Newcomer support services set up shop at St. Michael’s

A Windsor school is offering newcomers a community hub, helping them integrate into the community.

Students, families, and anyone who is new to the Windsor-Essex community will have access to a wide range of resources and settlement services when four agencies establish new offices at St. Michael’s Adult Catholic High School.

Representatives from the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc., and Centre communautaire francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent, met with Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) administrators at the school today to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will see each of them offer their services there.

“Utilizing our schools to help our community partners offer a diverse range of services for not only our students, but the broader community as well, makes perfect sense,” said Director of Education and CEO Emelda Byrne.

“By hosting these agencies in one location, we provide a service model that supports the entire family unit. This hub will be easily accessible by public transit and provides the services our learners use daily.”

The WECDSB expects that these new offices should be operating by the middle of September, but more details will be provided closer to the expected opening.

Some of the specific services these agencies will provide include one-on-one meetings with clients, advice on settlement and integration issues, skills training for minority women, educational and settlement-related workshops, and information sessions that connect individuals and families to valuable community resources.

Around 1,500 students are enrolled at St. Michael’s with 70 of students new Canadians.

Ronnie Haidar, Chair of the Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership, applauded the WECDSB for its leadership in establishing the community hub.

“By bringing multiple community organizations together in one accessible location, the WECDSB is demonstrating a strong and tangible commitment to supporting newcomers and their families,” he said.

“This hub will play an important role in reducing barriers, improving access to services, and helping newcomers feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they navigate life in Canada. It is a powerful example of how collaborative, community-driven approaches can strengthen inclusion and create more responsive systems that meet people where they are.”