Services

Welcome and Integration Services

Welcome to Ottawa, Canada!

Starting over in a new country is one of the biggest journeys a young person can take—and no one should have to take it alone. At YECO, our Welcome and Integration Services are here to support newcomer youth every step of the way, helping them navigate their new home economically, socially, and culturally. We connect young newcomers with the information, resources, and support they need to thrive and truly feel at home.

Through our Settlement Support Program, we help youth overcome challenges related to language, cultural adjustment, education, social inclusion, counselling, transportation, life skills, and everyday documents. We also connect them with trusted community partners for additional support, including mentorship, career guidance, mental health services, legal referrals, leadership development, and financial literacy.

At YECO Canada, integration isn’t just about settling in—it’s about helping newcomer youth build confidence, belonging, and a future in their new community.

Employment Pathways

As technology and AI reshape the job market, one thing remains certain: skilled trades are the backbone of our economy—and they’re not going anywhere. At YECO Canada, we encourage youth to explore trades schools and apprenticeship programs, opening doors to stable, hands-on careers.

Through our Pathway to Employment program, we connect young people with opportunities in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and other in-demand trades, while supporting pathways toward apprenticeships, training, and Red Seal certification.

Our Ready to Work program also helps newcomer youth build career readiness, essential life skills, and the confidence needed to enter the workforce. In partnership with Volunteer Ottawa, we provide practical employment support and connections that help youth work toward long-term economic independence.

At YECO Canada, we help young people build practical skills, explore meaningful careers, and create a stronger future through employment.

Art (Photovoice)

For the past three years, YECO Canada has used art as a powerful tool for social change, helping youth explore issues such as community safety, racism, discrimination, inclusion, and gun violence. Through our Photovoice initiative, young people use photography and storytelling to share their lived experiences and inspire meaningful conversations.

Since launching in 2021, Photovoice has grown with support from organizations including the Social Planning Council of Ottawa, Youth Action Now, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. To date, more than 500 youth have participated.

At YECO Canada, Photovoice gives young people a creative platform to share their stories, amplify their voices, and help build stronger, more inclusive communities.