A YMCA Immigrant Settlement Services office has opened at the corner of Barton Street and Centennial Parkway, offering settlement and employment services for recent immigrants to Canada.

The new east-end centre offers services, including language assessments to help newcomers determine their level of English-language proficiency and referrals to programs that can help with English language skills.

Newcomers can also find orientation and information services aimed at helping them settle in Hamilton, including assistance in connecting with other local services that can help them with their settlement needs. These services are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

In addition to settlement services, YMCA staff can also help clients find much-needed job training, and full-time and summer employment opportunities through services funded by the province of Ontario.

The new centre is at 211 Centennial Pkwy. N. and is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call (905) 662-9400.