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If your life is in danger, please call 911 right away or go to your nearest emergency department.
Emergency Supports
Available in many different languages.
1-866-863-0511
Confidential Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages. All calls are confidential and answered by highly trained Hotline Response Advocates.
1-833-900-1010
24/7 crisis phone counselling
1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247)
St. Mary's General Hospital - Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre Emergency and follow-up care. Acute services are also provided at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.
The Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre is a 24/7 on call team of nurses and social workers who respond to the needs of individuals who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.
The team can be accessed through the Emergency Departments at St. Mary’s General Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Confidential treatment options will be offered for those accessing the team.
519-749-6994
24 hour crisis line support for women in need.
Kitchener/Waterloo: 519-742-5894
Cambridge: 519-653-2422
Shelters
Anselma House -
Shelter for abused women with or without children.
700 Heritage Drive, Kitchener
519-742-5894
Haven House -
Shelter for abused women with or without children.
10 Acorn Way, Cambridge
519-653-2289
60-bed shelter for families and women who are homeless aged 16 and over. Located at 84 Fredrick St. in downtown Kitchener.
519-744-0120
Counselling/Mental Health Services
Various services and supports with locations across the KW region.
The Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region–CCWR–is a unique partnership between five non-profit, community mental health agencies within Waterloo Region. Call the Central Intake line at 519-804-1097 or any of the Counselling Collaborative Agencies to speak with an Intake Worker who will work with you to determine the right program or service
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (the newly unified agency of Carizon, KW Counselling Services and Monica Place).
Interfaith Community Counselling Center in New Hamburg 519-662-3092
Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services in Cambridge 519-621-5090
Shalom Counselling Services in Waterloo 519-886-9690
Woolwich Counselling Center in Elmira 519-669-8651
Camino Offices in Kitchener - 400 Queen St S. 519-743-6333
- 480 Charles St E. 519-884-0000
Here 24/7 -
24/7 crisis phone counselling
1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247)
24/7 support line for anyone who has experienced sexual violence.
519-741-8633
Offers 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario.
1-855-554-HEAL
Supports all parents who experience perinatal mental health struggles during their perinatal journey through peer support groups and expressive arts therapy groups.
Education Supports
Assistance with tuition and books for those who qualify funded by the Province of Ontario.
This program, offered through Conestoga College, is for adults 19 or older who want to complete their high school education.
Tutoring Program throughout KW
A 12-week introduction to humanities course offered by Renison University College in partnership with The Working Centre. The course is designed for people who have encountered financial and other barriers to university education and who wish to expand their intellectual horizons. There is no financial cost for program participants.
Various programs & academic support.
Kitchener
Financial Support
You may qualify if you live in Ontario (not a visitor or tourist), are in a crisis or emergency, and do not have enough money for things like food and housing. For example, a crisis or emergency includes situations where you:
are being evicted from your home
are in or are leaving an abusive relationship
are worried about your safety
You are not eligible if you are getting assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program and the Region of Waterloo's Child Care Subsidy program helps parents pay for care so that they can go to work or school knowing their children are well cared for.
If you're living on low income and have children 17 years of age and younger, you can access support from the Family Outreach Program
519-742-8327
If eligible, you may receive money to help you and your eligible family members with living expenses, including food, and rent; health benefits, including prescription drugs and vision care, and employment support to help you find and keep a job or advance your career.
Money to help you and your eligible family members with living expenses, including food, and rent. Ontario Works provides some benefits for health and other costs, depending on your circumstances.
The Region of Waterloo and its partners offer a range of programs and services to help.
519-575-4400
Income support if you are out of work or are only working part time
Help with utilities or help with rent to maintain housing stability
Help paying for child care
A discounted GRT bus pass
Access to affordable food
Tax Clinic
For a full list of services and programs, please use link here.
• Social Insurance Number - To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, you need a 9-digit number known as a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
1-800-206-7218
Food
Eight hampers/family/year, bread anytime. Must live in Cambridge or North Dumfries. Bring your own bags and proof of income, address and ID.
Cambridge
519-622-6550
One hamper/month. Baby food, diapers and personal hygiene items are also distributed when available.
Kitchener
519-742-8327
Located at 659 King St E. #230
Mon-Thurs.
Kitchener
One hamper/person/week for youth ages 12-25
Kitchener
519-742-2788
Come together to help prepare and enjoy a meal together and access a variety of other supports and services. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Kitchener
519-745-8928
50 Alpine Ct. in Kitchener
Hot meal service daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner & takeout available Mon-Fri. Lunch available Saturdays, and dinner on Sundays).
Located in Kitchener at 659 King St E. #230
519-578-8018
One hamper/family/month. Emergency one day hampers available Wed., & Fri. For Wilmot and Town of Wellesley residents
New Hamburg
519-662-2731
One hamper/family/month
Elmira
519-669-5139
Health Care Services
For pregnant women with OHIP coverage but no family doctor.
519-749-4300 x3580
Childbirth program including ambulatory clinics:
Labour and delivery
Well baby clinic
Early pregnancy Assessment Unit
Weekly program for pregnant women. Located in Cambridge. No cost. (Look for future events).
519-743-6333
We seek to provide access to therapy & medical services (mental, emotional & physical) for abused children, foster & adoptive families and at-risk mothers in the Kitchener/Waterloo region.
One to one breastfeeding assessment and advice with a Public Health Nurse. No cost. For infants of any age. Offers referrals to community supports. Call to book an appointment.
519 575-4400
Information on: pregnancy testing and counselling, birth control for age 24 and under, testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV
519-883-2314
No Cost. For those 24 years of age and under.
Call Monica Place at 519-743-0291 to register.
Offers inclusive sexual and reproductive health services that uphold the dignity of everyone. Includes
Pregnancy Tests
Free prenatal vitamins
Birth control consults
Options Counselling
Post counselling services covering abortion; adoption; after birth; placing a child for adoption
Education
Support Groups & programming
Supports all parents who experience perinatal mental health struggles during their perinatal journey through peer support groups and expressive arts therapy groups.
Provides medical care for people who are sick and do not have a family doctor or are unable to reach their family doctor. Generally, appointments are not needed. Call before you go to confirm the clinic's location, hours and criteria for visiting.
If you have a severe injury or potentially life-threatening problem, you should always go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room. In an emergency, call 911.
Housing & Other Supports
Supportive Housing is permanent housing for single adults
519-742-8327 ext. 428 or email supportivehousing@houseoffriendship.org
Housing Services - help individuals, couples and families access safe, sustainable housing in Waterloo Region.
519-749-2450
Marillac Place provides a safe home for women ages of sixteen and up who are pregnant, who have a child in their care, or who are attempting to regain care of their child.
For pregnant and parenting youth. Offers a residential program and a community-based program.
Access to showers, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, health services, hot meals and more.
Kitchener - 659 King St E. #230
519-578-8018
Providing affordable housing
Recovery-oriented, community-integrated agency that focuses on improved quality of life and enhanced independence for people experiencing mental health issues by providing access to affordable housing and flexible, individualized support.
24/7 support phone line for women experiencing abuse and her children
KW: 519-742-5894
Cambridge: 519-653-2422
Emergency shelters
Anselma House 700 Heritage Drive, Kitchener
Haven House 10 Acorn Way, Cambridge
Legal Assistance
Offers a neutral, supervised place for parents to visit with their children or to drop-off and pick-up children for access exchanges.
519-743-1460 ext 1298
Offers free assistance and information for families new to the system or who do not have a lawyer. Assists with separation, divorce, family law issues, family justice services, alternative dispute resolution, and court processes.
Collects, distributes, and enforces court-ordered child and spousal support payments.
1-800-267-7263
Provides low-income people access to a range of legal services tailored to meet their legal needs
Call toll free at: 1-800-668-8258
Parenting Resources
Carizon (now Camino) -
Growing Healthy Two-gether, through Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) provides:
Healthy snacks
Food vouchers and bus tickets
Prenatal vitamins
Infant vitamin D drops for breastfed infants
Education and support from health care professionals (Public Health Nurse, Registered Dietitian)
Breastfeeding support
Assistance with baby items
Kitchener. Call for appointment.
519-745-9461
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals.
Find a Centre/program near you: https://earlyyearsinfo.ca/find-a-drop-in/
Champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community. Offers respite, in-home and community care supports.
FACS works with many community partners to put supports in place to help families get the help they need to care safely for their children at home.
Grand River Hospital -
Ask for Obstetrical Social Worker
519-749-4300 x2267
At-Risk Comprehensive program identifies barriers and provides resources and immediate supports to low income and struggling mamas, papas and caregivers to access basic needs to provide a healthy and safe living environment for their children
Connect with other parents, learn new skills and ideas, and find support through local services and resources.
Offers family coaching and links to other services. Can self refer.
519-575-4400 ext. 5002 or email bholmes@regionofwaterloo.ca
Healthy Babies Healthy Children. In home parenting support. To make a referral to the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program, call or email fhia@regionofwaterloo.ca
519-575-4400 ext. 5170
Is a single access point for children up to 12 years who are currently attending or seeking to enroll in a licensed child care program in Waterloo Region. SNAP accepts referrals from child care programs, parents, and community agencies.
519-514-7627
Supporting families who are transitioning children back home, families experiencing addictions, mental health crisis and domestic violence among other difficult, overwhelming situations. Receiving referrals from local FACS, shelters, hospitals, public health and other community organizations, we work closely alongside them, to surround and strengthen isolated and overwhelmed families in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding area, with the extended family-like relationships which many families do not have.
Learn about funding to help with costs related to respite, personal growth and development for your child with physical and/or developmental disabilities.
Offered at Shore Centre. Contact theresa@shorecentre.ca for assistance with registration.
Provides women who are contemplating pregnancy, are pregnant or are now new mothers, keep up-to-date on the latest medical information; healthy pregnancies lead to healthy children and healthy adults.
Provides practical resources and support for anyone who is pregnant or parenting in crisis
Pregnancy Tests
Options Counselling
Crisis Support
Community Education
Support Groups & programming
Free Care Closet (clothing, equipment, diapers, formula & other supplies)
519-886-4001
Text: 226-242-5196
info@pregancycentre.ca
Supports all parents who experience perinatal mental health struggles during their perinatal journey through peer support groups and expressive arts therapy groups.
Resource for families with special needs in Waterloo region offering personal guidance and lifelong support.
Assistance with baby items
New Hamburg
519-662-2731
Preparing for Parenthood. Free program offers information about having a healthy pregnancy and becoming a parent.
Substance Use
Daily meetings throughout KW. Use link to find closest meeting.
Self-help app/website for setting your own goals and tracking your own progress. It is a helpful if you are on a waiting list, needing a safety plan, or in need of tracking progress towards your goals.
Carizon -
Various Services and Support
Biblically based recovery program that addresses our Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits. Meetings throughout KW.
Database for private and publicly funded mental health and addiction treatment options in Ontario.
1-866-531-2600
Non-medical supervised residential withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.
519-749-4318 - available 24/7
Many locations throughout KW. Use link to find nearest location.
519-575-4400
Addiction treatment programs and support.
519-957-5001
Confidential meetings throughout KW. For a schedule of meetings visit this link: https://nameetinglist.org/ontario-region-golden-triangle-area/?current-meeting-list=1
Email at: info@gtascna.org
Call toll free at: 1-888-811-3887
Confidential counselling services - one on one and group therapy sessions.
Full service addictions support (assessment, treatment planning, referrals, aftercare and relapse prevention, community and justice service coordination, men and women recovery homes, referrals for family support, referrals for residential/day/community programming)
519-621-5090
Community and Day Treatment programs.
519-743-2311
Technology Supports
Provides a free voice message box that can be helpful for people who do not have their own phone, or who are experiencing times of transition. Other resources available for people who are living on a limited income, and seeking to build skills and experience with various tech.
Work Supports
Employment Services - free service helping individuals find and maintain their jobs.
Employment Services Program provides education, counselling, practical life skills and on-the-job training necessary to be resilient in the workplace for those ages 20-29
Job Search Research Program. Gives people access to tools to create their own work combined with continuous ways of learning and co-operating.
If you know of a service to help at-risk mothers in the KW area that is missing on our resource page, we invite you to connect with us at info@lhope.ca to have your organization and service added to our list.
Disclaimer: We do our best to maintain and keep this Resource List up to date. This list was last updated on July 5, 2023.
community resource links
at risk mothers
vulnerable
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