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• ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  • Start
    February 24, 2025
  •  
  • End
    July 28, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  
  Attention Caregivers who have attended the ACT 6-Week Caregiver Program:

  ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  If you have completed the 6-week ACT for Caregivers workshop, we’re calling you! We’re getting together in-person!!

  Reconnect in a supportive community and deepen your understanding as we explore one of the ACT processes each month. Rediscover some of the processes and strategies that worked for you, as you take a fresh look at the challenges you’re facing and how they connect with your values.

  Our Committed Action is to support you in ACT through this Peer Practice Group.

  
  

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• Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group (AM)

  • Start
    April 07, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 09, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  
  

  Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group

  For parents/caregivers of children and teens

  Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections. This group is led by our service coordinator Tonya White and our Mental Health and Wellness team and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.

  It is an opportunity for families to meet and make meaningful connections with other families, including those who are just starting their journey in receiving a diagnosis. Families share and gain practical advice and insights from one another in a safe, non-judgmental space.

  *Please note, there is no childcare available.

  
  

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• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Emotion Regulation

  • Start
    April 07, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 09, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    1

  
  

  Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Emotion Regulation

  Ages 15-17 years

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy used with children, teens and adults who have significant difficulty with emotion regulation. DBT seeks to help people understand and accept difficult feelings, as well as learn skills to manage feelings and create positive change in their life.

  The four pillars of DBT are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. The current group will be run by a psychotherapist and will focus on Emotion regulation. Emotion regulation skills help teens to feel less emotionally vulnerable and feel more in command of their emotions. This group seeks to help teens understand the emotions they experience, reduce emotional vulnerability, decrease the frequency of unwanted emotions, and decrease emotional suffering. Teens must be comfortable in a group setting of 1:5 ratio.

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• Pathways to Employment

  • Start
    April 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 20, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    7 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  

  Pathways to Employment

  Ages 14-17 years

  Let Bethesda’s Pathways to Employment pre-employment training program be your teen’s first step towards looking for and keeping a job. We offer practical job skill training, job coaching and the tools your teen will need to find and keep a paid job in the community. Teens will learn about volunteer opportunities in their community, learn basic computer skills, and find out what employers look for when they hire.

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• Social Navigators

  • Start
    April 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    7 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Social Navigators

  Ages 7-9 years

  Children will learn a variety of social skills (initiating/exiting conversations, joining into conversations, exiting conversations) and have an opportunity to practice these skills with peers. Children will learn these skills by being a social detective! Skills will be taught in a group format using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) evidence based strategies. This program is appropriate for children who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting without 1:1 support.

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• Puberty

  • Start
    April 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 22, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    7 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Puberty

  Ages 10-13 years

  Youth will learn social and life skills related to the physical and emotional changes that occur with puberty. Topics include daily hygiene habits (such as shaving, showering and hair care), biological processes, and social media and online safety. Youth must be safe in a group setting in a 1:3 ratio.

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• Super Heroes and Fairy Tales

  • Start
    April 12, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Super Heroes and Fairy Tales 

  Ages 4-6 years

  This group is designed for children who are learning to play pretend, dress up and have fun. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

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• Pokémon Club

  • Start
    April 12, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Pokémon Club 

  Ages 7-9 years

  Welcome to Pokémon Club, a place where creativity and fun come to life! In this exciting group, kids will embark on thrilling adventures, using their imagination to create new Pokémon and reimagine their favorites. Whether crafting unique creatures or playing high-energy games, Pokémon Club is all about sharing your common interest, practicing your social skills and having a blast. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting (2 children to 1 staff).

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• Saturday Matinee

  • Start
    April 12, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Saturday Matinee 

  Ages 14-17 years

  This group is designed for teens to come and practice their social skills while watching a movie. Teens should be comfortable in in a small group setting (2 teens to 1 staff).

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• Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group (PM)

  • Start
    April 28, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 16, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group

  For parents/caregivers of children and teens

  Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections. This group is led by our service coordinator Tonya White and our Mental Health and Wellness team and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.

  It is an opportunity for families to meet and make meaningful connections with other families, including those who are just starting their journey in receiving a diagnosis. Families share and gain practical advice and insights from one another in a safe, non-judgmental space.

  *Please note, there is no childcare available.

  
  

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• Coding

  • Start
    May 20, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 17, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Coding 

  Ages 7-9 years

  Children will learn the basics on how to code using block-based coding in the Tynker app. They can create and modify fun games, including creating mods and resources for Minecraft, then test and play them! This camp is created for youth who can follow multi-step instructions and are comfortable in a small group setting (5 youth to 1 staff).

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• Sports Club

  • Start
    May 21, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 18, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Sports Club 

  Ages 10-13 years

  Calling all young athletes! This group is designed for youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. The group will practice a variety of sports both in our gym and outside. Youth should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).

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• Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

  • When
    May 21, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Workshop

  Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

  What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)? This workshop will explore the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, which is the field of Psychology dedicated to understanding and improving behaviour. Learn how ABA can change behaviour in order to improve the quality of life for all individuals.

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• Grand River Boat Cruise

  • When
    May 22, 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Grand River Boat Cruise

  Join us for a fun and relaxing afternoon on the Grand River Boat Cruise!

  We will leave from our Thorold office at 3280 Schmon Parkway no later than 9:45 am and take a 1  hour drive to the Grand River Dock, located in Caledonia, Ontario.

  Upon our arrival there will be social time with coffee and a snack, followed by a 30-minute Blazing Fiddles Show! We will then enjoy a 3 hour boat cruise, which includes a 3 course lunch. You will get a meal of your choice, along with salad, fresh bread, dessert and a pop. Once the cruise is finished, we should arrive back at the Thorold office between 4:30pm and 5:00pm, depending on traffic.

  The cost of this event includes your transportation, your ticket for the cruise, and a support worker. The support ratio being provided will be 3 attendees with 1 staff.

  Disclaimer: Pre-Registration is required to attend this event.

  Cost: $300 per person

  Payment forms accepted: Cash, Cheque or eTransfer

  *The cost for this event can be submitted for reimbursement through the Passport Funding Program. 

  Registration will close on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 1 pm.

  Please connect with Kailey Cheropita, Manager, Passport Services if you have any questions about this event.

  905.684.6918 ext. 385

  kcheropita@bethesdaservices.com 

  
  

  
  

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• Play Zone

  • Start
    May 22, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 19, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  

  Play Zone

  Up to 11 years

  This recreational group is designed for kids who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. 

  SPACE IS LIMITED.

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• Money Management

  • When
    May 27, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Youth 12+ Workshops:
  Money Management

  The best thing about having your own money is that you get to decide how to spend it. Whether you get a weekly allowance, receive money or a gift card for your birthday, or find 5 bucks on the street, your first task for good money management is to think about short-term and long-term goals. It will take a bit of practice to become great with money, but once you get the hang of it you will be one step closer to independence.

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• Toilet Training

  • When
    May 28, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Toilet Training

  Is your child showing readiness signs for toilet training? This workshop will help parents and caregivers recognize readiness skills and patterns of current toileting behaviours and learn toilet training strategies based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This workshop is best suited for parents of children ages 7 and younger.

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• Special Services at Home (SSAH) Application Support

  • When
    May 29, 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Special Services at Home (SSAH) Application Support

  Our Service Coordinators will help to provide support with completing applications online for families who have not applied. Families are encouraged to bring their laptops and iPad’s to complete applications, laptops will also be available on a first come, first served basis. This workshop is appropriate for families applying for the first time only.

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• Special Services at Home (SSAH) Application Support

  • When
    May 29, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  
  

  Special Services at Home (SSAH) Application Support

  Our Service Coordinators will help to provide support with completing applications online for families who have not applied. Families are encouraged to bring their laptops and iPad’s to complete applications, laptops will also be available on a first come, first served basis. This workshop is appropriate for families applying for the first time only.

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• All Things Dr. Seuss

  • Start
    May 31, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  All Things Dr. Seuss 

  Ages 4-6 years

  This Dr. Seuss-inspired group is designed for children to explore, colour, make crafts and play. Through fun children will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss characters and stories while practicing social skills in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

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• Dance and Movement

  • Start
    May 31, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Dance and Movement 

  Ages 7-9 years

  This group is designed for children and youth to show off their dance moves, play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

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• Teen Lounge

  • Start
    May 31, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 21, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Teen Lounge 

  Ages 14-17 years

  Teen Lounge is your teen’s winter hangout spot! Teens can make new friends and play games. We have video games, movie nights, comfy vibes for listening to music, and tons more! Teens should be comfortable in a group of 3 teens to 1 staff ratio.

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• Improving Sleep

  • When
    June 04, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Improving Sleep

  Caregivers will learn strategies that can be used to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep. After attending the workshop, two individualized consultations are provided to support you with practicing these skills at home.

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• Toronto Blue Jays Game

  • When
    June 05, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Roger's Centre
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  

  Let's Go, Blue Jays!

  Calling all baseball fans! Bethesda is going to see the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, June 5, 2025 as they face the Philadelphia Phillies.

  Our group will leave from our Thorold office at 3280 Schmon Parkway no later than 12:15pm, we will drive to the Burlington Go Station and then take the Go Train to Union Station. From there, we will walk to the Roger's Centre to watch the game, which starts at 3:07pm. Once the game is done, we will walk back to Union Station and take the Go Train back to Burlington and then drive back to the Thorold office, getting back at approximately 8:30pm, depending on traffic. 

  The cost of this event includes your transportation, your ticket for the game, and a support worker. The support ratio being provided will be 3 attendees with 1 staff.

  Details:

  Date of event: Thursday, June 5, 2025

  Price of event: $325 per person

  Time of event: 12:00pm - 8:30pm

  Registration closes on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 1:00pm

  Please connect with Kailey Cheropita, Manager, Passport Services if you have any questions about this event.

  905.684.6918 ext. 385

  kcheropita@bethesdaservices.com 

  
  

  *The cost for this event can be submitted for reimbursement through the Passport Funding Program.

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• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  • Start
    June 06, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 13, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  
  

  Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  CALLING ALL CAREGIVERS with children between 8 and 17 years old: Caregivers, this workshop is for YOU! Come enjoy a safe, nurturing environment of fellowship and connection! You will learn strategies for managing life’s struggles and reflect on who and what is genuinely important to you so you can live more mindfully, and in accordance with YOUR values. This unique, interactive workshop highlights an approach to life that teaches us to be more psychologically flexible so we are not derailed by life’s challenges.

  *Caregivers must be available to attend all three sessions

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• Peer Mentorship Program

  • Start
    June 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    June 23, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  
  

  Peer Mentorship Program

  Ages 14-17 years

  Calling all teens looking to become a peer mentor this year! Bethesda is offering a peer mentor training program. This training will outline expectations as a peer mentor including roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution and leadership skills. The goal is to empower future leaders to come along side and support other children and youth throughout the 2025 year!

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• Hygiene

  • When
    June 10, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Workshops for Youth 14+

  Hygiene

  This interactive workshop dives into the world of personal care, giving you the knowledge and tools to craft hygiene routines that works for YOU. This workshop is best suited for high school-aged youth.

  Discover at a variety of hygiene rules and the aspects of a healthy lifestyle that fit within our current routines.

  Design a plan to set you up for success in carrying out hygiene routines.

  Build healthy habits that will empower you to become your best self.

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• Positive Parenting Strategies

  • When
    June 11, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Workshop

  Positive Parenting Strategies

  Learn about the seven key aspects of parenting and how to set your child up for success. The goal of this workshop is to teach caregivers proactive ways to support their child’s growth and development through the use of positive behaviour support strategies.

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• Helping your Child Tolerate Change

  • When
    June 18, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Introduction to Teaching: Helping Your Child Tolerate Change

  Making Change a Breeze: Strategies for a Smooth Transition.

  Is your child easily upset by changes in routine? This interactive workshop, part of our Introduction to Teaching series, equips caregivers with practical strategies to:

  • Understand why changes can be challenging for your child.

  • Develop a toolbox of techniques to make transitions smoother.

  • Turn everyday routines into opportunities to build your child’s tolerance for change.

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• Online Safety

  • When
    June 24, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Workshops for Youth 12+

  Online Safety

  This interactive workshop is designed for teens who are interested in learning tools and strategies for using the internet safely. Topics include digital etiquette, risks and benefits of social media and private vs public information.

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• How to Effectively Use Visual Schedules

  • When
    June 25, 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Introduction to Teaching: How to Effectively Use Visual Schedules

  Using Visual Schedules for Success.

  Keeping track of daily routines can be tricky! This interactive workshop, part of our Introduction to Teaching series, equips caregivers with the knowledge to create and implement visual schedules that:

  • Boost your child’s independence and sense of predictability.
  • Improve communication and understanding of daily routines.
  • Reduce meltdowns and frustrations associated with transitions.

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