Ages 5-7 and their caregivers, Waterloo Region

Play isn’t just fun; it’s how children learn about their world. Adults engaging and being present in play is a “hands-on” way to establish a deep connection and strengthen relationships. Our weekly, virtual, family group sessions will focus on arts & crafts, active games, and activities (materials provided).

Virtual.

Ages 7-9 and their caregivers, Waterloo Region

In this virtual group, families will participate in discussions and activities promoting healthy lifestyle and family wellbeing. Every other week will be a cooking session where families shop for, prepare, and cook a meal together. Families in the group then join together for a virtual family meal. On alternate weeks we will be learning and interacting through healthy activities and play.

Virtual.

Dads or male identified caregivers and their children ages 4-6 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

In-Person: Downtown Community Centre (Kitchener).

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.

Ages 14-17, Female-identifying, non-binary, Waterloo Region

A group for non-binary and female-identified youth aged 14-17 years old that focuses on increasing self-esteem, improving mood, and developing healthy relationships. Through a combination of art, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, participants will build on their strengths, reduce isolation, and learn healthy ways to cope with anxious or low feelings.

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

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.

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.

Parents/caregivers with children ages 0-2 years

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.

Adults with experiences of chronic pain

This group is a support group for people who are looking to gain and receive support around the challenges of living with chronic pain. As this is an open group, group membership will be different in each group and members can attend the weeks that work for them. Participants can register at anytime.

Virtual.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Virtual.

Parents/caregivers of children from birth to age 11 or Parents/caregivers of children prenatal to 6 years

Multiple Sessions:

1. Birth to Age 11: Starting February 22, Wednesdays from 7:30-9:00pm (Virtual)
2. Birth to Age 11: Starting January 10, Tuesdays from 1:00-2:30pm (In Person)
3. Birth to Age 11: Starting February 6, Mondays from 6:30pm-8:00pm (Virtual)
4. Prenatal to 6 years: Starting February 23, Thursdays from 10:00-11:30am (In-Person)
5. Prenatal to 6 years: Starting January 11, Wednesdays 1:00-2:30pm (Virtual)

At times, all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. (Circle of Security International, 2019).

Using the COSP™ model developed by the Circle of Security originators, our trained facilitators work with parents and caregivers to help them to:

• Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
• Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of their child’s self esteem
• Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure

 In-person for sessions 2 and 4: 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener

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.

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!