New in-person and Online English Classes Options Being Offered at St. Louis

Starting today, February 21, there will be new in-person classes, covering CLB 1-7 and Get and Keep the Job.

There will also be English for Personal Support Work - CLB 6/7. These classes will be online:

Feb 21 - June 16

Mon. - Thurs. 12:30 - 3:00

Fri. 12:30 - 2:00

For more information visit: Welcome - St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education (wcdsb.ca)

Innovative Practices - Housing | Pratiques innovantes - Logement 

Mar. 10, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST

Innovative Practices - Employment | Pratiques innovantes - Emploi 

Mar. 20, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST

Innovative Practices - LIPs, Community and Smaller Centres | Pratiques innovantes - PLIs, communauté et petits centres  

Mar. 30, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:30PM EST

Waterloo Spring City Program Registration Opens

Registration for spring active living programs will open on March 8.

Those who are interested are encouraged to register early, as spots fill up fast. Residents can register online using an ActiveWaterloo account at waterloo.ca/activewaterloo or in person by heading to the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex (WMRC) or the RIM Park Manulife Sportplex during registration hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Download the 2023 ActiveWaterloo Spring Guide to see what else is in store for residents this spring.

Source: Waterloo spring city program registration opens | TheRecord.com

Be engAGED in Shaping Older Adult Programs

The City of Kitchener is engaging with the community to learn about programs for adults 55+. The goal is for Kitchener residents 55+ to have access to welcoming and inclusive programs in their neighbourhoods that support wellness and active living. It will also help staff understand which neighborhoods to prioritize in offering programs for older adults. This survey is an important step toward the age-friendly vision of being a community where everyone can live and age well. The survey is open to seniors 55 and older and informal caregivers of seniors.

The survey is open until March 17 and can be translated into more than 100 languages (the translation feature is in the top right corner of the page).

Be engAGED in shaping older adult programs | EngageWR

2023 Women of Distinction Award

Nominations are now open for the YWCA Cambridge Women of Distinction Awards. Since 1994, the Women of Distinction Gala has been YWCA Cambridge's premier fundraising event, recognizing more than 300 women for their contributions to their communities.

The awards ceremony will take place at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa on June 14, 2023. Ticket sales will open in early spring. Funds raised from ticket sales and sponsorship go toward community outreach, gender-based violence prevention programs, employment services and advocacy to end gender inequality and gender-based violence.

Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 17th.

Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.

Nominations Open for Senior of the Year in Kitchener and Waterloo

If you know an outstanding Kitchener resident aged 65+, don't miss the opportunity to nominate this special person to be Kitchener’s 2023 Senior of the Year!

The Provincial Senior of the Year award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding resident aged 65+ from their local community each year. Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 31st.

2023 Senior of the Year Award - Kitchener

2023 Senior of the Year Award - Waterloo

Québec-Ontario Project Funding

Under the agreement, Ontario’s Ministry of Francophone Affairs and the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes are funding projects developed and carried out jointly by Francophone organizations in Ontario and in Québec which aim to:

• Encourage the development of Francophone culture
• Leverage Francophone economic opportunities
• Enhance a mutual understanding between the two provinces



Each project must be submitted by an applicant from one province and a co-applicant from the other province. Ontario and Québec are each investing $250,000 in support of eligible projects. The maximum grant limit per project is $40,000. While projects from all sectors are eligible, priority will be given to projects from the economic development, culture, education and tourism sectors. The application period for 2023-2024 is open from March 1 until April 12, 2023.

For more details on eligibility, please visit: Québec-Ontario project funding | ontario.ca

Applications Now Open for Community Grants!

The Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) is focused on creating sustainable, equitable and thriving communities. They are dedicated to supporting those most affected by the inequities that exist across the region, and to increasing opportunities for people who live and work locally.

Annually, WRCF distributes Community Grants to organizations that are located anywhere in Waterloo Region and provide support to local residents. In 2023, approximately $500,000 is available for organizations that focus on initiatives related to affordable housing and initiatives that have an impact on climate change, where that impact is specifically focused on Waterloo Region. Deadline is April 21, 2023.



Registration: Community Grants — Waterloo Region Community Foundation (wrcf.ca)

Waterloo's Neighbourhood Matching Fund

The Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) supports projects that help neighbours develop connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create place making. Groups of two or more neighbours may apply for up to $7500 in matched funds to support their idea.

Deadlines to apply for the NMF are: May 31 and October 17, 2023. If you have a great idea that contributes to your community don't miss this opportunity.



Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.

Guide to Help the Landlord-Tenant Relationship Continue to Improve

Landlords have taken the time and effort to consider best practices to maintain a good relationship with their tenants and help ensure that our community is a home for all.

This toolkit includes information, tools and tips to assist housing providers with eviction prevention efforts. It can also be used to help develop new policies and improve existing practices. is a great set of tools to help you maintain your business and develop a caring and professional relationship with your tenants.



Click here for the Waterloo Region Community Legal Services' Best Practices for Housing Providers of the Waterloo Region Toolkit here.

Rising Together - International Women's Day Showcase Event

Mar. 8, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Coalition of Muslim Women of KW's Women Building Women program has worked with racialized Muslim women, training them in essential entrepreneurship skills, and are ready to present their projects to the community.

Everyone is invited to join this celebration of amazing women in business.

There will be fun, games, door prizes, and snacks.

Space is limited, please register so you can attend.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Work Permits: Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Mar. 8, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Cambridge Newcomer Connections

Kinbridge Community Associations, 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge

Mar. 11, 2023, 10:30AM - 1:30PM

Don't miss this free community event where you can learn about what services and programs are available to you as a newcomer. There will be indoor and outdoor activities, information booths, entertainment, food and prizes.

Accommodations and interpretation is available by contacting Yesenia at newcomer@cambridge.ca or at 519-623-1340 Ext. 4426

*Registration is not required but capacity is limited

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Work Permits: International Mobility Program

Mar. 15, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Workplace Inclusion: A Roadmap for Senior Managers

Mar. 15, 2023, 1:00PM

Strategic planning is one of the most widely used tools when it comes to EDI. As daunting as the exercise may seem, the key is getting started with the right people and practices. This workshop will examine how to set an EDI transformation process in motion and what research says about practices that can push the needle in favor of minoritized groups.

The speaker will be Michaël Séguin. He currently leads a SSHRC-funded research in partnership with N4 about inclusion in Ontario-based settlement agencies.

Islamophobia and Anti-Hate Workshops

Mar. 22, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women encourages the community to attend this virtual event on Islamophobia and cyberhate, where a dialogue will be opened between the community and political members on possible solutions to these problems.

Working with Refugees and Survivors of War

Mar. 27 and Apr. 15, 2023,

12 Hours Workshop (See schedules)

Wilfrid Laurier University is offering this interactive workshop that will provide both a conceptual framework and practical skills for assessment and interventions when working with refugees and survivors of war.

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca

Remote: 519-884-0710 ext. 5234

Online: 519-884-0710 ext. 5235

Citizenship Support Group

In Person

Classes: Jan. 11 - Mar. 29, 2023

The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering in person citizenship support classes to help permanent residents  prepare to take the Canadian Citizenship Exam. These classes will cover material that will be on the exam and provide participants with a variety of study materials and practice tests that you can take home to review. If you are interested in registering please fill out this form.

International Youth Group

Jan. 19 - Mar. 9, 2023

Carizon invites newcomers connect with other youth in its in-person group through games, art, play and conversation. They will explore a wide range of issues that are important to you and explore new ways to connect with others! This group is for newcomer youth ages 10-13. 

Growing Stronger - Adult Trauma Group

Jan. 19 - Apr. 6, 2023

Carizon brings a supportive space for newcomer adults with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future.

Parents Talk it Through

Jan. 20 - Mar. 10, 2023

Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful? Are you looking for ways to connect with your child? Join Carizon to Talk it Through with parents just like you where you can learn and share strategies.

Let's Talk Winter Sessions:

Weekly on Wednesdays between

Feb. 1 - Mar. 22, 2023, 4:30PM - 7:30PM 

Let’s Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. Their Winter Sessions will be starting soon. They will take place in the KPL Central Library located in 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener. During this 8-week free program, youth will be connected with various community and career mentors for support and guidance based on their needs and interests. Let's Talk participants will also gain volunteer hours, meet new friends, practice their English, and more as they become empowered to reach their future career and education goals.

Registration is now open for the KWMC Let's Talk program!