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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
    10

  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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• PD Day Event at Niagara College

  • When
    April 04, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Location: Niagara College – Welland Campus, Athletic Entrance
  • Spaces left
    0

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  PD Day Event at Niagara College
  Ages 4-13 years

  In collaboration with Niagara College Inclusive Community Engagement (NCICE), we are thrilled to present PD Day activities tailored for the children under our care. These engaging games and activities will be facilitated by both Niagara College Students and Bethesda staff. We extend a warm welcome to children with diverse support needs!

  Parents have the option to remain onsite in a designated area with a view of the activities. Additionally, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 parking fee for the event.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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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
    8

  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

  Register

  
  

  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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• Comic Book Club

  • Start
    April 07, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 05, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    4

  
  

  Comic Book Club 

  Ages 14-17 years

  This Comic Book Club is designed for teens who love to explore new worlds through comic books. Participants will dive into exciting adventures, discuss their favorite characters, and share their creative ideas in a fun group setting. Teens should feel comfortable in a small group (3 teens to 1 staff).

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• Knowledge Nights

  • Start
    April 07, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 05, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    3

  
  

  Knowledge Nights 

  Ages 14-17 years

  Knowledge Nights is a fun, interactive group for teens who love to test their trivia skills, play board games, and share facts with friends. In this social setting participants will challenge each other in friendly competitions and learn new things while having a blast. Teens should feel comfortable in a small group (3 teens to 1 staff).

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• Literacy Group

  • Start
    April 07, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 12, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Literacy Group

  Ages 10-13 years

  This club is for those youth who like to read! We will read 2-3 books across the span of group, discussing characters and themes. This group focuses on developing comprehension skills, vocabulary and social interactions. The group is run by a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) and a Therapeutic Respite Worker. Children must be comfortable in a 2 children to 1 staff ratio.

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• Coding

  • Start
    April 08, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 13, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  
  

  Coding 

  Ages 10-13 years

  Pre-teens 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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• 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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• Sports Club

  • Start
    April 09, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 14, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Sports Club 

  Ages 7-9 years

  Calling all young athletes! This group is designed for children and 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. Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

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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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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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• Play Zone

  • Start
    April 10, 2025
  •  
  • End
    May 15, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Play Zone

  Ages 12-17 years

  This recreational group is designed for youth 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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• Puberty

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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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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• Identifying and Coping with Autistic Burnout

  • When
    April 28, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Identifying and Coping with Autistic Burnout

  Is your child/youth experiencing depression, or could it be “autistic burnout”? Come learn about the signs and symptoms of a concept that is gaining attention in recent years, “autistic burnout”. Let’s discuss how you can support your child through certain lifestyle changes to improve their psychological wellbeing.

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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
    14

  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.

  
  

  Show details
• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Application Support

  • When
    May 08, 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  
  

  Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) 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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• Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Application Support

  • When
    May 08, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  
  

  Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) 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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• Family Day at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre

  • When
    May 14, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON, L0R 2C0
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Family Day at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre

  Join us for a fun-filled spring celebration for the whole family at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre! Enjoy games, activities, and making memories together!
  

  Please complete one registration for your family - include the number of people attending from your family during registration. 

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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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• 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).

  Show details
• 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

  Join waitlist

  

  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.

  Show details
• 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
    15

  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.

  Show details
• 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
    15

  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.

  Show details
• 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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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

  Join waitlist

  
  

  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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• 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
    13

  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
    3

  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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