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Group Programs

Group Programs

Child & Youth

Defeating Our Dragons

May 3-May 31, Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm (5-weeks)

For non-binary and male identifying youth, ages 14-17, within Waterloo Region. Neurodiverse youth are welcome 

This is a five-week group where the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons will be used to teach participants about navigating anxiety and depression in a group setting.  This group is open to individuals of all abilities and neurodiversity.

In-person: KW Counselling, 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener (room 208)

Free to Be Me (FULL)

April 18- June 6, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm (8-weeks)

Female identifying and non-binary identifying youth, ages 10-13, in Waterloo Region

An 8-week group for non-binary and female identifying pre-teens grade 6 –8. Through activities, games, and art kids will learn healthy ways to cope with anxious or low feelings while reducing isolations. This group will support participants in developing CBT and mindfulness skills.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener (Sehl Room)

YEAH!

April 25-June 13, Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30pm (8-weeks)

High school aged newcomer youth in Waterloo Region who have refugee/protected person status

Looking for a place to meet new people and make new connections through games, activities and sports? Join our YEAH! – Youth Empowerment and Healing – newcomer youth group to support one another and share experiences that matter to you in a safe and encouraging environment. We want to hear what you’re interested in and we will share ideas and resources together to help you reach your goals!

In-person: Victoria Hills Community Centre, 10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener.

Extinguish Your Fire (FULL)

April 20-June 8, Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm (8-weeks)

Ages 6-8, Waterloo Region

In this group, children will have the opportunity to learn strategies for managing their big emotions through interactive discussions, games and activities. Participants will learn new skills including how to regulate and calm their bodies, thoughts and emotions.

In-person: Carizon, 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Fishbowl)

Fabulous Kids!

April 26-June 14, Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15pm (8-weeks)

Newcomer Youth, 7-9 years old who hold refugee or protected person status.

Looking for a place to meet new friends and have fun? Come join our Fabulous Kids group! We will play games, read books, create together, and learn ways to care for yourself.

In-person: Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener

International Youth Group

April 27-June 15, Thursdays, 4:00-5:30pm (8-weeks)

Newcomer Youth in Waterloo Region ages 10-13, who currently have refugee/protected person status

Connect with other youth in our in-person group through games, art, play, and conversation. We will explore a wide range of issues that are important to you and explore new ways to connect with others!

In-person: Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener.

Hocus Pocus Focus (FULL)

April 19-June 7, Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00pm (8-weeks)

Children ages 7-9, in Waterloo Region

Children will have an opportunity to learn skills to pay attention, with care, to their surroundings one moment at a time and avoid distractions. With practice, children will be able to focus on their “present” and calm their bodies when stressed through hands on activities and discussions.

In-person: Carizon, 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room)

Child & Caregiver

Strong Mom, Safe Kids

Apr 19-Jun 21, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00pm (10-weeks)

For mothers who have experienced abuse in intimate relationships and their children ages 5-18

The program focuses on the relationship between mothers and their children, recognizing that when a mother experiences intense times in her life, it is difficult to heal and also tune into their children’s needs. The group provides children and youth with the opportunity to move beyond what happened in their family in a safe and therapeutic way. By supporting mothers and helping them understand the trauma through their children’s eyes, they are better able to provide the ongoing emotional support their children need. Meals will be provided from 5:30-6:00pm. To participate, it is a requirement that mothers are living apart from the person who abused them.

In-person: KW Counselling, 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener

Just Breathe

April 20-June 8, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm (8-weeks)

Children ages 9-11 and their caregivers, in Waterloo Region

Join us to increase understanding of anxiety and learn strategies to help manage the challenging thoughts and feelings often associated with anxiety. Caregivers and children will learn how to use mindfulness-based tools to manage stress, develop emotional regulation skills, and build self-awareness in this activity-based group.

In-person: Kinbridge, 200 Christopher Dr. Cambridge (youth room)

Adult

Super Dads, Super Kids – Virtual

April 20-June 22, Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm (8-weeks)

Dads or male identified caregivers of children prenatal to 6 years

This program will help you to:
– Relate better to and connect with your child
– Commit more quality time with your child
– Teach your children about important topics like emotions, health, and communication

*Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Taming Our Anger

Male-Identified: April 25-June 13, Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm (8-weeks) | Female-Identified: April 17-June 5, Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm (8-weeks)

Male-Identified people or Female-Identified people

This is a skills-based group to learn about where our anger comes from and how to express and manage our emotions in healthier ways.

In person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener.

Transition to Parenthood

April 18-June 6, Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am (8-weeks)

Parents with children aged 0-2 years in need of post-partum mental health support.

There is no training for becoming a parent. Although exciting, the transition to having a new baby at home can also be challenging. Transitioning to Parenthood is an 8-week series where you can talk with others who have a new baby, or a child up to age 2, and be connected to community resources and information by our EarlyON and Carizon (CPNP) team including a clinician (MSW). Topics include: Exploring the role of new parents; Coping with parenting stressors and the impact of COVID-19; What is post-partum depression?; Circles of support; Attachment theory; And community supports. *Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Chronic Pain Monthly Support

May 4-July 27, Thursdays, Biweekly, 1:30-3:00pm (7-weeks)

Adults with experiences of chronic pain

This is a support group for people who are looking to gain and receive support around the challenges of living with chronic pain. Open group: participants can register at any time.

Virtual.

Building Better Boundaries

April 17-June 5, Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm (8-weeks)

Women with experiences of any form of abuse

This group provides education and support for women who have experienced any form of abuse and are working towards setting better boundaries in their lives. Group sessions include opportunities for discussion, reflection, and making personal connections.

Virtual.

First Time Parents

April 18-June 20, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am (10-weeks)

First time parents and their support persons. Families with more than one child are also welcome whom may want a refresher. Content is geared towards caring for children 0-6 months in age.

The First Time Parents Group is a 10-week, parenting support and educational program for first time parents and caregivers. Come together and build a community! Join us to talk about breastfeeding, introduction to solids, infant safety, sleep, and much more! *Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Image of baby feet

Growing Healthy Together

April 19-June 21, Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30pm (10-weeks)

Prenatal people and their support persons

Join our Program Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, other pregnant individuals, and their support people, to talk about your healthy pregnancy! We offer: Prenatal Vitamins, Vitamin D Drops, Grocery Gift Cards, Breast Feeding Support, Referrals to other community supports, Information about healthy eating during pregnancy, Tips on cooking healthy meals, budgeting for your family and much more! *Participants do not have to be 18+.

In-person: Early ON Cambridge.

Understanding Me

In-person: April 14-June 16, Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm (10-weeks) | Virtual: April 18-June 20, Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00pm (10-weeks)

Women who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships

This group provides education and support for women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse within their intimate relationships.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener or Virtual

From Fear to Freedom

April 18-June 6, Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm (8-weeks)

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

An engaging, interactive, skills-based group for adults struggling with anxiety. Group members will learn how certain behaviours reinforce anxiety, develop tools to better tolerate and accept uncomfortable emotions, and practice new ways to move towards the things that matter in their lives.

Virtual.

Healthy Wallet, Wealthy Mind

Session 1: April 6-May 11, Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm (6-weeks) | Session 2: May 24-June 28, Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm (6-weeks)

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

Would you like to feel more confident about managing your money? Does thinking about money make you feel stressed and worried? This 6-week group is for you! Facilitators are experienced in the emotional piece that goes along with thinking about finances.

Virtual.

Parents Talk it Through

April 26-June 14, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am (8-weeks)

Newcomer Parents in Waterloo Region who currently have refugee/protected person status

Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful? Are you looking for ways to connect with your child? Join us to Talk it Through with parents just like you where you can learn and share strategies.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener (Sehl Room)

Growing Stronger Adult Trauma Group

April 13-June 29, Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm (12-weeks)

Newcomer adults in Waterloo Region who are experiencing trauma symptoms and who currently  have refugee/protected person status

A supportive space for members with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener, (Sehl Room)

Tea & Talk

April 28-June 16, Fridays from 10:00-11:30am (8-weeks)

Adults in Waterloo Region who have refugee or protected person status

Looking for a way to connect? Come join our Newcomer Mental Health and Well-being program’s free women’s group that supports and promotes holistic well-being and belonging in the community. Participants will learn and discuss topics that impact participants lives, learn about resources and activities in the community, and have an opportunity to connect with other women in a relaxing environment.

In-person: Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener

The Circle of Security® Parenting™ Program

Multiple sessions. See below.

Parents/caregivers of children from birth to age 11 and expecting parents.

Multiple Sessions (8-weeks):

  1. Birth to Age 11: April 19- June 7, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm (Virtual)
  2. Birth to Age 11: April 11-May 30, Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30pm (Virtual)
  3. Prenatal to 6 years: April 19-June 7, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am (In-person)

The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. This group looks at children’s behaviour and parent responses to behaviour using an attachment-based model. Participants will increase their understanding of their child’s emotional world and learn how to support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.

Session 3 – In-person: Carizon, 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room)

Moving Towards Healthy Relationships

April 13-June 1, Thursdays, 10:00am-12:00pm (8-weeks)

Women with experiences with emotional or physical abuse

A group for women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse, focusing on safety, building self-esteem, ending the cycle of violence, and learning how to be healthy in relationships. Understanding Me is a pre-requisite for this group.

In person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener.

Voices IPV Community Support Group

In person: Last Thursday of each month, from 6:30-7:30pm | Virtual: Second Thursday of each month, from 6:30-7:30pm

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

Join other survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse for peer support, tools of empowerment, and mindfulness practices. VoicesWR humbly offers the community of Waterloo Region an in-person support group that was uniquely built for survivors, by survivors.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener. There is also a new virtual drop-in group, click here to register!