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• Coping Under Pressure: Distress Tolerance Skills for Teens (DBT-Informed Group)

  • Start
    Monday, January 12, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Monday, March 16, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Coping Under Pressure: Distress Tolerance Skills for Teens (DBT-Informed Group)

  Ages 14-17 years (Grade 9 and above)

  This group helps teens with Autism learn how to handle strong emotions and stressful situations without making things worse. Using DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills, participants will practice ways to stay calm, think clearly, and make safe choices when they feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, or anxious.

  Through hands-on activities, discussion, and real-life examples, teens will learn coping strategies such as distraction, self-soothing, grounding, and healthy problem-solving. The goal is to help youth build confidence in managing distress and to feel more in control of their emotions.
  

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• Home Alone

  • Start
    Monday, January 12, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Monday, February 09, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Home Alone

  Ages 14-17 years

  Home Alone is an interactive group where teens can learn and practice social and life skills related to staying safe when alone. Group topics include stranger awareness, what to do in an emergency, home safety, calling 911, basic care for minor scrapes and cuts, internet safety, establishing a home alone routine, locking and unlocking a door and being responsible with a house key.

  This program is appropriate for teens who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate verbally and can participate in an in-person group with 1 staff per 3 teens ratio.

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• Sibling Resilience

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Young Caregivers Association (Powerhouse), 318 Ontario Street, Unit 7A, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5L8

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Sibling Resilience

  Ages 8-13 years

  In partnership with Young Caregivers Association

  Do you have a brother or sister with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability? You’re not alone! Join our Sibling Resilience group, a fun and supportive space to connect with other kids who understand what you’re going through.

  Here’s what you can expect:

  • Meet other siblings who get it! Share your experiences, have fun, and build lasting friendships.

  • Learn strategies to build resilience, manage stress, and feel confident!
  • Discover how to communicate effectively with your sibling and build a positive relationship.

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• Puberty

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  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. This group is for all genders. 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 of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
  

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• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, February 17, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  
  

  Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children 8-17 years.

  Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities? ACT could be the lifeline you've been looking for! Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what's important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life. No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

  ACT could be the lifeline you’ve been looking for!

  Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what’s important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life. No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

  Show details
• Conversation Club

  • Start
    Wednesday, January 14, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, February 11, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Conversation Club

  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. 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 with 1 staff to 3 children ratio.

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• Improving Sleep

  • When
    Wednesday, January 14, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Improving Sleep
  Caregiver Workshop

  Caregivers will learn strategies that can be used to help children fall asleep and maintain a full night’s sleep.

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• The Connection Crew

  • Start
    Thursday, January 15, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, February 12, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Join waitlist

  
  

  The Connection Crew

  Ages 10-13 years

  This group is a social group for youth who are non-speaking. In this smaller group setting youth will practice their social skills including: sharing, simple turn taking and play skills.

  Youth must be able to participate in a group setting of 1 staff per 2 youth ratio.

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• Helping your Teen Cope with Depression

  • When
    Monday, January 19, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Helping your Teen Cope with Depression
  Caregiver Workshop

  A psycho-educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers of teenagers who are struggling with depression and/or depressive symptoms. This workshop will explore depression from a mental health perspective, highlighting the differences between depression and other emotions such as sadness or grief, as well as the criteria that indicate a potential clinical diagnosis of a depressive disorder or episode. Some basic coping strategies for depression will be shared, as well as providing some general tips for caregivers who are supporting a teen with depression.

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• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Mental Health in Collaboration with Contact Niagara

  • When
    Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  

  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Mental Health in Collaboration with Contact Niagara
  Caregiver Workshop

  This workshop will explore the connection between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and mental health to highlight why children and youth with FASD are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and trauma.

  Clinicians will introduce the concept of learned helplessness, which is a pattern that develops when repeated challenges and misunderstandings lead to feelings of defeat and reduced motivation, and discuss how it uniquely impacts people with FASD.

  The session will offer practical, evidence-informed strategies for caregivers and professionals to support mental health through trauma-informed care, co-regulation, environmental structure, and strength-based interventions that help rebuild agency, resilience, and emotional well-being.

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• Supporting Siblings

  • When
    Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Supporting Siblings
  Caregiver Workshop

  This workshop for parents and caregivers will discuss supporting the siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or other developmental disabilities. Topics will include sibling relationships, how having a sibling with ASD or other disabilities may affect that relationship, and the Glass Child phenomenon. Some general strategies for helping your siblings to find ways to co-exist will be discussed, and additional resources for places to find sibling support will be provided.

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• Sexuality and Relationship Group (Part 3 and 4)

  • Start
    Thursday, January 22, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, March 26, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Sexuality and Relationship Group (Part 3 and 4)

  Ages 14-17 years (Grade 9 and above)

  This two-part group series is designed for teens and young adults with a basic understanding of puberty, offering a supportive space to explore relationships, sexuality, and personal health.

  Teens must be able to participate in a group setting with 1 staff to 3 teens ratio.

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• Coffee Chats

  • Start
    Monday, January 26, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Monday, March 23, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6

  Register

  
  

  Coffee Chat: Parent Support Group

  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 Lianne Wyatt, our Caregiver Engagement Lead, 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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• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Monday, January 26, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  January 26 - CARD GAMES

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  • When
    Monday, January 26, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON

  Register

  
  ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  If you’ve taken our ACT workshops, either in-person or virtually, you’re invited to reconnect with the friends and the ACT processes that can help to make life feel more meaningful. At our monthly meetings, you’ll rediscover some of the ACT processes and strategies that worked for you, and take a fresh look at the challenges you’re facing to see how they connect with your values. No more being dragged around by your unwanted or unhelpful thoughts!

  
  

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• Planning for Community Outings

  • When
    Wednesday, January 28, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Planning for Community Outings
  Caregiver Workshop

  Turn everyday outings, from doctor’s appointments to grocery shopping, into positive experiences for you and your child. This interactive workshop equips caregivers with proactive strategies to: anticipate and address challenges during community outings, develop personalized plans for a smoother experience, and boost your child’s confidence in new environments.

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• Finding a Balance for Children and Youth with Autism in a Digital World

  • When
    Tuesday, February 03, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Welland Public Library 50 The Boardwalk Welland, ON L3B 6J1

  Register

  
  

  Finding Balance for Children and Youth with Autism in a Digital World
  Caregiver Workshop

  Why do neurodivergent learners gravitate towards technology usage? Find a balance for your child in the digital age. You will learn positive behaviour strategies to help limit usage, identify some replacement activities, and learn how to reward engaging in other activities and coping with emotional dysregulation when limiting usage.

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• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Wednesday, February 04, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  February 4 - BINGO

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• Doughnut Bros: Male Caregiver Group

  • Start
    Monday, February 09, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Monday, March 09, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON, L2V 4Y6

  Register

  
  

  Doughnut Bros: Male Caregiver Group

  A group that helps facilitate conversations that male caregivers would like to have in a supportive yet light-hearted and free-form environment. Discussions are caregiver-led and co-facilitated by a behaviour therapist and psychotherapist. The group provides an opportunity to share and learn from each others’ collective experiences that are relevant to male caregivers. This group meets once a month and doughnuts will be provided.

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• From Differences to Strengths: Supporting Your Youth’s Unique Identity

  • When
    Thursday, February 12, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  From Differences to Strengths:
  Supporting Your Youth's Unique Identity
  Caregiver Workshop

  This workshop helps caregivers reframe how they view and support their neurodivergent youth. Rooted in a strengths-based, affirming approach, From Differences to Strengths explores how understanding neurodiversity and identity through a positive lens can build confidence and strengthen family connection. Participants will learn practical strategies to promote resilience, acceptance, and self-expression, while discovering ways to celebrate their youth’s unique strengths and support their evolving identity, including LGBTQ+ identities. The session also addresses common caregiver challenges with compassion and perspective.

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• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Monday, February 23, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  February 23 - BINGO

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  • When
    Monday, February 23, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON

  Register

  
  ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  If you’ve taken our ACT workshops, either in-person or virtually, you’re invited to reconnect with the friends and the ACT processes that can help to make life feel more meaningful. At our monthly meetings, you’ll rediscover some of the ACT processes and strategies that worked for you, and take a fresh look at the challenges you’re facing to see how they connect with your values. No more being dragged around by your unwanted or unhelpful thoughts!

  
  

  Show details
• How to Handle Bullying

  • When
    Wednesday, February 25, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  How to Handle Bullying
  Caregiver Workshop

  Caregivers will learn strategies on how to support their children if they are dealing with bullying, to identify the difference between bullying and teasing, and how to respond to bullies.

  Show details
• Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

  • Start
    Tuesday, March 03, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Online - Virtual

  Register

  
  

  Triple P: Positive Parenting Program

  Caregiver Workshop

  Triple P is a caregiver education course that focuses on causes of misbehaviour, teaching new skills, increasing desired behaviours, decreasing misbehaviour and survival skills for difficult situations. This course is recommended for caregivers new to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability and/or the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). This course is appropriate for caregivers with children aged 0-12 years old.

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• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Wednesday, March 04, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  March 4 - Murder Mystery

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• Teen Emotions Toolbox

  • When
    Wednesday, March 11, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  
  

  Teen Emotions Toolbox
  Teen Workshop

  In this 1-hour virtual workshop teens will learn how to identify and regulate their emotions. They will learn coping strategies to use when they are triggered.

  Show details
• Pathways to Employment

  • When
    Wednesday, March 25, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual - Online

  Register

  

  Pathways to Employment
  Teen Workshop

  In this 1-hour virtual workshop teens will learn strategies for applying for a job, writing a resume, interviewing, and job readiness skills

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• Bethesda Family Day

  • When
    Saturday, March 28, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Register

  

  Bethesda Family Day
  All Ages 

  Spring is in the air! Join us on Saturday, March 28 to meet some members from our team, have your picture taken in the photo booth and jump on the bouncy castle. We can’t wait to see you!

  Disclaimer: Parents are required to stay with their children. Siblings welcome!

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• Bethesda Family Day

  • When
    Saturday, March 28, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

  Register

  

  Bethesda Family Day
  All Ages 

  Spring is in the air! Join us on Saturday, March 28 to meet some members from our team, have your picture taken in the photo booth and jump on the bouncy castle. We can’t wait to see you!

  Disclaimer: Parents are required to stay with their children. Siblings welcome!

  Show details
• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Monday, March 30, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  March 30 - Pictionary

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  • When
    Monday, March 30, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON

  Register

  
  ACT Caregiver Peer Practice Group

  If you’ve taken our ACT workshops, either in-person or virtually, you’re invited to reconnect with the friends and the ACT processes that can help to make life feel more meaningful. At our monthly meetings, you’ll rediscover some of the ACT processes and strategies that worked for you, and take a fresh look at the challenges you’re facing to see how they connect with your values. No more being dragged around by your unwanted or unhelpful thoughts!

  
  

  Show details
• Caregiver Club

  • When
    Wednesday, April 01, 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Caregiver Club

  April 1 - PAINT NIGHT

  Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)? Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We’ll plan something a little different for each month: your ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

  Show details
• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  • Start
    Friday, April 10, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Friday, April 17, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Bethesda Niagara Family Centre, 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

  Register

  
  

  Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

  Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children 2-7 years.

  Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities? ACT could be the lifeline you've been looking for! Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what's important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life. No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

  ACT could be the lifeline you’ve been looking for!

  Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what’s important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life. No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

  Meals are provided for the in-person workshops

  
  

  Show details