Searching for Community Legal Services

Covid19 Email, phone and online only; client referrals accepted

Programs and supports for individuals and families experiencing violence and abuse, including integrated multi-agency intake procedure, and onsite services through partner agencies

• information, referrals, counselling
• job skills training
• children's services
• women and children's support groups
• financial loans and support
• legal and court support, referrals to shelters, safety planning and risk assessment
• moving services in partnership with Shelter Movers (see separate listing)

Calendar of on-site agencies and programs:

Monday: Yellow Brick House legal support, supportive counselling, outreach; When Love Hurts support group; art therapy

Tuesday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support and individual counselling

Wednesday: Legal Aid Ontario family law; Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Centre supportive counselling, forensic services, risk assessment; Sandgate Women's Shelter parenting support and Let's Talk Child Witness Program

Thursday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housingtransition support; Womens Centre of York Region Financial Empowerment group

Friday: Community Legal Clinic information and support on landlord/tenant issues, social assistance, EI appeals, CPP, criminal compensation, employment standards, and consumer issues; Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support; The Housing Help Centre housing assistance and social assistance

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

Individual and group counselling for women and their children, parenting support, transitional and housing support, immigration support, and access to family court support worker

Family Court Support Workers
Assist with information on family court process and preparations for proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)

• assistance in finding legal representation if needed
• referral to specialized community services and supports
• safety planning
• court accompaniment as required

Emergency shelters and crisis line, call 1-800-263-3247

Emergency shelter, crisis intervention, outreach, counselling and support services

Emergency Shelters
2 shelters, 24 hour crisis line and crisis intervention

Community supports
Non-shelter resident services include counselling and group supports for women and children, parenting programs, legal support program, and transitional housing support, public education and prevention programs, and volunteer opportunities

Men's health promotion and support for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, separation and divorce, parenting, social isolation and self-esteem, abuse and trauma, and for situations of crises and distress

• individual, couple and group counselling
• peer support group for boys and men includes emotional support, information and resources
• legal assistance clinic and resource centre -- individual and group settings
• Fathering After Separation or Divorce - 8-week parenting program
• support for male victims of domestic abuse and family violence, including counselling, support groups and referrals
• mindfulness meditation workshops
• Survivors of False Allegations - supports for those who have been falsely accused or wrongfully convicted

Initiative of Canadian Association for Equality

COVID19 -- all offices are open for appointments; services are offered remotely over the phone, zoom, email

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Settlement Services

• assessment and referral
• supportive counselling for youth, families and women
• educational counselling
• Commissioner of Oath services
• sessions on topics such as housing, education, health care, social assistance, legal assistance, citizenship, professional licensing and job search

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry

• childminding for preschool children while parents attend classes

Seniors Organized and Supported Program (NHSP)

• increases social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities
• activities led by seniors' leadership groups brought together from the local community
• activities include physical and mental wellness sessions such as yoga, meditation, Share Your Talents, gardening, painting and community exploration trips

Community group and mental health services including online and in-person clinical services, facilitated group and individual support

Fill the Gap

• one-to-one, specialized tutoring program for special education students and students at risk for academic failure, who are struggling in their current school setting
• for students with attention deficits and organizational weaknesses, executive functioning weaknesses, learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and others
• works with each student to individualize their program
• areas of focus include early language concepts, pre-reading skills, phonemic awareness, hand writing skills, reading, comprehension, counting and math fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions), critical thinking skills

Clinical Services

• counselling for families, teens and and young adults on stress, worries, anxieties such as workplace/career/family stress, relationships, attention/organization issues
• children and youth well-being through life skills training, school/university counselling, assistance with learning disabilities and developmental concerns
• approaches and therapeutic modalities used include Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dialetical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), brief psychotherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, Self-Regulation Facilitation and Education (Shanker Method), Positive Behaviour Management-Restorative Practices

Youth Group

• virtual and in-person get together for youth high school age and older
• interactive and fun place to connect
• mature subjects discussed

Other Programs

• Lexia -an adaptive blended learning program that accelerates the development of literacy skills for students of all abilities, helping them make that critical shift from learning to read to reading to learn
• The Mightier - a digital program for kids that uses their heart rate to teach coping skills through game-based play
• Kind Hearted Oak Program - youth internship program for youth of high school age; college placement students accepted

Resource Lending Library

• library has books, DVDs, manuals and journals for lending and reference
• subjects include parenting, special needs and mental health literacy
• variety of resources to support home therapy, education and play skills

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund -- help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm
automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder --personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

COVID19 -- call centre closed, visit website or email

Online directory of legal professionals

• legal services provided for those with income too high for Legal Aid but too low to afford standard legal fees
• Public can search directory to find service providers
• phone service is very limited, volunteer-run and is for those who do not have access to internet to search the directory

Areas of Law Covered:

• Aboriginal Law
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Bankruptcy
• Business Law Topics
• Child Protection
• Civil Litigation
• Consumer Rights
• Criminal Law
• Employment Law
• Estate Planning
• Family Law
• General Practice
• Immigration
• Real Estate
• Tax
• Landlord and Tenant

Legal advice and in some cases representation, help may be available with:

• Co-operative Housing Members and Tenants rights
• Ontario Works issues, Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security issues
• Canada Child Benefit/Disability Tax Credits, Criminal Injuries Compensation, Worker's Rights
• Immigration law

Provides Tenant Duty Counsel at online hearings of Landlord and Tenant Board -- free legal advice and help for tenants facing eviction who do not have own representation, no appointment required, sign in 30 minutes before hearing or sign up online at least two business days prior to hearing at tdc.acto.ca

Eviction Prevention Program -- legal supports for York Region residents with emotional and mental health challenges who are at risk of eviction, funded by Regional Municipality of York

Does not offer assistance with criminal charges - contact Legal Aid Ontario 1-800-668-8258 or visit www.legalaid.on.ca

Satellite Locations -- Currently suspended due to COVID​

Keswick -- 23324 Woodbine Ave
Maple -- 9401 Jane St, Suite 206
Markham -- 7220 Kennedy Rd, Suite 8
Newmarket -- Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St
Woodbridge -- 5732 Hwy #7, Units 3 and 4

Clinic also serves those in Georgina

Videolink via Skype -- contact CLCYR with email address

Housing mediation

• helps tenants and landlords, housing co-operatives and their members resolve conflicts
• specially trained, registered professional volunteer mediators guide to positive resolutions for housing conflicts
• mediators ensure communication remains respectful, safe, inclusive and productive communication
• confidential

Community legal clinic

• deals primarily with tenant issues, social assistance, employment problems, immigration, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, human rights, victims of violence, and consumer issues
• provides referral, advice and representation
• community education
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Community Access Services

• Commissioner of Oaths
• computers, internet access, fax, photocopier
• income tax clinic
• Metro Voice Mail -- persons without telephones receive private phone number to retrieve messages from any touch-tone phone

Harm Reduction Services -- individual and community support or information about opiate use and addiction, addiction counselling, counselling and case management, harm reduction supplies (mobile and fixed site)

Housing Hub -- support for individuals and households at-risk or experiencing homelessness to find, apply for and maintain housing

Street Outreach Services

• mobile outreach in Scarborough and North York to support individuals experiencing homelessness and sleeping outdoors
• provides wellness checks, basic needs supplies, community referrals, informal counselling, support with accessing shelter and assistance finding and obtaining housing

Financial Empowerment and Problem-Solving (FEPS) program -- financial literacy workshops, income tax clinic, budgeting, mobile community financial worker

Massage Parlour and Micro-Brothel Outreach -- for clients involved in sex work in massage parlours and micro-brothels in Scarborough

• distribution of safer sex tools, community referrals and informal case management
• access to sexual health testing appointments

Helping newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being, informal language learning for children and adults
• translation and interpretation; notary public services
• refugee sponsorship

JumpStart -- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks

Contact for information on in-person, telephone and virtual services, or visit LLB website

Adjudicative tribunal under auspices of Social Justice Tribunals Ontario

• informs landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act
• provides balanced and timely dispute resolution in accordance with the law
• handles eviction applications filed by non-profit housing cooperatives

Effective January 1, 2023: Rent increase guideline for 2023 is 2.5%

Administers and coordinates advocacy and rights advice services * public information * systemic advocacy * information and referral for those ineligible for the service * literature in English and French

Visit website for list of locations in Ontario

Information and referral services

• assistance to complete a pardon/record suspension application

Assistance applying for social housing

• help resolving landlord/tenant disputes
• counselling, workshops and support groups of interest to Aboriginal tenants
• information and referral to general services

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 -- information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm --automated information, payment details, file status

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Represents the interests of private sector rental housing providers * offers public advocacy and information on property management, rental housing regulation and residential tenancies law * Certified Rental Buildings Program designation and listings, www.crbprogram.org

Provides financial benefits through Ontario Works, as well as employment and social supports to people living in Toronto

Financial Assistance -- monthly allowance based on family size, housing costs and income

• provides money for food, shelter, and other household costs
• coverage for prescription medications under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program
• help with health costs and employment related expenses
• visit www.toronto.ca/ontarioworks for list of benefits

Health Support --includes medical supplies, sensory and mobility aids, medical transportation

• discretionary benefits may include dentures, emergency dental services, eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, funerals and burials
• some benefits may be available to only those receiving social assistance, visit website for more information

Employment Assistance -- programs, services, and benefits for those seeking employment such as benefits for employment-related or training costs, costs related to starting a job

• Employment centres - walk-in job search centres
• Training Programs - programs to assist clients prepare for employment, self-employment or career advancement
• Employer Hotline 416-397-JOBS (5627) --for employers to post jobs
• clients 18-65 years must participate in employment assistance activities unless they are living with a serious disability or illness, or caring for preschool children

Child and Family Support - benefits include newborn child allowance, child care start-up costs

• Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) -- helps young parents 16-25 finish high school, improve parenting skills, locate and maintain employment
• help in pursuing child or spousal support

Housing Stabilization Fund --help with rent and energy arrears, rent deposit, moving costs and essential furniture

Social Supports -- referral to community and government services including child care, housing, addiction supports, health and mental health services, food banks, legal services, supports for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities

Client Services and Information Unit 416-338-8888, option 3, then option 5 --information on Ontario Works, including legislation and procedures

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun noon-5 pm --automated information, payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

MyBenefits -- online service available to residents receiving Ontario Works to access information via smartphone, tablet or computer

Service and Benefit Finder -- personalized list of benefits for child care, employment, housing and living expenses

Welfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980 -- to report allegations of fraudulent collection of Ontario Works assistance

Advice and representation in areas of social assistance, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), sponsorships, immigration law

• legal information and education
• referral of legal cases
• advocacy
• seminars, workshops
• funded by Legal Aid Ontario

Forced Marriage -- website with information and resources on forced marriages * information for individuals and service providers