Centre for Immigrant and Community Services

The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting newcomers and immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area and York Region. Established in 1968, CICS provides a wide array of services and programs that empower immigrants to settle and integrate effectively into Canadian society.

Overview

CICS serves over 20,000 clients annually from diverse backgrounds and multiple language groups, supported by approximately 850 volunteers. The organization’s mission is to empower immigrants as contributing members of Canadian society through diverse, professional, and innovative services.

Programs and Services

CICS offers comprehensive programs spanning multiple demographics, including:

• Early Years Program for preschool-aged children
• Academic, Artistic, and Leadership Programs for children and youth
• Pre-employment and Employment Support Services
• Language Training and Settlement Services
• Social and fitness programs for adults, women, men, and seniors
• Community garden and cooking initiatives
• Volunteer training and placement services

These programs are designed to address a broad range of needs, including language acquisition, employment readiness, social integration, and community engagement.

Funding and Donations

As a registered charity (Business Registration Number: 118853274RR0001), CICS relies on donations and fundraising efforts to maintain and expand its underfunded programs, as well as to pilot new initiatives that government funding does not cover. Donations help sustain the critical services provided to newcomer children, youth, adults, seniors, and families across Toronto and York Region.

Strategic Vision

The organization focuses on cultivating relationships with funders whose mandates align with its mission to enhance program sustainability and expand community impact. CICS also emphasizes volunteer involvement as a key component of its service model.

Locations

CICS operates multiple service centers throughout Toronto and York Region to provide accessible support to its clients, ensuring wide-reaching community presence.

The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services remains a vital institution helping immigrants from all walks of life integrate, thrive, and contribute to Canadian society through well-rounded, culturally sensitive, and innovative programming[1][2][3][4].