A Welcoming Hand, A Brighter Path

Supporting Newcomer Students and their Families in Niagara

Moving to a new country is more than just a change of address—it’s a shift in culture, routine, and identity. For children and youth especially, it can be both exciting and incredibly overwhelming. That’s why at the YMCA of Niagara, we’re proud to offer newcomer families the kind of support that goes far beyond a friendly hello.

Our Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) team plays a central role in that journey—helping students and families feel at home, navigate school life, and build meaningful connections in their new community. And in recent years, that support has grown even deeper with the addition of Wellness Navigators, a unique service embedded within the SWIS Niagara team that helps address mental health and wellness needs.

Together, this integrated team is creating powerful opportunities for belonging, confidence, and success for newcomer youth across Niagara.

From First Day Jitters to Belonging

For many students, their first introduction to Canadian life is through school. But stepping into a classroom in a new country—possibly not speaking the language, not knowing how lunch breaks work, or being unfamiliar with the education system—can be intimidating.

That’s where SWIS Niagara steps in. This team works directly in all publicly funded schools across the Niagara region, partnering with educators and families to make the transition smoother. Whether it’s explaining how high school credits work, supporting a family through parent-teacher night, or offering presentations to help students and staff understand one another, SWIS Niagara is there every step of the way.

SWIS Niagara’s success is driven by the impactful collaboration grounded in the shared vision of the Niagara Catholic District School Board and the District School Board of Niagara — this alignment is what empowers the program to thrive!

One of the most meaningful experiences SWIS Niagara offers is the Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW)—a four-day, peer-led introduction to school life. It’s where friendships begin, backpacks are filled with school supplies, and nervous smiles turn into confident ones. The teen mentors who lead the program receive volunteer hours and leadership training, gaining valuable skills in communication, mentorship, and teamwork. While they’re helping others feel welcome, they’re growing, too.

Creating Space for Wellness

While academic support is essential, the SWIS team also recognizes that many newcomer youth carry invisible stories—of culture shock, change, or past trauma. In response, the YMCA of Niagara launched Wellness Navigators in 2022, a first-of-its-kind service in Niagara. This initiative enhances the SWIS team’s ability to support mental health and overall well-being.

Wellness Navigators help connect students and families to culturally informed mental health resources, offer guidance during difficult moments, and provide a safe space to talk about challenges. Sometimes that support looks like connecting a student to a counsellor. Sometimes it’s simply listening without judgment. However it takes shape, the goal is always the same: to ensure no young person feels alone on their path to well-being.

A new expansion to our Wellness Navigators involves a partnership that is changing how wellness calls are handled for newcomer youth in Niagara — stay tuned for more details!

Building a More Inclusive Niagara

At the YMCA of Niagara, we believe that belonging is the foundation for growth. Through the SWIS team’s wraparound approach—including the incredible work of our Wellness Navigators—newcomer youth are finding more than just support. They’re finding connection, confidence, and community.

And that’s what truly matters. Because when youth feel like they belong, they begin to see their future here—not just as newcomers, but as part of Niagara’s story.