Chatham-Kent Organizations for Assistance
If you would like to know more about these organizations click on the links below to visit the website, where included.
Addiction Assistance Service 1-800-721-3232 www.westover-fdn.org
Description: A 24 hour toll-free line to help those persons who are in need of assistance with their own addiction or to help those persons who have been affected by the addictions of others. All calls are answered by professionally trained staff who can answer questions and guide the caller to the right service provider.
Criteria: Individuals with alcohol or drug problems and affected family members and friends.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Adult Language & Learning 519-354-7424
Description: Adult Basic Education Program - interviews and assesses
prospective learners for literacy levels and needs, establishes
individual learning goals and matches learners for referral to
appropiate program.
English As A Second Language - group settings
Language Instruction - to newcomers to Canada (less than three years)
with landed immigration status.
Citizenship Classes - program to increase awareness of requirements to
obtain Canadian Citizenship. Offered as needed.
Literacy Basic Skills Levels 1 to 5 - teaches reading, writing,
arithmetic, and basic computer skills to credit level.
ABE One-on-One Tutoring - for all literacy levels.
Criteria: Self referral, Adults only. An appointment for an assessment is required.
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Adult Learning Centre 519-351-9540
Description: To provide an opportunity for independent students and adults to upgrade their academic credentials and complete their Secondary School Diploma
Criteria: 1. Self referral or referrals from Social Services, Family or Human Resource Centre 2. For adults over the age of 18. For special circumstances, a student under 18 years of age may be considered. 3. If the adult has previously attended secondary school, a transcript must be provided at the time of registration.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent: Supported self-study programs offered in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
AIDS Information Line 1-800-265-4858 www.aidswindsor.org
Description: A phone line which provides information about HIV and AIDS.
Criteria: Self referral
Catchment Areas: Windsor/Essex county
Alanon/Alateen (answering service) 519-352-2006 www.alateen.on.ca
Description: Offers a free self-help, recovery program for the relatives and friends of alcoholics who feel that their lives have been affected by another's drinking.
Criteria: Drop-in, self referral.
Alateen - for individuals 10 years of age or older.
Catchment Areas: Weekly meetings in Chatham-Kent
Alcoholics Anonymous 1-866-242-8811 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org Crisis Phone 519-351-9821
Description:Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Provides on-call counselling for support.
Criteria: No age limit. Drop-in, self referral
Catchment Areas: Weekly meetings in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, Moraviantown, Ridgetown, Thamesville, Tilbury, Wallaceburg and Walpole Island.
Assistive Devices Program (A.D.P.) 1-800-268-6021 www.health.gov.on.ca/english/pblic/program/adp
Description: Pays for a portion of the cost of equipment and supplies that are prescribed by a doctor, therapist or audiologist. This may include coverage towards the purchase of wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids, communication devices, etc.
Criteria: Must have a Health Card Number and complete an application. Equipment or supplies must be prescribed by a doctor, therapist or audiologist.
Catchment Areas: Ontario
Autism Ontario Chatham-Kent Chapter 519-352-7827 www.autismontario.com
Description: Early intervention is key to help families with a child/children with an autism spectrum disorder. Provides an emotional support group for parents, education, speciality programs, summer programs for children, lending library, information tapes and presentations.
Criteria: Helps children with an autism spectrum disorder of all ages. Provides support for the families of these children.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Bibles for Missions Thrift Store 519-351-3817
Description: Sells used infant, children and adult clothing, baby supplies and furniture, appliances, etc. at a reasonable price.
Criteria: Everyone welcome
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Big Sisters 519-351-1582 www.chathamkentbigsisters.com
Description: A second hand clothing store called Thrifty Threads, located on the premises, sells women's and children's clothing at affordable prices. Young girls having difficulties are matched with mature females who will be special friends and mentors. The program runs group activities for members.
Criteria: Referred by parent or other agencies. Waiting list, priority given to girls most in need. Age 6-16.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Blenheim Baptist Church Food Bank 519-676-3886
Description: Provides confidential emergency food assistance once a month or as needed. Pregnant women or families with children can also get milk vouchers, baby food, formula or diapers.
Criteria: Drop-in; must show ID, proof of income and bills for the month.
Catchment Areas: Blenheim, Erieau, Erie Beach, Charing Cross, and Shewsbury.
Breastfeeding Connection 519-352-7270 www.chatham-kent.ca/health
Description: A one-to-one support program for breastfeeding mothers during the first three months after birth. Volunteer women who have breastfed successfully provide regular phone contact to new breastfeeding moms. This service is an initiative of the Community Breastfeeding Support Group.
Criteria: For women who plan to breastfeed. Registration prenatally is preferred.
Catchment Areas:Chatham-Kent
Building Healthy Babies in Chatham-Kent 519-352-7270 www.chatham-kent.ca/health
Description: A prenatal nutrition and support program including cooking, prenatal and baby care information. The goal is to help women have a baby over 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Coupons are given for free milk, food and vitamins.
Criteria: Drop-in, self-referral. Participants must be pregnant.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent with group programs offered in: Chatham weekly Wallaceburg, Ridgetown, Blenheim, Bothwell, and Tilbury bi-monthly - call for information for the Mennonite Program
Caldwell Counselling Centre 519-355-0282
Description: Individual, Couples & Family Behavioural Assessment & Therapy.
K.Todd Caldwell M.A. Psychological Associate & Dr. F.J. Barrera Registered Psychologist
Extensive psychotherapy and counselling services for individual difficulties and problem behaviours for children (over 6 years old), adolescents and adults. Tailored assessments and comprehensive treatment designs for couples, which take into account the uniqueness of each individual. Family services including familial counselling, parent training, and conflict resolution in difficult or dysfunctional parent-child interpersonal relations. A wide diversity of psychoeducational, behavioural, cognitive, emotional and psychological assessments (children 6 - 16 and adults).
Criteria: private clients, self-referred and referrals from mental health organizations and agencies, physicians, government assisted mental health programs and for EAP coordinators helping employees find assistance.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Canadian Hearing Society 519-354-9347 Bell Relay Service TDD - 1-800-267-6511 www.chs.ca
Description: Concerned with meeting the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing people through increasing awareness of the causes and effects, as well as, measures to decrease the risk of hearing loss. Provides Ontario Interpreter Services (includes sign language), sells batteries and orders listening devices from a catalogue based on an assessment. A hearing care counsellor is available for free, to counsel those suffering from hearing loss who are 55 years or older.
Criteria: Drop-in service for the deaf and hard of hearing. Self or agency referral for counselling.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA) 519-436-6100 www.cmhakent.com
Description: Dedicated to providing people of this Municipality the opportunity to enhance their mental health and live to their fullest potential through direct service, education and advocacy.
Mental Health Services Program - provides a range of case management services to adults aged sixteen and over who are experiencing difficulties with serious mental illness throughout the Municipality. Services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, and are provided by a 24 hour mobile team. Group Homes and a Homelessness Initiative are part of the Mental Health Service program.
Promotion and Education Program - strives to increase community understanding of mental health issues and to promote healthier lifestyles. Presentations and workshops are available for any audience on a wide range of mental health topics including: stress management, communication, self-esteem, and suicide prevention. Public forums are held several times a year and are open to everyone. Pamphlets, books, videos and information packages are available. A weekly column in Chatham Daily News Healthy Living page is written by P.E.P. staff. Fees are charged for workshops and presentations. Bereavement Program - provides support and education to the bereaved of Chatham-Kent and offers grief education and awareness to the community and workplace. Bereavement Support Groups: Widows and Widowers, Bereaved Parents, Adult Grievers, Survivors of Suicide.
Criteria: Self referral
Catchment Areas:Chatham-Kent
Canadian Red Cross 519-352-2510 www.redcross.ca
Description: Provides sick room equipment, loan service to patients recuperating in their homes and homemaker services. Also involved with disaster service, water safety, first aid courses and the child safe program (newborn safety).
Criteria: Self, or community referrals accepted.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham Block Parents Program 519-436-5199 www.blockparent.on.ca
Description: Provides safe homes for members of the community, especially children in times of distress. The program also educates children about safety on the streets, safety within the home, latchkey children and street proofing. Mandate is to work towards safer communities.
Criteria: all Block Parents must have a Police check every 2 years
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Chatham Goodfellows 519-354-1146
Description: Main goal is to provide a Christmas to families in need. Members and volunteers collect and distribute food and toys at Christmas.
Criteria: Self referral, friend, etc. Provide Christmas gifts to children up to the age of 12. Food provided to families with children.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Addiction Program 519-436-2599
Description: Provides confidential addictions assessment, support, monitoring, counselling and outpatient treatment, and referral to residential treatment. Supportive and educational services for parents whose children abuse substances are also available.
Criteria: Self or agency referral. For adults and youth of all ages with substance abuse or gambling problems.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent Satellite offices located at most high schools.
Chatham-Kent Children’s Service 519-352-0440 www.ckics.com
Description: A multi service agency whose mission it is to provide client-centered prevention, intervention and protection services that meet the emotional, social, developmental, physical and psychological needs of children, youth and their families in Chatham-Kent. A single point of access allows for a more efficient and streamlined approach to service provision.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) 519-436-2222 www.ccac-ont.ca
Description: The Children/Youth Program - is delivered in the home, school or day care. Professional services such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology may be provided, as well as, in home support for children who meet the eligibility criteria.
Criteria: Information and assessment from a Case Manager is provided with self, physician or school referral. The child must have a valid health insurance number with appropriate accommodation and caregiver support. The service required should not be available from another agency or if available from another source the amount delivered is not sufficient to meet the child's requirements.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Consumer and Family Network 519-351-3100 www.ckcfn.com
Description: A self help support group for consumer/survivors, that is anyone who is now, or ever has, used Mental Health Services. We offer peer support and advocacy, as well as, activities to promote socialization and recreation, such as bingo, dances, pot-luck dinners, etc.
Criteria: Self referral. Must be a consumer/survivor 16 years of age or over. Will be asked to sign a confidentiality form and pay membership dues upon first visit.
Catchment Areas: All of Chatham-Kent with offices in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Public General Campus 519-352-6400 www.ckha.on.ca - Parents Information Line 519-351-6144 - Mental Health Clinic Fax: 519-436-2536
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Sydenham Campus 519-627-1461
Chatham-Kent Hunger Coalition - Chatham-Kent Public Health Division 519-352-7270
Description: The Hunger Coalition is a non-profit group of community members dedicated to forming a resource network across Chatham-Kent for the purpose of increasing people's accessibility to nutritious foods and to support sustainability for any food security initiatives.
Community Gardens - allows individuals who lack access, the opportunity to grow their own fresh vegetables on donated land.
Community Kitchens/Cooking Clubs - involves a small group, usually 3-6
people who get together usually once a month, to cook foods for
themselves and their families. Prior to the cooking session a planning
meeting is held to decide what foods to cook and to prepare a grocery
list. Usually the groups prepare five different meals. The cost of the
food is averaged to be about $1.00 per person per meal. These groups
provide a supportive environment for learning and information exchange.
Community Nutrition Program for Kids/Student Breakfast/Snack Programs -
has been designed to feed and educate children about healthy food
choices and to assist with food security issues facing children in the
community. It focuses on establishing nutrition programs in schools
and community.
Criteria: For individuals who would benefit from increased accessibility to nutritious foods.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Legal Clinic 519-351-6771 www.cklc.ca
Description: To provide legal assistance to low income residents in particular areas of law. Summary legal advice, representation of individuals and groups in court and before tribunals with regards to problems in the following areas: Ontario Works (welfare), Ontario Disability Support (provincial disability benefit), Canada Pension Plan, landlords and tenants, Employment Insurance (EI), and criminal injuries compensation. May refer cases to the Human Rights Tribunal. Will prepare wills and set up powers of attorney. The clinic does not help with criminal or family law matters.
Criteria: Self referral. Must have financial limitations. Recipients of Social Services automatically qualify.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Maycourt Day Nursery - North and Wallaceburg 519-352-6554 - North; 519-627-1605 - Wallaceburg
Description: Systematic Training and Effective Parenting (S.T.E.P.) Program - for parents of infants, toddlers, and school-aged children. Parents can sign out cassettes re: S.T.E.P. Program.
Criteria: Children must attend Maycourt Day Nursery.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Parents of Multiple Births Association (C-K POMBA) 519-351-5026
Description: A non-profit organization wishing to be an informative centre, sharing ideas and experiences with parents and expecting parents of multiples.
Criteria: Parents who are expecting or have multiple births.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Public Health Division 519-352-7270
Description: Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program - a voluntary
program which emphasizes prevention and early intervention, builds on
the strengths of family and improves outcomes for children and
families. The program is for expectant parents and families with
children 0-6 years of age. Those in need, as determined by an
assessment, will be linked to appropriate supports and services in the
community which may include in-home visiting. The program is provided
in cooperation with the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children's Service and
Mennonite Central Committee.
Preconception Education - information on planning for a healthy
pregnancy and individual prenatal counselling is available from a
Public Health Nurse and Public Health Dietitian.
Let's Grow a Healthy Baby - a prenatal book for expectant parents
living in Chatham-Kent. Prenatal Education Fairs - Four educational
fairs are offered each year. Classes on Labour & Delivery and
Breastfeeding occur during the evening. Numerous interactive displays.
Topics include nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, fetal development,
baby care, infant feeding and community supports. Call as soon as
pregnancy is confirmed for dates and times.
Young Mom's Prenatal Classes - a series of seven prenatal classes
geared to young moms. Topics include nutrition, healthy lifestyle
choices, fetal development, baby care, infant feeding, labour and
delivery and community supports.
Postnatal Breastfeeding and Parenting Information - offers new baby
information packages, phone and home visits, breastfeeding advice and
support, parenting education and telephone counselling. Manual breast
pumps are loaned for a two month period to mothers in need.
Postnatal Baby Clinic - provides an informal question and answer period
providing
information, encouragement and support for bottle and breastfeeding
families. Can also get baby weighed. A Public Health Nurse and hospital
lactation consultant are available for consultation.
As Parent and Baby Grow - provides information, support and
encouragement to parents of infants 0-6 months. It promotes
parent-to-parent support and provides a short presentation on a
specific topic given by a nurse. Hospital and Public Health Nurses are
present to discuss concerns of parents. A scale is available to weigh
babies. Weekly sessions. Nobody's Perfect - a program geared to parents
who need information and support to make raising pre-schoolers, aged
0-5, easier. Includes a free set of five, low literacy books addressing
parenting issues. Nutrition Programs & Services Healthy
Weights/Eating - a self-referral, group education program (focuses on
balanced eating) based on Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Advice
on a non-dieting approach to healthy weights, nutrition and disease
prevention is also available.
Supermarket Nutrition Tours - designed to educate consumers about label
reading, cholesterol, fibre and fat - helping participants to make
healthier food choices.
Vaccine Preventable Program - administration of publicly funded
vaccines in schools and at the Public Health Division during
Immunization Clinics.
Sexual Health Program - provides confidential birth control services,
sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, free pregnancy testing
with counselling, sexuality information ( including how to talk with
your children about sexuality issues), sexual decision making
counselling, emergency pill contraception, low cost access to
contraception and physician attended clinics. Clients are
self-referred. The clinic is mandated to provide service up to 24
years. STI clients are any age - male or female. Phone for an
appointment. Sexual Health Clinics are held at the Chatham-Kent Public
Health and Community Medical Centre in Wallaceburg .
Aids /Sexually Transmitted Infection Program - provides educational
sessions, confidential counselling and access to clinic services for
STI/HIV/Hep C testing, treatment and referral.
Services For the Mennonite Population - in Low German, a Public Health
Nurse offers prenatal and new baby home visits, Building Healthy Babies
in Chatham-Kent, ensures up-to-date immunization history and refers
clients to community resources. Members of the Mennonite population in
Chatham-Kent are eligible for these services.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Public Library 519-354-7352 www.chatham-kent.ca/community+srvices/library/Library.htm
Description: Resources available for borrowing include: books, CD's,
videos and DVDs, books on tape and CD, and picture & pamphlet files.
Parent-Child Mother Goose - designed for parents/caregivers and
children aged 0-2 years
Tales for 2's - designed for parents/caregivers and children aged 2
Preschool Family Storytime - designed for parents/caregivers (optional)
and children aged 3-4 years
Seasonal programs for all ages include March Break programs and Summer
Reading Clubs.
Criteria: Registration is required for most programs. Telephone inquiries welcome.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent - includes libraries in Chatham, Bothwell, Highgate, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Dresden, Merlin, Thamesville ,Tilbury and Library deposits at Erieau and Moraviantown.
Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre 519-354-8908 - support services for women; 519-354-8688 - 24 hour crisis line
Description: Provides confidential support, assistance and advocacy
for women 16 years of age or older who have experienced the impact of
sexual assault/abuse/harassment.
Crisis Intervention - 24 hour crisis line 354-8688 accompaniment to the
Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Program located at the
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Support Counselling - short or long term
Assistance and Advocacy - as required
Information and Referral - as required
Awareness and Prevention - lending library community displays
presentations,etc. Note : The Awareness & Prevention program is
available to everyone from pre-school to senior age.
Criteria: Services are provided for women 16 years of age and older, who have experienced the impact of sexual assault/abuse/harrassement at any time in their lives. The Awareness & Prevention Program is available to everyone of all ages.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Social & Children’s Services - L.E.A.P., Ontario Works, Subsidized Childcare 519-351-8573
Description: The Learning component encourages parents ages 16-21 to complete high school, as a first step to achieving economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their children. The Earning component provides the participant employment supported activities to develop employment skills and become job-ready. The Parenting component is intended to promote children's growth and development by supporting parents to become effective caregivers and educators. Parenting activities will support the acquisition of knowledge and skills in a variety of subject areas. LEAP participants who achieve their Grade 12 diploma and complete 35 hours of parenting activities can receive a $500 "LEAP Incentive" which they can use for their own or their child's post-secondary education. Financial supports are available to clients while in the LEAP program to assist them in reaching their goals including funds for school supplies, transportation and child care expenses.
Criteria: Clients must be eligible for Ontario Works assistance and be under 21 years of age. Participants may be referred through their caseworker, community or self. Young parents aged 16 & 17 receiving Ontario Works assistance are required to participate in LEAP and those who are 18-21 may participate voluntarily.
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre Inc. 519-354-6360 - Chatham-Kent; 519-627-3397 - Wallaceburg 1-800-265-0598 www.ckwc.org
Description: A non-profit, charitable organization providing
emergency shelter and support services to abused women.
Counselling - to empower women to regain control of their lives.
Provides intervention for child witnesses of domestic violence.
Provision of Basic Needs - food, shelter, clothing, etc. while in
residence.
Advocacy - to provide women with information to heighten their
awareness of their personal and legal rights. Can also provide
accompaniment to court, lawyer, etc.
Referrals - to other agencies as appropriate.
Community Partners - the centre works with community partners
addressing the specific needs of women and children who experience
abuse.
Criteria: Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, or verbal the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre is as close as the telephone. The many services of the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre Inc. are available, in confidence and at no charge. Women do not have to live at the shelter to obtain help as Outreach Services are available for community women and children needing assistance.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent with offices located in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Chatham-Kent Youth Employment Centre 519-380-8865 - Chatham; 519-627-3397 - Wallaceburg c/o Community Outreach Centre
Description: The Job Connect Program - assists individuals to gain the skills and knowledge they need to find and secure employment. Three primary components of service include information and referral, employment planning and preparation, and on-the-job training. Workshops available on job search skills, resume writing and subsidized placements.
Criteria: Self or community referral. Youth 16-24 years of age, not attending school or working Full-time, and not eligible for Employment Insurance or Worker's Compensation Insurance.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham Outreach for Hunger 519-351-8381
Description: Receive 5 days emergency food supply every 60 days. Referral to and from social service agencies but not necessary.
Criteria: Drop-in. Must show ID for all family members, receipts for rent and utilities and income statements every time you go. May come in once every sixty days.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Chatham Service Canada Centre 519-380-6800 - Chatham; 519-627-3348 - Wallaceburg www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Community Living - Chatham-Kent 519-352-1174 www.clc-k.ca
Description: A charitable non-profit organization that provides a
variety of services necessary for the successful inclusion of citizens
who are developmentally disabled within their communities. Supports are
available for both the individuals and their families.
Employment Services - helps people obtain and maintain competitive
employment.
Community Supports - provides assistance, as needed, to persons living
in the community independently, with budgeting and shopping.
Volunteer and Community Connections - helps people access other people
or activities in their community.
School to Work Transitions - helps those who are completing school to
obtain employment.
Vocational/Day Programs - provide life skills, pre-employment supports
and day
programs.
Residential Accommodations - provide residential support up to 24
hours/day for people living in apartments and homes throughout the city.
Respite Services - are available to people with an intellectual
disability, living with a
parent or guardian, in the Chatham-Kent area. Prior to the first
Respite stay, the supervisor will meet with the parent/s guardian and
the individual to complete the application and a tour. Documentation
regarding the individual's disability and an annual physical are
required. Doctor orders for the administration of medications are required during stays
at Respite. There are 3 Respite facilities in Chatham: Children's
Respite for ages 1 - 18, Adult Respite for 18 years and over,
Assessment & Training Apartment for adults over 18.
Criteria: Self referral, families with an individual who is developmentally disabled. Must be a client of the program. A waiting list for some programs.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Community Living - Wallaceburg 519-627-0777 www.getintocommunityliving.com
Description: To provide support and services to persons with a developmental disability and their families. Services include employment support, volunteer co-ordination, support to seniors and families, accommodation support (including independent living, family managed respite, advocacy, and community skills/integration activities).
Criteria: Families with an individual who is developmentally disabled. Agency, self and CADS referrals accepted.
Catchment Areas: North Chatham-Kent
Dads Canada Initiative 1-888-DADS-CAN
Description: A phone line that provides fathers and fathers-to-be with information and support.
Criteria: Primarily for fathers and fathers-to-be.
Catchment Areas: No Limit
Dr. Svec Institute of Psychological Services 519-351-5518 www.drsvec.com
Description: Parent Training - Start by downloading Dr. Svec's ebook
at www.drsvec.com Next register for a free information session that
will help you establish a parenting plan to ensure your child's success.
Child Development Consultation - Is your child developing as he/she should'
School Performance Consultation - Is your child struggling in school or
bored with work? A psychological consultation and evaluation can help
determine if the current educational program is right for your child.
Marriage-Relationship Checkup - Complete an assessment and one visit
with our marraige and family therapist to determine the present status
of your relationship and what you can both do to make this better.
Child or Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Assessment - It takes more
than a checklist or five minutes to determine this important diagnosis.
Book a no charge information session now to see how a comprehensive
evaluation will ensure that a correct diagnosis is made. Now available,
Quantitive EEG assessement.
Treating ADHD Without Medication - Neurotherapy is the use of eeg
biofeedback to reduce the symptoms asssociated with ADHD. It has a
success rate of 85% with research demonstrating that the positive
changes are stable 10 years after treatment is completed.
Individual Therapy for Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Couples -
highly trained staff provide treatment for depression, anxiety, grief
reations to loss, marraige difficulty, family problems, school
underachievement, and custody and access issues.
Criteria: All ages, individual, family and couple treatment.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, with offices in Sarnia and London as well
Dresden Community Church Food Bank 519-683-6541
Description: Provides canned and packaged foods, some frozen meat and food vouchers for groceries and formula or diapers if requested.
Criteria: Identification and proof of income is required.
Catchment Areas: Dresden and surrounding area
Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment (DART) 1-800-565-8603
Description: A phone line which provides information about and referral to substance abuse treatment services.
Criteria: Self-referral
Catchment Areas: Ontario
Erie St. Clair Local Heath Integration Network 519-351-8458 www.lhins.on.ca
Easter Seal Society 1-888-535-5623 - Community Coordinator 1-888-278-7797 - Regional Manager www.easterseals.org
Description: Provides a resource centre, summer camp, advocacy, research, funding, financial assistance when needed to purchase prescribed equipment (wheelchairs, braces and communication devices). Parent-to-Parent Link Program links families with similar concerns to provide information and support.
Criteria: Children 0-19 years of age with a physical disability as the primary diagnosis. Self-referral. Requests for financial assistance must be approved before the expense is incurred. Summer camp for children and families.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Emma Street Family Practice & Walk-In Clinic 519-352-1250
Description: Provides walk-in family practice clinic services.
Criteria: Walk-in for families without a family physician.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Family Service Kent 519-354-6221
Description: Provides professional counselling, support and advocacy
for families and individuals experiencing emotional and social
problems. Includes credit counselling, and counselling related to
stress, depression, parent-child issues, sexual assault, adolescent
concerns, self-esteem, and family of origin issues.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Service (CISD) - for victims of
disasters, traumatic incidents and major emergencies. Fee for service.
Incest Survivors / Sexual Abuse Treatment - individual and group no-fee
counselling for adult male and female survivors of incest and/or
childhood sexual abuse.
Male Sexual Offender Group Treatment Program - for men 18 years and
older who have harmed someone in a sexual way or are charged with a
sexual offence. Fee for program.
Family Violence Group - for males 18 years and older who lack anger
management skills and/or have been violent. Fee for program.
Caregiver's Support & Counselling - for individuals experiencing
stress and/or crisis while in a caregiver role.
Criteria: Self referral No age limit when family counselling required. Must show proof of income. Groups are based on sufficient enrolment.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Family Support and Resource Network - 519-352-7827
Description: A charitable organization, comprised primarily of families who have
children with special needs, with representation across the
municipality of Chatham-Kent. FSRN believes by supporting and
developing strong family networks, we can create a strong community
which is also responsive to all people with special needs.
Program: Summer Experience - A summer recreation experience that
promotes the inclusion of children with special needs into any
existing program accross the municipality. Funding is for families to
hire a support worker to provide one-to-one support for their child to
be able to participate in recreational activities.
Kids Kamp Too! - A summer day camp that provides inclusion, leisure and
recreational opportunities for children with special needs, their
siblings, neighbours, and friends.
Training and Educational workshops - cover topics of interest for
both families and professionals are offered throughout the year,
usually in collaboration with various community partners.
Support Worker Directory - a directory of workers throughout the
municipality for families to access when searching for an in-home
worker.
Parent to Parent LInks - parents are paired with a resource mentor who has also had similiar life experiences and can now offer their understanding, expertise,and support to others.
Resource Room/Library - a resource room complete with information about
specific disorders, videos, a photocopy machine, a computer with
specialized picture-communication software, use of fax machine, as well
as directories of community and provincial resources.
Publications- Specialized Newsletters, Information booklets, regular
semi-annual Newsletters, Summer Recreation Guide, and Books
Criteria: Families who have children with special needs.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
FRIENDS - (Families Relating Ideas; Emotions and News on Downs Syndrome) 519-355-0354
Description: A support group for parents of children diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. The group provides information and offers hospital or home visits to parents of newly diagnosed infants.
Criteria: Parents of Down's Syndrome children.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Genetic Counselling (519) 685-8140 - London Regional Medical Genetics Centre (519) 258-2146 - Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Description: Genetic counselling provides and interprets medical information based on expanding knowledge of human genetics, the branch of science concerned with heredity. It's major goal is to convey understanding of birth defects and genetic mechanisms to affected families, and enable prospective parents to make informed decisions about childbearing.
Criteria: Self, agency or doctor referral preferred
Catchment Areas: South Western Ontario
Geranium House 519-352-4462 www.von.ca
Description: See VON CHATHAM-KENT for full program details
Girl Guides of Canada - Sparks 519-352-7047 www.trilliumareaguides.org
Description: Purpose is to help girls become happy, responsible, resourceful members of their communities. Weekly meetings, campouts, summer day camp and special events throughout the year.
Criteria: Self referral / parent. Girls turning five and six by the end of the year, including girls with disabilities, may join Sparks. There may be a waiting list with increased registration.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent - clubs in Chatham, Blenheim, Merlin, Ridgetown, Thamesville, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
Handibus 519-360-1998
Description: A personalized curb-to-curb transportation service for persons who, because of a physical mobility problem or blindness, are unable to board the public transit system.
Criteria: Person with a physical mobility problem or blindness. Must be a Chatham resident and must complete an application to register through the City of Chatham.
Catchment Areas: Chatham city limits.
Helping Hands Community Services 519-355-1654
Description: A service that provides transportation for medical appointments, shopping and errands. Offers service referrals for contractors, electricians, plumbers, etc.
Catchment Areas: Transportation provided within Chatham-Kent and to Windsor, London and Sarnia.
HIV Anonymous Testing (519) 673-4427 - Options Clinic London (519) 254-6115 - HIV Care Program Windsor
Description: Provides anonymous testing for HIV as well as pre and post testing counselling .
Criteria: Self referral. Must call and schedule an appointment.
Catchment Areas: Southwestern Ontario
Hope Housing 519-358-1451
Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE) 519-354-0803
Description: Prime purpose is service to the community, with projects falling into three main categories; education, services and citizenship. Will consider individual requests of families with specific needs.
Criteria: No conditions. Requests must be submitted in writing with a letter of support from involved agency for verification. Individual requests are at the discretion of the individual chapter involved. Honouring a request is dependent on the chapter's available funds.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent - 14 Chapters
Job Placement Agencies
519-436-1250 - Canadian
Professional Recruiters Inc.
519-351-4622 - Executive House www.kent.net/executive-house
519-351-8747 -
Kelly Services www.kellyservices.ca
519-351-1957 - Renaissance Personnel www.renaperson.com
519-354-3506 - Orion
Resource Group
Description: Personnel agencies that match the best qualified person for available positions in secretarial, general labour, professional, skilled trades, etc.
Criteria: Individuals seeking employment must submit a resume and/or complete an application. Grade 12 education preferred, bring proof, as well as, any other certificate.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Junior Achievement of Chatham Kent 519-352-0151 www.jachatham.org
Kent County Addictions Program 519-436-2599 - Chatham; 519-627-3397 - Wallaceburg
Kent Interdisciplinary Support Team (K.I.D.S. Team) 519-354-6221 ext. 249
Description: Advocacy for families and for community service needs
Provides short-term needed family supports
Helps identify what the difficulties are and identifies gaps in service
Referral to residential treatment bed for child/youth
Develops a community service plan for child/youth
Criteria: Referral required
Catchment: Chatham-Kent.
Kiwanis Club 519-352-0831 www.chathamkiwanis.com
Description: Main goal is to provide service to all people. The major emphasis is underprivileged children. Also fundraises to donate to various community service projects.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
La Leche League 519-352-6378
Description: Provides information, encouragement and support for pregnant women who are planning to breastfeed and for nursing women. Monthly support and information night. Access to a lending library with information on breastfeeding and parenting.
Criteria: For women who are breastfeeding or planning to.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Law Society of Upper Canada 1-800-668-7380 - Lawyer Referral Service www.lsuc.on.ca (choose option 2 under Public Legal Information)
Description: Sources of free legal information: Dial A Law - offers general legal information on a wide variety of topics on the internet. Lawyer Referral Service - provides up to half an hour of free advice from a lawyer in private practice. For assistance with documents or otherwise. After the half hour the lawyer's regular rates will apply.
Criteria: Appointment with a lawyer must be made for the lawyer referral service.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent 519-352-2024 www.ldchatham-kent.org
Description: To assist persons with learning disabilities and
ADD/ADHD and their families in
meeting their expressed needs.
LD, ADHD Resource Library - membership is not necessary.
Quarterly Newsletter - sent to members, all schools and some community
groups.
After School Program - one-on-one tutoring.
Summer Program - half day tutoring for children with or suspected of
having learning disabilities and ADHD.
Social Skills Program - a year round program with weekly sessions
teaching specific social skills.
Information Meetings - held four times a year addressing various topics
related to learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD.
Advocacy Service - provides help and support for the consumer to
clarify needs and ways to meet them.
Criteria: Elementary school aged children for tutoring and social skills programs. Must have membership for some programs
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Legal Aid 519-352-1631; 519-358-1108 - Duty Council Lawyer, Family Law Matters www.lao.on.ca
Description: Helps to pay legal services in criminal and civil matters. Duty Council Program - provides a lawyer for advice but not representation in criminal and family law matters. A Duty Council lawyer is available at the Court House (425 Grand Avenue West, Chatham) whenever these courts are in session.
Criteria: Must meet financial criteria. Applicants prioritized according to needs. No age limits.
Lions Club 519-676-2295
Description: Primarily works with and assists the elderly, sight and hearing impaired individuals. Provides eyeglasses, T.T.D. (Telecommunications Device) machines for those in need and donations to minor sports organizations.
Criteria: To request eyeglasses and T.T.D. machines, the applicant must obtain a letter of support from a professional to validate the request.
Catchment Areas: Clubs in Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
Loads of Love 519-352-0911
Description: Provides humanitarian aid locally to those who have suffered loss or are in need. Assists the needy and distributes goods overseas to those in less fortunate countries and communities.
Criteria: Persons/families/communities in need. Please complete a request for assistance application on behalf of your client. Referrals are necessary.
Catchment Areas: Local and overseas
Loyal Order of the Moose (Moose Lodge) 519-352-8291 - Chatham Branch # 1692; 519-676-5178 - Blenheim Branch # 974; 519-627-8288 - Wallaceburg Branch # 1156
Description: A fraternal organization interested in providing funds and services for children and senior citizens in the community. Will address individual requests and more often, community needs.
Criteria: A request must be submitted in writing with as much information as possible. The request must be approved by the Board of Officers.
Catchment Areas: Service Clubs in Chatham, Blenheim and Wallaceburg.
Maple City Motion Gym Club 519-354-8205
Description: Children's Gymnastics and Dance Programs
Moms, Pops and Tots - a movement exploration program where the class experiences the gym through a vast array of activities including games, themes, circuits, trampoline and music. For children 18 months - 3 years.
Kindergym - provides a fun-filled opportunity to introduce children, 4-5 years, to basic gymnastic skills. Through exploration of all Olympic apparatus, children work toward specific program criteria.
Criteria: Parents are required to attend Moms Pops and Tots program with child.
Catchment Areas: Chatham and surrounding area
Maycourt Club of Chatham 519-351-0484
Description: A national organization for women dedicated to meeting the changing needs of the community. Activities include "Kids on the Block" Puppet Program, School Winter Clothing Program and Nutrition School Snack Program, Operation Cover-up, Garden Tour, the Community Children's Choir for children 6-13 years and the Festival of Trees.
Criteria: While focus is on women and children, the club will assist anyone, at any age. A written request and application form must be submitted. The club prefers to purchase an item as opposed to giving a money donation.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Mennonite Central Committee 519-351-1941
Description: Mennonite Central Committee - helps with citizenship, immigration and documentation needs for the Low German Mennonite population in Chatham-Kent and Lambton Counties. Assists with translations, makes referrals and helps with housing and job search. Offers support for at risk Low German speaking families through home visits, and helps facilitate, in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Division and Building Healthy Babies in Chatham-Kent, a drop-in program for pregnant and young moms, parenting classes and a group for postpartum depression.
Criteria: Members of the Mennonite Community.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent and Lambton Counties
Midwifery Services 519-358-1888 - Chatham Office; (519) 337-2229 - Sarnia Office www.aom.on.ca
Description: Provides complete midwifery care for the prenatal, labour, birth and postpartum period. Lending Library.
Criteria: Self referral. Register as soon as pregnancy is confirmed due to limited availability.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent and Lambton Counties.
Motherisk c/o Hospital for Sick Children Toronto (416) 813-6780 - Motherisk Information Line 1-888-246-5840 - Motherisk HIV Healthline 1-800-436-8477 - Nausea and Vomiting Helpline 1-877-327-4636 - Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline Fax: (416) 813-7562 http://www.motherisk.org
Description: Information Line - provides pregnant and breastfeeding women (or those planning pregnancy) and their healthcare providers with accurate, up-to-date information on the safety and risks of various drugs (including herbal remedies) chemicals, infections and environmental agents. Motherisk HIV Healthline - offers confidential counselling and information to women involving HIV infection during pregnancy and lactation.
Nausea and Vomiting (NVP) Helpline - provides women with counselling and information about optimal therapies for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Alcohol and Substance Use in Pregnancy Helpline - provides information and counselling to women who have engaged in high risk behaviour in pregnancy and/or prior to learning that they were pregnant, offers access to support and treatment in the caller's area and alerts callers to the possible need for specialized care for their newborn.
Criteria: For pregnant and breastfeeding women and their healthcare providers. Must be willing to provide some demographic and background information regarding the woman the call is about.
Catchment Areas: Worldwide
Narcotics Anonymous 519-977-8063 www.orscna.org
Description: A self-supporting international, community based fellowship for recovering addicts. Narcotics Anonymous members learn from one another how to live drug-free and recover from the effects of addiction in thier lives.
Criteria: Anyone who wants to stop using drugs may become a member. Membership is not limited to addicts using any particular drug, those who feel they may have a problem with drugs, legal or illegal, including alcohol, are welcome. Drop-in, self referral. For closed meetings, participants must have or believe they have a drug problem. Anyone affected by an addiction, family members, friends, can attend the open meetings.
Nova Housing Co-Operative Inc. 519-354-6903
Description: Provides 50 federally funded town houses available to families.
Criteria: Families only. Must complete an application and an interview, and provide a statement with previous month's income. Must be willing to serve on an internal committee and participate as a group in the upkeep of the grounds and buildings. Approval by both the membership committee and Board of Directors is required before occupancy can start.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent.
Ontario March of Dimes 519-351-8464
Description: Assistive Devices Program (A.D.P.) - provides referrals to A.D.P., and when no other sources are available, helps with funding.
Camping - Summer and winter program. Housing - twelve accessible apartments with around the clock non-medical care available to assist tenants with dressings, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, etc. Outreach Program - non-medical staff to assist individuals in their homes. Respite Vacation Care - provides care giver relief in the home.Criteria: Self referral. Must complete necessary paperwork including a medical component. Must be 16 years or older with a physical disability.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) 519-352-5040 - Office www.cfcs.gov.on.ca/mcss
Description: The Ontario Disability Support Program is an Ontario
government program designed to meet the unique needs of people with
disabilities and their families who are in financial need, or who want
to work and need support. The program has 2 parts:
Income Support
Employment Support
Criteria: Must be 18 years of age or older, have a verified physical disability that is expected to last a year or more (the disability must make it difficult for you to care for yourself, go into the community or to work), financially eligible and a resident of Ontario.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, Windsor, Essex County, Lambton County
Ontario Problem Gambling Line 1-888-230-3505 www.opgh.on.ca
Description: A phone line which provides information about and referral to gambling treatment services. Can call just to talk.
Criteria: Self or family referral.
Catchment Areas: Ontario
Optimist Club 519-354-0586
Description: A community service group supporting the needs of youth of today to help make a better tomorrow.
Criteria: Monies are allocated for sports, education, community and individual requests. Requests must be in writing and are considered on an individual basis.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent - clubs in Chatham, Blenheim, Dover, Dresden, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
Parents Help Line Toll free: 1-888-603-9100 www.parentsinfo.sympatico.ca
Description: The Parent Help Line is Canada's first national, bilingual telephone and Internet service offering confidential support, information and referrals to parents of children aged 0 to 19 years. Message Library provides a wide range of recorded messages that address common parenting issues and concerns. Parents can access the Website to view the library of information online. They will also have the opportunity to share their experiences with other parents across the country through discussion groups.
Catchment Areas: Canada-wide
Lisa Pieta Child and Youth Counsellor 519-360-7414
Description: Provides professional individual child & family
counselling and groups.
Pals and Buddies - teaches children friendship skills.
My Shoes, Your Shoes, Our Shoes - provides empathy and diversity
training for children.
Family, Changes and Me - a support group for children of
divorced/separated families.
Hassles, Struggles and Troubles - a conflict resolution and problem
solving program for children.
Firecrackers and Volcanoes - an anger management program for children.
Bouncing Bubbles - a support group for children with ADD.
My Home, My Safety - a program for latch key children.
Look at Me, Listen to Me - a self-esteem and assertiveness training
program.
Criteria: For children 4-14 years of age. Self or community referral. Appointments are necessary.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent and surrounding area
Poison Control Centre 1-800-268-9017 www.sickinds.on.ca/poison
Description: A phone line which provides informationabout poisons and how to treat poisonings.
Criteria: Self referral
Catchment Areas: Ontario
Praise Fellowship Church Soup Kitchen 519-351-0066
Description: Provides a soup kitchen twice a week.
Criteria: Everyone is welcome.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Prism Centre for Audiology and Children's Rehabilitation (formerly Kent County Children's Treatment Centre) 519-354-0520 www.prismcentre.com
Description: A rehabilitation facility committed to serving children and young adults in Chatham-Kent. Family focused services are offered to children and young adults to assist them in reaching their full potential in terms of independence, and participation in the community. Services available include - intake, occupational therapy, construction and adaptation of specialized seating and equipment, physiotherapy, kinesiology, pool therapy, speech and language therapy, audiology, social work, respite, music therapy, short term equipment loan, reference library available to families, and specialized toy lending. Additional programs vary but may include, special summer groups and "after hours" water play for clients and their families in the therapeutic pool. Assessments are offered in a variety of settings such as, in the centre, home or daycare. Team planning meetings are held to develop plans for children who require the service of more than one discipline or agency. Therapy is offered on a one-to-one basis or small group and may include consultation. Consultation services are also offered to other service providers. In addition to the medical clinics offered by three paediatricians, regularly scheduled specialized clinics are offered throughout the year and include orthopaedics and neurology. Augmentative communication clinics are arranged on an as needed basis. Transition planning is available for children entering school. The Centre sees children with physical and/or communicative needs, such as, speech, language, hearing.
Criteria: Admission is made by self referral. After admission, other treatment teams may be accessed by a referral from a therapist. For children from birth to nineteen years. Waiting lists vary.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Rain and Shine Behavioural Counselling Ltd. 519-351-6657 www.rainandshine.on.ca
Description: Addresses behavioural issues with children, youth and young adults. Plans strategies to meet the children's and families' needs. Strategies may include cognitive restructuring, anger management, life and social skills development, behavioural and parent instruction. Specialises in ADHD, ADD, Autism/PPD and acquired brain injury.
Criteria: Parent or Professional referrals welcome. An initial assessment must be completed following a referral. Serves children, youth and young adults with an identified need ( prediagnosis of ADHD, ADD, autism/PDD or acquired brain injury). Waiting list exists.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, Sarnia,Lambton and surrrounding Counties
Recreation Services Division 519-352-3888 www.chatham-kent.ca/recconnect
Description: PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Ice Babes (Thames Campus Arena) is an instructional skating program for children ages 3-5. Each half hour lesson is taught by a qualified skating instructor. The child can work at achieving all 5 levels. Playschool for Parents and Tots (Kinsmen Auditorium) - this program provides an opportunity for parents and their children, 2 years old, to socialize and have fun together. The classes include painting, simple crafts, singing, games and stories. I Can Do Fitness (Kinsmen Auditorium) - promotes fitness in a group setting. Designed for children ages 3-5 years. Each two hour session aims to develop the child's gross motor skills through the use of gym apparatus, exercise, games and songs. Fun With Friends (Kinsmen Auditorium) is designed for 3-4 year olds. Each two hour session encourages the child to communicate, socialize and follow directions through games, music and crafts.
Criteria: Register through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Recreation Services Division
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Ridgetown Youth Centre 519-674-3010 - Youth Centre 519-674-5583 - To use the centre
Description: A centre available for youth activities at no charge. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent holds recreational activities for children in the Ridgetown area. The centre has a gymnasium and kitchen facilities available.
Criteria: For school aged and youth programs.
Catchment Areas: Ridgetown and area
Right to Life Kent 519-352-3611 - 1-800-665-0570 - Helpline
Description: Crisis pregnancy support centre which provides practical support and assistance to help pregnant women and new moms. Includes necessities for the baby, i.e. crib, clothing, etc. New moms on the program are given a layette worth $250.00 upon the birth of her child. Free pregnancy tests by appointment and information about Billings Natural Family Planning Method, adoption and post abortion syndrome support.
Criteria: Clients must have a proven need and meet with a counsellor.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Rotary Club of Chatham 519-354-8300 www.chathamrotary.com
Description: Main purposes are to provide service to others and to encourage and foster ideas of service to the community in assisting mankind. Instrumental in aiding special needs children, youth and senior citizens of the community.
Criteria:
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent with clubs in Blenheim, Chatham, Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
St. Clair College Sign Language Interpreters 519-972-2727 ext. 4546
Description: Provides sign language interpreters to facilitate communication and reduce barriers for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Ensures that their rights are met in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
Criteria: Notification of at least one week prior to assignment is preferred, but will try to accommodate last minute requests.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, Windsor and Essex County
Salvation Army 519-354-1430 - Chatham; 519-627-8257 - Wallaceburg; 519-674-2472 - Ridgetown; 519-351-8387 - Teen Drop-In Centre www.chathamsa.org
Description: Food Bank - Provides a variety of food once a month
including milk vouchers if pregnant and/or have children. People in
need also receive vouchers for use in Salvation Army stores. Must show
I.D. and statements of income and expenses.
Trustee Program - helps people on a one-to-one basis who are having
difficulty managing their
finances. Provides assistance with budgeting.
Emergency Assistance Program - provides assistance with furniture,
clothing, prescriptions and
emergency accommodations on a temporary basis.
Christmas Cheer Program - provides food for families and toys for
children up to the age of 14. Pastoral Counselling - at individual's
request.
Teen Drop-in Centre - For youth (ages 13-18 years) that provides a safe
recreational atmosphere without violence, drugs and alcohol. Teen
parents can also access this resource. The youth can receive informal
counselling from a CKICS counsellor. Hot meals as needed for anyone at
the drop-in centre and a community kitchen site as well.
Housing Support Service - provides information, advice and support on
housing related matters, e.g. homelessness, landlord/tenant issues,
utility problems.
Criteria: Drop-in, self and agency referrals. Must show I.D. and statements of income and expenses for food bank and emergency assistance programs. Can apply to Christmas Cheer Program if receiving social assistance or on very low income.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen 519-627-2837
Description: Homemade soup served with crackers or bread. Open to anyone who is hungry or is in need of social interaction at meal times.
Criteria: There are no requirements.
Catchment Areas: Wallaceburg and district
Salvation Army Thrift Store 519-358-7299 - Chatham; 519-627-1163 - Wallaceburg; 519-674-3353 - Ridgetown
School Breakfast Programs School Principal or 519-352-7270
Description: There are breakfast or snack programs in many schools throughout Chatham-Kent. Volunteers provide children with a nutritious breakfast and/or healthy snacks so that children have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
Criteria: Program is offered to everyone, not just those "in need".
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Scouts Canada - Beavers 519-352-8731
Description: Purpose is to help youth and young adults in developing
their characters as resourceful, responsible members of the community,
and to provide opportunities and guidance for mental, physical, social
and spiritual development. Weekly meetings, campouts, and special
events planned throughout the year.
Beavers - girls and boys 5 - 7 years fo age
Cubs - girls and boys 8 - 10 years of age
Scouts - girls and boys 11 - 14 years of age (with option to remain
until age 16)
Venturers - young men and women 14 - 17 years of age
Rovers - men and women 18 to 26 years of age
Criteria: Parent referral.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent - clubs in Chatham, Blenheim, Bothwell, Grand Point, Merlin, Ridgetown, Thamesville and Wallaceburg.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul 519-354-0410 - Store; 519-354-1885 - Office
Description:
Thrift Stores -
80 King Street East, Chatham, ON, N7M 3M8
12 Talbot Street W.Blenheim, ON, NOP 1A0
111 Brown Street, Dresden, ON, NOP 1M0
41 Queen Street North, Tilbury, ON, NOP 2L0
336 James Street, Wallaceburg, ON, N8A 2N5
Donates clothing, living necessities and furniture to people in need.
St. Vincent De Paul Camp - for ages 7-15 during July and August.
Criteria: The agency/church that makes the referral must sponsor the donation.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Southwestern Regional Centre 519-676-6009
SB&H - Spirit: Breakthrough and Hope (519) 252-0732 - Phone: 1-800-387-1575 Website: www.sbhao.on.ca
We have a new mission "to build awareness and drive education, research, support, care, and advocacy to help find a cure while continuing to improve the quality of life of all individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus." Services Provided: -Youth Support Program - Windsor & Chatham-Kent regions, Parent & Adult Support, Community Contacts and Linking Program, Luciana Spring Mascarin Bursary - open to Essex & Chatham-Kent residents entering post-secondary institutions, Library & Resource Centre, Information Materials, Kids on the Block Awareness Program, Folic Acid Awareness Program, Research Program, Advocacy, Special Education Advisory Committee Representatives, interactive website and online community forum.
Catchment Areas: Essex and Chatham-Kent
Sydenham Campus Community Outreach Centre 519-627-3397
Description: Mental Health Service - first priority is to assist the seriously mentally ill and to provide crisis intervention. Satellite services - available through the centre include: Wallaceburg.ca, Wallaceburg Youth Employment Centre, Chatham-Kent Women's Centre Inc, Legal Assistance Kent, Chatham-Kent Integrated Children's Service, Ministry of Corrections - Probation and Parole, and Canadian Mental Health Association. Also provides bereavement counselling.
Criteria: Self referral or referred by service providers. Must be 16 years of age and older .
Catchment Areas: North Chatham-Kent and South Lambton Counties.
Tilbury Information and Help Centre 519-682-2268
Description: Provides crisis intervention,
information and referral services to assist clients with problem
solving. A Food Bank. Assistance to complete government forms,
transportation, access to a job board, assistance to write and type
resumes (resumes kept on disc for updates and reprints), photocopying
and fax service, education and training advice, and interpretation (Low
German, French, Sign language). Volunteer programs provide help at home
and friendly visiting.
The Helping Hands Program - charges a fee for services such as raking
leaves, snow removal, etc. The centre also assists other organizations
with events such as a Goodfellows Christmas baskets, Canadian Blood
Services, Tilbury Blood Clinics, Tilbury BIA Home Coming, Comber Fair,
Admissions, Kinsmen CF Dance, etc.
Criteria: Drop-in, self referral
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, Comber, Stoney Point, Lighthouse Cove
Tri-County Literacy Network 519-355-1771 www.tcln.on.ca
Description: A non-profit organization of people concerned about literacy. Services offered: Literacy and upgrading information. Referrals for individuals who are looking for upgrading in reading, writing and math. Public education and literacy awareness. Newsletters, bulletins and a literacy resource library available to members of the Network Workshops for tutors, teachers and learners
Criteria: Self or community referrals for upgrading are provided for adults 19 years of age and older
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex, Sarnia and Lambton counties
Trillium Drug Plan 1-800-575-5386 to obtain an application form www.health.gov.on.ca
Description: If a family spends a large part of their income on prescription drugs, this program can help cover the cost.
Criteria: If eligible to receive benefits, one must first pay a certain amount (deductible) of one's family net income for prescription drugs. Involves completion of an application form.
Catchment Areas: Ontario
United Way of Chatham-Kent 519-354-0430
Description: The Mission of United Way of
Chatham-Kent is "to bring all people of our community together to care
for one another" This mission is accomplished through the achievement
of three broad goals : Fund Raising, Fund-Distribution, and Community
Building. Some community building initiatives include:
Good Neighbours Office - a partnership between the United Way of
Chatham-Kent and the Golden " K" Kiwanis Club. This office acts
primarily as the direct service arm of the United Way and is seeking to
address the need for volunteers and volunteer opportunities on behalf
of the agencies and organizations in Chatham-Kent.
Operation Cover-Up - relies on the generosity of Chatham-Kent residents
to provide winter coats to men, women and children in our community.
Coats are distributed each year to families in need, in the fall.
Operation Re-Bicycle Program - provides bicycles to men, women and
children who otherwise would not be able to afford one of their own.
This program operates on a referral-only basis. Donations of old
bicycles are received by the United Way and volunteers refurbish them
into excellent condition.
Special Needs/Crisis Response - offers assistance to individuals who
"fall through the cracks" in trying to receive help. This program
typically serves people who cannot access support through existing
programs and also provides advocacy on behalf of those in need.
Criteria: Families in need.
Catchment Areas: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
VON 519-352-4462 www.von.ca
Description: Provides a range of community health and support services to the residents of Chatham-Kent.
Visitng Nursing Program - Professional Nursing
Staff work closely with client, caregivers and all members of the
health care team to develop a flexible and indivdualized plan of care.
Services offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by specially trained
Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. Home or Facility
care available.
Palliative Care Volunteer Services - Geranium House Day Hospice -
Trained volunteers provide support for persons facing life-threating
illness as well as their family and friends. Services include Volunteer
Support, library and resource centre. Information and education as well
as suppport for bereavement and wellness program. For ages 18 +
Kids Circle - provides supportive care to children and teens from ages
4 - 18 who are facing a life-threatening illness themselves, the
life-threatening illness of a loved one, or experiencing the loss of a
loved one.
Volunteer Visiting - provides visits to lonely and isolated seniors
& persons with disabilities in their own home.
Telephone Assurance - promotes the sense of well-being of seniors and
person with diabilities, illness or injury in the community who are
lonely, isolated and fear for their safety through telephone
assurance/security checks seven days a week from a trained VON
volunteer.
Anticipatory Grief - supports client's family in healing while dealing
with the grieving process and coming to terms with the eventual loss of
a loved one.
Support Meetings: Spirituality, Peer Support for persons facing a life-threatening illness, Recently Widowed, Circle of Hope for graduates of successful treatment, and Caregiver support.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Western Area Youth Services W.A.Y.S. 519-354-2065
Westover Treatment Centre 692-5110; 1-800-721-3232 www.westover-fdn.org
Description: A Regional Treatment Centre where
individuals can go to find counselling, guidence, support and
friendship in their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Provides
high quality community based treatment to chemically dependent persons
and families in SouthWestern Ontario. The Centre also aids individuals
who have been affected by another person's addiction.
21 Day Residential Chemical Dependency
Program - a co-ed highly structured program which includes individual
counselling, videos, discussions, lectures, and recreation.
7 Day Residential Family Program - open to men and women who feel thier
life has been affected by someone else's drinking or drug abuse.
Weekend Family Program - is primarily for family members of clients
presently in the residential addiction program.
Aftercare Program - a six month aftercare program follows treatment.
Criteria: Men and women age 16 and older who suffer from or have been affected by the problems of substance abuse. Must be a resident of Ontario. Applicants will be assessed to determine their suitability with close attention to their level of motivation and desire to seek appropriate alternatives to their current, self-destructive lifestyle.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent, Essex, Lambton, Elgin, Oxford, Perth, Huron and Middlesex Counties
Wheatley Churches Food Bank (519) 825-4840
Description: Provides non-perishable food items once a month or more often if requested. Can also supply priority items such as diapers, formula and baby food, if there is an assessed need.
Criteria: Drop-in. Must show ID.
Catchment Areas: Wheatley and surrounding area
WISH Centre 519-354-5248
Description: To promote the opportunity for all Chatham-Kent
residents to participate in a community based recreation, leisure and
training environment. Facility programming is designed to provide
opportunities for community residents with special emphasis on
children, youth, older adults, women, families with disabilities and
visible minorities.
CALL Program (Children's Advocation for Learning and Leisure) - a free after school program
for children ages 6-12, tutors with homework, educational board and computer games. Snacks and activities are provided.
P.A. Day Program - Children ages 5-12 participate in music, crafts, computers, hoops and nets. Fee for program.
March Break Program - Children ages 5-12 participate in theme days, computer craze, craft corner and sports. Fee for program.
Open Gym - Free for teens 13 and older.
Cooking Club - consists of a small group of people who, with their
facilitators, get together to plan, shop and prepare meals. Club formed
when sufficient interest.
Criteria: Drop-in, self referral
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent
Word of Life Church Soup Kitchen 519-676-8036
Description: Provides a community soup kitchen once a week.
Criteria: Everyone is welcome.
Catchment Areas: Blenheim and surrounding areas
Chatham Y.M.C.A. 519-352-0950 www.ymcasar.org
Description: Aquatics, Youth & Senior programs, Wellness, Group Fitness, Childcare
Criteria: Pre-registration
Zonta 519-354-3602
Description: Aim is to improve the economic, legal, political, health and social status of women.
Criteria: Targets women and their children. A written request with back up supporting documentation must be submitted.
Catchment Areas: Chatham-Kent