Low German Newcomers

Providing settlement support to Low German Newcomers through capacity development,networking, and advocacy with community agencies and service providers.

MCCO has been working with Low German Families returning to Canada from Latin America since the 1970's. Initially the focus was to assist families with their Canadian status and with settlement and employment issues.

MCCO is in transition from providing direct services with the Low German families to working with churches and community based agencies in addressing the employment, health, education and settlement needs. The Aylmer Resource Center is now under the administration of Mennonite Community Services in Aylmer.

Low German speaking staff in Chatham and Leamington provide employment and settlement services. The staff also organizes ESL classes and a bimonthly program for mothers and their preschool children.

Information & Help Service:

• Referring, liaising and advocating on behalf of clients with other community services
• Education promotion for children and adults
• Assistance with health related issues
• Assistance with housing needs 

Immigration & Settlement Services:

• Assistance with Citizenship Immigration matters
• Settlement assistance to Low German immigrants from Latin America (mostly Mexico)
• Assistance with government and other agency forms
• Low German translations and interpretation services

Employment Services:

• Employment counseling, information and orientation regarding labour market  
• Assistance with resumes and job applications
• Job placements and employer referrals
• Assist E.I. recipients with retraining opportunities through agency referral

Family Education and Support Program (FESP)

• To work with identified families in order to strengthen and improve the families’ functioning.

• To interpret for families at various appointments
• Assist with Building HealthyBabies Program - Bi-monthly drop-Infor mothers and their babies and toddlers

In partnership with: 

 "Building Healthy Babies"