The Opening Doors Project
The Opening Doors Project is about strengthening and fostering healthier communities in Ontario by facilitating interactive and experiential workshops that address mental health, racism and discrimination within newcomer communities and communities of mental health survivors.
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the goal of The Opening Doors Project is to enhance the wellbeing of newcomers and mental health survivors by helping to create welcoming, inclusive communities for immigrants and refugees, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges.
To learn about our workshops, click here.
To read The Opening Doors Project 2018/2019 Annual Report, click here.
To book a workshop for your agency, please contact us at: info@cmhato.org or call us at 416-789-7957 x 3244. For additional questions and information, please contact us at: openingdoors@cmhato.org.
The Syrian Youth Mentorship Initiative
The Syrian Youth Mentorship Initiative helps Syrian youth adjust to life in Canada through group sessions and one-on-one meetings. Our Syrian Youth Mentors provide a safe place where youth can explore issues of identity and mental health challenges, discuss their educational and professional goals, and receive support as they navigate the immigration and settlement processes.
The Syrian Youth Mentorship Initiative
Syrian youth often find themselves straddling two cultures, and have to make the choice between holding to their background and cultural identity, or assimilating with the dominant Canadian culture. At the same time, they are dealing with psychological trauma as the result of living in a war-torn country, having witnessed violence, and having lost loved ones. It is no surprise that many of them are experiencing mental health challenges.
Where are Syrian Youth Services offered?
Our Syrian Youth Mentors engage with youth, educating and mentoring them in their schools, in community centres and in other community locations. In addition to one-on-one meetings, they also run conversation circles, book clubs, and a soccer team.
How do you apply for Syrian Youth Services?
Individuals can self-refer. We also accept referrals from settlement and other community agencies, School Boards and all other agencies or institutions that work or come into contact with newcomer Syrian youth who could benefit from Peer Mentoring within the GTA. Referrals can be made by calling 416-789-7957 x3244. For additional questions and information, please contact us at: symentor@cmhato.org.
Learn more about the Syrian Youth Mentorship Initiative from our Syrian Youth Mentors as well as Syrian youth involved in the program:
Syrian Youth Mentorship Initiative Video
This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.