Newcomer Connections

About Us

The go-to spot for newcomers from all walks of life to come and connect with the community, learn, grow and ignite their potential; all free!

For more than 30 years, Newcomer Connections at the YMCA of Greater Saint John has welcomed newcomers to the Greater Saint John community, helping them to settle, grow and prosper. As a leading community organization, YMCA Newcomer Connections assists immigrants and refugees with their settlement needs and helps to facilitate their integration and participation in the community.

YMCA Newcomer Connections offers a diverse range of programs and services to newly arrived immigrants, including English language classes, employment readiness programs, Canadian cultural orientation, immigrant settlement and refugee resettlement assistance, and school readiness programs. Our multilingual team of more than 80 staff representing over 25 countries makes every effort to provide services in a client-centric manner which is inclusive and respectful of the rights, dignity and diversity of all newcomers to Canada.

Through our commitment to community partnership, we create the connections that will transform our community into a lasting, successful home for immigrants from around the world and all walks of life. YMCA Newcomer Connections recognizes the vital contribution of immigrants to Canadian society and we invite the community to partner with us in welcoming newcomers to our region and help them Shine On.

Souhaitez-vous recevoir des services en français? Si oui, veuillez cliquer ici pour visiter le site Web du Centre des nouveaux arrivants de Saint-Jean.

Where to find us

Saint John Regional Y: 191 Churchill Blvd, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2K 3E2 (Click here for directions)

tel. +1 (506) 634 4860, email newcomerconnections@saintjohny.ca. Find us on FacebookInstagram, and LinkedIn.

UNB Saint John: Annex A/B, UNBSJ, 100 Tucker Park Rd, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2K 5E2 (Click here for directions)

Parking

All YMCA customers, members, clients are welcome to park (free of charge) at our YMCA parking lot (see below picture).

Newcomer Language Programs Parking

Bus Transportation

We are close to a bus stop for the following buses:

Taxi Information

Vets Taxi  506-658-2020
Diamond Taxi 506-648-8888
Royal Taxi 506-652-5050

Meet our leadership team

Samah El Maghlawy

General Manager, Newcomer & Community Connections

Melissa Hetherington

Manager, Resettlement Assistance Program and Newcomer Support Services

Sue Hemmings

Manager, Newcomer Programming

“We recognize and respectfully acknowledge that the YMCA of Greater Saint John operates on the unceded and unsurrendered homelands of the Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati and Mi’kmaq peoples. This statement is a symbol of our commitment to implementing the 94 calls to action put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in all operations across our organization.”

Endless opportunities to shine bright at the Y

Did you know that the Y is a charity that helps people from all walks of life to ignite their potential? Explore our programs and services and find the best opportunity to keep you and your family Shine On.

All our services at Newcomer Connections are available for free for newcomer clients. Start your Newcomer Connections journey today by becoming a client.

Funded By/Financé par