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Offers child care at four centres in the region, the Sven H Dohnberg Centre, Welland Parent Child Centre, Pine Grove Child Care.
- Baby Boutique - provides essential items for babies and provides essential items for babies and pregnancy at no cost. Items include: Baby Clothing (newborn-2T), diapers, wipes, maternity clothing, blankets and swaddles *Furniture and other large equipment is available upon request
- Young Mom Support Group Support - group for pregnant and parenting moms up to age 25 focusing on life skills, mentoring workshops, resources and parenting support. Child minding via children's programs available during meetings
- Prenatal Classes - An 8 week program for young moms up to age 25 and their support person to learn about the pregnancy experience, starting from conception to newborn care. Some material that will be covered in this program includes: stages of pregnancy/ labour, parenting, physical and mental health, hazards during pregnancy, feeding, and after care.
- "The Deck" Drop-in Youth Centre - a youth centre for teens providing peer mentorship by adult volunteers.
- Children's Programs - space for babies and children to learn and explore while their moms are participating in the program.
- Girl's Only (GO) - Social and skill-building support group for girls involving activities and group discussions.
- Summer Camp - children's summer camp programs
Students bring their infant to the classroom with them, where they work with a Secondary School teacher to earn credits and receive hands-on parenting support from an Early Childhood Educator. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside other young parents and connect with a variety of community resources such as the Ontario Early Years Centres.
A partnership between Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board and Good Shepherd that provides young parents the opportunity to complete their high school education, with on-site child care for their children.
Programs include:
- Age-based screening and assessment
- Baby Love program
- Family navigaton
- Early literacy supports
- Play and Learn
A transitional housing program for young parents and their children for up to 2 years. Provides furnished apartments and support to young parents, with on-site programming and support staff.
Programs and supports include (but are not limited to):
- Parenting
- Child development
- Goal planning
- Cooking
- Healthy relationships
- Budgeting
- Health and nutrition
- Ontario Works support
- Problem solving
- Public health support
- LEAP (Learning, Earning and Parenting)
- Substance use and mental health services
Provides community support and case management services to pregnant and parenting youth.
The main components of programming are:
- Outreach in food bank, breakfast, and evening programs
- Engagement in case manangement
- Encouragement in use of the Parent Resource Room/Incentive Room
- Equipping through participation in Pregnancy Support Group and one-on-one appointments
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
- 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 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
- 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
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
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 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
- 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 computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980
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
Office: 519-587-2441
Crisis: 1-866-327-3224
Visit Website
Young Parents Program - a program for adolescents, up to age 24, who are pregnant and/or parenting
- services offered - home, virtual or phone meeting; prenatal vitamins; grocery cards to support a healthy diet; meeting with our dietitian; prenatal information and support; new infant car seats; skills development in stress management, healthy relationship development and effective communication; smoking cessation counselling
Healthy Moms Eating Well for 2 - a prenatal nutrition program for women aged 25 years and older
- services offered - home, virtual or phone meeting; prenatal vitamins; grocery cards to support a healthy diet; meeting with our dietitian; information on prenatal nutrition, labour and delivery, post-partum health; infant feeding and care
School's Cool - a school readiness program offered in the summer to help children ages 3-5 prepare for junior and senior kindergarten
- there is a focus on well-being, social and self-help skills, language and math
Groups
- offer a variety of parent education and support groups throughout Haldimand and Norfolk such as Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting
Visit Website
- ID clinic
- youth case management
- youth harm reduction supports
- pregnancy and parenting supports
- youth legal supports
- housing support
- medical and health care
- drop-in centre on Wed 4pm-6pm
Counselling and Case management
Individual counselling and information, advocacy support and systems navigation, and referrals to other services about sexuality, birth control, abortion, adoption, and parenting
- support with form filling and applications
- wraparound support and information on pregnancy options, personal goal setting, relationships and personal challenges
Food Program and Practical Help
Warm meals available, including light breakfast and lunch for participants, their supports and children during drop-in hours; also supper available Monday and Tuesday
- Food Connect Program monthly access to essential food items for 12 participants experiencing food access challenges, includes referrals to community food programs
- Swap Shop includes access to free donated items such as baby clothes and equipment, maternity clothes, toys, books and small household items
- emergency supplies such as diapers, formula, menstrual products
- free Presto tickets for public transit to/from Jessie's Centre
Health Services
Individual health counselling for participants and their children
- onsite access to health promotion specialist
- weekly access to family doctor
- specialized prenatal and postpartum classes
- free pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, nutrition, feeding supplies, health products
- health care navigation including referrals to doulas, midwives, primary care providers
Housing Support
Range of services to assist in finding and maintaining affordable housing
- assistance with social housing applications and special priority applications
- private market rent searches
- income supports assistance
- housing stabilization and eviction prevention
- conflict resolution and safety planning
- support with landlords for viewings and interviews
- accompaniment on request
- advocacy, education and information on tenants rights and responsibilities
Jessie's School Program
Access to secondary school credits from grades 9-12 and preparation for integration into mainstream and alternative schools and post-secondary education
- information on scholarship opportunities
Parenting Supports and Groups
Counselling, information, guidance, referrals and development screening
- Parent-Child Centre (PCC) includes parenting skills support, mentoring, parent and child activities and events; childminding available onsite for participants
- groups include prenatal and postnatal support, Nobody's Perfect parenting groups, and Girls Circle personal development groups
Health Centre
Nurses or nurse practitioners available for phone consultations and referrals, or by appointment; urgent psychiatry visits can be arranged; call 416-929-9614 ext 2238 or email healthcentre@ysm.ca
Mental Health Services
Telephone counselling by appointment, call Nazreth 416-929-9614 ext 2269 or email nmebrahtu@ysm.ca
Nursery
Appointments available for supplies for young families in need; current registered families may receive a 2 week supply of child supplies, to coordinate pick up call Ruth 416-929-9614 ext 2232 or email rroblin@ysm.ca
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Health Services
Including primary medical care, dental care, check ups, lab tests (including HIV testing), referrals, and ID replacement; no Ontario Health Insurance or identification required; child care available
- access to diapers, formula, baby food
- birth control, pregnancy tests
- prenatal care, perinatal services
- prenatal and parenting classes
- immunization
- optometry, eye glasses
- chiropractor, physiotherapist, naturopath, psychiatrist
- addictions counselling
- traditional Chinese medicine
- foot care, socks and shoes
- health education and counselling on health issues
Adolescent Medicine Clinic Staff: 416-813-5804
Visit Website
- for children and youth 8-18 years
- diagnosis and treatment
- inpatient and outpatient programs
- family education
- harm reduction approach
- assessment, individual and group treatment
- day treatment with academic program
- parent support
- health care for adolescent mothers and their children
- nutrition and feeding
- parenting education; psychosocial and mental health support
- focuses on illness-specific issues for youth with chronic health conditions
- identification and reduction of high-risk health behaviours
- health care for marginalized and at-risk populations including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, street-involved teens, and immigrant and newcomer adolescents
- advocacy
SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly Hincks-Dellcrest Centre) -- see separate entries
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 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
- 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 computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980
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
Supports include counselling, referrals, ID replacement assistance, training and employment program, outreach and seminars
Delivery of food assistance available, call for information
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 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
- 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 computerWelfare Fraud Hotline 416-392-8980
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
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 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
Supports and sexual health issues include:
- low-cost birth control
- IUD insertions
- emergency contraception
- mental health counselling
- pregnancy options and medical abortions
- sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment
- HIV
- safer sex
- trans care
- prenatal care
- educational materials and workshops
- volunteer opportunities
House Community Health Centre (The) - HIV information and testing * outreach services and education * referral to community services * pre-test counseling on how people get HIV, and what a positive or negative test result might mean * post-test counseling to discuss the results
Teen Health Source - Comprehensive information on sexual health issues such as relationships, puberty, sexuality, birth control, sexually transmitted infections
Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia (TEACH) - Offer peer facilitated workshops on anti-homophobia/biphobia/transphobia and the issues faced by LGBTQ2S youth in schools and community settings * these interactive workshops are focused on busting myths, challenging stigma, and making our communities safer for all * training and resources are also available for service providers working with youth
Community health centre provides primary, sexual and mental health care services for youth
Services include
- information and referrals on sexual and reproductive health issues, birth control, relationships, pregnancy options, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, safer sex
- health promotion programming, education, training, and research
Sexual and reproductive health services
- birth control and prescriptions at reduced rates
- emergency contraception
- IUD insertion
- sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment
- anonymous HIV testing
- free condoms and lube
- pregnancy tests
- counselling on pregnancy options
- prenatal health care
- general and ongoing healthcare
- immunizations (including flu shots)
- treatment for coughs and colds
- therapy and counselling
- case coordinator services
- assistance finding and accessing other services in Toronto
- workshops and programming on sexual health, healthier relationships
- programs for all youth including young parents, newcomers, LGBTQ, and specifically for young men
- Community Health Centre for Youth
- Teen Health Source
- Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia (TEACH)
Community health centre
Primary health, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health care
- drop-in clinic
- telephone access to physician or nurse practitioner
- hormone therapy for trans clients
- birth control counselling
- emergency contraception
- birth control including IUD insertions, prescriptions, condoms
- pregnancy testing and counselling, including pregnancy options
- medical abortions up to 9 weeks gestation
- prenatal care
- sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment
- anonymous HIV testing
- mental health case coordination
- individual and group counselling
- no Ontario Health Insurance required for general services
Assistance finding food, housing, employment and legal aid
- assistance obtaining health card
- translation and interpretation by appointment
After Hours: 416-425-6348 ext 232
Visit Website
Prenatal residence
Includes health and personal counselling, parent education, life skills, and recreation
- maximum stay 6 months after birth
- secondary school on site
Transitional housing
Includes self-contained apartments and townhouses, each unit for one mother and infant
- maximum stay 1 year
- day services and support staff available
New Lives Starts Here
Includes self-contained townhouses, each unit for one mother and child
- maximum stay 4 years
- day services and support staff available
Day services
For residents or nonresidents, includes counselling, child social and emotional development, assessment and some referral
- secondary school
- Maternal Infant Mental Health psychotherapy for parent and children 2-9 years
EarlyON Child and Family Centre and Early Learning Centre, see separate listings