Community Connections

The Community Connections tab is a resource to support families on how to access community information. You will find a list of community agencies to help make informed decisions and take necessary steps to address issues or concerns you may have.

Each community agency has been organized into categories to search for specific resources.

Providing families with information on how to access community information and advocacy supports can help to promote greater awareness, understanding, and engagement within the community, and can ultimately lead to better outcomes for families and individuals.

If you have any questions, please direct to equity@dsbn.org.

Advocacy

Agencies and tools that can secure, protect and advance the rights of minoritized groups

Building Knowledge

Links to information to support building knowledge on issues that relate to navigating school experiences

Community Supports

Initiatives and local agencies focused on creative a positive impact for minoritized groups

2SLGBTQ+ Supports

Egale Canada
120 Carlton Street
Suite 217 Toronto
ON M5A 4K2
https://egale.ca/
1 (416) 964-7887

Our Mission: To improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Egale will achieve this by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, awareness and legal advocacy.

Our Vision: A Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias.

LGBT YouthLine
https://youthline.ca/
Call: 1-800-268-9688
Text: 647-696-4275
Online Live Chat 4:00-9:30 pm

Providing anonymous peer support and referrals;
Training youth to provide support to other youth; and
Providing resources so youth can make informed decisions.

Niagara Falls Community Health Centre
4790 Victoria Ave.
Niagara Falls, ON
https://nfchc.ca/
Contact for LGBTQ+ youth group:
Celeste Turner
905-356-4222 ex. 311
cturner@nfcgc.ca@NiagaraFallsCHC

Non-profit, community governed, multi-service health center that provides primary health care, health promotion, community development services, all under one roof at no cost. This includes the Queer Youth Collective group. This group runs on Monday's from 4:00pm-5:30pm (excluding holidays). Ages 13-18 attend 1st and 3rd Monday of month. Ages 19-29 attend 2nd and 4th Monday of month. No registration is required. Drop-ins and new friends always welcome!

OUTNiagara
https://outniagara.org/
ourniagara@gmail.com
Welland LGBTQ+ Youth Group
Michael Sherman
shermanm@mail.com

OUTniagara supports our local LGBTQ2+ community and beyond by amplifying the voices of our community, acting as a public policy advocate and helping to build relationships within the community.

Pflag Niagara Region
Toll Free: 1-888-530-6777 ext. 600
Email: niagaraon@pflagcanada.ca

Facebook: Pflag Niagara
Instagram: @pflag_niagara
Site: pflagcanada.ca/pflagniagara/

What do we do?

We support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns. Peer support is provided one-on-one or in a friendly, welcoming group setting.

We promise to offer local, practical, and emotional peer-to-peer family support for individuals and their loved ones challenged by gender/sexual identity.

Quest Community Health Care
145 Queenston St.
Suite 100
St. Catharines, ON L2R 2Z9
www.questchc.ca

For more info about Rainbow Niagara's outreach and community programs contact: Stephanie Vail, Community Health Worker:
Cell: 905-380-4576
Office: 905-688-2558 ext. 222
svail@questchc.ca

Primary Health Care: services to individuals who experience barriers to accessing health care.
Rainbow Niagara: a program of Quest Community Health Centre.

Trans Lifeline
https://translifeline.org/
Trans peer support line: 1-877-330-6366

Trans Lifeline is a non-profit organization which provides a crisis hotline for transgender people staffed by transgender people.

Ability/Disability

Autism Ontario

This web link will take you to the south region division of Autism Ontario, which supports the Niagara region:
https://www.autismontario.com/region/south
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AOSouth/

The work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.

CNIB Foundation
https://www.cnib.ca/

Founded in 1918, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.

Community Living Ontario

St. Catharines
https://clstcatharines.ca/

Fort Erie
https://www.clfe.ca/

Port Colborne/Wainfleet
http://www.portcolbornecommunityliving.com/

Welland/Pelham
https://clwp.ca/

Grimsby/Lincoln
https://www.cl-grimsbylincoln.ca/

Community Living Ontario is a non-profit provincial association that has been advocating for people who have an intellectual disability and their families for nearly 70 years. We proudly work alongside over 100 local agencies and advocate on behalf of more than 80,000 people across Ontario. We are an active member of Inclusion Canada and regularly communicate with equivalent provincial and territorial associations. We also have influence at the global level thanks to our affiliation with Inclusion International.

Contact Niagara for Children's Developmental Services
https://www.contactniagara.org/
905-684-3407
info@contactniagara.org

Our qualified, professional staff can guide and connect you to a range of community Mental Health, Developmental and Autism resources for Children, Youth, and their Families.

Down Syndrome Niagara
https://downsyndromeniagara.ca/
905-964-6425
downsyndromeniagara@gmail.com

Down Syndrome Niagara is a registered charity supporting people with Down syndrome in Niagara and their families. Down Syndrome Niagara is a parent volunteer driven organization. Through advocacy and support we are dedicated to improving opportunities for people with Down syndrome that promotes independence, confidence and inclusion.

Bethesda
https://bethesdaservices.com/
Email: info@bethesdaservices.com
Phone: 905-9684-6918

We are dedicated to serving children, youth and adults with special needs within the community through a network of clinical supports. Our staff is caring and committed to working with you to best support you or your loved one and family.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Ontario
https://fasdontario.ca/

What we do:
Link people with FASD, caregivers and professionals to services and supports. Transfer knowledge and develop resources. Create a sustainable, provincial organization that connects the FASD landscape.

Inclusion Action in Ontario
https://inclusionactionontario.ca/

Inclusion Action in Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the inclusion of students with disabilities in education and the community. We believe that inclusive education is the foundation of an inclusive life.

Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region (LDANR)
The Branscombe Centre
1338 Fourth Avenue
Unit S215
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
L2S 0G1
info@LDANiagara.org
Phone: (905) 641-1021
Fax: (905) 641-2336
https://ldaniagara.org

Our purpose is to provide resources and support to individuals who are affected by learning disabilities within the Niagara Region. We provide leadership in learning disabilities advocacy, research, education and services.

Niagara Children's Centre
https://niagarachildrenscentre.com/
Reception: 905-688-3550
Toll Free: 1-800-896-5496
Email: info@niagarachildrenscentre.com

We enable children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays or disabilities to achieve their optimal potential within their home, school and community environments.

We do this through delivering a continuum of therapeutic supports and services to children and families and by working with our partners to deliver coordinated, integrated and family-centered care.

Niagara Support Services
https://nss.ntec-nss.com/
905-384-1172

Niagara Support Services is a non-profit organization with the mandate of providing services for people with a developmental disability.

Voice for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids
https://www.voicefordeafkids.com/

VOICE is an organization that develops and implements programs and services encompassing advocacy, family support, and public education. VOICE has connected hundreds of parents and families of children with hearing loss and has become one of the largest support organizations of its kind. There are different chapters across the province of Ontario.

Child/Youth Programs

Niagara Region Public School Health Team

School Health Team:
Niagara Region Public Health’s School Health Team works with students, parents, staff, school boards and community agencies to protect and promote healthy schools. A Healthy Schools approach looks beyond the classroom to the entire school setting. It involves students, staff, parents, volunteers and community partners working together to create a Healthy School community. To learn more about how our team support schools, visit our Services Page.

Niagara Parents:
Niagara Parents provides a variety of services to support healthy families.

Connect with a Public Health Nurse Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., through phone, live chat, video call, or email. Live chat is available in 90 different languages.
Services offered:

Questions or concerns about parenting, your child's health or your pregnancy
Postpartum support
Links to services within the community
Parenting classes, breastfeeding support, prenatal appointments and more
Requesting parenting classes and presentations from community partners
Parenting classes, breastfeeding support, prenatal appointments and more

Find Niagara Parents on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for different activities you can do with your kids, relevant resources and virtual events for parents.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
428 Niagara Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2M 4W3
Phone: 905-646-3230
https://bbbsmentors.ca/
https://bgcn.ca/programs/youth-outreach/

In-School Mentoring:

Provides girls and boys with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. Play games, hang out on the playground etc.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

https://www.dsbn.org/earlylearners/earlyon-child-family-centres

Locations:

Cherrywood Acres Public School Niagara Falls
Peace Bridge Public School Fort Erie
Lincoln Centennial St. Catharines
Connaught Public School St. Catharines

DSBN’s EarlyON Child & Family Centres are bright, fun places that offer games, books, music and toys for parents and children to experience together. Each Centre is staffed by an Early Childhood Educator who further supports children’s learning through story and music time activities. The EarlyON Centre also features a lending library with multilingual stories and parenting books.

Youth Wellness Hub Niagara
https://youthhubs.ca/en/sites/niagara/

Providing rapid access to easily identifiable mental health and substance use services with walk-in, low-barrier services and clear service pathways
Providing evidence-based interventions matched to individuals’ level of need, and supported transitions to specialized care services when the severity of need is evident
Integrating mental health, substance use, primary care, vocational, housing and other support services into a one-stop-shop model of care offered in a youth-friendly space
Reducing transitions between services through co-location and shared services in a single place
Establishing common evaluation across sites
Co-creating services with youth & families

Gillian’s Place
15 Gibson Pl, St. Catharines, ON
L2R 0A3
(905) 684-4000
https://gilliansplace.com/

Gillian's Place is much more than a safe shelter. Our team provides confidential and compassionate counselling, legal advice, and transitional support to women, children, Two-Spirit, genderqueer, trans and non-binary people facing gendered violence in our community. We desire to offer services and spaces where all survivors can come without reservation, knowing they will be welcomed, respected, and provided with hope, support, and choices.

https://gilliansplace.com/child-youth/

If you have children in your household, they too are impacted by the abuse. We can provide support such as recreational activities, family violence education, and therapeutic activities designed to help explore feelings and build self-esteem. We can also provide you with referrals to community agencies that specialize in various aspects of child and youth care.

The RAFT - Niagara Resource Service for Youth
https://www.theraft.ca/
PHONE 905-984-4365
OR 1-833-984-4365

The RAFT helps kids living on the street and those at risk of being on the street. For homeless and at risk street youth, the RAFT provides a Resource Drop In Centre, Hostel and Steps to Independent Living Program. Through its Neighbourhood Awakening Initiatives, and After School Programs, the RAFT helps young people and local groups make positive changes in their neighbourhoods. The Youth Reconnect Program supports at risk youth in their home communities and prevents them from having to leave the Region to obtain services.

Culturally Responsive Supports

Black Youth Helpline
https://blackyouth.ca/
1-833-294-8650

The BYH approach brings innovative, professional, culturally relevant perspectives to understanding and addressing the root causes of challenges faced by children, youth and families. Youth, families, schools and other mainstream organizations have a culturally appropriate resource they turn to for related support.

DSBN Family Guide: Recognizing & Respecting Creed Diversity

This Creed Accommodation Family Guide has been developed to help families understand the creed accommodation process to actively engage as partners with the school in acquiring religious and creed based accommodations. This Family Guide is supplemented by an administrator’s guide to creed accommodations so families and schools can work together. These partnerships will help to support an equitable education system that upholds and reflects the principles of fair, anti-racist and inclusive education to create positive outcomes for all students.

DSBN Heritage Month Slides

Slides for heritage months sharing information to raise awareness, highlight joy, support inclusion and make community connections.

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: Multilingual Distress Lines
https://www.dcogt.com/multilingual-distress-lines/
1-877-298-5444
(TTY) 905-278-4890

DCGT is a service agency dedicated to providing timely emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people in distress.

Apart from our English line which is available 24/7, we also offer services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm.

Erica’s Embrace
110 James Street, Suite 200
St. Catharines ON L2R 7E8
info@ericasembrace.com
Call: 289-214-1005
https://ericasembrace.com/

Why is Black Advocacy needed?

We understand the reality of being Black in Canada will include the experience of racism, discrimination and microaggressions. These experiences can be hurtful, discouraging, and confusing at times as all three are not always done in an overt way. Black advocacy will offer support and encouragement to other Black identified individuals that feel they require support while involved with Family and Children’s Services Niagara or experiencing challenges within the District School Board of Niagara. Our Black advocates are passionate, have lived experience and strive to uplift and strengthen the voices of our people in the Niagara Region.

Equity Connections

info@equityconnections.ca

At Equity Connections, we believe in inclusive transformative leadership. We identify structures and practices that create systemic barriers within organizations. We work with you to create sustainable systems that are grounded in equity and anti-oppression.

Future Black Female
Main Office
110 James St,
St. Catharines,
Ontario
L2R 7E8
https://www.futureblackfemale.com/

Feminist-informed Future Black Female (FBF) is a non-profit organization that works to empower Black girls and women between the ages of 16 and 22 to take charge of their education and career paths as well as their social, political, and civic engagement. We also provide free pro Black therapy to Black girls aged 16-22.

We offer access to strong networks, skills development and advancement, and rights-based advocacy. Since 2019, FBF has successfully initiated and implemented numerous initiatives in collaboration with community partners and other organizations.

JUSTICE4BLACKLIVES
Sherri Darlene
289-690-4618
sherrid950@gmail.com
@justice4blacklivesniagara

Niagara history was made on June 6^th 2020, when Sherri Darlene, founder of Justice4BlackLives, along with thousands of Niagara residents marched in a peaceful demonstration in a show of solidarity with the world after the murder of George Floyd. Justice4BlackLives has become an important resource in the Niagara community. Through Authentic Accurate Anti-Racism education, Sherri Darlene interrupts the ideology that maintains and upholds systemic racism.

Justice4BlackLives unapologetically represents the Black agenda. We support individuals and institutions in the community who are working on moving the needle forward for change on a professional and personal level. In the words of Don Lemon: “Imagine the life-changing, world-shifting, power of solidarity between people of color and people of conscience.”

Naseeha
https://naseeha.org/
All ages Muslim support line:
1-866-627-3342 Text: 1-866-627-3342

Seven days a week we answer calls from around the world from Muslim and non-muslims. Naseeha Mental Health has been a great bridge for individuals who are going through life’s challenges. Where hope is lost, Naseeha is found. We provide a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need. We provide workshops to youth across North America, web therapy sessions, and offer texting mental health support 7 days a week.

National Council of Canadian Muslims

https://www.nccm.ca/
tel: 1-866-524-0004
email: info@nccm.ca

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots human rights, civil liberties and advocacy organization. As Canada’s largest Muslim advocacy organization, NCCM is headquartered in our Ottawa national office near Parliament Hill.

Parents of Black Children
https://parentsofblackchildren.org/help/
1 (833) 762 2226
info@parentsofblackchildren.org

Parents of Black Children is an advocacy group working to support families and facilitate equitable outcomes for Black children, through accountability and transformational change.

TOES Niagara
Suite 104, 76 Division Street
Welland
Ontario, L3B 6B3
Phone: 905 964 1284
http://toesniagara.ca/
Email: info@toesniagara.ca

Follow us on Twitter:
@TOESNIAGARA
Check us out on LinkedIn

Mission:

Empowering immigrant and marginalized women through multi-lens educational workshops, programs, and other support services to improve their economic, educational and mental well-being outcomes to enhance their role in their own lives, local communities, in business, and in the wider world using our Five Pillars of Empowerment.

Indigenous Supports

Anishinabe Women’s Crisis Home & Family
Healing Agency

https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/

1-855-554-4325

You’re not alone. We’re here for you, without judgment. Our services are for Indigenous women and are provided by Indigenous women, ensuring support and solutions that will help you take control of your own life in your community. We offer 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario. Our services are fully grounded in Indigenous culture, wisdom and tradition.

Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
796 Buffalo Rd
Fort Erie, ON
L2A 5H2

Call: 905-871-8931
Email: reception@fenfc.org

Since our establishment our focus and goals have remained the same which is “To Enhance all Aspects of Native Life While Extending Friendship to the Community.”. No one person in our organization takes the credit for all of our success as we work “Together for a Stronger Tomorrow.”. With our values of Tradition, Friendship, Respect, Professionalism, Compassion, Integrity and Honesty we will continue to move forward with helping our community to not only heal but to allow its members to prosper, becoming the persons who they were meant to be. We offer a variety of programs for every part of life.

Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

1-855-242-3310

The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Niagara Regional Native Centre
382 Airport Rd
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0
Phone: (905) 688-6484

At the Niagara Regional Native Centre we strive to serve all Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

The Centre offers programs and services to all age groups, both Native and non-Native, and provides transportation to and from the Center for groups and individuals on request. The Centre currently employs 25 individuals both part and full-time positions. They offer the following programs: Healing and Wellness Program, Health Outreach Program, Youth Program, Community Action Program for Children, Prenatal Nutrition Program, Employment Counselor, Life Long Care Program, Indigenous Community Justice Program, Healthy Babies-Healthy Children Program and Literacy Program plus others.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Canadian Mental Health Association – Niagara Branch
264 Welland Avenue Suite 103
St. Catharines, L2R 2P8
Ontario, Canada
Phone: 905-641-5222
https://cmhaniagara.ca/
Email: info@cmhaniagara.ca

CMHA provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

Contact Niagara for Children’s Developmental Services
https://www.contactniagara.org/
905-684-3407
info@contactniagara.org

Our qualified, professional staff can guide and connect you to a range of community Mental Health, Developmental and Autism resources for Children, Youth, and their Families.

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: Multilingual Distress Lines
https://www.dcogt.com/multilingual-distress-lines/
1-877-298-5444
(TTY) 905-278-4890

DCGT is a service agency dedicated to providing timely emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention to people in distress.

Apart from our English line which is available 24/7, we also offer services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm.

COAST Outreach
https://www.niagarapolice.ca/en/what-we-do/coast.aspx
Niagara COAST Office Niagara Crisis Line: 1-866-550-5205

The Niagara Regional Police Service Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) provide outreach and support to Niagara residents who are in crisis with mental health issues. The team is comprised of health care professionals and Niagara Regional Police Officers who are trained in mental health and crisis intervention. This initiative is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and by the Local Health Integrated Network. The COAST Unit has been operational since November 2011 and has 2 plain clothes police officers currently assigned to the unit.

The Crisis Line is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The mobile response team works Monday to Saturday - noon to midnight and Sunday - noon to 8 pm. The officers in this unit are highly trained in the area of Crisis Intervention Techniques, General Investigative Techniques, and the Mental Health Act of Ontario.

Kids Help Phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Up to age 24 - Neuro-inclusive support; 1-800-668-6868
Text: 686868

Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. This means that we’re here for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast to coast.

Niagara Sexual Assault Centre
https://www.niagarasexualassaultcentre.com/
CALL OUR 24 HOUR CRISIS LINE AT 905-682-4584

Niagara Sexual Assault Centre is a non-profit organization that responds to the needs of survivors of sexual violence and through public education increases understanding and awareness of sexual assault related issues. We provide a variety of counselling, support and emergency services to survivors and their families. Using a feminist, empowerment approach NSAC holds the universal truth that all clients are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to advocacy for social change and the prevention of sexual violence.

Pathstone Mental Health
https://pathstonementalhealth.ca/
Crisis services- 1-800-263-4944

Pathstone Mental Health is the primary accredited provider of children’s mental health treatment in the Niagara region. We offer a broad spectrum of treatment services and programs to strengthen children and families.

Young Caregivers Association
318 Ontario Street, Unit 7A
St. Catharines, ON
Phone: 905-397-4201
www.powerhouseproject.ca

Non-profit agency that promotes and helps with the well-being of young caregivers and their families

Newcomer Supports

Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre
85 Church Street
St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3C7
Telephone: 905-685-6589
Fax: 905-685-8376
Email: generalenquiries@folk-arts.ca
https://www.folk-arts.ca/

As you arrive and settle in Niagara, start your journey with us. We offer a variety of newcomer and immigrant settlement programs & services helping you build for you and your family, a new life in Canada.

We celebrate and promote cultural, social and economic inclusion and well being of all immigrants and newcomers. We provide a holistic approach in settlement services: language acquisition, health, financial, education, job seeking, childcare, and mental health support.

Mission:

Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre
26 East Main St. Welland ON
http://www.wellandheritagecouncil.com/
Phone Number: 905-732-5337
Toll Free: 1-888-764-9041
Email: info@wellandheritagecouncil.com

The Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre has become a non-profit charitable, service organization helping immigrants to overcome barriers to integration, and develop skills to work and live in Canada.

Socio-Economic Supports

Community Care

Community Cares St. Catharines
Community Cares Thorold
Housing Help

We compassionately provide vital services and assistance to individuals and families that meet their basic needs and help bridge their journey to self-sufficiency.

Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold has been meeting the needs of the less advantaged in our community since 1919. The fundamental principles on which the agency was founded have not changed. Programs range from food and shelter security to emergency services and support that lead to the independence clients strive to achieve.

Although most programs are delivered within the communities of St. Catharines & Thorold, the Trustee and Niagara Nutrition Partners Programs are delivered on a regional basis.

Gillian’s Place
15 Gibson Pl, St. Catharines, ON L2R 0A3
(905) 684-4000
https://gilliansplace.com/

YWCA Niagara Region
183 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 3J5
905-988-3528
www.ywcaniagararegion.ca

The YWCA Niagara Region provides shelter, food and assistance to women, men, gender-diverse people and families living in poverty. We are committed to social change and work to create a community that supports people in need and provides support through each step towards financial stability and independent living.

When you don’t know where to turn - dial 211
211 is here to help you find the right community and social services.
Dial 211 and ask us about:

health services and supports
financial and social assistance
housing and utility help
children and youth services
food assistance and meal programs
seniors' services and home care
government program assistance
parenting and family programs
disability support programs
newcomer services
volunteer organizations
and so much more!

211 is an easy to remember 3-digit phone number that is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If English is not your first language, you can also access 211 information with the assistance of an interpreter in more than 150 languages.

In Niagara, the 211 service is provided by INCommunities, the organization that has been meeting the information needs of Niagara for 40 years.