Children and Families
Family Services
Parenting Skills Program
Parenting is a discipline full of pitfalls! What parent wouldn't want to have the right answer to every situation experienced by children from birth to 11 years of age?
Our parenting skills program is designed to help families by encouraging discussion of the following subjects:
- Parental role
- Active listening
- Discipline methods
- Conflict resolution
- Communication methods
- Setting limits
- Help and resources available in the community
We are offering participants eight 2-hour sessions, usually held at 22 College St.
Meetings in other locations can also be organized.
Information: Kathleen Patterson, Infant Mental Health Counsellor, 416-922-2672, Ext. 232.
Parent Support Groups
New-Mothers Support program
Have you just given birth and are feeling alone and isolated? Our New-Mother Support program can help you as its purpose is to create a support network for new mothers and bring them out of their isolation.
Volunteer experienced mothers are recruited by the Centre francophone and paired with new mothers who have just given birth.
These volunteer mothers receive four (4) training sessions before they start the program. They follow the new mothers for a period of six (6) months.
If you would like to share your mothering knowledge and skills with others, or would like to meet an experienced mother, call us.
Information: 416-922-2672, Ext. 258.
Pas à pas support group (Step by Step)
For pregnant women and new mothers. This support group provides an opportunity for women to discuss and exchange information and ideas on nutrition, baby care, pre- and post-natal care, nursing and much more.
The meetings are held at:
- 22 College St.- Mondays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- and at the Coin de la petite enfance, 2555 Eglinton Ave. East, Room 201 – Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Information: 416-922-2672, Ext. 258.
Postnatal Workshops
Postnatal workshops are available for francophone parents, guardians and families with children from 0 to 3 years of age. They are held every Friday of each month, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This program is intended to encourage healthy child development and to foster a harmonious affective relationship between parents and their young children.
These workshops can also be given in daycare centres or to community groups.
Among the workshop topics are:
- The importance of play and children's development
- Everyday stress management for parents
- Communication with infants and toddlers
- Discipline
- Television and children's development, and many other topics
Please note: This program is offered at Regent Park.
Information: 416-922-2672, Ext. 251.
Free children's clothing counter (children 0 to 12 years)
Francophone families who live on a low-income or who are newly arrived in Toronto may use the clothing services counter where they can get free new or used clothing for their children from 0 to 12 years of age. Shoes and toys are also available.
The clothing counter welcomes donations of new or used clothing for this same age group.
The clothing counter is open on appointment Wednesday afternoons at 22 College St.
Information or donation drop-off: Catherine Tambu, Social Worker, 416-922-6624, Ext. 235.
Christmas baskets
We wish everyone a very happy festive season. The team at the Centre francophone makes sure that disadvantaged francophone families will be able to enjoy it as well.
A few days before the beginning of festivities, we distribute Loblaws grocery vouchers to Toronto francophone families through the Christmas basket program.
If you know of a family in need or wish to make a donation, contact:
Catherine Tambu, 416-922-2672, Ext. 235
Norbert Piché, 416-203-1220, Ext. 234
Laurence Makanda, 416-203-1220, Ext. 231
Women's program – Élan project
OASIS Women's Centre offers counselling and support for woman 16 years of age or more who are victims of abuse or who feel they are in danger. This project is run by OASIS Women's Centre and offers all francophone women help to:
- Develop an action plan
- Develop skills for today's job market
- Write a CV that reflects their personality and skills
- Learn interview techniques
- Identify potential jobs
Depending on your needs, Élan offers you:
- Career counselling workshops delivered by the Centre on topics ranging from self-affirmation to interview techniques
- Job resource centre
- Use of computers connected to the Internet
- Career counselling service
Information:
OASIS Women's Centre, 416-591-6565, Ext. 28
Dawn Gooden, Employment Counsellor, 20 Lower Spadina, 416-203-1220, Ext. 233