Searching for Counselling For People Experiencing Abuse

• assess and address bereavement needs of people and families so that a holistic program is provided in response to the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual needs of all faiths, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds
• non clinical and clinical one-on-one bereavement support
• provide peer-led, mutual support bereavement groups
• promoting awareness of subjects related to grief and bereavement

• community health centre
• diabetes education (nurses, dieticians, social worker, chiropody)
• health promotion programs
• chiropody
• sexual assault and domestic violence
• meals on wheels program
• volunteer services

• Active Living Centre
• Adult Day Centre Program
• Assisted Living
• Children and Youth Health/ Wellness Programs
• Community Diabetes Education Program
• Community Health Centre
• Congregate Dining/Social Dining
• Early ON Child and Family Centre
• Food Bank
• Friendly Visiting
• Hepatitis C Clinic
• Home Help and Respite Programs
• Home Maintenance
• Interprofessional Primary Care Team
• Lawrence East Partnership Program
• Meals on Wheels
• Scarborough Furniture Bank
• Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre
• Toronto - 4175 Lawrence Ave E - Assisted Living
• Transportation

• physical exams
• cervical cancer screening (HPV testing)
• immunization for children and adults
• assessment and treatment of acute and episodic illnesses
• management and self-management of chronic diseases
• pre and post-natal care
• triage service for urgent client medical conditions
• chiropody services
• therapeutic counselling one-on-one or with family
• health education - healthy lifestyle and diabetes management
• information, advocacy, service referral and practical support

• Individuals who are seeking trauma therapy for sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support

• confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment
• contact for information on available languages

Settlement Services

• ​needs assessment
• orientation
• supportive counselling
• interpretation and translation services
• employment counselling and computer training
• peer support groups
• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documentation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs

• specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• computer classes
• citizenship preparation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Befriending Program

• community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders

Support services for marginalized women, including counselling, information and referral, and mentoring

• trauma-informed, asset-based, solution-focused counselling
  
• individualized access to trained volunteer mentors and tutors for up to 1 year
• educational webinars and workshops on topics such as healthy relationships, anger, self-esteem, economic security, family law, life skills, leadership development, systems navigation
• information brochures on resources, safety planning, for specific groups, including online resources
• outreach, contact for information on workshops held at Toronto Public Library locations
  

Building Strong Futures (BSF)
Young women's outreach program for youth 15-19 years, at schools and community organizations in Scarborough

• workshops, leadership development
• addresses issues such as healthy relationships, career planning and mental health

Expanding the Reach (ETR)
Outreach program for women with disabilities

• workshops on issues such as self esteem, assertiveness, healthy boundaries and relationships, and economic security
• leadership development opportunities

Information and Orientation Services - settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Youth Girls Program

• ​empowers and supports immigrant and refugee girls focusing on healthy relationships, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and sexual health
• individual and group counselling with gender-based analysis positive (GBA+) approach
• educational and recreational activities

HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)

• ​home visitation program supporting vulnerable, isolated, and low-income mothers of children aged 3-5 years
• empowers mothers to take active role in preparing their children for school
• builds confidence, skills, and community connections.

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

• crisis intervention and safety planning
• individual and family counselling for women and children
• support groups and educational workshops
• referrals to community services such as Legal Aid, subsidized housing and Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
• advocacy, education and information

Men Make a Difference - culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources

Multifunction center offering community programs

DIVI (De l'immigration vers l'intégration)

• Needs assessment, help in building individual learning and confidence
• supports integration and civic engagement
• for francophone women

Call for information or email [email protected]

Child witness program

• family support for women and their children 5-18 years
• strategy and skill building for women survivors of domestic violence
• group counselling and social intervention
• for francophone women victims of domestic violence

Range of services and programs provided through communication channels such as phone, email, Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp and other channels, either in group sessions or individually; physical location is accessible by appointment
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Domestic Violence Services

• counselling and referral for victims of family violence
• outreach and community education

Wellness and Mental Health

• individual counselling and support services for youth and adults
• family counselling
• Women Empowering Women - group for women 18 years and older to share information, learn, raise awareness of issues and interact
• free and confidential counselling abused for women and their children
• free transitional and housing support to abused women and their children

Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW)

• one-on-one clinical counselling for high-risk Black youth age 12-25 years and their families to prevent youth from further risk/violence
• works with youth to develop/enhance their identity, culture and sense of belonging

SNAP BACK (Stop Now And Plan): supports Black, African and Caribbean children, ages 6-11 years, who have behaviours that could result in conflict at home, school or in the community

START For Life (Success Through Aggression Replacement Training)

• life skills development program for individuals 18 years and older
• enhances social skills needed for good interpersonal communication, anger control and decisionmaking
• includes discussions, role modeling and demonstrations

Together We Can Youth Mentorship Program: gives adult support/guidance to Black, African and Caribbean children and youth, 9-25 years, to make healthy and safe life choices, increase resiliency and make progress toward goals through culturally relevant mentorship

Education

• online and in-person tutoring for grades 1-12, in Math, English, science
• in-person coding workshop for grades 4-8: introduces students to computer programming languages
• in-person STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) program: STEM-related project work
• Reading Partnership: free 10 week online (Zoom) play-based program that guides parents through the process of teaching their children, 4-6 years, to read

Summer Youth Leadership Program: helps youth, 13-16 years, develop leadership skills through character building workshops

SteelPan/Steelpan Lessons: for anyone ages 9-65 years who wishes to learn; beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons available

Employment Centre, see separate listing

Child Care Centres, see separate listings

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support

• confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment
• contact for information on available languages

Settlement Services

• ​needs assessment
• orientation
• supportive counselling
• interpretation and translation services
• employment counselling and computer training
• peer support groups
• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documentation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs

• specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• computer classes
• citizenship preparation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Befriending Program

• community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders

• counselling for women in an abusive relationship and for children who witness acts of violence
• safety planning for protection while in transition
• crisis intervention, advocacy, and legal referrals
• interpretation, information and referral
• assistance for stress and depression related to separation from the familial surroundings, lack of adequate finances, physical and mental health issues, and support services and housing assistance within the Greek community
• counselling to develop the life skills of self-confidence and courage, parenting guidance, encouragement for further education
• referral to counselling groups for abusive men
• preventive community education, and public awareness as to the social and criminal consequences of domestic violence

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

• assistance with housing issues, including housing search, follow up and support, assistance with applications for subsidized housing
• 
  
• Ontario Electricity Support Program -- assistance with applications
• LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): LEAP 416-924-2543 ext 1
• Toronto Rent Bank Access Centre and Emergency Energy Fund Call Centre: 416-397-7368

• The Integrated Services for Seniors (ISFS) program
• The Personal Support Services (PSS) for Low Acuity Home Care program

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

• Chiropody (Foot Care)
• Don Mills Diabetes Education Program
• Health Promotion
• Primary Health Care
• Social Services
• South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program
• Toronto - Overlea Blvd - Infant & Toddler Feeding Support Group

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

• one-on-one needs assessment and plan
• information and referrals services
• orientation to life in Canada
• information on:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
  • health care system and health benefits (Trillium Drug program, Healthy Smiles)
  • education system
  • housing services (Ontario Electricity Support Act)
  • financial services and the banking system
  • transportation system in Canada
  • family services programs (Youth and EarlyON)
  • employment related services
• citizenship preparation classes for the Citizenship Test
• orientation to Ontario workshop series
• assistance with immigration related forms
• volunteer opportunities

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program
• Care for Newcomer Children (CNC)

• counselling and crisis intervention, needs assessment and referral
• transitional support
• support groups for victims and survivors

All programs have virtual options; in-person options are available for a few programs, including Violence Against Women programs. Wearing a mask is required for in-person counselling services.


General Services

• information and referral
• individual advocacy
• life skills training

Violence Against Women and Children Program -- Counselling services to those ages 16 years and older identifying as a woman, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming and their dependents ages 14 years and older who have experienced any form of violence and trauma.

• individual counselling for crisis, abuse and assault; intimate partner/domestic violence counselling
• safety planning
• information, education and advocacy
• internal referrals and referrals to community resources

For training/employment programs, see other listing

• conversational English
• computer training for seniors
• recreation and fitness

• Prenatal Program

• counselling for women in an abusive relationship and for children who witness acts of violence
• safety planning for protection while in transition
• crisis intervention, advocacy, and legal referrals
• interpretation, information and referral
• assistance for stress and depression related to separation from the familial surroundings, lack of adequate finances, physical and mental health issues, and support services and housing assistance within the Greek community
• counselling to develop the life skills of self-confidence and courage, parenting guidance, encouragement for further education
• referral to counselling groups for abusive men
• preventive community education, and public awareness as to the social and criminal consequences of domestic violence

Transitional housing, counselling, community, court and outreach programs

Housing

Phyllis Haslam Residence -- transitional residence for women on parole

• staffed 24 hours
• individual and group counselling, practical assistance
• referral and support to plan for release
• capacity 19

House Success Program -- case management program supporting individuals and households exiting homelessness to work towards continued housing stability

Counselling

General Counselling -- individual and group counselling supports and workshops for women in the community dealing with social, economic and justice issues

• provides information pertaining to legal rights, health and safety and alternatives to at-risk behaviours
• programs include parenting, newcomer family law, anger management, theft and fraud, healing from abuse and trauma, domestic/gender based violence, and substance abuse

Reintegration Counselling -- individual and group counselling for women on provincial probation and parole

• referred clients provided with skills to develop alternatives to theft, fraud, substance use behaviours and poor decision making
• general counselling topics recommened by parole officers such as parenting, substance use behaviours and healing from abuse

Direct Accountability Program (DAP) -- provides alternatives to prosecution for individuals charged with minor criminal offences, operates at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury St and 2201 Finch Ave W

Partner Abuse Response program -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

TREM Standing Strong (TREM SS), 416-924- 3708 ext 261 or ext 252 - 16 week group program for women 16-29 who identify as survivors of gender based or family violence

• trauma informed group and individual counselling
• groups available to participants 16-19 and 20-29
• clients also receive individual counselling and resource support as needed/requested during enrollment in program
• Youth Dating Violence (YDV) training and knowledge sharing opportunities to community service organizations

Employment and Community Supports

Women's Empowerment Through Business (WEB) -- trauma-informed program to promote economic security and independence for women and gender-diverse individuals through entrepreneurship training, personal development workshops and expanding peer connections

Record Suspension (Pardon) Information Services -- supports women and men with submitting a record suspension application to the National Parole Board of Canada

• application processing fees and TTC fares covered
• virtual support to anyone living anywhere in Canada

Volunteer Led Supports

​Talk and Listen Phone Line, 1-855-924-3708 -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4 pm, assists women calling from institutions to navigate the criminal justice system

• information and resources on legal information, housing, mental health services, reintegration, release planning
• does not make third part calls or call on anyone's behalf

Court Support -- practical assistance and support, information to women and their families navigating the court system

• assistance with referrals, information and resources
• free snacks, clothing, personal hygiene items for women released on bail
• located at 10 Armoury St and 2201 Finch Ave W courts

Vanier Centre for Women -- social and recreation program, provides information and resources about Elizabeth Fry Toronto and other community supports

The Market Place -- for marginalized women particularly those recently released from incarceration

• provides donations such as clothing, hygiene supplies and gift cards to clients

Bingo Hall Program - provides volunteer opportunities for volunteers and clients the bingo hall to provide information about the organization while raising funds

Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families

Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy

• for trauma, abuse, violence against women, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary
• family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
• group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation

• information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training

Disabilities and Special Needs Program

Rehabilitation for skills involving speech and language, mobility, emotional and behavioural control

• 1-on-1 and groups; in person and virtual
• support provided for subsidy applications

Violence Against Women, Housing and Transitional Support Program

​Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children

• community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
• settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support

Satellite offices by appointment only in Toronto, Markham, Unionville, and Mississauga

Provincial telephone and online (chat) crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services, as well as culturally appropriate resources for women who have experienced abuse

• liaison with diverse communities
• confidential and anonymous

Toronto only: initial assessment and intake for assaulted women's shelters, call 416-863-0511 or toll free 1-866-863-0511