Stories

Supporting newcomers: a community success story

How TOMCARE Foundation welcomed 173 newcomers in its first year — and what we learned along the way.

TOMCARE TeamSeptember 3, 2026 · 1 min read

When TOMCARE Foundation opened its doors in 2024, we knew newcomers to Québec faced real challenges: a lack of information, difficult living conditions, depression and language barriers. What we didn't know was how quickly our community would grow.

In our first year, we welcomed 173 new immigrants. Each one arrived with a different story and different needs — a job, a home, a school for their children, or simply someone to talk to.

What we learned

  • Information is everything. Most problems start with not knowing where to go. Clear, timely guidance prevents months of difficulty.
  • Community heals. Our social activities did as much for wellbeing as any formal service.
  • Small help adds up. A printed CV, a passport photo, a registration for French class — each removes one more barrier.

What's next

We're expanding our training center, growing our volunteer team and building partnerships with employers and institutions across Québec. Thank you to everyone who made this first year possible.