Community Development Council Durham

Receiving support during important life milestones can make all the difference. We're grateful to hear how our staff was able to provide guidance, reassurance, and confidence throughout the citizenship application process.

At our Oshawa/Clarington Welcome Centre, we are committed to helping newcomers access the information, resources, and support they need to navigate their settlement journey with confidence.

Interested in learning more about our services? Contact the Oshawa/Clarington Welcome Centre at 289-255-1333, Toll-Free: 1-877-761-1155, or email [email protected]. You can also visit cdcd.org to learn more about the programs and services available to support your settlement journey.

We're excited to announce that the CDCD Donations Program is launching a Weekly Food Pantry beginning Monday, June 15.

Community members are welcome to visit the pantry every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Wood Buffalo National Park Room (Student Kitchen) at the Ajax Welcome Centre to access available food items.

Important Information:

• Please bring your own reusable bags.
• Item limits may apply based on weekly availability to ensure fair access for all.
• No registration is required—simply drop in.

For more information, please contact Maliha Sobani, Donations Coordinator, at [email protected] or 905-686-2661 ext. 220.

Today, on World Refugee Day, we take a moment to recognize the journeys, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world and within our own communities.

This year's theme highlights the importance of the right to seek safety—a right that belongs to everyone. For many individuals and families, finding safety means the opportunity to rebuild, pursue their goals, and create a brighter future.

At CDCD, we are honoured to support refugees and newcomers as they settle, connect, and thrive in Durham Region. Every day, we witness the strength, determination, and positive impact they bring to our communities.

As we mark World Refugee Day, let us continue fostering welcoming communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and has the opportunity to belong.

💙 Together, we can help keep the promise of safety, inclusion, and hope alive.

Our Fundamental Computer Skills Training at the Oshawa Welcome Centre provided participants with practical, hands-on learning to help them navigate today's digital world with greater confidence. Throughout the training, we offer clients the opportunity to strengthen their computer and internet skills, learn how to access online services safely, communicate effectively, and use digital tools for everyday tasks.

These skills help increase independence, improve access to information and services, and support success in daily life.

Do you know someone who would be Interested in improving their digital skills and joining our training sessions? Share this post and send the registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/EafYLGVmN6

Are you a newcomer senior (55+) living in Durham Region? Join Welcoming Newcomer Seniors, a 10-session program where you'll learn about community resources, connect with others, and build lasting friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment.

📅 Every third Thursday of the month starting June 18, 2026 – March 18, 2027

🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Oshawa/Clarington Welcome Centre

🍽️ Lunch and transportation support provided

Know a newcomer senior who would benefit from this opportunity? Share this post with your friends, family, community groups, and networks to help us spread the word.
Click here to register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9OVL2szNdkSk5fEVZyFWJIAYoKAhScJNj9wYoxqoN3RUQkdJQzZGRVhNOENSRDlWMFVOSjZYQjdTSS4u&route=shorturl

This program is funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Government of Canada.

We truly believe that technology should be accessible to everyone.

Through our Digital Skills Training program, participants are gaining the confidence, knowledge, and tools needed to navigate technology more independently. It's important to create accessible learning opportunities that can open doors to greater connection, independence, and participation in everyday life.

We're grateful to hear words like this that remind us why inclusive and accessible programming matters. Every step toward digital confidence is a step toward greater opportunity and independence.

Know someone who could benefit from digital skills training? Share this post or connect with us to learn more about our programs and services.

Looking back at our tax season, our volunteers and staff worked hard to help community members file their income taxes through our free Tax Clinic, ensuring individuals and families could access the benefits and credits they may be entitled to.

Receiving feedback like this reminds us why these services matter. We're proud to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel informed and confident throughout the tax filing process.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, staff, and clients who made this year's Tax Clinic a success. Your trust and participation help us continue making a positive impact across Durham Region.

Follow us to learn more about the program and services we provide!

This National AccessAbility Week, we join communities across Canada in recognizing the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

Under this year's theme, "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada," we celebrate the achievements and leadership of persons with disabilities and acknowledge the individuals, organizations, and advocates working to create a more inclusive society.

Creating accessible communities requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. By removing barriers and promoting meaningful participation, we help ensure that people of all abilities can contribute their talents, perspectives, and experiences.

At CDCD, we believe that inclusion makes our communities stronger. Together, we can continue building spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully.

How can we help create a more accessible community? Share your thoughts below.