Toronto, ON, M1H 3C3
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
Toronto, ON, M1S 3J1
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
Toronto, ON, M1T 3T4
Violence Against Women (VAW) 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
Newcomers -- referrals for housing, employment, language training and settlement
Division of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Toronto, ON, M1W 3W3
- medical assessment and treatment
- crisis intervention, counselling
- forensic documentation and evidence collection
- risk assessment, safety planning
- referral to community resources
Partners with North York General Hospital, see separate listing
Toronto, ON, M4L 1Z1
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
Toronto, ON, M4J 3N6
Violence Against Women (VAW) 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
Newcomers -- referrals for housing, employment, language training and settlement
Division of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Toronto, ON, M1W 2P3
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
Toronto, ON, M2H 2S7
Family Services
- intimate partner violence crisis management
- transitional housing support program
- individual and family counselling; mutual support groups
- family life education; parent and child drop-in
- women's gathering; recreational programs
Neighbourhood Support Services
- supportive counselling; information and referral
- form filling including welfare and social housing applications
- support network
- interpretation; newcomer orientation
Older Adult Services
- senior drop in
- educational workshops; interest groups
- basic technology training
- volunteering
Youth Programs
- youth employment
- life skills and leadership training
- recreational activities
Community Development
- networking and partnership
- volunteer recruitment and training
- social justice and equity; advocacy
- community outreach; community safety collaboration
- cultural and festival celebrations
Toronto, ON, M4P 3B7
Interdisciplinary coordination of services for child abuse victims and child abuse investigations including
- assessment, support and intervention for child abuse victims and their families
- research, consultation, training and education on child abuse prevention, recognition, intervention, trauma
In partnership with Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child, Toronto Police Service, Radius Child and Youth Services, and Hospital for Sick Children Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program (see separate listings)
Child Abuse Protocol
Establishes guidelines for coordinated investigations, prosecutions and case management of child abuse cases
Assessment Directed Therapy
Individual trauma assessments for children 4-17 years who have been abused or have experienced trauma due to violence; includes
- child-focused, family-centred, strength-based therapy
- adolescent and parent/caregiver support groups
- facilitation of interagency responses
Child Victim Witness Support
Individual court preparation and support for witnesses 3-17 years and supporting adults prior to criminal court proceedings
Boost Accredited Reliable K9s (BARK) program available to children and youth requiring additional support while accessing CVWS program in Toronto and Peterborough
Toronto, ON, M5A 0L5
Drop-in and group services have resumed; appointment preferred - masking is not mandatory but suggested for all visitors and people who have symptoms of illness are urged to wear masks or access services online
Family Services
- intimate partner violence crisis management
- transitional housing support program
- individual and family counselling; mutual support groups
- family life education; parent and child drop-in
- women's gathering; recreational programs
Neighbourhood Support Services
- supportive counselling; information and referral
- form filling including welfare and social housing applications
- support network
- interpretation; newcomer orientation
Older Adult Services
- senior drop in
- educational workshops; interest groups
- basic technology training
- volunteering
Youth Programs
- youth employment
- life skills and leadership training
- recreational activities
Community Development
- networking and partnership
- volunteer recruitment and training
- social justice and equity; advocacy
- community outreach; community safety collaboration
- cultural and festival celebrations
Toronto, ON, M4W 3L4
Multiservice agency providing a range of services for people with social and emotional problems, including counselling, information and referrals, supplementary financial assistance program (government assistance recipients), support groups, supports for assaulted women, in-home palliative care program, English conversation café for new immigrants, and parenting, mental health and wellness programs and workshops
- Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto
- Restitution Services for Holocaust Survivors
- Holocaust Survivor Emergency Funding
- chaplaincy services
- speakers
- all services confidential
Café Europa monthly group for Holocaust survivors in partnership with Bernard Betel (see separate listing)
Children
Jewish child protective and family services investigates allegations of child neglect and abuse
- adoption and foster home services and recruitment
- file and adoption disclosure
- counselling
- big brothers and big sisters program
- homework club
- school outreach counselling program
Families
Includes individual, couple, family and group counselling, family life education and life skills programs
- financial assistance combined with poverty reduction counselling for persons on social assistance
- assistance maximizing benefits and entitlements, and finding employment and accommodation
- support for families with special needs children
- Family Resource Centres for pre-school and caregivers (see separate listings)
Woman Abuse Program
Individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance, and support groups
- Here to Help group program for children and their mothers
- advocacy and community outreach
- education and consultation
- referrals
Markham, ON, L3R 9S6
- drop-in and group services have resumed
- appointment preferred
- masking is not mandatory but suggested for all visitors
- people who have symptoms of illness are urged to wear masks or access services online
Family Services
- intimate partner violence crisis management
- transitional housing support program
- individual and family counselling; mutual support groups
- family life education; parent and child drop-in
- women's gathering; recreational activities
Neighbourhood Support Services
- supportive counselling; information and referral
- form filling including welfare and social housing applications
- support network
- interpretation; newcomer orientation
Older Adult Services
- senior drop in
- educational workshops; interest groups
- basic technology training
- volunteering
Youth Programs
- youth employment
- life skills and leadership training
- recreational activities
Community Development
- networking and partnership
- volunteer recruitment and training
- social justice and equity advocacy
- community outreach; community safety collaboration
- cultural and festival celebrations
Provides empowerment and support to children who have been abused, including those who have a court case pending in the court system
To determine what Ontario Chapter might be closest, visit the Ontario page here
Centre for French speaking women
Services for Victims of Violence and/or Sexual Assault
- individual counselling
- emotional support and accompaniment
Community Programs (for all francophone women)
- sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
- sexual assault prevention within the community
- volunteer opportunities
Services for Newcomer, Immigrant and Refugee Women
- settlement services for French-speaking immigrant and refugee women
- accompaniment to settlement related appointments
- Action Femmes -- social and education group for newly arrived refugee and immigrant women who are feeling isolated
Transitional and Housing Support Program for Women who are Victims of Violence
- assistance in finding housing
ÉLAN Program
- employment preparation for all Francophone women in search of employment
- computer courses
Tremplin Program
- self-employment and entrepreneurship workshops
Family Court Support Worker Program
- information on the family court process
- assistance in documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- accompaniment of the victim to court proceedings, if necessary
Toronto, ON, M7A 2S9
- Supports families by facilitating connections with culturally appropriate referrals and supports
- Facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner's reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to family
- Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) staff members are of Indigenous ancestry, knowledgeable, culturally competent and responsive to the needs of the family members they serve
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J3
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
- no direct reimbursement made to victims for supports listed above
- financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Reclaim
Supports survivors of human trafficking by working with creditors to remove fraudulent and coercive debt
- specialized case management, advocacy and crisis intervention
- safety planning, emergency accommodation/shelter, food, basic necessities
- human trafficking prevention workshops
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J3
Crisis Response Program
Immediate crisis response, intervention and safety services, on site and by telephone
- counsellors can attend hospitals, homes, local police division or crime scene locations to provide in person support
Victim Quick Response Program
Case management for high risk victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, includes in-depth safety planning at client's residence or other location of her/his choice, short and long-term goals assessment, linking/referrals to community and government services, case coordination, advocacy and counselling, and assistance completing Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) applications
Enhanced Services
Short-term intensive assistance including case management and coordination, emotional support and advocacy, links to community services, prevention, system navigation for vulnerable clients
- Safety Planning Booklet available online in a variety of languages
- see separate listing Victim Services Toronto, Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (including Victim Quick Response Program+)
Reclaim
Supports survivors of human trafficking by working with Canadian creditors to remove coercive debt from the victim's name, see separate listing Victim Services Toronto, Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
Neighbourhood Victim Advocacy Program - Exit Route
Intensive case management, advocacy and crisis intervention in designated communities for victims of crime and sudden tragedies in designated communities
- safety planning, emergency accommodation/shelter, food, basic necessities
- systems navigation, referrals, linkages
- includes Toronto Police Service divisions 14, 23, 31, 43, 51
TEAR (Teens Ending Abusive Relationships), [email protected]
Prevention of in-person and online violence through education programs and workshops
- Youth Leadership Program recruitment and training to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness about abusive and harmful relationships
- #TEARtalk weekly Twitter chat run by TEAR Youth Leaders
Trauma Dog Program
Certified trauma and handler team provide comfort to young victims of crime and sudden tragedy
- priority to children and youth
- available to clients of Victim Services Toronto
Volunteer ProgramRecruits, trains and engages volunteers, opportunities include:
- Victim Crisis Response
- interpreting
- fundraising
- outreach
Volunteer and student placement application available online or email [email protected]
Toronto, ON, M2N 6C6
General Service Provision
- all services and programs require an appointment
- services available in-person, online or by phone/email during office hours
- operating on a hybrid model, offering both online and in-person services; for more information; check organisation's website
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Settlement Services
- one-on-one orientation and workshops on a variety of settlement topics
- assistance with form filling
- interpretation and translation
- citizenship preparation support
- referrals to community services
Family Services
- individual and family counselling
- safety and transition planning for individuals experiencing domestic violence
- transitional housing support program
- referrals to community services and legal information
- educational workshops and self-help groups
Employment Services
- one-on-one employment counselling,
- resume support (clinics) and interview skills coaching
- referrals to career training and networking opportunities
- employment workshops and job fairs
- entrepreneurship training
Health Services
- educational seminars and information sessions
- referrals to community health providers
Social Services
- assistance accessing social assistance and other support services
- recreational and educational programs to reduce social isolation
- translation and interpretation services
- seasonal free income tax clinic
Toronto, ON
Provides advocacy, crisis intervention, and shelter to adults and children experiencing violence
Emergency shelter, capacity 32
- counselling and referrals
- advocacy and follow up
- court and immigration escort
- children's program and counselling
- legal and housing assistance
Transitional Housing and Outreach Support Program (TH&O)
Community-based support in applying for affordable housing, including counselling, safety planning, assistance accessing food supports, outreach and workshops
- crisis intervention and culturally sensitive counselling, support and referral
- support for families and friends of survivors
- support groups
- information on alternatives to legal justice system
- court support, accompaniment and advocacy program
- research, public education, workshops
- comprehensive volunteer training
- all services confidential
- trans-positive environment
Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process
Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over. Services include:
- information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
- needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
- crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, victim advocacy
- facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
- arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
- information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
- facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
- debriefing and follow-up support
Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for:
- travel to attend key court dates
- language interpretation services
- special accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
- basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court
Organization working to end violence against women and human trafficking through advocacy and education
- access to referrals, resources, support, and safety planning information for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking
- training for service providers, frontline workers in the Gender Based Violence/Intimate Partner Violence sector, educators, schools, government agencies, and more on recognizing and preventing gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking
- workshops and presentations for youth/service providers in schools, youth shelters and group homes to prevent gender-based violence, sexual exploitation or human trafficking in Canada with a focus on root causes and anti-oppression, trained trauma counsellor for on-site disclosures
- working with media on better Gender Based Violence reporting gbvinthemedia.ca
- Gender-Based Violence Resource Centre, Human Trafficking Info Hub, Femicide Knowledge Centre -- online resources for the prevention of gender-based violence/human trafficking
- public education and awareness, campaigns, events
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Supportive community-based emergency and support services, includes shelter, crisis intervention, counselling, safety planning, and support group programs for women and their children
- information and referral
- accompaniment and advocacy
- assistance in obtaining services
- development of support networks
- outreach and home visit services provided in various community locations
Emergency shelter
- includes counselling, referrals, court and immigration escort, follow-up, and advocacy and assistance with housing, welfare, immigration, medical and legal services
- capacity 30
- children's programs
Transitional and Housing Support Program
- counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance obtaining affordable housing, and follow-up
Women and Communities Against Violence (WACAV)
- builds and strengthens linkages between under-serviced areas, supports service providers and shelters
Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process
Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over. Services include:
- information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
- needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
- crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, victim advocacy
- facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
- arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
- information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
- facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
- debriefing and follow-up support
Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for:
- travel to attend key court dates
- language interpretation services
- special accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
- basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court
