Child and Youth Program
Our program is dedicated to supporting children and youth who have witnessed or experienced violence. We serve:
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Infants, children, and youth aged 0-18
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Male youths up to 18 years old
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Pregnant women and mothers
Our Children's Program Coordinator provides counselling services in a safe environment for children and youth who have experienced violence or abuse in their homes.
We offer:
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Support for children:
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Opportunity to share feelings
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Learning coping strategies
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Education on healthy relationships
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Wide ranging support for mothers including:
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Trauma informed counseling,
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Trauma informed child support,
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Legal support and court support
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Resources and connection to community supports
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Educational resources
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Staff training regarding impacts of trauma on children and skills
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Liaising and advocating with schools, daycares, lawyers, housing, immigration and more.
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Legal assistance:
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Family law and other legal consultation
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Support in securing legal aid
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Court support and accompaniment to lawyer appointments
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Family support:
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Assistance in reunifying children with their mothers or keeping families together
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Advocacy and support working with the Children's Aid Society
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Childcare services:
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Responsible and caring childcare while mothers attend appointments, intakes, meetings, and self-care activities
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Recreational activities:
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Fun outings to libraries, museums, art galleries, splash pads and city parks
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Group activities including holiday festivities, yoga, Zumba, jewelry making, vision board creation, mindfulness sessions, paint nights, and birthday parties
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Referrals and support:
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Counseling and Children Who Witness groups
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Support services for children's mental and physical well-being
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Assistance in applying to daycares
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Educational support:
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Advocacy and accompaniment to school meetings
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Homework help and individual academic support
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Our comprehensive program aims to provide a holistic approach to supporting children, youth, and mothers affected by violence, focusing on their emotional, legal, educational, and recreational needs.
This beautiful artwork has been created by an amazing and uber-talented 5 year old girl at the shelter.
One day this summer (2021), during her walk with Nelson House’s Childcare staff – A, our little artist began to collect all sorts’ of materials from the forest.
When she returned she created this lovely piece of art.
Helping to develop the joy of learning, creativity, and self-worth are important tools for every child’s growth; however, the use of art as a pathway to develop such characteristics may be even more critical to a child experiencing trauma.