Community Resources
- 211 and InCommunities
If you don’t know where to call for help, 211 can connect you with more than 50,000 services in Ontario. They can link you to supports for children and youth, financial assistance, housing, health services and more. They also provide free translation services.
Dial 2-1-1 for assistance, or visit InCommunities for Niagara specific information.
- Women in need
Abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, financial and even digital. Unfortunately, for many women, abuse can either start or escalate during pregnancy. Abuse can have both serious mental or physical effects on the expecting mom and possibly the baby. If you, or someone you know is being abused call one of these numbers.
- Gillian's Place - 905-684-8331
- Women's Place of South Niagara - 905-356-5800 or 905-788-0113
- Niagara Sexual Assault Centre - 905-682-4584
- ShelterSafe.ca
If you're worried about the wellbeing of a child or suspect that they may be neglected or abused, call Family and Childrens Services Niagara at 1-888-937-7731.
- Early childhood development
EarlyON centres offer free drop-in programs for families and children from birth to six years old and are open to all families in Ontario.
Parent Direct Niagara is an online directory of programs and services for children and their families and caregivers, including childcare, health and recreation services.
Niagara Children’s Centre provides rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays and disabilities.
Niagara Brighter Futures is a free, weekly drop-in program that supports families in raising their children. The program helps families overcome barriers, and encourages connections within the community.
- Education
Strive Niagara works with young families pursuing and continuing their education. The organization provides quality child care and other parenting and life skills to help young parents continue and complete their education.
School boards
- Indigenous supports
If you're a family of Indigenous heritage living in Niagara, these agencies can provide culturally specific supports for parenting and caregiving needs.
- Mental health
Pregnancy and parenthood can greatly affect your mental wellness. Physical changes and exhaustion can lead to depression, anxiety and other illnesses. It's estimated that one in five women can experience a perinatal mood disorder. There is help.
- Mental Health Addictions Access Line - 1-866-550-5205
- Distress Centre Niagara offers 24-hour telephone support:
- St. Catharines, Niagara Falls And Area - 905-688-3711
- Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Area - 905-734-1212
- Fort Erie and Area - 905-382-0689
- Grimsby, West Lincoln - 905-563-6674
- Pathstone Mental Health is the lead agency for children’s mental health services in Niagara. To get services, call Contact Niagara at at 905-684-3407.
- Pathstone 24-hour crisis line for young people and families in crisis - 1-800-263-4944
- Newcomer supports
Being in a new country, and understanding the language and culture can be scary and overwhelming. It becomes even more complicated if you're pregnant or have small children. If you're a newcomer to Canada, these agencies can help:
- Prenatal supports
Eating healthy is one of the best ways to grow a healthy baby. The Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program is a community-based program that provides support to pregnant women, new mothers and babies facing challenges. The program helps to improve the health and well-being of moms and babies.
The Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program offers:
- Nutritious snacks
- Prenatal vitamin vouchers
- Cooking classes
- Access to a registered dietitian to answer questions about nutrition
To find alternate prenatal education providers, including in-person classes, visit the Ontario Prenatal Education Programs Directory.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
