About The Program
CMHA Toronto’s Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentorship Initiative (SNYMI) is an initiative with The Opening Doors Project that helps Syrian and newcomer youth adjust to life in Canada through group sessions and one-on-one meetings.
Syrian and newcomer youth often find themselves straddling two cultures, and have to make the choice between holding to their background and cultural identity, or assimilating with the dominant Canadian culture. At the same time, they are dealing with psychological trauma as the result of living in a war-torn country, having witnessed violence, and having lost loved ones.
Our Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentors provide a safe place where youth can explore issues of identity and mental health challenges, discuss their educational and professional goals, and receive support as they navigate the immigration and settlement processes. The mentors engage with youth, educating and mentoring them in their schools, in community centres and in other community locations. In addition to one-on-one meetings, they also run conversation circles, book clubs and a soccer team.
Who's It For
Newcomer youth aged 14-29
How IT Works
- Individuals can self-refer. We also accept referrals from settlement and other community agencies, school boards, and all other agencies that work with or come into contact with Syrian and newcomer youth who could benefit from peer mentoring in the GTA.
- Clients meet with a peer mentor and receive support
REFERRAL INFO
Phone
Email
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I take part in the program?
Individuals can self-refer. We also accept referrals from settlement and other community agencies, school boards, and all other agencies that work with or come into contact with Syrian and newcomer youth who could benefit from peer mentoring in the GTA.
Referrals can be made by calling 416-789-7957 ext. 3244. For additional questions and information, please contact us at: symentor@cmhato.org.
Where does the program take place?
Our Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentors educate and mentor youth in schools, community centres and other community locations.
What kinds of activities are there?
In addition to one-on-one meetings, our Youth Mentors can also run groups like conversation circles, book clubs or soccer teams.
Contact Us
West Office
700 Lawrence Ave W,
Suite #480 Toronto,
ON M6A 3B4
East Office
1200 Markham Rd,
Suite #500 Scarborough,
ON M1H 3C3
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