Searching for Indigenous Peoples

Community Counselling

• intake, assessment, referral
• short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling
• professional counselling for a variety of issues including:
  • substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions
  • anxiety, depression
  • grief/loss
  • anger/emotion management
  • personal stress, self-esteem
  • communication, couple/family conflict, extended family issues
  • separation/divorce, blended family issues
  • abuse/violence, sexual assault/abuse, trauma
  • job stress, workplace violence/conflict
  • school problems
  • balancing work and family life
  • caring for elderly parents

Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or video

Partner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing)

• mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violence

Employee Assistance
Available for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program

• intake, assessment and referral
• counselling for employees and their family members
• critical incident counselling and support services
• organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groups

Adult Protective Services (see separate listing)

• assessment, information and referral
• service coordination and system navigation
• case management
• advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disability

Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)

First Nations and Inuit Health Non-Insured Health Benefits Counselling

Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) counselling for children and youth who are victims of internet sexual exploitation and their immediate family

Retired or medically released Canadian Forces personnel and their families

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

Primary health care and health promotion programs and services to the black community across the GTA as its priority population

Health centre focused on family and community health * health professionals assess and treat non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses * referrals to other local health services and personal development groups

Community-led health teams develop programs to improve the social supports and conditions that affect long-term health including diabetes education programs and sexual health clinics

Programs and services include:

• diabetes education program
• dietetic services
• counselling services
• foot care services
• Back 2 Life program
• Telemedicine
• COVID-19 Helpline, call 416-495-2593 or email covid-19en@taibuchc.ca

Services and Programs:

• Diabetes Education Programs
• Sexual Health Clinics

Licensed child care centre

Culturally-based programming with focus on community capacity building, empowerment and self-determination

• sweat lodge ceremonies
• visiting elders
• drop-in services

Children and Youth Programs

• after school programming
• social and recreational activities
• breakfast program
• traditional dance
• homework club, summer camp, girls group
• youth drop in
• high school equivalency (GED) for youth 18-20 years

Parent and Family Programs

• addictions counselling, individual and family counselling
• case management
• support group
• housing workers
• community kitchen
• parenting skills classes
• Indigenous EarlyOn program -- parent-child drop in for children birth-6 years

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Aboriginal community

• economic development for the community through The Great Blue Heron Casino
• health programs and services, public works
• geographically the closest first nation to metropolitan Toronto

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

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
• housing search
• Housing First Worker - support those experiencing homelessness

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed; virtual workshops and support continue; contact agency by phone or email, or check website for information to find assistance

Comprehensive employment job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of client groups

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Experts in the housing programs supporting the varied and distinct housing needs of Indigenous and the North communities

• including the First Nations, Urban Indigenous, Inuit and Metis people in Canada

COVID19 - Support available by telephone, no walk-in services

• visit website for details

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Inclusive and collaborative approach to resolving child protection disputes

Family Group Decision Making -- brings together members of child's family, extended family and community with child protection workers and other service providers to develop plan to address concerns identified by CAS

Child Protection Mediation -- assists child protection workers, family and other significant individuals in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to meet the child's needs and address identified protection concerns

Indigenous Approaches -- traditional methods of dispute resolution designed and delivered by and for Indigenous people and their families

• assists participants in developing a plan that meets the needs of the child, addresses identified child protection concerns, and is supported by participants and/or Indigenous community

Road 2 Resolution -- one-time meeting between family and CAS when child has been brought to a place of safety

• provides opportunity to discuss situation and develop agreed upon next steps
• available only to families working with York Region Children's Aid Society

Academic, commercial and technical, day and night, credit and general interest classes

• after school programs, child care, food programs
• adult education and services
• Alternative Schools programs
• English as a Second Language (ESL), literacy, citizenship and heritage language classes
• French immersion
• International Baccalaureate
• special education including education programs for children and youth 14-21 years with developmental disabilities
• * support services

Adult Education and Services -- academic upgrading, day schools

• Pre-Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship Programs -- hairstylist 416-394-6961
• employment services
• ESL resource centres
• Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry
• Essential Skills Upgrading (Literacy and Basic Skills, LBS)
• Learning4Life -- adult general interest courses, fee, visit tdsb.on.ca/Adult-Learners/Learn4Life for course and registration informaton or email communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca
• newcomer services
• reception centres for immigrants and refugees -- see separate entries

Alternative Schools Program -- flexible learning environments to meet student's needs, Alternative Schools List

• culturally focused schools include Africentric Alternative Elementary School 416-395-5251, First Nations School of Toronto 416-393-0555, Triangle Program LGBTQ Secondary School 416-393-8443

Metropolitan Toronto School for the Deaf -- elementary school that operates completely in American Sign Language (ASL)

Support Services -- guidance counselling

• home instruction
• interpreting services for families and schools
• psychiatry * psychology
• reading and speech correction
• social work * transportation for persons with physical disabilities
• Parenting and Family Literacy Centres, 416-394-2067
• Welcoming Communities for newcomers -- see separate entry
• youth alienation programs include advocacy, outreach to youth in community agencies and shelters
• all services may not be available in all locations

e-Learning -- www.tdsb.on.ca/elearning

• day school program
• secondary credit courses offered through the Internet
• partnership with Ministry of Education

Next-Steps Employment Centre -- also offered at Vaughan 905-851-6651, for Toronto and Mississauga locations see separate entries

For more information see branch listings

Licensed child care centre

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including:
Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Francophones, Students, Youth and Women

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Satellite offices located in

• Roseneath -- 9059 County Road 45, Roseneath, Ontario K0K 2X0 (Alnwick Civic Centre). Hours of Operation: Wednesday 1pm to 4 pm
• Colborne -- 6 King Street, Colborne, Ontario K0K 1S0 (Cramahe Public Library). Hours of Operation: Thursday 1 pm-4 pm.

COVID-19 - In-person services have resumed and virtual workshops and support continue

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

COVID-19 : Clinic space remains open for healthy clients needing antenatal/postpartum appointments. SGMT information sessions, tours and programming are canceled until further notice. Call Auntie: Indigenous COVID-19 Pathways Hotline 437-703-8703 open Mon-Sun 4-9pm providing information, resources or referrals around COVID-19, self-assessment and self-isolation.

Provide primary care to low-risk clients during their pregnancy as well as care for parents and babies for six weeks after the birth * individuals can choose to give birth at home, at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, or the Toronto Birth Centre

Group and individual counselling to individuals with mental health and addiction issues * addiction day treatment program

Services and Programs:

• Aboriginal Mental Health And Addiction Services
• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Program

Literacy and basic skills training, including

• numeracy
• digital communication
• interpersonal skills

Helps learners prepare for

• employment, apprenticeship
• secondary-school credit, post-secondary education
• greater independence

• Assistance with emergency problems
• focus on Native cultural and spiritual awareness

Gathering place

• drop-in
• social programs and events
• crafts and hobby groups
• meal program

Life Long Care Program (LLCP)

• transportation
• friendly visiting
• congregate dining
• Aboriginal support
• security reassurance
• life skills outreach in the community

Counselling unit

• information, peer and cultural counselling and referral
• self-help groups

Child and Family

• parenting group
• prenatal nutrition program
• community kitchen
• cultural teachings and activities
• health and physical development
• educational support including tutoring

Youth

• individual support
• mentoring
• tutoring and homework help
• nutrition and healthy lifestyles workshops
• snacks and meals
• cultural teachings and activities

Education Sector

• academic upgrading
• basic computer training

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)

Information, education, services and support

• offered to both urban and rural Indigenous Peoples
• offered in particular to individuals who are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and those who are affected by this disease: families, partners and caregivers
• focuses on harm reduction and advocacy
• all services are free, confidential, member-centred, and culturally based

Community services

• support the healing, rehabilitation and meaningful re-integration of Indigenous women offenders
• development of healing lodge, Indigenous probation and bed bails
• cultural support, traditional knowledge and resources
• community engagement workshops

Drop-in -- showers, laundry, clothing, shoes, feminine hygiene products

Meal programs -- lunch Monday to Friday

Member of Daily Bread Food Bank