Searching for Community Information

Consultation, research, resources and leadership for community building, policy analysis, and organizational development

• community information and referral service
• maintains database of government and nonprofit agencies providing human services to Waterloo Region, and other community groups
• publications development and distribution
• telephone answering service for nonprofit groups

Free and confidential service designed for anyone in the Guelph-Wellington community who is experiencing any form of distress.

Trained volunteers provide emotional support, goal and safety planning, and assistance to callers in connecting with other community resources. Volunteers provide confidential, solution-focused response and assessment of crisis with intervention when required.

• support for people who are experiencing distress about their circumstances
• referral to community services
• training provided for volunteers on listening and communication skills, solution-focused conversation, and assessing high risk situations

ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with provincial legislation.

Distress Line

• 519-821-3760 ext. 1
• Supports mild to moderate levels of distress through active listening.

TeleConnect

• 519-821-3760 ext. 2
• Outbound call service designed to support community members of Guelph-Wellington who are struggling with independent living.

LGBTQ+ Support Line

• 519-669-3760
• Supports members of the LGBTQ+ Community by providing a safe space to chat and connect with resources. Texting is also an option.

COVID-19 Update: HIV testing is not available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current COVID-19 precautions will remain in place until at least September 2021 for the safety of clients, staff, and the community.

Support Services: counselling for persons living with HIV/AIDS to assess needs and establish a continuum of support service.

The GWSA is a non-profit organization focused on providing activities that enriches the lives of older adults in our community.

• enables seniors to remain at home as long as possible by providing activities that promote a reduction in social isolation and encourage them to increase their mental well being by inclusion
• supports wellness and healthy aging

Programs include:

• gentle exercise class
• card games
• snooker
• unique programming specific to older adults: entertainment, health, education, information

Programs and services include:

• telephone support to seniors and caregivers (GWSA Community Support Services)
• gymnasium / auditorium, health room, computer lab, public dining room, community rooms
• active wellness programs
• life long learning (book club, peer learning)
• lending library (fiction and non-fiction books, video cassettes, CDs)
• leisure interest groups, computer courses, fitness, health/wellness, visual / creative arts courses
• games (cards, darts, chess) and activities
• dining room (breakfast, lunch at reasonable cost; catering for private / group social functions)
• outreach program
• trips and tours (day trips offered to members of the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association)

This Centre maintains a list of people who are willing to help seniors with snow shoveling, shopping, odd jobs, cleaning services, etc. Call for information.

NOTE: There is a fee for this service, to be negotiated between the individual and the provider.

COVID-19 Update: The following canges to services are in effect to keep guests and volunteers safe:

• The Tuesday cafe is open from 10 am to 12 pm. No clothing, household items, bedding, mending, available at this time.
• Food pantry services are open at both Chalmers downtown and Chalmers West locations at regularly scheduled times.
• Guests are asked to wait OUTSIDE of the building. Guests will be welcomed in by a Chalmers greeter.
• Guests are asked to bring their own bags to carry food home in. Guests are required to wear masks. If guests cannot wear a mask, food will be brought to them at the door.

Chalmers Downtown (41 Macdonell St):

• 2-3 days' of nutritious food accessible every two weeks

Chalmers West (577 Willow Rd):

• 2-3 days of nutritious food accessible every two weeks

Note:

• Oversees St Andrew's Presbyterian Church diaper program; diapers available during Chalmers Downtown / Chalmers West hours -- contact 519-822-8778 for information
• Accepts financial donations by mail or canadahelps.org or call the office to set up monthly givings (PAR)

Confidential information line that provides access to a public health nurse for information on pregnancy, parenting, infant and child health. Let's Talk Parenting nurses can also refer a child to other community resources and services.

Information is available on various topics:

• health before / during pregnancy
• postpartum concerns
• breastfeeding
• mom and baby care
• child health and safety
• speech and language
• parenting support groups and programs
• growth and development

Here4Kids is the centralized access point for for children birth-6 years that provides access to community-based supports for children and families with challenges related to:

• speech and language
• children's development and healthy growth
• movement
• play
• learning
• behaviour
• parenting
• infant and child health

Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington is the host agency of Here4Kids

Builds community through connecting people with programs, events, resources, and involvement opportunities.

Assistance with food, clothing and household items during monthly client visits.

• Christmas hamper and gift programs
• referrals to other agencies and programs
• cooking classes and volunteer opportunities
• commercial kitchen shared with nonprofit groups

Donation boxes for non-perishable food and household items located at Zehrs, Freshco and Walmart stores in Fergus. Donations also accepted at the food bank. Visit website for a list of in need items.

Outreach and support services include:

• crisis support
• youth outreach program
• assistance for families and individuals to maintain safe, affordable housing
• eviction prevention
• income tax completion
• life skills and budgeting assistance
• emergency Hydro Arrears (not all utilities) available for individuals who reside within Centre Wellington and Wellington North including CW Hydro, Wellington North Power, Westario and Hydro One.
• licensed child care centre for ages 18 months-4 yrs of age. Before and After school programs offered as well at various locations in Centre Wellington.
• EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs in Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Minto, Mapleton and East Wellington.
• information and referrals
• volunteer transportation program - central intake and referral for Wellington Transportation Services
• Assistance with food insecurity
• Assistance for families and individuals who are in need of phones or internet support.
• Intake agency for the OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program) We will assist with applications for this program.

Multi-service agency that serves community members in need by providing hunger and illness relief services, counselling, transportation assistance, recreational programs, and other forms of aid to improve their quality of life. Also offers information on available services, community outreach and liaison with related organizations, transportation, and volunteer opportunities. Services in Rockwood include:

Seniors' Services

• Adult Day Program (transportation provided to Erin Centre 2000)
• health clinics: hearing clinics, foot care clinics, information sessions (call 519-833-0087)

Transportation Services

• for eligible adults 18+ years of age
• services are dependent on volunteer availability

Community Support Services

• government forms and program information, information on community services and leisure activities, advocacy, assistance with form filling, caregiver support and information, annual income tax clinics; referrals to other services

Rockwood Food Bank

• assists residents of Guelph-Eramosa Township and Town of Erin in need of emergency food supplies
• Holiday Hamper program provides festive food and groceries, and gifts for children and family members
• Backpack Program
• EWCS Food Bank maintains many community partnerships (e.g. schools, churches, social clubs)

New To You

• sells gently used, seasonal clothing accessories, shoes and books

Programs and activities include:

Seniors:
Adult Day Programs for frail seniors and those with cognitive impairments (wheelchair accessible transportation available); nutritious meals and snacks ; social and recreational health and wellness programs ; seniors information directory.

The day program is open Mon-Thu for in-person visits maintaining physical distancing, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing/sanitization and daily COVID screener conducted. Telephone reassurance checks and zoom/virtual appointments provided.

Food Support:
food assistance for families experiencing a crisis; hampers of food and toys distributed at Christmas
COVID Update: All hampers will be delivered to recipient's porch.

Youth Programs:
In person (must be scheduled and adhere to social distancing, hand washing/sanitization and must wear a mask); telephone, text and zoom sessions also available during COVID.

New To You Store: sells gently-used clothing and small toys; open Mon-Sat.

BookEnds: sells gently read books (no magazines); open Tue-Sat.

Other services include:

• transportation services for eligible adults 16+ years of age
• free public internet access
• government forms and pamphlets
• fax, photocopying and laminating
• recreational information
• community outreach and support services
• access to other services and / or referrals including Canadian Mental Health Association, Rural Women's Support, Second Chance Employment, Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County, Immigration and Settlement Services, Probation and Parole Services

First point of contact for children and youth ages 0-18 with mental health concerns, intellectual disabilities, Autism or FASD. First place to contact for information, questions, and access to community resources and programs

Help navigate services available to children, youth, and their families. Complete an intake and make referrals for children and youth to get the services they need when dealing with:

• acting out behaviours
• aggression
• anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• bullying or being bullied
• child and family conflict
• depression
• drug and alcohol use
• grief
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
• hyperactivity
• intellectual disability
• managing anger
• parenting programs
• self-esteem
• self-harming; suicidal thoughts
• trauma
• worrying

Lead agency for Service Coordination Brant which provides coordinated service planning to families of children and youth with multiple service needs. Service Coordination ensures there is a clearly identified staff for each family to lead their service plan and support services working together to meet each family's unique needs

Lead agency for the Ontario Autism Program - Urgent Response Service - short-term supports for children registered with the Ontario Autism Program who are experiencing new or worsening high-risk behaviours

Manages the Community Information Brant, Haldimand & Norfolk database www.info-bhn.ca containing information on local community programs and services

Library network for Perth County residents providing a shared library catalogue of all Perth County public libraries including computerized information network, resources, information, BiblioCommons and downloadLibrary.

Services to improve indigenous health through access to health care and culturally appropriate programs. Health and wellness coordinators are able to provide family violence intervention, referrals, support and case management to clients to address existing and emerging issues to promote health, healing and wellness.

Services Include:

• peer counselling
• referrals
• Kanawayhitowin Taking Care of Each Other's Spirit
• Indigenous seniors 55+ program
• anger management
• Indigenous women's sharing circle (ages 13+)
• community education and training

In an effort to combat social isolation, seniors can call and speak to a live person

• helps seniors stay up to date about what's happening in their community (i.e. ask what time a store is open, who can help with household chores, neighbourhood associations still open) or simply enjoy a pleasant conversation with a volunteer

Not a crisis line, but a friendly voice

Website containing information on local community programs and services for the public and professionals

Search for specific information on:

• housing
• health services
• child and youth services
• seniors' services
• home care
• government programs
• libraries
• recreation
• service clubs
• mental health services
• counselling
• financial and social assistance
• disability support programs
• newcomer services
• food banks
• parenting and family programs
• employment services
• transportation

Provides information and access to assistance for older adults with age-related cognitive impairments and responsive behaviours that impact their daily functioning and/or the ability to maintain relationships

Team members are trained to identify client needs and directly link them to the appropriate services

Transitional Housing Program - provides support to people exiting the shelter system or people at risk of homelessness. Transitional Housing is a 11-bed co-ed, all-inclusive semi-independent program for people between 18 and 29 years of age who are ready to learn the skills they need to live independently

Services provided:

• client-driven self-identified goals, case management and life skills coaching
• support with getting back into school, referrals to supportive housing programs, employment, addictions and mental health services as well as community support and services
• transition planning and follow-up support when graduating from the program

A 10-bed shelter Program

Shelter Program - provides temporary housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Offers a safe and supportive co-ed environment for people between 18 and 29 years of age

Services provided:

• single room with a warm bed, nutritious food and supports
• shelter for up to 90 days
• referrals to transitional and supportive housing programs, employment, addictions and mental health services as well as community support and services

Municipal government * council meetings * information and services * emergency services & paramedic services * public works * waste & wastewater * Waste Management Facility * roads * community resources * garbage & recycling * human services * affordable home ownership program * accessibility advisory committee * long term care * auxiliary group * fines & provincial offences * GIS mapping * library services * planning and development * Tourism Oxford * Oxford County Archives

Municipal government * council meetings * information and services * emergency services & paramedic services * public works * waste & wastewater * Waste Management Facility * roads * community resources * garbage & recycling * human services * affordable home ownership program * accessibility advisory committee * long term care * auxiliary group * fines & provincial offences * GIS mapping * library services * planning and development * Tourism Oxford * Oxford County Archives