Directory of Services for New Canadians in Guelph
The Volunteer Centre has created a directory of key local services that are of primary interest to new Canadians arriving in Guelph. An easy-to-use index identifies areas of particular relevance to newcomers, such as employment, community support services and recreation, housing, crisis, immigration settlement services, health and more.
To download a free copy of the Directory in English, click here.

The Directory is also available for download in various languages.  Please note that in the following versions, the cover, introduction and index are translated, while the program descriptions are in English.

Arabic , Traditional Chinese , Simplified Chinese , Dari , Spanish , Vietnamese

Community Information Guelph is a program of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.  It provides information about local not-for-profit agencies, government programs and organizations which provide services to Guelph and Wellington County.

Information is disseminated via phone, walk-in, on-line internet database, as well as a printed directory.

The Directory of Community Services 2005-2006 (formerly the ‘Blue Book) is a one stop reference that was published in 2005 to provide information on a range of human service organizations delivering programs and supports to Guelph residents. Its information is specific to Guelph and is focused on essential human services and it contains a subject index which allows for quick searching on resources related to health, housing, financial, employment and education, as well as supports for seniors, those with disabilities etc.  Each listing provides relevant contact information as well as details about the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions on our info line:

• When is the Santa Claus parade?
• How do I find phone numbers and addresses for community groups?
• Where do I get a new health card, birth certificate, passport?
• Who provides transportation to people that cannot drive or use public transit?
• Which charitable organizations accept used/donated goods like furniture or clothing?  Which ones will pick up these items?
  

Information & Referral programs bring people and services together
The Volunteer Centre is one of 70 I & R Service providers who are members of Inform Canada. Inform Canada is the national organization of public, nonprofit and government Information and Referral providers.   They develop and promote national standards in the sector, strengthen the national Information & Referral network, and represent Information and Referral at the federal level.
In 2002, over one million calls for help were answered by Information and Referral agencies across Canada.

The Volunteer Centre is also a member of Inform Ontario.  InformOntario is an umbrella organization representing over 40 Community Information Centres and associated Information and Referral Providers around the province. Its mandate is to strengthen and enhance Community Information Centres in Ontario by providing them with leadership in the areas of standards, accreditation, marketing, development and information technology.