The YMCA Language and Referral Services (LARS) have been in operation since 1992. They were established as part of the Federal Government's initiative to improve newcomers' access to language training, also known as the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC).

LARS is a member of TESL Ontario and Project Read and collaborates with a variety of other immigrant-serving agencies in the community.

Services Provided

• Assessment of language skills

• Assessment of literacy needs

• Referral to language training and/or other programs in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge

• Information and language training and other resources 

Certified language assessors use assessments based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks to evaluate language skills in Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. A benchmark is assigned for each of the four skills and a skills profile is handed to the client at the end of the assessment.

Assessments are provided in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and, on demand, at various other sites.

To book an appointment, please call: 519-579-9622 (Kitchener- Waterloo) or 519-621-1621 (Cambridge)