John Howard Society of York Region
16600 Bayview Avenue, Suite 306 L3X 1Z9 Newmarket, ON, Canada

As governments at all levels provide critical information about the COVID-19 virus, Ontarians who are less proficient in English and French have been left out of the loop. Insufficient availability of translated communications has led to barriers in accessing the services and supports necessary for their well-being. As a result, newcomers, including refugees, account for half of Ontario’s COVID-19 cases, while representing only a quarter of the population. This inequality i...n communications access is not new to the pandemic, and has resulted in systematic inequality of service access for these Ontarians. In turn, this impacts their ability to integrate and contribute to Ontario’s society and economy. In response to these challenges, a coalition of language service providers and like-minded organizations, including Access Alliance, The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario, the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, the Ontario Council of Community Interpreting, and MCIS Language Solutions will be hosting a virtual advocacy day on February 4, 2021, to share with MPPs the importance of language services and to suggest measures to strengthen the sector. Language Advocacy Day will include digital discussions featuring thought leaders from the language services sector, public servants, and interpreters. The day will also feature lived experience stories of Ontarians limited proficiency in English and French. John Howard Society of York Region is Proud to support this initiative along with our partners at MCIS Language Solutions. MCIS provides language interpretation for a large number of our program participants, increasing access to the service and support many in our community rely on. Join us on February 4, 2021, in supporting Language Advocacy Day! https://www.youtube.com/watch

Thank you, Newmarket Gaming Centre/Bingo World, for your continued support. You help us provide Reintegration Support Services which aims to increase the capacity of individuals and families to work towards building economic independence. The goal of the Reintegration program is to assist the integration of clients in the community.

Volunteers needed! Our volunteers help to support our Reintegration Support Services program, providing case management, brief support, referrals to community resources and client advocacy for individuals and families who may have experienced contact with the law. To volunteer with John Howard Society of York Region: https://loom.ly/8kUvPn8

"The continued stigma associated with drug use, where we treat it not as a health issue but as a criminal justice matter, results in reduced services for people who need it." https://www.thestar.com//toronto-overdose-deaths-hit-a-gri

Having someone in your corner can make all the difference. Reach out. Come in. Rebuild.