Searching for Young Parents

Through education and support, Strive Niagara empowers young families so that they can make informed healthy decisions, and transform their lives. Teenage parents are offered assistance in completing their secondary school education and developing parenting, pre-employment and personal life skills.

Offers child care at four centres in the region, the Sven H Dohnberg Centre, Welland Parent Child Centre, Pine Grove Child Care.

A chapter member of Youth for Christ Canada, an international, non-denominational Christian ministry. The centre provides faith-centered programs for children and teens.

• 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

Offers young parents an opportunity to earn secondary school credits for learning and demonstrating effective parenting practices. The curriculum is developed to support hands-on, experiential based learning. The parents bring their infants to the classroom every day. The classroom is set up to meet the needs of the parent's learning and the infant's care.

Provides young mothers in the east end of Hamilton the opportunity to attend high school in an alternative education setting with on-site child care for their children.

Provides furnished transitional housing apartments and support to young mothers with on-site programming and support staff. Offers supportive programs to those in the transitional housing.

Provides community support and case management services to at-risk pregnant and parenting youth.
Services include:

• counselling
• prenatal education
• strollerfit and exercise programs
• community referrals

School programs serves pregnant and/or parenting young women and their infants. Program consists of 3 Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board teachers and a Program Liaison. Together they work toward ensuring our young moms achieve as many credits as possible, while continuing to build on their parenting skills, manage their finances, connect with community supports like Public Health, and more.The Infant Playtime Plus (IPP) serves infants 6 weeks to 24 months while mothers attend an on-site school program.

Provides support for pregnant and parenting young people living in the community who may need assistance making connections to community resources, navigating services systems, and learning self-advocacy skills.
Also offers Community Education and Awareness workshops/presentations about young parent needs. Staff are available to offer in-service education about the needs of young parents and the supports offered through St. Martin's Manor and the Young Parent Network of Hamilton

Free childcare program for children (0-5 years) of young parents under 25 in order to support them in maintaining positive mental health.
Parents are expected to provide both lunch and dinner for their children. Children will have opportunities to play both indoors and outdoors so come prepared for the weather.

School programs and on-site supports for pregnant and parenting young women who live in the community. Nutritious lunch and snacks are provided daily.
The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board provides and on-site classroom offering a range of grade 9-12 credits. Additional supports are available including prenatal, parenting, and life skills programs as well as counselling, and referral to other community and health care resources.

Program that supports young parents in receipt of financial assistance to help finish high school, improve parenting skills and prepare for and find work

Those who successfully complete the program may qualify for $500 to use toward:

• post-secondary education or training
• investing in an education trust for their children

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

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 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

Programs and services that support the health and development of children from prenatal to 6 years of age and their families

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

Promotes access to health care for street involved youth * services tailored to homeless and at-risk youths

• 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, housing, health, parenting and child development supports, including in-person drop-in and virtual services; visit website for programs calendar

• virtual prenatal group Mondays 4 pm-5 pm
• feeding support group Virtual Boobs, Bellies and Bitchin Wednesdays 3 pm-4 pm

Counselling/case management
Personal counselling, information, advocacy, and referrals to other services about sexuality, birth control, abortion, adoption, and parenting

Health Services

• free pregnancy tests, specialized prenatal classes, individual health counselling and nutrition group
• on site nurse, doctor visits once per week
• help to find a health care provider

Housing Support

• help to search rental listing, contact landlords to arrange site viewings and interviews, and accompaniment to view units
• help to fill out applications for subsidized and specialized priority housing

Practical Help

• help with practical life details
• free lunches and public transit trip to and from Jessie's Centre
• accompaniment to appointments
• help filling out applications and forms

Swap Shop
Free items such as baby clothes and equipment, maternity clothes, toys and small household items

Parenting Groups
Discussions on infant and child development, parenting skills, fun activities

High School Education
Individualized programs allow students to earn high school credits from grade 9-12

Community Education
Leadership training includes high school presentation on healthy sexuality and pregnancy options

COVID19 Modified services via phone, email, video calling, or screened on-site services by appointment with enhanced safety protocols

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

Eating Disorders Program

• for children and youth 8-18 years
• diagnosis and treatment
• inpatient and outpatient programs
• family education

Substance Abuse Day Treatment Program and Outpatient Services

• harm reduction approach
• assessment, individual and group treatment
• day treatment with academic program
• parent support

Young Families Program

• health care for adolescent mothers and their children
• nutrition and feeding
• parenting education

SickKids Interprofessional Team for Youth (SITY)

• 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

Transgender Youth Clinic -- interdisciplinary medical care and support to transgender adolescents

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly Hincks-Dellcrest Centre) -- see separate entries

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 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

COVID19 Telephone or video conferencing available for most services; no in-person services; contact for information

Supports include counselling, referrals, ID replacement assistance, training and employment program, outreach and seminars

Delivery of food assistance available, call for information

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 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

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 -- most services available by virtual care or telemedicine, call ahead for details * sexual health drop in suspended * if clients need an in-person appointment, call first for screening



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

Primary health care

• general and ongoing healthcare
• immunizations (including flu shots)
• treatment for coughs and colds

Mental health services

• therapy and counselling
• case coordinator services
• assistance finding and accessing other services in Toronto

Community programming

• workshops and programming on sexual health, healthier relationships
• programs for all youth including young parents, newcomers, LGBTQ, and specifically for young men

See program entries for

• Community Health Centre for Youth
• Teen Health Source
• Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia (TEACH)

COVID19 Most services available by virtual care or telemedicine, call ahead for details; sexual health drop in suspended; if clients need an in-person appointment, call first for screening

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

Information and referral
Assistance finding food, housing, employment and legal aid

• assistance obtaining health card
• translation and interpretation by appointment

Ongoing programs include: drop-in, development, mentoring, outreach, leadership development, and volunteer opportunities. Individualized supports and referrals for youth as needed in areas of mental health, sexual identity, education, job, family and more.