of us into becoming the competent and caring professionals that make up the staff at the Centre. In many ways, this is where his greatest contribution will be found — in the ongoing commitment that we each make to improving the integration outcomes of immigrants coming to the Centre for help, support and a place of friendship.

Mario, we wish you all the best, and we thank you for sharing with us all that you are and believe.

Programming Updates from the Centre

The Centre has a number of programs which are continuing through the summer or starting up again in the fall. Below is a quick overview: 

• A few seats remain for the fall session of the Bridge Training Program for Internationally Trained Mental Health Professionals. Visit the website for registration details.

• Citizenship classes continue to take place at our Keele office on Saturdays from 2-4pm. Contact Luis Mata.
  
• The Community Mental Health Program has a parenting workshop in Spanish which will focus on managing stress in the family environment and improving communication between children and parents. August 13, 2016 from 10am-noon at North Park Presbyterian Church (1579 Royal York Rd). Contact Leticia Esquivel at 647-776-2057 ext 306.
• From Garden to Table offers Spanish-speaking newcomer seniors and youth an opportunity to learn the importance of health and well-being and acquire healthy eating habits. Wednesdays from 1pm-4pm at our Queen office. Contact Martha Juarez.
• Chinese Seniors Group will be starting at our Victoria Park office. Seniors will enjoy sharing stories and news, participating in settlement and health-related workshops, playing chess, singing, and doing physical exercise. Tuesdays from 2-3:30pm. Contact Lingling Zhu.
  

Connect with us on social media for more updates!