Welcome Home. You Belong Here.
The You Belong Here LGBTQI+ Newcomer Settlement Program is a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers living in Barrie and Simcoe County. Led by Uplift Black, this program is designed to support you as you settle, heal, and thrive in your new community.
What We Offer
Whether you’ve just arrived or are navigating the next steps in your journey, we’re here to help. Our services include:
Mental Health & Wellness
Support
Employment & Career
Navigation
Support with Immigration, PR, Work Permits & Licenses
Navigating Housing
Assistance
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support
Advocacy for LGBTQI+
Rights
Social Services Guidance
(Ontario Works, ODSP,
Child Benefits, etc.)
Gender-Based Violence
Response Supports
Monthly Highlight: Newcomer Night
Held every last Friday of the month at our beautiful Uplift Black Studio in downtown Barrie, Newcomer Night is more than just an event—it's a community celebration!
Expect
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A welcoming space to learn about services and resources
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Time to connect with other LGBTQI+ newcomers
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Opportunities to share your story and learn from others
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Delicious, culturally appropriate dinners
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Music, dance, and joyful community entertainment
Want to Join You Belong Here LGBTQI+ Newcomer Settlement Program?
Book Your Newcomer Orientation Session.
After completing the mandatory newcomer intake form, you can book an appointment for the orientation session by sending us an email here
Get Personalized Support
Following your orientation, our Newcomer Program Services team may contact you for additional one-on-one customized support.
Requesting a Support Letter for Your Refugee Hearing
Are you a newcomer or refugee preparing for an upcoming refugee or asylum hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC)? Uplift Black’s Newcomer Settlement Program offers support letters to eligible members who have an upcoming refugee or asylum claim hearing.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a support letter, you must:
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Be a registered member of Uplift Black’s Newcomer Settlement Program (complete the mandatory client intake form)
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Have completed an orientation session with the Newcomer Settlement program team
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Be actively participating in Uplift Black programs and activities
Important Note
Support letters must be requested at least one month before your refugee hearing or evidence submission deadline. We are unable to process last-minute requests.
How to Request a Support Letter
Please send an email to here with the subject line: Support Letter Request – [Your Full Name]
In your email, include the following details:
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Your full legal name (as it appears on your passport)
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Your date of birth
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Your pronouns
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The date you joined the Newcomer Settlement Program
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A list of at least three Uplift Black activities you’ve participated in (include the name and date of each activity)
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The date of your upcoming refugee hearing or the deadline to submit your evidence
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Your phone number
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Your Email
Our team will review your request and follow up with you accordingly. Please note that it may take us a period of two weeks to revert
Stay Connected
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Have questions? Contact our Director of Newcomer Program Services at patrick@upliftblack.org
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Want updates? Subscribe to our Newsletter below and be the first to get exclusive updates
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Love good vibes? Join our Fun Wednesday Drop-In Sessions – Contact our Wellness Program Coordinator at wellness@upliftblack.org