YREACH provides community-based settlement and integration services to newcomers living outside the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Through a province-wide network of staff based in smaller and rural communities across Nova Scotia, YREACH serves as a key access point for settlement supports, helping newcomers identify their needs, develop personalized settlement plans, access local services, and build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to successfully settle, participate in their communities, and prepare for employment.
Services are responsive to each client's unique circumstances and are delivered through individualized and group supports that promote successful settlement, community participation, and long-term retention in rural Nova Scotia.
Settlement services are delivered through both one-on-one and group formats and are tailored to each client's individual needs. Services include:
Individualized assessments that identify clients' strengths, settlement priorities, employment goals, and potential barriers, leading to personalized settlement plans and ongoing follow-up.
Practical, timely information about life in Nova Scotia and Canada, helping newcomers make informed decisions and understand available services and supports.
Support in connecting with healthcare, education, housing, government services, language training, community organizations, employment services, and other local resources
Pre-employment guidance including workplace culture, employer expectations, communication in Canadian workplaces, job search preparation, and referrals to employment service providers such as Nova Scotia Works and other community partners.
Settlement needs assessments, personalized settlement plans, employer liaison where appropriate, and follow-up support for eligible AIP clients and their family members.
As part of orientation and information access, individual and group activities are planned to support newcomers in their settlement and integration. These activities help newcomers access community resources and services, become familiar with their local communities, build social networks, and strengthen their connections and participation in community life.
YREACH Settlement Coordinator
YREACH Settlement Coordinator
YREACH Settlement Staff – Smaller Centres
For settlement support outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), please contact the YREACH Settlement staff member serving your community.
SWIS services are offered in eight regions across Nova Scotia, providing school-based settlement support to newcomer students and their families. Through partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations, SWIS Settlement staff help newcomers successfully navigate the education system, connect with community resources, and build the knowledge and confidenceneeded to succeed both at school and in their new communities.
School Settlement Coordinator Smaller Centres
Region
Name
Email Address
Phone
Amherst & Oxford
Olha Skuhra
olha.skuhra@halifax.ymca.ca
902-222-9672
Antigonish
Desmond Hembrey
desmond.hembrey@halifax.ymca.ca
—
Truro
TBD
yreach@halifax.ymca.ca
—
Kentville
Jacinta Mutie
jacinta.mutie@halifax.ymca.ca
—
New Glasgow
Zahra Yazidi
zahra.yazidi@halifax.ymca.ca
—
Sydney
Des Ong
des.ong@halifax.ymca.ca
—
Bridgewater
Iraj Tariq
iraj.tariq@halifax.ymca.ca
—
Yarmouth
TBD
yreach@halifax.ymca.ca
—
For settlement support outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), please contact the YREACH Settlement staff member serving your community.
Settlement Support Coordinator
Settlement Support Coordinator
Settlement Support Coordinator
Settlement Support Coordinator
Settlement Support Coordinator
Settlement Support Coordinator
