Centre for Information & Community Services

Address: #310-3852 Finch Ave. E.
Scarborough, Ontario
MIT 3T9 Canada
416.292.7510

A number of enthusiastic students volunteered to provide information and interpretation services to the Chinese residents under the University Settlement House in downtown Toronto in 1968. This service component became independent and was known as the Chinese Interpreter and Information Services in 1974. The agency renamed as Chinese Information and Community Services in 1988. Anticipating changes of community infrastructure and demographic needs, the agency changed its name to Centre for Information and Community Services of Ontario (CICS) in 1998 to reflect its current and future program directions.

CICS is a diverse and inclusive multi-service agency that strengthens communities by providing cost effective, culturally sensitive and professional services empowering immigrants and refugees to settle and integrate into Canadian society as full and active citizens.

Settlement Services : Information and referral, Telephone enquiries, 24-hour Settlement Information Hotline, Newcomers’ Orientation, Information Workshop/Displays and Information Tours, Form-filling Services, Interpretation/Translation, Needs Assessment and Para-Professional Counseling, Bridging newcomers to other human services sector, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS).

Employment Services: Employment counseling, Job Search Workshops, Job vacancies information and job matching, Trade certification, Employment resource centre, Job-related workshops and training courses.

Community Services: Education, social and vocational activities to all age groups, Youth Leadership Training, Social and mutual support groups for women and seniors, Community visit and trip, Supportive Counseling, Public Education, Volunteer Training and Placement.

Early Years Services : ParentSmart and StudentSmart school readiness training, Children literacy program, Parent-child interactive activity, Parenting group and workshop, Parenting resource centre, Information and referral.

Language Training : English as a Second Language classes, English conversation/listening and speaking skills, English classes with special focus, Citizenship Preparation.