First Steps Hand in Hand

Drop-in program for refugee families with young children up to age six to assist with integration and settlement. Parents can find out about community services, join a parent group, get support from counsellors, and practice English. All activities revolve around attachment, bonding, play, and social interaction. Serves government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and convention refugees. Staff speak Amharic, Arabic, Edo, Farsi, Pashto, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Urdu; other languages can be supported through interpreters. Jointly managed with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society as well as Options Community Services. Offered at Umoja 9:30 am to 1 pm Tuesdays, and 3 pm to 6 pm Wednesdays and Fridays.