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The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is reaffirming its commitment to building welcoming, inclusive, and safe communities for newcomers across Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
“For over 45 years, NCC has helped immigrants and refugees settle, learn, work, and build meaningful connections,” said Jeeniraj JJ Thevasagayam, Executive Director. “I came to Canada as an immigrant, fleeing war and civil unrest. I faced uncertainty and fear, but I was met with kindness. Residents, neighbours, and local organizations welcomed me and gave me the support I needed to find stability, raise a family, and feel at home. Canada became my safe haven, and the generosity of its people showed me what community truly means.”
Thevasagayam, who recently joined NCC as Executive Director, said he is proud to continue NCC’s long tradition of nurturing welcoming communities and considers it a privilege to work alongside the organization’s staff, volunteers, local partners, funders, and all levels of government.
“I want to sincerely thank the community for the warm welcome I have received. I look forward to meeting supporters, neighbours, and partners in the months ahead, and to working together to strengthen the spirit of inclusion that defines our region,” he said.
NCC’s work focuses on building strong partnerships to ensure equitable access to food, housing, healthcare, education, and employment; fostering understanding between newcomers and Indigenous communities; supporting newcomers on their settlement journeys; and celebrating the strength of a multicultural, multifaith community.
“My story is not just my own,” Thevasagayam added. “It is the story of every newcomer who has walked through NCC’s doors and found support, the story of every resident who has welcomed a new neighbour, and the story of our region when we choose compassion over division. When newcomers thrive, our entire community thrives.”
