Services for Women and Gender Diverse Newcomers

YWCA St. John’s offers programs and services for women and gender diverse newcomers, ages 18+: a peer support group, a mentorship program, and one-on-one support.

Funded by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Women and Gender Diverse Newcomer Peer Support Group

Our Women and Gender Diverse Newcomer Peer Support Group is a confidential, non-judgmental space for participants to discuss shared experiences and support one another.

Meetings are held once every 2 weeks. Participants can choose to attend in-person, or online via a video call. The program aims to support the integration of women and gender diverse newcomers by providing information, guidance, and connection to others.

Click the button below to register for this program. After registering, a Newcomer Community Program Coordinator will contact you to arrange a one-on-one intake meeting.

If you need help registering or prefer to register over the phone or in person, contact kari@ywcastjohns.ca / 709-769-0595.

Group meetings are “hybrid”. This means participants can choose to attend in-person at YWCA’s office, or online via a video call. To ensure privacy, a confidential link to join the video call will be emailed to program registrants. Participants from across the province are welcome to join virtually!

Mentorship

This program matches Women and Gender Diverse newcomers with established community members or long-term immigrants, to improve participant’s connection to community and social networks.

Registration: [CURRENTLY CLOSED]

Next mentorship cohort starts: Fall 2025

Questions? Contact our Newcomer Community Program Coordinator, Kari Esparza-Sosa at kari@ywcastjohns.ca / 709-769-0595

One-on-One Support

This service consists of targeted on-on-one sessions to help orient newcomers on topics that are specific to their needs, or to their local community. 

We can assist with:

  • Settlement information

  • System navigation

  • Connecting with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

  • Accompaniment and referrals to other community services

  • Emotional support

  • And more!

To request an appointment, contact our Newcomer Community Program Coordinator, Kari Esparza-Sosa at kari@ywcastjohns.ca / 709-769-0595. Or, click below to select an appointment time:

Appointments are available in person or remotely by phone or video conferencing on Microsoft Teams.

Did you know?

YWCA St. John’s also offers services specifically for LGBTQIA+ newcomers, including a peer support group, mentorship, and one-on-one support. Newcomer women and gender diverse newcomers who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community are also welcome to take part in these services.