Nelo Immigrant and Community Services

TORONTO, Ontario, M3N1H8 Canada

Mission Statement

At Nelo Immigrant and Community Services, our mission is to empower immigrants, newcomers, and underserved communities by providing culturally responsive support, advocacy, and opportunities for growth. We are committed to fostering inclusion, equity, and social justice through programs that promote education, mentorship, and community engagement. Our goal is to help individuals and families thrive, overcome systemic barriers, and build a strong foundation for personal and collective success.

About This Cause

Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS) is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities in Canada particularly those from Black and racialized backgrounds. Founded on the principles of equity, cultural respect, and empowerment, NICS delivers high-impact programs that focus on youth engagement, education, mental health, community integration, and cultural preservation. We provide hands-on workshops, mentorship, counselling, employment readiness, and after-school programs and legal education designed to uplift individuals and families facing systemic barriers. Through our culturally informed and client-centered approach we ensure that newcomers feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our organization works in partnership with schools, local agencies, and grassroots leaders to build inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated and every voice matters. Funders and partners are instrumental in helping us expand our reach and deepen our impact as we work to create a future where no one is left behind. NICS empower immigrants. Strengthen communities and help them build their future. About Us Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS) is a dynamic, professionals-led charitable organization based in Canada, dedicated to serving immigrants, refugees, racialized individuals, and low-income families. Founded in response to the growing need for culturally relevant, community-based support systems, NICS was created as a safe and inclusive space where newcomers and marginalized individuals can find not only services but a sense of belonging. Rooted in principles of equity, social justice, compassion, and empowerment, NICS believes in the inherent strength, dignity, and potential of every individual. We are committed to helping people build stable, fulfilling lives through programs that support settlement, education, employment, wellness, and cultural identity. Our Vision A world where every immigrant and marginalized person thrives, feels valued, and contributes meaningfully to society—regardless of their race, gender, status, or origin. Our Mission To empower immigrants, newcomers, and underserved communities by providing culturally responsive support, advocacy, and opportunities for growth. We promote inclusion, education, holistic healing, and resilience by addressing the social and systemic barriers that limit equity and opportunity. What We Do NICS delivers innovative, impactful, and culturally grounded programs tailored to the specific needs of immigrant families and individuals. Our services fall under five key pillars: 1. Settlement and Integration Support We assist newcomers as they transition into life in Canada with services such as: • Immigration navigation and referrals • Housing support • Language development assistance • Cultural orientation sessions • Legal information workshops • Community connection programs Our case managers offer personalized guidance to ensure newcomers are equipped with the resources they need to navigate complex systems and access essential services with confidence. 2. Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Youth are the heartbeat of our community. Our youth-focused programming empowers racialized and immigrant youth through: • Mentorship initiatives • Leadership development • Anti-racism and self-esteem workshops • Tutoring and academic support • Free photography, art, and creative expression workshops • STEM exploration and digital literacy programs • Career guidance and post-secondary readiness These programs foster confidence, connection, and a strong sense of identity in young people, helping them become leaders and changemakers. 3. Mental Health and Wellness Support Recognizing the trauma, stress, and emotional weight of migration, racism, and systemic oppression, we offer: • Culturally competent counselling and group therapy • Trauma-informed care for women and youth • Peer support groups • Healing circles • Wellness and self-care workshops • Crisis referral services We collaborate with trained mental health professionals who understand the lived experiences of our community, helping our clients heal holistically. 4. Employment and Economic Empowerment Many of our clients face unemployment, underemployment, and financial hardship. We offer practical support to enhance economic resilience, including: • Resume and cover letter support • Job search assistance • Networking events with diverse employers • Entrepreneurship and small business training • Financial literacy workshops • Partnerships with trade training and certification programs We particularly support women, youth, and immigrants who face structural barriers in accessing sustainable employment. 5. Cultural Preservation and Community Engagement NICS is passionate about preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, especially for African, Caribbean, and Indigenous communities. We host and facilitate: • Cultural heritage storytelling and oral history projects • Intergenerational events • Cooking, dance, and arts-based workshops • Elders and seniors support programs • Black History Month and Emancipation celebrations • Public forums on decolonization, identity, and migration These initiatives promote healing, education, and community pride, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots. Our Impact Since our founding, NICS has impacted hundreds of families through our culturally affirming and trauma-informed approach. Here is what we have achieved so far: • Delivered over 250 workshops in art, education, and wellness • Supported more than 400 newcomers in navigating systems • Mentored 200+ youth through leadership and creative programs • Partnered with schools, local agencies, and grassroots organizations to increase access and reach • Provided emergency support to individuals in crisis due to violence, homelessness, or mental health challenges • Built trust within underrepresented communities who often feel excluded from mainstream service systems Why NICS is Unique: NICS is community-rooted and culturally driven. Our team is composed of lived-experience leaders comprising of immigrants, survivors, and professionals who understand the cultural nuances and real challenges our clients face. We do not just deliver services, we build relationships, community, and legacy. We use an intersectional lens that considers how race, gender, class, status, ability, and trauma intersect. We approach every individual with dignity, meeting them where they are and walking with them toward where they want to be. Why We Need Funding As a grassroots and community-driven organization, NICS relies heavily on the generosity of funders, donors, and partners. With your support, we can: • Expand our youth programs to reach more schools and communities • Increase mental health supports, especially for newcomers and single mothers • Launch a digital hub for newcomer employment and training • Provide consistent support to elders and seniors through our Cultural Heritage Preservation Project • Offer emergency relief to clients facing housing, food, or crisis needs • Train more culturally competent facilitators and volunteers to expand our impact Your funding enables us to continue building a future where equity is not just an idea, but a lived reality for those most often excluded from opportunity. Who We Serve We proudly serve: • Newcomers and immigrants • Refugee claimants and asylum seekers • Women, youth, and children from racialized backgrounds • Survivors of trauma, violence, and displacement • Black, African, and Caribbean communities • Low-income families and individuals • LGBTQ+ newcomers • Seniors from diaspora communities Our Commitment to Equity and Anti-Racism NICS is deeply committed to reducing racism, xenophobia, and inequality. Our programs are rooted in anti-oppressive and anti-racist frameworks. We train all staff and volunteers in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and inclusive service delivery. Leadership NICS was founded by Dr. Dorothy Anthony, a passionate advocate, educator, and community leader with lived experience as an immigrant Igbo woman in Canada. Her vision for equity, inclusion, and justice is the driving force behind the organization’s values and operations. Partnerships and Collaborations We actively partner with, grassroots organizations, mental health professionals, community centers, and cultural institutions to build a stronger, more inclusive network of care. Funders and donors are key allies in advancing our mission. How You Can Help We invite funders, government agencies, philanthropists, and partners to support NICS in our journey of community transformation. Together, we can: • Fund new programs and expand existing ones • Sponsor youth mentorship and education initiatives • Invest in community research and advocacy • Provide core operational funding for sustainability • Help us secure a permanent community hub for our programs Contact Us Nelo Immigrant and Community Services (NICS) Email: info@nelonics.com Phone: +14372268088 Website: www.nelonics.com Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nelo-Immigrant-and-Community-Services/100066743139434/ Charity/Registration Number: Ontario Co-operation Number: 5036042

Nelo Immigrant and Community Services
Unit 8A 293 Eddystone Avenue
TORONTO, Ontario M3N1H8
Canada
Phone 4372268088
Unique Identifier 5036042