Newcomer Services, Programs, and Supports

YMCA Conversation Café

The YMCA Conversation Café is a weekly informal conversation class. Participants receive support developing their English-speaking skills.

When: Mondays from 6:30pm – 8:00pm & Thursdays from 2:30pm – 4:00pm at the Ches Penney Family YMCA, St. John’s

Conversation Cafe eligibility:

  • Post-Secondary International Students

  • Temporary Foreign Workers

Why participate?

  • Improve English-speaking skills

  • Learn in a safe and supportive environment

  • Gain confidence

  • Meet new people

For more information contact:

Conversation Cafe

Youth Sports & Activities Program

The Youth Sports and Activities Program* provides a safe and inclusive environment for newcomer youth. Programming will include sports, games, arts and crafts, aquatics, and homework space. Available Monday-Friday.

*Pre-registration is required for all programs.

Youth Sports & Activities Program eligibility:

  • Youth Ages 12 – 18 years

  • Permanent Residents of Canada

  • Protected persons

  • Individuals who have been selected, inside or outside of Canada, to become permanent residents (pending verification).

  • Refugees and Convention Refugees

  • Ukrainian Temporary Residents and their dependants

For more information contact:

Adult Wellness with the YMCA

Newcomer adults and seniors are invited to participate in YMCA fitness classes and presentations on health-related topics. Sessions available weekly.

*Pre-registration is required.

Adult Wellness with the YMCA eligibility:

  • 19+ years

  • Permanent Residents of Canada

  • Protected persons

  • Individuals who have been selected, inside or outside of Canada, to become permanent residents (pending verification).

  • Refugees and Convention Refugees

  • Ukrainian Temporary Residents and their dependants

For more information contact:

Community Collaborations

The YMCA hosts family nights, community events, cultural outings, open gym, and movie nights for Newcomer families. Events occur every month.

Community Collaborations eligibility:

  • Families and adults of all ages

  • Permanent Residents of Canada

  • Protected persons

  • Individuals who have been selected, inside or outside of Canada, to become permanent residents (pending verification).

  • Refugees and Convention Refugees

  • Ukrainian Temporary Residents and their dependants

For more information contact:

a group of children eating at a table, one child smiling a the camera

For more information on any of the programs or services listed above, please refer to the contact details found in each section.

Thank you to our funding partner

  • eens@nl.ymca.ca

  • CRA # 108225533RR0001

  • P.O. Box 21291
    St. John’s, NL
    A1A 5G6