Searching for Support Groups

Breastfeeding Support Groups

• in-person and online groups
• A weekly drop in group where breastfeeding families have a chance to get together to talk about breastfeeding experiences and other new baby topics
• provides friendship and support for breastfeeding families
• provides one to one help and support from a public health nurse

Anglican Church offering:

• Sunday service 10 am in person and on Facebook Live
• Sunday school
• Bible study
• Second Hand Thrift Shop for gently used clothing and other items
• Morning prayer
• Knitters fellowship group with outreach projects
• Vacation Bible School

Visit website or call for program information

COVID-19 Response
In-person meetings are suspended until further notice. Meetings are available via Zoom. Contact Anne Marie by phone or email to receive link for meetings.

Option to call in by phone to attend Zoom meeting is available. Contact Anne Marie for information on how to connect to meetings.

Regular Service
Fellowship of people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Anonymous program, based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Meets to share experiences, provide strength and hope in order to solve common problems.

Self supporting, spiritually based, apolitical, and welcomes all cultures and is available almost everywhere in the world.

Alcoholics Anonymous provides a community outreach service that allows men and women to share experiences and to assist each other in recovering from alcoholism

Services include:

• self help meetings
• information, pamphlets, displays
• public speakers and presentations to hospitals, schools and institutions
• Barrie and Area Intergroup Answering Service provides information on all AA meetings in Central Ontario
• Barrie office open for literature pick-up, call ahead

Regular meetings and 12-step meeting are for recovering alcoholics only (closed meetings).

Programs and supports for families and caregivers of children birth to 6 years; activities include creative, science and math experiences, circle time, promotion of literacy, and social and emotional development

• family support and resources
• outdoor programming when permitted

Program held in Vaughan 905-806-1895, Markham 905-642-9965, and Georgina 905-989-1896

For child care and EarlyON centres, see separate listings

Call Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Service, 1-888-777-0979, for immediate support (Warm Line cannot be reached from blocked/unknown number)

Social support programs for individuals and families
Includes peer support outreach, application assistance, family drop-in programs, workshops and community-based programs, and peer navigators in emergency departments (North York General, Southlake Hospital)

• virtual groups, visit krasmancentre.com/events for online calendar
• harm reduction kits, naloxone, injection and inhalation supplies available by appointment
• check-in available, email kccheckins@krasmancentre.com for information
• South Simcoe Peer Outreach Program
• Wellness Collaborative Initiative
• homeless supports, including shower, food and access to outreach worker

WRAPhub
Central access point for WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and FWRAP (Family WRAP) groups, includes group peer support program at various locations; email WRAPhub@krasmancentre.com for information, to register or be added to wait list

Partner in Housing to Health
Assistance in securing housing for people who are chronically homeless, includes wraparound supports to maintain housing

• email a.kraus@krasmancentre.com for information
• partnership includes Blue Door Shelters and LOFT Crosslinks

Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Line 1-888-777-0979, peer support via phone or chat, see separate listing

Drop-In Centres, supports available, see separate listings

Provides group or individual bereavement support * art therapy also available * in-home visiting bereavement support, based on availability * young adult and secondary school bereavement support * bereavement support for people with special needs

Open discussions on the frustrations that can accompany caregiving * also an opportunity to identify skills and activities that caregivers can develop to improve their level of support and strategies to manage stress in order to prevent burnout

Groups explore common experiences in being the primary caregiver * support is available from experienced facilitators, staff and other community resources * peer to peer support

Café-type setting with video and board games

COVID19 -- office is closed but telephone counselling available * hampers of baby supplies and dropped off at clients' homes by appointment (see branch record) * all other programs temporarily closed

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• Support and educational services to pregnant and parenting women (under 25)
• individual supportive counselling through in-office and community visits
• childcare support
• parenting and personal development groups
• information and referrals
• emergency support with practical needs (diapers, formula, baby food)
• transportation provided for some programs
• small donation room for mothers in need to access gently used clothing/toys/household items
• food security program and access to food pantry

High School Program

• support of a qualified teacher to complete high school credits includes the individual support of a Rose of Sharon counsellor, group parenting and personal development programs, and childcare support for children up to age of 18 months of program participants

Child Development Centre

• age appropriate programs, which include music, crafts, sensory play and outdoor activities for children while mothers attend educational or group services
• Mom and Me programs
• EarlyOn program

Parenting Programs

• group programs
• focus on parenting topics such as attachment, resiliency and positive parenting

Personal Development Programs

• six to eight week programs, once a week, focus on mother, topics have included healthy relationships and self empowerment

Food Security Program

• access to onsite food nutritionist
• access to healthy food choices through food pantry
• cooking classes
• one to one nutritional support
• Participants and their children participate in healthy cooking groups and communal meal

Workshops/drop-in

• twice a month covering specialized topics such as early literacy, nutrition, resume writing, cooking, and more

Open for in-person services. For more information call 1-877-761-1155 or email info@welcomecentre.ca



One-stop service to guide and support immigrants and newcomers

Settlement and Integration Services

• needs assessment, Information and referral to community and social services including support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school, health care, legal information and government services and benefits

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• provides basic language skills training in English;
• allows newcomers to Canada to learn English language skills to make friends, find employment and adjust to living in Canada
• full-time program available at a range of levels from beginner to advanced (Literacy to Level 6)

Enhanced Language Training

• sector specific language training and career orientation in accounting, workplace administration and customer service, teaching and education, information technology and health care
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation

Accreditation and Qualification Information Services (AQIS) Program

• supports newcomers in the process of having their international education, skills and professional experiences recognized by Canadian employers.
• AQIS is an information and career pathway planning service that advises internationally trained professionals and tradespeople on professional certification/ license requirements and application procedures, alternative career options, training and skills upgrading programs, credential assessment and local work experiences

Employment Supports

• needs assessment and individual action plan with one to one coaching
• pre-employment workshops, information on accreditation and qualifications
• Job Search Workshops program
• walk-in job search centre with access to computers, Internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• staff assistance available, resource materials, job boards, labour market information
• transportation reimbursement and childminding available to eligible individuals

Services for Women, Youth and Seniors

Women, youth and seniors often face specific difficulties to settle and live in Canada. The Welcome Centres provide specialized services, including:

• support groups
• recreational and educational opportunities
• social activities to help building friendships and networks

Other Services

• Older adults exercise program
• Mother Goose songs, rhymes and stories for parents, caregivers and their children
• newcomer family workshops, health workshops

Partnership of five immigrant serving community organizations:

• Social Enterprise for Canada
• COSTI Immigrant Services
• Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR)
• Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
• Job Skills

COVID19 Services available online or by phone, no walk-in or in-person service; 24-hour crisis line 1-800-263-6734

Free, confidential and non-judgemental rapid response 24-hour crisis support, individual counselling, peer support, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and/or commercial sexual exploitation

Sexual Violence Counselling
Individual counselling up to 24 weeks, renewable on case by base basis if more support required

• includes date rape, cyber sexual violence, childhood sexual assault
• volunteer training

Human Trafficking
Counselling, case management, safety planning and intervention

• support, advocacy and referrals, contact 905-895-3646

Public education and outreach, including workshops and presentations around sexual violence and human trafficking, contact Public Education Coordinator sseeraj@womenssupportnetwork.ca

Day programs include counselling, wellness programs, peer support, drop-in supports, and 5-week pre-employment and life skills program

Connections
For individuals experiencing or impacted by addiction and/or substance use

• drop-in services
• individual and family counselling
• supportive groups
• community activities

Pathways Pre-Employment and Life Skills
Training and employment preparation services include 5-week training and pre-employment supports to help find and maintain employment, Mon-Fri 9:30 am-11:30 am; visit website for monthly course date schedule

Residential Treatment for Men
Kettleby Ranch program includes 3-month residential treatment, with peer support and abstinence-based recovery

Residential Treatment for Women
The Garden program includes 3-month residential treatment, with peer support and abstinence-based recovery

Wellness Centre
Physical, mental and spiritual wellness programs

Parents and caregivers share information and experiences

• promotes the inclusion and well-being of family members who have disabilities
• provides information and suggestions on how families can choose care that is most appropriate for them
• offers workshops
• provides advocacy, and information and resources
• has over 600 members

COVID-19 -- accepting new client referrals

• telephone, online and video appointments

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Adult Services

Reintegration Program -- for individuals 18 years and older and families who may have experienced or are at risk of experiencing contact with the law

• case management, brief support including goal planning, accessing employment, job and life skills, housing and food security
• referrals to community resources, client advocacy

Reintegration Program - Women's Support -- for individuals who identify as women and are18 years and older and families who may have experienced or are at risk of experiencing contact with the law

• case management, brief support including goal planning, accessing employment, job and life skills, housing and food security
• referrals to community resources, client advocacy

Record Suspension Support -- for individuals 18 years and older who were convicted of a criminal offence and have completed their sentence

• assists in determination of eligibility and application process to have criminal record kept separate and apart

Partner Assault Response -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offended provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

MAPS Program -- for individuals 18 years and older who are currently on probation who may have experienced or are experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge

• offers one-on-one support with a Peer Support Worker to explore recovery goals and provide connections to community supports and services
• offers support in attending various appointments such as probation, court, counselling sessions

Mindset Anger Management Program -- 8 week anger management program for individuals 18 years and old

Youth Services

Healthy Youth Preventative Education (HYPE) Program -- for youth 11-25

• small group sessions that promote positive healthy relationships and target a wide range of abusive and violent behaviours and addictions among adolescents

Youth Counselling Program -- for youth 11-29

• individualized one-on-one support, weekly sessions for youth to discuss issues affecting their lives such as mental health, substance use, bullying, stress relationship conflict and criminal justice involvement
• counsellor works collaboratively with the youth to enhance their understanding, overcome challenges and meet goals

COVID19 All FSYR offices closed, no walk-in service until further notice; telephone, email and/or video counselling available; call, email or visit website for updates and information

Counselling and community support programs and services for children, youth, adults, couples and families, including support with parenting, relationships, coming out, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, family stress and separation and divorce

Counselling
For individuals, couples and families, in a variety of formats including language-specific, telephone, face-to-face and single session consultation; for details visit website

Virtual walk-in counselling for youth, adults, couples and families operates on first come, first served basis, accessed once per month

• virtual appointments 15-90 minutes depending on individual needs
• call 905-895-2371 Mon-Tue, Thu 10 am-5 pm (excludes holidays) to book appointment
• not a crisis service

Triple P Parenting
Resources and support for parents managing children with behavioural and emotional issues; individual or group sessions available for parents of kids birth-12 years, parents of teens 13-17 years and parents of children with developmental/behavioural issues; visit www.triplep.net

Group Services
Range of psychoeducational and therapeutic group programs for children, youth and adults on topics including developing social skills, managing anger and anxiety, practising mindfulness, parenting and LGBTQ+ issues; language-specific groups offered in the community; check group calendar for details

Outreach and Presentations
Community-based mental health supports ensure inclusive and accessible services; includes language-specific counselling, group services, parenting workshops and presentations at several locations in the community

Families and Schools Together (FAST)
Eight-week prevention program for parents and children helps with future social integration and participation, academic achievement and healthy lifestyle decisions; FASTWORKS 2-year, bi-monthly, parent-led follow-up program accessed through school

2SLGBTTQ+ Services
Host and lead agency for York Rainbow Network and York Rainbow Information, Referral and Support Line, 1-888-York-LGBT (1-888-967-5542)

• safe access to individual, couple and family counselling, group services and community outreach support
• counsellors attend sensitivity and awareness training, with experience in areas such as coming out, sexual orientation, gender identity, life transitions, relationships, discrimination, parenting
• community consultation and training services
• for information contact Barb Urman 1-866-415-9723, 905-415-9719, burman@fsyr.ca

Providing bereavement support services by trained volunteers and staff to individuals and families grieving the death of a loved one

• individual one-on-one peer support sessions
• support groups - loss-specific
• support groups - open (any loss open group)
• support groups for children and youth - ages 9-13yrs and 14-17yrs
• referrals to counsellors / therapists
• volunteer facilitator training
• regular social media posts
• on-site workshop Navigating Our Grief for workplaces, schools and community groups who are grieving the loss of a fellow co-worker, student, colleague

COVID19 -- All public health guidelines are followed including daily screening of clients

Support and training to children and youth with learning challenges, neurodiversities and other challenges

• direct instruction following Ontario curriculum; supports high school credits through local school or the Independent Learning Centre (ILC)
• cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), social coaching, and self-regulation
• ASDAN certified Life Skills programs including job skills
• 18+ social club; LBGTQ+ group for young people with mental health and/or ASD
• sensory room, recreation fitness room
• opportunities to volunteer/assistance in setting up volunteer opportunities

Summer Back to School Camp

• academic morning
• extracurricular afternoon, field trips

COVID19 All CMHA York Region & South Simcoe locations closed to drop-in service, and all client visits and scheduled programming modified, visit website for information

Virtual options available for client services, call 1-866-345-0183 for details: telephone wellness checks, med drops, injections, BounceBack program

All other services: case manager/support worker will contact client

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Community Support Coordinator Program
For people living in social housing, including information and referrals for mental health services, addiction services, housing assistance (eviction prevention, tenant/landlord relationship), financial assistance, hoarding/clutter and housekeeping, legal aid, education and system navigation, and wellness promotion

Employment Support Program
For individuals with mental health issues who are unemployed or under-employed, includes employment services and workshops

• pre-employment skills building such as goal setting
• resume writing
• interview skills
• problem solving
• assistance with job search
• job coaching
• Career Café drop-in resource centre

Family Caregiver Education Program
For individuals, families and caregivers, including access to professionals and other caregivers to increase knowledge about mental illness, gain skills and practical strategies to assist in loved one's recovery, and to promote self care

Support for Depression
For people experiencing or who have experienced mental illness, including peer support groups, mutual support and coping skills develop, trained peer volunteer facilitators, safe, non-judgmental environment (no registration required)

Support for individuals who have experienced human trafficking, prostitution, sexual exploitation and its root causes including child abuse, pornography

• provides help to victims with breaking free of their exploiters, exiting the industry, and accessing the necessary resources for healing the emotional and physical trauma of being sexually exploited

Provides support groups to parents and caregivers of trafficked persons

Also offers public education on human trafficking to medical professionals, teachers and others who come in contact with victims

COVID19 Emergency shelter and crisis line open, call 1-800-661-8294

Emergency shelter and 24 hour crisis line and crisis intervention, including support, counselling, advocacy, information and referral, legal information and court support, women's groups including transition support program, and Let's Talk children's groups; also second stage housing and outreach programs

• capacity 30
• multicultural focus
• public education

Secure locations in Jackson's Point and Richmond Hill, call for information; also Keswick Outreach 905-476-8992, Markham Outreach 905-479-4551

Psychotherapy for Men

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Anger Management (Group Therapy & Individual)
• Trauma Recovery (Group Therapy for Male Survivors of Childhood Physical and/or Sexual Abuse)
• Emotional Integrity Group Therapy
• Sexual Integrity Group Therapy
• Training services on Men, Trauma and Recovery
• Resources and Products

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, telephone, or virtual services; call 905-841-7007, or toll free 1-800-263-2288 ext 322; visit website for information

Assessment, treatment, and counselling, including single session virtual counselling, youth substance use group, parent/caregiver group, parent education, family consultation

• harm reduction approach
• counselling services available through participating high schools in York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), contact for information

Individual and group supports for caregivers, including family and friends * provide education to learn and understand how to cope and care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias * caregiver support groups run across the region * caregiver and community education programs across the region * includes Russian Language Family Support Group