Welcome!

Cambridge has a diverse community, and is home to thousands of newcomers from around the globe. The variety of culture and experiences continue to shape the growing community in this city.

Whether you're just thinking about moving to Cambridge, making plans, or already here, check below for relevant information.

Smiling family of four sitting on a couch

 Just arrived?

Find a settlement worker at the YMCA.

Settlement workers assist people to connect with the needed services available in the area that you live.
 Making a Refugee claim/Refugee claimant?

Learn more about the process and support at Compass Refugee Centre.

Whether you have recently made a refugee claim or you are already in the claimant process, no matter at what stage, reach out to get assistance and further support.
 Interested in Sponsorship?

 Contact the organizations below for support and more information. 
 Migrant worker support?

Resources are available at Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

This migrant-led organization can provide you with information, resources and support, if needed.

Older black man sitting with grandson outside on the grass on a sunny day

 

Events

Cambridge Newcomer Connections

Cambridge Newcomer Connections

The Cambridge Newcomer Outreach Program presents our 1st Annual Conference, Cambridge Newcomer Connections.

On this page you will find information on the event, contributors and planning committee members who participated in this event.

 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada logo

 

Connecting Indigenous Reconciliation and Newcomers (rescheduled session)

When: Thursday November 11, 2021, from 6–8 p.m. 
Where: Online

Register

For Whom: All are welcome
Speakers:

  • Jen Mt Pleasant (she/ her), Member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Justice & Community Engagement. Since, 2012 she has been raising awareness on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada and in 2013, began to include Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and LGQBT+2S in her advocacy.

  • Selam Debs (she/ her/ hers), Black Ethiopian queer woman identified antiracism educator, an ant oppression coach, a social justice advocate, a student in dismantling anti-Black racism, an accomplice in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and an advocate in 2SLGBTQ+ & disability rights through an intersectional lens. She is also the founder of Juici Yoga. 

  • Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow (she/ her) is Kanyen’e’kehaka (Mohawk Nation), Yakoskarewake (Bear Clan), from Ohsweken (Six Nations). She is mother to Rawennahatyes, her only son. She has been involved in various  ancestral cultural and language revitalization efforts since the early 90s. She has recovered her ancestral language for both herself and her family. She continues to support and create forums for others to reconnect to their ancestral roots and return to take shade under the shelter of the Great White Pine.

  • Alysha Brilla (she/ her), 3X Juno Award nominated artist, composer, sound designer, music producer and creative wellness facilitator; with a special interest in bioacoustics and sound as a healing modality, Brilla's work is driven by a deep belief in music's power to transform ourselves and our world.

Stick around for a performance by Alysha Brilla.

 

Contributors and Committee Members

Thank you to our contributors
  • Alysha Brilla
  • Bridging GAAPs
  • Cambridge Food Bank
  • Compass Refugee Centre
  • Donnique Williams
  • Hiba ElMiari
  • House of Friendship – Family Outreach Program
  • Idea Exchange
  • Jen Mt Pleasant
  • Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow
  • Kinbridge Community Association
  • KW Multicultural Centre
  • Neva Ezzat
  • Selam Debs
  • Soundscape Enterprise
  • Spectrum
  • The City of Cambridge
  • Trisha Abe
  • Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
  • Waterloo Regional Community Legal Services
  • YMCA
 Thank you to our Planning Committee Members
  • Abiha Syed, Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Donalee Mc Intyre, The City of Cambridge, Newcomer Outreach Coordinator 
  • Donnique Williams, Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation, Board of Directors
  • Fatima Naeem Awan, Kinbridge Community Association Youth Representative
  • Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow, Indigenous Special Projects Officer, Indigenous Initiatives, Laurier Indigenous Student Centre /Brantford Campus,
  • Luana Rabelo, KW Multicultural Centre, Let's Talk Program Coordinator 
  • Marwa Gebeil, Kinbridge Community Association, Youth Newcomer Engager
  • Noor Al-Janabi, Cambridge YMCA Youth Representative
  • Poorna Patange, BRIDGE Centre For Architecture + Design
  • Rihanat El-Alawa, Kinbridge Community Association, Seniors Newcomer Engager
  • Shannon Markle, Idea Exchange
  • Sujude Kabar, Youth Advisory Cambridge Committee
  • Vanessa Lopak, The City of Cambridge, Supervisor, Accessibility and Diversity Services 
  • Zeri Zigeta, Kinbridge Community Association, Manager of Community and Social Development and Social Service

 

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to newcomer@cambridge.ca.

 

 

Seven smiling people of various races and ethnicities stand in a semi-circle outside

Newcomer Programs in the City

YMCA of Three Rivers Waterloo Region

The YMCA has provided services to newcomers since the 1980’s. Their programs include settlement support, language, mentorship and recreational activities. They are an important resource in the City of Cambridge for newcomers of all ages and stages of life.

Idea Exchange

Libraries are a central community resource, and the Idea Exchange also provides this for newcomers too. The various locations offer programs and activities for those who are new to Canada. This includes language, recreation, and information.

Cambridge Newcomer Outreach Program

Launched in 2020 by the City of Cambridge in collaboration with Kinbridge Community Association. The Newcomer Outreach Program was created through a settlement grant from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. Kinbridge Community Association offers programs to newcomer older adults and youth. This program strives to connect newcomers with services and support as they settle in the Cambridge area.  

Smiling couple sitting on a bench in front of greenery