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Group Programs

Group Programs

Child & Youth

OK2BME Youth Groups

Learn more about the youth groups OK2BME offer on their website: https://ok2bme.ca/

For 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 12-18 in the Waterloo Region

OK2BME Youth Group, OK2BME Virtual Youth Group, OK2BME Youth Leadership Team, OK2BME Rainbow Rhythms – A Music Therapy Group

For trans, non-binary, or otherwise gender diverse youth, ages of 13-18 in the Waterloo Region

OK2BME Youth Exploring Transition (YET)

For neurodiverse 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 12-18 in the Waterloo Region

OK2BME (Neuro) Queer Quest

Active Team Leadership

Victoria Hills: July 17-21 from 12:30-2:30pm | Kingsdale: July 31 - August 4 from 12:30-2:30pm | Victoria Park: August 14-18 from 12:30-2:30pm

Free Summer Group for Youth with Refugee Status aged 10-14

Come join us for fun activities and to discuss leadership and team-building this summer.

In-person:

  • Victoria Hills Community Center (baseball diamond): July 17-21 from 12:30-2:30pm
  • Kingsdale Community Center (soccer field): July 31 – August 4 from 12:30-2:30pm
  • Victoria Park Kitchener (shelter behind children’s playground): August 14-18 from 12:30-2:30pm

Defeating Our Dragons

Oct 18-Nov 22, Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm (5-weeks)

For youth of all genders, ages 14-17, within Waterloo Region, neurodiverse youth are welcome

This is a six 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: 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener (room 208)

YEAH!

Oct 18-Dec 6, Wednesdays, 3:45-5:45pm (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: Kingsdale Community Centre, 72 Wilson Ave, Kitchener.

Extinguish Your Fire

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm (8-weeks)

For children ages 6-8, in 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: 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room)

Fabulous Kids!

Oct 18-Dec 6, Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15pm (8-weeks)

For Newcomer Youth, 6-9 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

Standing Strong

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm

For high-school students who identify as female and have refugee or protected person status

Join us to explore ways to build your sense of self and feel empowered! Discuss issues that impact young women’s daily lives; promote self-esteem, self-love and self-care; develop life skills to thrive; and learn to see and create opportunities for getting involved in your community.

In-person: 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener

International Youth Group

Oct 17-Dec 5, Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00pm (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: Victoria Hills Community Centre, 10 Chopin Drive, Kitchener

Calm, Cool, Connected

Oct 17-Dec 5, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30pm (8-weeks)

For 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: 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener (Sehl room)

Child & Caregiver

Herbert St. and Ainslie St. Groups – Child and Caregiver

Learn more about the groups for parents under 29 years of age and their children under the age of 6 here.

  • Herbert St. Postnatal Program
  • Herbert St. Village Drop In
  • Ainslie St. Village Drop In
  • Ainslie St. Postnatal Program

OK2BME Child and Caregiver Groups

Learn more about the child and caregiver groups OK2BME offer on their website: https://ok2bme.ca/

For parents and caregivers of transgender/non-binary/gender-questioning youth between the ages of 5-18 and transgender/non-binary/gender-questioning youth between the ages of 5-12 in Waterloo Region

OK2BME Families in Transition

Strong Mom, Safe Kids

Oct 4-Dec 6, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00pm (10-weeks)

For mothers who have experienced IPV and their children are ages 5-18. Must not be living with abusive partner.

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.

In-person: 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener

Just Breathe

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm (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: 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room)

Adult

Herbert St. and Ainslie St. Groups

Learn more about the groups for pregnant and parenting individuals under 29 years of age here.

  • Herbert St. Speakers Corner
  • Herbert St. Prenatal Parenting
  • Herbert St. Prenatal Public Health

Grandparent Support Group

Starting Sept 21, Thursdays, 10:00-11:30am

Grandparents in a primary caregiver role of their grandchildren 0-6 years

Are you a grandparent who has recently taken on the wonderful yet challenging role of raising your grandchildren as their primary caregiver?

Whether you are faced with the need to step in due to unforeseen circumstances or you have lovingly chosen to be primary caregiver, we understand that this journey can be both rewarding and overwhelming.

Join us for an empowering and supportive program designed specifically for grandparents like you who are raising grandchildren in today’s complex world. This program brings together a compassionate community ready to provide you with the knowledge, resources and emotional support you need to make the most important role.

Weekly meetings include free childminding, snacks and the opportunity to increase your circle of support!

In-person: Oak Creek EarlyON

Taming Our Anger

Male-Identified: Oct 10-Nov 28, Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30pm (8-weeks)

Male-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: 480 Charles St E, Kitchener in Room 208.

Transition to Parenthood

Session 1: Sept 19-Nov 7, Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am | Session 2: Oct 16-Dec 6, Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30pm

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 Camino(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.

I’m More Than My Pain: Support Group

Sept 7, 21; Oct 5,19; Nov 2, 16, 30; Dec 14, 1:30-3:00pm (8-weeks)

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.

Building Better Boundaries

Oct 16-Dec 4, Mondays, 2:30-4:30pm (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.

In-person: 480 Charles St E, Kitchener in Room 208

First Time Parents

Starting Sept 19, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am (10-weeks)

Parents and caregivers of babies aged 0-6 months. First time parents/caregivers are welcome as well as those just looking for a refresher!

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 Two-gether

Starting Sept 20, Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30pm (10-weeks)

Prenatal people and their support persons

Join our Program Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, other pregnant people, and their support people, to talk about your healthy pregnancy! Through this program we offer referrals to other community support, information about healthy eating during pregnancy, tips on cooking and making meals and much more! *Participants do not have to be 18+.

Hybrid: Cambridge EarlyON and via Zoom.

Understanding Me

Daytime: Oct 3-Nov 21, Tuesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm (8-weeks) | Evening: Oct 2-Nov 27, Mondays, 5:30-7:30pm (8-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.

Daytime In-person: 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener in Sehl Room

Evening In-person: 480 Charles St E, Kitchener in Room 208

From Fear to Freedom

Oct 5-Nov 23, Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm (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.

In-person: 400 Queen St S, Kitchener in Sehl Room.

Healthy Wallet, Wealthy Mind – Balancing Emotional and Financial Health

Session 1: Oct 11-Nov 15, Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm (6-weeks) | Session 2: Oct 30-Dec 4, Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm (6-weeks)

For Adults in Waterloo Region

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

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays, 10:00-11:30am (8-weeks)

For parents of children of all ages who currently have refugee or protected person status, Waterloo Region

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.

Virtual.

Growing Stronger Adult Trauma Group

Sept 28-Dec 14, Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm (12-weeks)

For adults in Waterloo Region who have refugee or protected person status.

A safe space for individuals with similar experiences to learn about how trauma affects the body and brain and learn strategies to help manage current symptoms of trauma and improve mental health and wellbeing.

In-person: 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener (Room 208)

Tea & Talk

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm (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: 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener (room 208)

The Circle of Security® Parenting™ Program

In-person: Oct 4-Nov 22, Wednesdays, 1:00-2:30pm | Virtual: Oct 4-Nov 22, Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm

For parents/ guardians of children birth to 12 years old, within Waterloo Region

COSP is a group for parents and guardians. This group focus is on attachment parenting and uses a visual circle to map out children’s needs and what supporting those needs can look like for parents.

In-person: 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room) and Virtual.

Moving Towards Healthy Relationships

Oct 19-Dec 7, Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm (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: 400 Queen St S, Kitchener in Sehl Room.

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: 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener in Sehl Room/Room 334. There is also a virtual drop-in group, click here to register!