Latest News

FST celebrates Mother's Day

Family Service Toronto, the Income Security Advocacy Centre and Ontario Campaign 2000 hosted a special Mother’s Day Breakfast on May 11. The inaugural Mother’s Day event paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication of low-income mothers who strive to realize a bright future for their children by participating in community initiatives, public policy meetings and advocacy work.

Low-income mothers from across the province were given an opportunity to send in their wish for Mother’s Day – concrete actions they want the government to take to improve their lives and the lives of their children. The wishes will be shared with the Ontario government. Read a selection of wishes here.

Speakers at the event included Margaret Hancock, Family Service Toronto’s Executive Director and City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale).

FST highlights Mental Health Week: May 7-13

Mental Health Week is an annual national event that takes place during the first week in May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.
Family Service Toronto is pleased to support the Canadian Mental Health Association in its efforts to broaden public awareness of mental health issues and to acknowledge the importance of this year’s theme: Mental Health is Everyone’s Concern.  
For a list of simple ways to practise mental fitness, go here.
At FST, we work daily with clients who experience a range of mental health issues. Our counsellors help individuals, couples, families and groups deal with stress, abuse, divorce, separation, the challenges of aging, sexual orientation and many other issues relating to emotional well-being.
Sometimes our clients share their stories as they seek help to face their challenges. Read some of their stories and learn more about our work here.

FST welcomes United Way funding increase

Two-per-cent hike to base funding announced April 20 will provide capacity to respond to emerging needs and priorities, says Margaret Hancock, Executive Director of Family Service Toronto.

“We are thrilled  to learn of this increase to our annual core funding from United Way,” she added. “This additional support will give our community a renewed measure of stability in what remains an uncertain time.” Click here for full media release from United Way Toronto.

Family Service Toronto joins city agencies in cheering base funding increase from United Way
"A cause for celebration," says FST executive director Margaret Hancock.
Read article in Toronto Star, April 23, 2012.

FST Programs and Services

• Counselling Services
• Connecting Families - Parenting Program
• David Kelley Services - counselling for LGBTQ community and people living with HIV/AIDS
• Families in Transition – help for separating, divorcing and remarrying families
• Seniors and Caregivers Support Services
• Pat's Place - Abused Older Person's Program
• Violence Against Women – help for women in abusive relationships
• Next Steps/Partner Abuse Response Program
• Campaign 2000 – provincial and national anti-poverty coalitions
• Options - a program for people labeled with intellectual disabilities
• Passport Initiative - community participation supports for young adults who have a developmental disability
• Community and Neighbourhood Development Projects
• Growing Up Healthy Downtown - GUHD - a program for families with young children
• Social Reform