Standing Together: NCC’s Commitment to Welcoming Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 18, 2025

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is committed to building welcoming, inclusive, and safe communities for newcomers across the Peterborough Region, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.

Every day, we are reminded of how important it is to stand together as a community and uphold the values of kindness, compassion, and belonging that make our region strong.  

“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 its Executive Director, is proud and honoured to serve in this role and to continue NCC’s long tradition of nurturing welcoming communities. He considers it a privilege to work alongside the dedicated staff, volunteers, local partners, funders and all levels of government who believe in the mission and make the work possible.

“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”. 

NCC’s work is possible because of a shared vision of a country where all residents thrive. As a settlement service provider and lead agency for the Peterborough Immigration Partnership, it endeavours to:

• Build strong local partnerships to ensure equitable and stable access to food, housing, healthcare, education, and employment 
• Take an active role in building bridges of understanding between newcomers and local Indigenous communities 
• Recognise the complexity of a newcomer’s journey towards settling in Canada and help them achieve their milestones 
• Celebrate the strength of a multicultural and multifaith community that brings people together through empathy and a shared vision of a community that thrives together 
• Commit to a way forward that enjoys prosperity by valuing the land, consultation, and partnerships  

“My story is not just my own,” added Thevasagayam. “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.” 

Media contact: JJ Thevasagayam, Executive Director, [email protected], 705 743 0882

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Since 1979, NCC has been supporting immigrants and refugees in the Peterborough region, providing settlement support, language training, employment services, youth mentorship, family support, and cultural programs. With decades of experience and strong partnerships, NCC continues to champion inclusion, equity, and belonging. We help newcomers feel at home while strengthening the social and economic fabric of Peterborough Region, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. 

For more information about the New Canadians, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @newcanadianscentre and visit nccpeterborough.ca.