Social Services

EarlyON

EarlyON programs offer families/caregivers with children prenatal through 6 years a wide range of early learning inquiry-based activities that enhance children’s social and developmental skills. They also support parents/caregivers in their roles in community with other parents and experts in early childhood. All programs are run through Empower Simcoe and more details can be found online:  www.empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/

Lakeshore Branch: Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30pm, Wednesdays 9:30am-11:30am, 1:30pm-3pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Cookstown Branch: Wednesdays 2pm-3:30pm

Stroud Branch: Thursdays 10:30am-12pm

YouthCALL

YouthCALL supports teens and young adults in getting connected with the local services to move
their lives forward successfully. If you’re looking to get connected to mental health supports, employment, housing, or for homework help, drop in and see the Youth Outreach Coordinator at the Lakeshore Branch.
https://cfssc.ca/youthcall/
Lakeshore Branch, every other Thursday 3pm-6pm.

Care Partner Support Group, Alzheimer Society

Supporting a family member or friend diagnosed with dementia can be a new experience. This group is for care partners of persons living with dementia in early, middle and late stages, regardless of their living arrangements. In this safe environment, you can pose questions, share your insights and lessons learned. You are not alone. To register, contact Sanju Hirji at sandju.hirji@alzheimersociety.ca, or call (705) 722-1066 ext.223.

Lakeshore Branch, every 3^rd Thursday 1:30pm-3pm of the month.

Thursdays, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19

Contact Affordable Housing, Contact Community Services

CONTACT’s Housing Services provide assistance and resources to access programs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including: utilities and rental arrears, rent deposits, rent supplements, subsidized housing applications, and much more. One-on-one supports are provided to individuals who are chronically homeless to obtain and retain permanent housing. www.contactcommunityservices.ca/housing-services
Lakeshore: Tuesdays 1pm-4pm

Cookstown: Thursdays 1pm-4pm

Family Law Clinic

Navigating the Family Court system is often described as complex and confusing. We aim to provide resources to assist individuals in gaining the necessary information to make informed decisions. After completing the necessary conflict check, individuals will be able to meet with a family law lawyer for up to 2 hours in order to provide some background on their situations and receive procedural advice, options and what their entitlements could be. This is an opportunity to ask questions pertaining to your family situation, receive advice, resources on next steps and referrals to various community-based programs. 

Download the intake form here.

Once completed, email the intake form to: Marianna at mmunro@innisfilidealab.ca  or (705) 431-7410 ext. 5230.

Once your application is verified through the conflict check, appointments will be confirmed. The dates and times are available below. 

Dates: Thursdays, October 31, November 28. Times: 9:30am-4:30pm.

My Sister’s Place

My Sister’s Place is a not-for-profit organization that provides residential and outreach services for Women and their Children living with the consequences of violence and abuse. www.mysistersplace.ca/
Lakeshore Branch, Second & Last Thursday of the month: 1pm-4pm

Ontario Works

Ontario Works is a program which provides financial assistance and employment supports to people in financial need.  The County of Simcoe Ontario Works Department delivers this program to eligible residents of the County of Simcoe. Available services include: financial assistance, vision and dental benefits, funerals and burials, housing retention program, domiciliary care, emergency shelters, and non-social assistance.

Lakeshore: Tuesdays & Fridays from 9:00-4:30pm, drop-in.

Stroud: Wednesdays from 9:00-4:30pm, drop-in.

Cookstown: Thursdays from 9:00-12:30pm, drop-in.

Service Canada In Person Clinics

Government of Canada Programs and Services Clinic. Services Canada will provide assistance with applications for:

Dates and time: No available dates at this time. This is drop-in, first come, first served.

• Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) 
• Employment Insurance (EI)
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
• Old Age Security (OAS) 
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 
• Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
• Passport Application (Review ONLY)

S.H.I.F.T, Support and Hope for Individuals and Families Today

S.H.I.F.T’s Outreach Program is focused on prevention of homelessness, serving those living with low-income throughout South Simcoe. The goal of the program is to connect individuals, couples, and families to urgently needed supplies, services, and supports as well as provide emergency assistance to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness and/or food
insecurity (housed or otherwise).
www.shiftforgood.ca/outreach
Lakeshore Branch: Tuesdays 4pm-5pm, Thursdays 11am-12pm.

VON SMART Program

The VON Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together (SMART) program offers community members over 55 and adults living with disabilities opportunities to improve their strength, balance, and mobility through low-impact exercise classes. If you are looking for support to exercise more or decrease your risk of falls, SMART classes may be for you. These free classes are offered by fitness professionals and trained volunteers, and registration happens through the local VON Office in Barrie. https://von.ca/en/sites/simcoe-county?seniors-group-exercise-programs-smart#location

Lakeshore & Cookstown Branches

Newcomer Support Group

Coming to Canada means adapting to a new language, culture and way of life. The Newcomer Support Group supported by CFS will offer a safe place to ask questions, receive help, meet new people and integrate into Canadian society.

Lakeshore Branch, Thursdays 5:30pm-7:30pm

YMCA Newcomer Services

YMCA Newcomer Services, Free Online Settlement
Services for Newcomers in Canada. Our services gives immigrants all the help and support
they need to begin their new lives in Canada. We are now providing online and in-person service. If you require assistance, please call Susana Petrov at 705-797-2020 x23. www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka. ca/immigrant-services/
YMCA Newcomer Services Lakeshore Branch, Thursdays: by appointment.

English Conversation Circle

Do you want to improve your English language skills in a fun and supportive environment? Look no further than our English conversation circle!Led by the YMCA Newcomers Services, our circle provides a welcoming and inclusive space for learners of all levels to practice their language skills and build confidence in their abilities. And the best part? Our conversation circle is completely free! Drop in – no registration required.

Lakeshore Branch, Saturdays: 1pm-2pm

Innisfil Pride

• All about the inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQIA+
• Great ways to connect through social media and events where everyone can be themselves

Fierte Simcoe Pride

• Safe and inclusive communities within Simcoe County that support and unite people of all genders, sexes and sexual identities
• Monthly Social Events 
• Events and Activities that celebrate or acknowledge key dates for people of diverse sexes, gender and sexual identities
• Fierté Simcoe Pride Festival

The Gilbert Centre

• The Gilbert Centre runs a program called, QT Youth Connection which is a drop-in and social space for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-24 
• Provides social and support services to empower, promote health, and the individuals and families from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) communities of Simcoe Muskoka
• They are a place for youth to connect with each other and to community. They also hold special events such as tea parties, picnics, cooking classes, movie nights, education presentations, guest speakers, and more

PFLAG Barrie

pflag Canada is a national charitable organization created by the parents of 2SLGBTQ+ people looking for help supporting their loved one. pflag Canada works with 2SLGBTQ+ communities including families, friends, allies and loved ones, to provide peer support, education, and advocacy. You can find the Barrie Simcoe chapter on Facebook.

Call: 1-888-530-6777 ext 565

Email: barrieon@pflagcanada.ca

LGBT Youthline

• A toll-free Ontario-wide peer-support phone line for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual 2-spirited, queer and questioning young people
• The LGBTQ line offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through their telephone, text and chat services.
• It also provides online peer support through the online forum and email response

Connex Ontario – Online Searching Database

• Allows you to search for addiction treatment in Ontario by type of service, location, targeted population, and targeted gender.

Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres

• Methadone and Suboxone treatment for those experiencing opioid addiction

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre – Residential Withdrawal Management

• Detox centre for those 16+ to safely withdrawal from substances

Childcare Fee Subsidy – delivered by the County of Simcoe

• Financial support for childcare for low-income families

Early ON Child and Family Centres

• Drop-in centres for play/social engagement
• Registered programs for specific age groups with activities designed to engage and encourage learning and encourage the development of motor skills
• A variety of parenting programs including nutrition, raising resilient children, discipline, etc.
• Developmental assessment and referral to appropriate services

Kinark Child and Family Services

• Provides community-based individual, group, and family counseling
• Works with Ontario Autism Program to provide services for youth with autism
• Works with youth experiencing mental health issues in the criminal justice system
• Provides childcare services

New Path Youth and Family Services

• Provides a variety of mental health services to youth: walk-in clinics, group counseling, outreach for teens, etc. They also work alongside schools to provide services.

RVH  Children Development Services

• Locations in: Bradford West Gwillimbury, Barrie, Alliston and more
• Support and programs for children who may be experiencing issues that will affect their development:
  • Preschool speech and language
  • Occupational therapy
  • Infant hearing
  • Blind low vision
  • Feeding clinic
  • Neonatal follow-up clinic

Seasons Centre for Grieving Children

• Programs for children and teens who have experience the loss of a loved one or who have a loved one with a terminal illness
• Programs for parents who have lost a child
• Programs for parents who have lost spouse/life partner and are raising a child under 18

Download a clothing resource guide here.

Agilec

• Provides assistance and training for career changes, returning to work, working with a disability, and searching for a job in general

CONTACT Community Services

• Assists with job training and searching

Ontario Works – Delivered by the County of Simcoe

• Financial and employment assistance
• Financial assistance includes:
  • Support for those caring for a minor child to whom they are not related
  • Vision, dental, and other benefits
• Immediate financial assistance is available for those with immediate needs

The Barrie Food Bank is currently offering prepackaged grocery hampers, they are location at 42 Anne Street South, Unit 2, Barrie (behind Pioneer Pools)

Food Service Hours:
Monday and Friday 1:00 to 4:30pm
Wednesday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday 1:00  to 7:00pm

Barrie’s Little Food Pantry

Burton Street United Church, 37 Burton Ave. Barrie
Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier Street, Barrie
Grace United Church, 350 Grove Street East Barrie
St. Margaret’s of Scotland Anglican Church, 161 Hamner St. West
Trinity Anglican Church, 24 Collier Street, Barrie
Westside Evangelical Lutheran Church, 510 Ferndale Dr. North

Innisfil Food Bank

Looking for assistance from the Innisfil Food Bank? Just give us a call at 705-436-1611 and we’ll arrange for you to pick up a food box on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 AM-3 PM. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your pick-up time.

www.innisfilchurch.com/food-bank

Troy Scott Community Fridges

There are three Troy Scott Community Fridges across Innisfil.

Located inside during the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library Lakeshore Branch – available during operating hours.

Located outside the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library Cookstown Branch – available 24/7

Located outside the Innisfil Recreation Complex – available 24/7

Additional food resources are available here.

Affordable Housing Support – Delivered by the County of Simcoe

• Rent supplement or housing allowance
• Funds to help with home repairs
• Funds to aid in constructing a second suite in order to create more affordable housing in the County

Belinda’s Place

• Emergency shelter, transitional housing, drop-in services, and aftercare for women, located in Newmarket

Blue Door Shelters

• Three separate shelters for families, males (27+), and male youth (under 27) in Newmarket
• Assists with searching for housing and connecting with landlords.
• Provides counseling and case management

Busby Centre

• Operates the Emergency Shelter Program, including intake for all locations. Their Outreach Van can be called to meet people living on the street to offer assistance, and they provide assistance with housing. 

Domicialiary Care Assistance – Delivered by the County of Simcoe

• Residential care housing for low income, vulnerable seniors and those with special needs

Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County – Joyce Kope House

• Shelter for women coming from the legal system, mental health system, homelessness, etc.

Emergency Shelters in Simcoe County

• Short-term overnight shelter for those who are homeless

Housing Retention Program – Delivered by the County of Simcoe

• Financial support for those at risk of losing their housing or electricity because they are in arrears

My Sister’s Place

• My Sister’s Place is a not-for-profit organization that provides residential and outreach services for Women and their Children living with the consequences of violence and abuse.

Salvation Army – Barrie Bayside Mission Centre

• Shelter for adult men (21+), including services such as food, laundry, showers, and computers
• Collaborates with Barrie Housing Support Services to help find more stable housing

S.H.I.F.T Support and Hope for Individuals and Families Today

• Safe, respectful, and welcoming overnight accommodations are provided along with meals and supports to those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity in South Simcoe. 

Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie

• Shelter for women and their children, with each family receiving their own room to sleep in, as well as shared spaces
• Collaborates with the Safe Pet Program for those who want to take their pets with them
• Also offers transitional housing, legal assistance, support groups, and a crisis telephone line
• Good resource for women planning to leave abusive situations.

Youth Haven

• Emergency shelter for youth ages 16-24, as well as transitional housing
• Option to speak to a youth worker if needed
• Provides necessary items such as clothing, toothbrush, and toothpaste, etc.
• Provides drop-in health care clinic once per week for homeless youth

Canadian Mental Health Association – York and South Simcoe

• Provides a variety of mental health services to youth and adults in-person and over the phone
  • Assertive Community Treatment Teams provide comprehensive and community-based support
  • Bounce Back provides support for depression/anxiety over the phone by working through exercises meant to address specific issues
  • Mental Health and Justice programs supporting those with mental illness in the criminal justice system
  • Many other programs

CMHA York and South Simcoe-Youth Services

• Choices Program: 10-week program for teens to encourage positive decision-making.
• MOBYSS: Mobile walk-in clinic so youth can access care in different areas of the community; includes nursing assessments, counseling, pregnancy/STI testing, etc.
• Youth Wellness Program: Provides individual and group counseling, as well as psychoeducational groups for youth.