Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD)
Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) is designed to help newcomer youth have a positive settlement experience and become engaged members of the community. NYLD offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where you can meet new people, build new skills and get involved in your new home.
As a result of the pandemic, the program is currently running virtual activities as well as facilitating meaningful volunteer engagement opportunities to support young people during these challenging times. Through a hybrid of both online and offline activities and workshops, we’ve created safe virtual spaces in our new normal and continue to provide excellent settlement experience for young people.
View our virtual activities per location, each activity includes how to register:
How can I join?
NYLD is a free program for newcomer youth ages 13-24 who are permanent residents or convention refugees.
First, check out the locations listed below to decide which works best for you. Then you can:
- Contact an NYLD advisor by calling a number listed below, OR
- Go to the location you'd like to join and complete the registration forms.
Our Locations
- Brampton YMCA: 905-276-9322 ext. 31208
- Mississauga YMCA Employment and Community Services: 905-276-9322 ext. 31208
- Etobicoke YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services: 416-741-6994 ext. 30237
- Central YMCA: 416-975-9168 ext. 32408
- North York YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services: 416-630-0330 ext. 31090
- Scarborough Centre YMCA: 416-609-0218 ext. 30048
- Kingston Road YMCA: (NYLD Program temporarily located at Victoria Park and Maine until this centre opens)
- NEW: East York Community Centre: 647-802-9400
- Located at: 1081 Pape Avenue 1/ 2, Pre-school room. Open to all refugee youth ages 12-19
How does it work?
NYLD is a group-based program that runs year round. Newcomer youth groups meet weekly with a staff advisor to participate in a variety of activities including:
- Leadership training
- Social, creative and recreational activities
- Visits to popular city attractions
- Volunteering in the YMCA and community
- Workshops from staff and guest speakers on a variety of topics
- Celebrations for special occasions, holidays and festivals
- Youth-led special events
Why should I join?
- Make new friends
- Improve your English
- Learn about Canadian culture and society
- Share your culture with others
- Build valuable leadership, teamwork and social skills
- Share your views and become a leader in your community
- Gain volunteer experience and meet high school 40 hour requirement
- Get involved in your community
- Mentorship opportunities and pre-employment skills training
