Shelters Program

The Shelters Program provides accessible counselling services to mothers with children under 18 who have experienced family violence or sexual abuse, and are living in a shelter in downtown Toronto. Counselling is provided at the shelter with the opportunity for follow-up support once families move out. Families can meet with a counsellor once, or can access counselling on an ongoing basis.

The Shelters Program provides immediate counselling support to families living in shelters.

School Liaison Program

The School Liaison Program is a school-based program that supports children ages 4 to 16 living in CDI partner shelters and attending a new school. School Liaison Workers work with children, mothers and shelter and school staff to support children during this transition. The School Liaison Worker meets with the child and their mother to orient them to the school, and is available at the school to support the child’s academic, emotional, behavioural and social development. Follow-up services are available to children at their new school once they move out of the shelter.

The School Liaison Program helps children make a smooth transition to their new school.

Taste of Home

The Taste of Home Program is a unique and innovative afterschool cooking program that helps children living in shelters develop a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the 25-week drop-in program, children learn how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals. The program also focuses on various stress management techniques to assist children in better managing the stresses of everyday life.

Taste of Home supports children living in shelters develop skills that promote healthy lifestyles.