Social Services

We offer a range of free services to help low-income Citizens, Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Visitors improve financial stability and reduce financial stress. We also offer free employment and support programs and free community workshops every month.

Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment Program

Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment Program is a new initiative at University Settlement that is designed to inspire, educate, and equip women, girls, and gender diverse individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive personally and professionally.

The program adopts a holistic approach to empowerment, and offers a wide range of FREE services, workshops, and classes to help foster self‑confidence and promote overall well‑being.

Improve Your Financial Wellbeing

We offer a range of free services to help low-income Citizens, Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Visitors improve financial stability and reduce financial stress.

Counselling and Assistance

We can help you…

  • Understand the services and income supports available to make your life easier
  • Navigate the application process for Old Age Security and Ontario Works
  • Obtain government documents, including Ontario Health Card, Social Insurance Number, Driver’s License, Marriage and Birth Certificates
  • Prepare Toronto Community Housing annual rent renewals
  • Access other needed services
  • File your Income Tax
  • Complete forms

We provide…

  • Translation of documents
  • Interpretation and advocation for clients
  • Referrals and other information relating to your situation

For more information, speak to a counsellor:

Maggie Qu (English / Mandarin / Cantonese)
socialservice@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 598-3444 ext. 233 or (647) 617-6657

Tax Clinics

We offer one-on-one income tax filing services, by appointment only. To make an appointment, please contact:

Maggie Qu (English / Mandarin / Cantonese)
socialservice@universitysettlement.ca
(416) 598-3444 ext. 233 or (647) 617-6657

Financial Relief Navigator

Visit the Prosper Canada website to find out about government COVID-19 financial supports and other relief measures you might qualify for.

Ontario Energy Support Program

Visit the Ontario Energy Board website to learn more about how you might be able to reduce the cost of your household electricity bill by applying for a monthly credit to your bill.

Employment and Support Programs

Are you currently receiving Ontario Works? Our free employment and support programs can help you develop job skills and provide you with the counselling you need to reach your life goals.

Resume Clinic (By Appointment Only)

If you are looking to improve your resume, we are here to help. We can proofread your resume and ensure that your skills as well as experience are well tailored to the job you are applying.

  • Date: Thursdays (March 7, 14, 21, 28)
  • Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (by appointment)
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Cost: FREE
  • Language: English

Customer Service & Call Centre Certificate Program

Improve your employment skills. Learn how to deliver exceptional customer service. A call centre career offers thousands of progressive positions and opportunities; the first step is usually as a customer service representative.

If you are receiving Ontario Works and are looking to enter the job market, our free Customer Service and Call Centre Training Certificate program can provide you with the help you need to get that first position. Approximately 70% of our program participants are successful in finding employment.

Navigating Next Steps

Receive counselling and support to help you achieve your life goals.

This free 8-week program provides people who are receiving Ontario Works with one-on-one online counselling and coaching to give them the tools they need to move forward with their lives.

If you are experiencing isolation and mental health issues, unemployment, and difficulty navigating services, access to food, housing, and financial supports, we can help you.

Free Community Workshops

Every month we offer a variety of free workshops covering employment, technology, personal finance, health, citizenship and arts-related topics.