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MONTHLY ISSUE | October 2021
Welcome to the October edition of OW Customer Newsletter!
We hope you’ll find the information helpful. If you have any questions, please contact your caseworker.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

PAY DATE MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 29

The Federal Government passed legislation to make September 30 a new federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The September 30 payment has been changed to September 29.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK

Throughout the month of August, several customer engagement sessions were held to better understand Ontario Works customer needs and get feedback on the improvements being considered.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their experiences with us. Your feedback is very important and will assist the Province and York Region in providing better services to you and your families. We are planning to host regular customer engagement sessions in the future, more information will be shared on those opportunities soon.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

TRANSPORTATION MAINTENANCE WORKER TRAINEE PROGRAM

Thank you to everyone who expressed their interest and applied to the Transportation Maintenance Worker Trainee Program!

Applications will be reviewed in the next few weeks and applicants who will move forward in the process will be contacted. We will continue to share information about other employment opportunities as they become available.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The S.T.E.P.S Training Employment and Preparation Services program, offered through Cornerstone Pathways, includes a free, 5-week pre-employment and life skills program as well as a job finding club and addiction related supports, case management and peer support.

Next session runs from Monday October 25 to Friday November 26 2021
To register, contact Tina Bentley 905-762-1551 ext. 405

LIVED EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness will be offering a lived experience scholarship program so people with lived experience of homelessness can participate in the conference. 

Applicants may be currently or formerly homeless. Scholarships cover the cost of attending the virtual conference. Young people under 18 may apply, and financial support for childcare at home while attending the conference is available on a case-by-case basis. Deadline for applications is Friday, October 15 2021

Interested? Learn more

JOB POSTINGS

THE TORONTO MARRIOTT MARKHAM IS HIRING!

The Toronto Marriott Markham is beginning to see a return in service, as guests begin to feel more confident to travel and staying in hotels, and they looking to hire for the following positions 

Hotel Cleanliness Expert   (Part Time)
Guest Experience Expert  (Full Time)

 

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

The Workforce Planning Board of York Region supports job seekers, who are unemployed or underemployed, with job search leading to employment, support to start your own business, literacy skills upgrading or transitioning into a new career all at no cost to you.

Check out the Workforce Planning Board of York Region’s webpage for resources and for job opportunities.

ONLINE JOB SEARCH WORKSHOP

The Thornhill Employment Hub is offering a free three-part job search workshop. Learn how to write a resume that gets noticed in the first one-hour virtual workshop on October 12, 2021, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. A week later, learn about interview strategies that work! Finally, in the last session you will learn how to handle tough interview questions. Register today 

RESOURCES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

RECREATION SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN 4-18

Mental and physical health can be improved with recreational activities, especially during these difficult times. Subsidies are available to parents on Ontario Works with children ages 4 to 18 for virtual and in-person programs offered by local municipal recreation departments. Subsidies for single parents, through the Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY) program are also available. Parents only need to apply for this funding once each school year before they register their child/ren for programs with the municipality.

For more information and how to apply, visit York.ca

TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING BACK TO SCHOOL OR 
CHILD CARE
 

Transitioning back to school or child care after the summer break, can create high levels of stress, anxiety and uncertainty. This fall, the pandemic presents an extra set of challenges.

Click on this list for tips you can try to help ease the transition to school or child care this fall.

YORK REGION ON A LIMITED BUDGET 

You can find tips on how to inexpensively eat and live better, in the York Support Services Network (YSSN) Up Your Life Living on a Limited Budget in York Region 2021 Guide.

CALMING ACTIVITIES TO HELP CHILDREN 

LEGAL ADVICE AVAILABLE

The Community Legal Clinic of York Region can provide advice and assistance in completing court forms to support you with:
  • Divorce
  • Division of property     
  • Child custody-Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Child support
  • And related family law matters
To book an appointment call - 905-508-5018 (virtual appointments available).

VACCINATION RECEIPT

As of September 22, 2021, to visit certain public settings and facilities, such as restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks and personal fitness training, etc., customers will need to provide both proof of being fully vaccinated and proof of identification (i.e. driver’s license). A complete list of establishments that require a vaccination receipt, is available here.

Do you need a copy of your vaccination receipt? Visit Ontario.ca to obtain your vaccination receipt. Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to obtain the vaccine receipt (digital or printed copy).

COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS

Third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are now available for those at highest risk.

Walk-ins for first and second doses are available at many locations across York Region for individuals 12 years of age (born in 2009) and older. Find a clinic or learn more at york.ca/COVID19Vaccine

BUDGETING AND TAX FILING HELP

We can help you file your taxes over the phone, and we can also provide you with information to help you with your budget and finances. Call us at
1-877-464-9675 ext. 72242 to book a session.

HEALTH SUPPORTS

COMMUNITY MEDIATION SERVICES 

The Community Mediation Services program provides meditation supports with the goal of resolving interpersonal conflict and helps those who may be looking for support to better manage or de-escalate conflict in their lives.
 
For more information or to sign up and register, call 905-505-2535 (text messaging available) or email info@yrhms.ca

REMINDERS

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

York Region Ontario Works staff will not be available on Thursday, September 30, 2021 as we will be closed for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
and Monday, October 11th, 2021 as we will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.
 
All York Region Ontario Works offices (Georgina, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan) remain closed.

MESSAGE YOUR CASEWORKER THROUGH MY BENEFITS

Communicate with your caseworker through MyBenefits using the exciting new two-way messaging feature, which allows you to send your caseworker messages and send and request documents directly from your caseworker.   
 
Sign up today at Ontario.ca/MyBenefits
 

STAY INFORMED WITH OW NEWS

You can now access past issues of OW e-newsletters on york.ca!

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Copyright © |October 2021|The Regional Municipality of York|  All rights reserved.

 
Our mailing address is:
17150 Yonge Street| Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 8V3

Need to update your email? No problem! Please contact your caseworker through MyBenefits or by phone at 1-877-464-9675.


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