Sharing Our Leadership in LGBT Services

Increasing counselling capacity beyond the GTA

Over a decade ago, Family Service Toronto underwent a process of organizational readiness in preparation for the integration of David Kelley Services (DKS), then known as the Toronto Counselling Centre for Lesbians and Gays (TCCLG).

It was a process of self-assessment to undertake changes in all aspects of governing the agency, delivering programs and training staff and volunteers. From that process come some of our most important learnings which inform how we currently carry out our mission.

Friends of New Directions Needs
Committee Volunteers
If you are passionate about women’s issues, have knowledge of or interest in the challenges facing women dealing with the loss of an intimate partner, are experienced in the areas of marketing, policy/strategic planning or family law, and are looking for a stimulating and rewarding volunteer opportunity, please visit our website to learn more about the Friends of New Directions committee.

Some service statistics 2007/08
• FST’s Service Access Unit responds to about 80 information and referral calls daily.
• Abuse is the main reason that 29% of people sought out FST’s community programs. This includes abuse by a partner, childhood sexual abuse and abuse of seniors.
• 59% of the people served by FST are women.

Now, thanks to a grant of $150,000 from The Counselling Foundation of Canada, we will be sharing our expertise in providing LGBT services with organizations in smaller and rural settings across Canada who need to introduce or enhance programming for LGBT people in their community.

In September, Family Service Toronto will introduce the Internship in LGBT Counselling Services, hosting three consecutive one-year internships in LGBT counselling with DKS in order to make the following impact:

Provide highly specialized training to three new MSW graduates who want to serve clients in LGBT communities
Prepare a partner agency to develop LGBT counselling services in their community
Provide learning seminars of interest to organizations who want to develop skills and competencies required to serve LGBT clients To learn more about David Kelley Services, check out our website

Interested in supporting this new and innovative project?
Contact Murray Rowe, Manager of Development at (416) 595-9230 ext. 242.

We value your opinion, please share with us what you think by filling out the form below or e-mailing us at catalyst@familyservicetoronto.org