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Empowering your child’s journey!

Bethesda is pleased to offer Foundational Family Services for children/youth and their families who are registered with Children’s Behaviour Services (CBS) at Bethesda and ANY family across the province who is registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) up until their 18th birthday.

At Bethesda, we believe in the power of collaboration, compassionate care, and innovation to unlock your child’s full potential to live their best life.

Together, we create a supportive environment that celebrates your child’s unique strengths while addressing their individual needs. Our compassionate professionals work hand-in-hand with families to develop individualized plans that integrate seamlessly into your daily lives.

Here’s what sets Bethesda apart:

• Collaborative Culture: We value your expertise as a parent/caregiver. You are the constant in your child’s life, and your insights are invaluable. We partner with you to create a unified care plan.

• Quality Care: Our team is comprised of highly trained specialists who stay current on the latest research and best practices. We offer a wide range of evidence-based services, including Foundational Family Services and Core Clinical Services, to address your child’s specific needs.

• Innovation in Action: We believe in pushing boundaries and developing innovative approaches that support your child’s success at home, in school, and in the community.

Together we can:

• Set goals: We partner with you to define your child’s aspirations and establish a roadmap for achieving them.

• Develop Strategies: We collaborate to identify practical techniques you can incorporate into your daily routines to empower your child’s growth.

• Celebrate Progress: We celebrate your child’s achievements and work together to measure and track their development.

• Plan for the Future: We continuously assess your child’s needs and collaboratively determine the next steps in their journey.

How do I get started with Bethesda’s Free Foundational Family Services?

If you have any questions about the below steps please reach out to a service coordinator: serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com 905.684.6918 ext. 170

Step 1

Step 2

Are you registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) or Bethesda Children’s Behaviour Services?

Create your account through Bethesda’s membership portal. See page 38

*Your account will be approved within three (3) business days.

If you already have an account, log in.

Step 3

Step 4

Review the events in this guide to find the best programs for you and your family.

Please note there is a limit of one recreational and one clinical group service per child.

Register for your selections. If your preferred group is full, register for that group’s waitlist. Our team reviews and confirms registrants before each group begins and room may become available for you.

Nous sommes heureux d’offrir des services en français sur demande.

We are pleased to offer services in French upon request.

Keep an eye out for these icons:

Pending

Approved

These icons will give you direction on the status of your registration!

PENDING

Your registration request is being reviewed. Stay tuned for more information.

APPROVED

Your registration is approved and you are confirmed for the event!

CANCELLED

Your registration has been cancelled for one of the following reasons:

• at your request

• the event was cancelled

• we are following up with you to plan service that meets the needs of your family

WAITLIST

You have been successfully added to the waitlist for this event. We will contact you directly if a spot becomes available.

SERVICE COORDINATOR

Your Service Coordinators are here to help! Contact a Service Coordinator if you have any questions!

What is a Brief Consultation

Brief Consultations are single or time-limited (1-3) individualized sessions that are focused on a specific need or goal.

Examples of topics that can be discussed during a brief consultation appointment include, but are not limited to:

Behaviour concerns

Increasing independence

Learning about community resources

Completing OAP registration and funding applications

Teaching new skills

Consult appointments are available from a variety of clinicians, including:

• Behaviour Therapist

• Speech Language Pathologist

• Occupational Therapist

• Registered Early Childhood Educator

• Service Coordinator

Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series

Understanding the Ontario Autism Program

Clarifying Autism Services and funding options

Meet one-on-one with a Service Coordinator to help parents and caregivers navigate Autism services in the Niagara Region and the province.

Get clear and concise information about:

• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP): Understand eligibility and explore funding options

• One-time Funding: Learn about additional financial support available

• Evidence-based Interventions: Discover the benefits of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other proven strategies

DATE/TIME Available by individual appointment upon request.

Phone 905.684.6918 ext.170

LOCATION Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.

Caregiver Development Workshops

Bethesda Children and Youth Services is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support your child’s overall well-being.

Understanding and Improving Communication in Your Child

This workshop will help caregivers to better understand terms, definitions and different components of communication. Learn how to build motivating communication opportunities into everyday activities and identify strategies to increase your child’s communication. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.

DATE/TIME Tuesday January 14 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION Virtual register

Supporting Siblings

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.

DATE/TIME Monday January 20 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION Virtual register

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

• Why do neurodivergent learners gravitate towards technology usage?

• Finding a balance for your child in the digital age

• Positive behaviour strategies to help limit usage

• What are some replacement activities and how to reward engaging in other activities

• Coping with emotional dysregulation when limiting usage

DATE/TIME Monday January 27 6:00pm - 7:00pm

LOCATION Virtual

ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Training

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is an approach to life that teaches us how to become more psychologically flexible. This approach helps us to embrace life, mindfully connecting to things that are of importance to us. We learn to struggle less with difficult experiences and feelings. ACT does not attempt to directly change or stop unwanted thoughts or feelings; rather, it helps us develop a new mindful relationship with those experiences. We learn to become more open and live more consistently with who and what we care about. This workshop is for families with children 5-17 years old.

*Please note that this is a 6-week workshop

DATE/TIME Tuesdays January 14- February 18 6:30pm- 8:30pm

LOCATION Virtual register register

How to Talk to Your Child about Their Diagnosis

Many parents wonder when, what, and how to share a diagnosis with their child. This workshop explores strategies that can be used, as well as ways to help your child and their sibling(s) understand what a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a developmental disability means to them.

DATE/TIME Monday February 3

6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual

Sensory Processing and Behaviour: Understanding the Links and General Strategies

This workshop will provide parents and caregivers an introduction to understanding sensory processing and behaviour, as well as some strategies to use with their child. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.

DATE/TIME Tuesday February 4 6:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Virtual

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.

DATE/TIME Thursday February 6

Day Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Evening: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Improving Sleep

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON

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.

DATE/TIME Monday February 10 12:00pm - 1:00pm

LOCATION Virtual

Desensitization

Desensitization is a term we use in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to describe teaching tolerance to activities or situations the child finds difficult. Join this workshop to learn some practical ways to increase your child’s tolerance level to non preferred items. Two follow up consultations are provided to review how the strategies are working for you.

DATE/TIME Saturday February 22 10:00am - 11:00am

LOCATION Virtual

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Application Support

DATE/TIME Thursday February 27 Day Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm Evening: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Toilet Training

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON

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.

DATE/TIME Tuesday March 4 12:00pm - 1:00pm LOCATION Virtual

Caregiver Development Workshops

Supporting Your Teen

Transition to Adulthood

This workshop will provide information for parents/caregivers to support their child’s transition to adulthood. Topics will include registering with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), transition planning, and more. Transition planning can take several years and parents are encouraged to attend this workshop in their child’s early teen years and revisit this workshop at different points throughout their teenage years.

DATE/TIME Tuesday January 7 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Puberty Workshop

This workshop provides information and strategies needed to support your child through puberty. Participants will learn how to teach children about puberty, as well as how to set good hygiene habits and routines. A supplemental package of resources will be shared with the group. This workshop is best suited for parents/guardians of children between the ages of 8-15 years.

DATE/TIME Wednesday February 26 6:30pm - 7:30pm

“Bethesda has been great with my son, helping diagnose him and provided therapy. The workshops are always great and helpful.”

Helping Your Teen Cope with Depression

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.

DATE/TIME Monday March 3 6:00pm - 7:00pm LOCATION

Relationships and Sexuality Workshop

This workshop introduces parents to issues related to sexuality and relationships for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a developmental disability. Parents will learn about a variety of areas that their teen may need to learn to navigate areas like: private and public behaviours, consent, boundaries, and sexual health.

DATE/TIME Saturday March 22 10:00am - 11:00am

Youth 12+ Workshops

Strategies for Successful Homework

This workshop will review different tips, strategies and other recommendations to help youth be more successful in completing homework and/or school assignments.

DATE/TIME Thursday February 6 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual

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 longterm 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.

DATE/TIME Thursday February 13 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual

Relationships

This workshop introduces youth to issues related to sexuality and relationships. Youth will learn about a variety of areas that they may need to learn to navigate: private and public behaviours, consent, boundaries, and sexual health.

DATE/TIME Thursday February 27 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual

How to Handle Teasing

This workshop for kids will address what teasing is, how to avoid being a target, and what to do if you are being teased. This workshop will also provide specific tools and strategies for responding to bullying, including what to do if you are a target, how to handle embarrassing feedback and choosing appropriate friends.

DATE/TIME Thursday March 20 6:30pm - 7:30pm

“Bethesda has been a consistent source of support and information through my child’s youth. My child enjoys interacting with the staff. They truly create an inviting, accepting atmosphere. Our lives have absolutely benefited from the programs and services offered at Bethesda.”

-Bethesda Parent

Recreational Group Services 2-4 years

Please note that there is a limit of one recreational group per child.

Please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group before making your selections.

Play and Learn

Bethesda is pleased to offer Play and Learn, in collaboration with EarlyON. This program will focus on supporting caregivers and children with establishing and building routines that promote successful participation in community and group settings.

The program will be supported by EarlyON staff, as well as a Service Coordinator/Interventionist and therapeutic respite staff from Bethesda.

Caregivers will remain with their child during the program and siblings are welcome. Caregivers should bring a backpack, lunch bag with nut free snacks, and indoor shoes for their child.

AGES

DATE/TIME 2-4 years

Fridays January 17 - February 14

9:30am - 11:00am

Play and Learn

LOCATION

EarlyON Welland Seaway Mall

800 Niagara Street

Welland ON L3C 5Z4

The program will be supported by EarlyON staff, as well as a Service Coordinator/Interventionist and therapeutic respite staff from Bethesda.

Caregivers will remain with their child during the program and siblings are welcome. Caregivers should bring a backpack, lunch bag with nut free snacks, and indoor shoes for their child.

AGES

DATE/TIME 2-4 years

Fridays February 28 - March 28 9:30am - 11:00am

LOCATION

EarlyON Welland Seaway Mall

800 Niagara Street

Welland ON L3C 5Z4

Recreational Group Services 4-6 years

Dance and Movement

Get ready to groove and have a blast at Movement and Dance! Our experienced staff will guide you every step of the way. Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

This group is all about:

• Showing off your moves: Learn cool dance steps and express yourself through music

• Playful exploration: Move your body, play games, and make new friends who love to dance

• Meeting new friends: Dance and move with other energetic kids just like you

AGES

DATE/TIME 4-6 years

LOCATION Bethesda

Saturdays

January 11 - February 8

9:30am - 12:00pm

Sensory Explorers

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Get ready to activate your senses by becoming a Sensory Explorer. In this group, your child will be provided a safe and structured environment to engage and explore various sensory activities. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).

AGES

DATE/TIME 4-6 years

Play Zone

Saturdays

February 22- March 22 9:30am - 12:00pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

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.

AGES

DATE/TIME 4-10 years

LOCATION Bethesda

Thursdays

January 16- February 13 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Recreational Group Services 7-9 years

Dance and Movement

This group is all about:

• Showing off your moves: Learn cool dance steps and express yourself through music

• Playful exploration: Move your body, play games, and make new friends who love to dance

• Meeting new friends: Dance and move with other energetic kids just like you

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

Saturdays

January 11 - February 8

9:30am - 12:00pm

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Create

This in-person group for youth to build friendships and learn social skills through fun activities like art, cooking a simple recipe, and exploring their creativity with Play-Doh. Youth should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).

Children will have the opportunity to:

• Meet other kids who love to play and explore their creativity

• Through games, art projects, and more, kids will practice teamwork, communication, and making friendships

• Unleash your inner artist

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

Wednesdays January 15- February 12

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Play Zone

LOCATION

Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

AGES

DATE/TIME 4-10 years Thursdays

January 16- February 13 5:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION

Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Sensory Explorers

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

Saturdays

February 22- March 22

9:30am - 12:00pm

Pokemon Club

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

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 2 children to 1 staff ratio.

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years Saturdays February 22- March 22 1:00pm - 3:30pm

Lego Club

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Calling all creative minds! Join our Lego Club and unleash your imagination with everyone’s favorite building blocks. This program is perfect for children ages 7-9 years who love to build, collaborate, and explore their creativity. Ratio of 3 participants to 1 staff. In this club, you will:

• Work together to design and build amazing Lego creations

• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills

• Foster a fun and supportive environment for creative expression

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

Tuesdays

February 25- March 25 *no session March 11 5:30pm- 7:30pm

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Recreational Group Services 10-13 years

Saturday Social

Ready for a blast on Saturdays? Join our Saturday Social group and get ready for a day filled with laughter, creativity, and new friends! Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).

Get ready to:

• Play a variety of fun and engaging games, both indoors and outdoors

• Unleash your inner artist with exciting craft projects

• Meet new kids who share your love for games, crafts, and just hanging out

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Saturdays

January 11 - Februay 8

1:00pm - 3:30pm

Lego Club

LOCATION

Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Calling all creative minds! Join our Lego Club and unleash your imagination with everyone’s favorite building blocks. This program is perfect for youth ages 10-13 years who love to build, collaborate, and explore their creativity. Ratio of 3 participants to 1 staff. In this club, you will:

• Work together to design and build amazing Lego creations

• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills

• Foster a fun and supportive environment for creative expression

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Tuesdays

January 14- February 11

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Play Zone

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

AGES

Thursdays

DATE/TIME 4-10 years

January 16- February 13

5:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Comedy Club

This group is designed for children and youth who enjoy telling jokes and sharing funny stories. Participants will have the opportunity to make a list of their best jokes, become comfortable presenting them in front of an audience, and learning what types of jokes are appropriate to make. Children should be comfortable in a ratio of 3 youth per 1 staff.

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Thursdays

February 20- March 27

*no session March 13

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Pokemon Club

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Saturdays

February 22- March 22

1:00pm - 3:30pm

Create

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Children will have the opportunity to:

• Meet other kids who love to play and explore their creativity

• Through games, art projects, and more, campers will practice teamwork, communication, and making friendships

• Unleash your inner artist

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Wednesdays

February 26- March 26

*no session March 12

5:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Recreational Group Services 14-17 years

Saturday Matinee

This group is designed for teens to come and practice their social skills while bonding over their enjoyment of movies. Movie trivia, watching movies and socializing will be a part of this group. Teens should be comfortable in a 1:3 ratio, limited spots available.

AGES

DATE/TIME 14-17 years

Saturdays

January 11 - February 8 1:00pm - 3:30pm

Teen Lounge

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

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. Limited spots available.

AGES

DATE/TIME 14-17 years

Mondays

January 13 - February 10 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Creative Corner Art Club

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Welcome to Creative Corner, a creative space where self-expression and artistic exploration thrive! Whether you’re passionate about drawing, painting, or any other creative pursuit, this club is for you. Bring your own projects from home to work on or start something new. It’s a supportive, fun environment to let your creativity flow and discover new ways to express yourself. Ratio of 3 participants to 1 staff.

AGES

DATE/TIME 14-17 years

Mondays

February 24- March 31

*no session March 11 5:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre

3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Clinical Group Services 7-9 years

Please note that there is a limit of one clinical group per child.

To ensure a good fit for your child, please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group before making your selections.

Cooking Club: Baking!

Calling all junior chefs! Join our in-person Cooking Club, where we focus on practicing social skills through baking and learning kitchen safety rules. Get ready for a season of delicious treats, teamwork fun, and kitchen confidence! Youth should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).

This group is perfect for youth who:

• Love to bake and want to learn new recipes

• Want to make new friends who share their interest in cooking

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

LOCATION

Bethesda

Mondays

January 13- March 3

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Social Navigators

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

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.

AGES

DATE/TIME 7-9 years

Wednesdays

January 15- March 5

6:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register register

Clinical Group Services 10-13 years

Formula for Friendship 101

Ready to level up your friendship game? Join our in-person Formula for Friendship group and unlock the secrets to making awesome friends. Youth should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).

This group is perfect for youth who:

• Want to make new friends and build stronger relationships

• Benefit from learning social skills in a supportive environment

• Can follow instructions, communicate verbally, and participate in a group setting

Bonus: We’ll use fun and effective strategies based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to help you learn and grow!

AGES

DATE/TIME 10-13 years

Thursdays

January 16- March 6

6:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

“Thanks to the amazing staff as always, my child loves attending Bethesda’s social opportunities. It makes him feel like he has friends and gives him things to look forward to attending.”

-Bethesda Parent

Clinical Group Services 14-17 years

Sexuality and Relationships Part 1

In Part One of this group, participants will learn about different types of relationships, public vs. private behaviours, friendship, gender identity and expression, communication and decision making related to sexuality and health. This group is ideal for teens and young adults who already have a basic understanding of puberty and can participate in group discussions.

AGES

DATE/TIME 14-17 years

Tuesdays January 14- March 4

6:00pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway

Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Peer Mentorship Program

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! This will include volunteer opportunities over March Break to practice your skills and gain high school volunteer hours.

AGES

DATE/TIME 14-17 years Friday February 14

1:00pm- 4:00pm

LOCATION Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

“Being new to the Niagara region, it was great to have the services provided by Bethesda. From social skills programs for my son with autism, to support programs and services for parents like me, Bethesda staff are professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to interact with at every step.”

-Bethesda Parent

Clinical Group Services 15-17 years

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Distress Tolerance

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 ‘Distress Tolerance’. Distress tolerance skills help teens tolerate difficult situations and emotional pain when the problems cannot be solved right away. This group intends to teach teens strategies that help change their experience of the distress during a crisis and accept painful circumstances.

AGES

DATE/TIME 15-17 years Mondays January 20- March 17

*no session February 17 4:00pm - 5:00pm

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Family Night at Bethesda

Join us for a fun-filled evening 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.

AGES

DATE/TIME All ages Wednesday February 19 5:30pm - 7:30pm

LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

Family Support Groups

Coffee Chats 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 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.

AGES

DATE/TIME

Parents/Caregivers of children and teens all ages

Morning Group: Mondays

January 13, February 10, March 3 10:30am - 11:30am

Evening Group: Mondays January 27, February 24, March 31 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Sibling Wellness and Self-Care

LOCATION

Bethesda

Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6

In Partnership with the Young Caregivers Association, this group is designed for young children who have a child in their home that is diagnosed with a Neurological or developmental disability. The group will include a number of activities to help foster and build resilience in youth taking on a caregiving role for other children in the home.

Note: there will also be children registered through the Young caregivers Association and therefore by registering, you are giving consent that it will be shared that the child you are registering is affiliated with Bethesda.

AGES

DATE/TIME

Children 7-10 years Mondays January 13- February 24 *no session February 17 5:30pm - 6:30pm

LOCATION 318 Ontario St., Unit 7A St.Catherine’s ON L2R 5L8

Do you have concerns about your child’s teeth? Is it difficult for your child to attend Dental appointments? Does your child require support in seeing the Dentist?

We can help!

Bethesda has partnered with the Niagara College Dental Program to provide priming tools and support for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, during a dental appointment and cleaning procedure. Children must be registered with the Ontario Autism Program at Bethesda in order to participate.

• Ch ildren and youth (age 5- 17 years) receive a complete oral examination, cleaning, polishing and individual oral hygiene instruction

• Rad iographs and fluoride treatments are provided as required

• Sealan ts are available at no charge.

• AB A staff from Bethesda and Niagara College will be present to support you and your child

Dental Clinic

Monday, March 24

1:30pm - 3:30pm and 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Niagara College Dental Clinic- Welland Campus

To find the Dental Clinic, enter the main entrance of the Welland Campus off of First Avenue. The clinic is located on the left side of the main lobby once you enter the building.

Cost is $30

To register

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for your child, please call 905.735.2211 extension 7758. You may also contact the Dental Clinic by email at ncdentalclinic@niagaracollege.ca

Please specify that you would like an appointment for the Bethesda clinic day.

The Joy of Working at Bethesda

Working with children, youth and families is a true privilege that fills my heart with joy. I have the opportunity to build new relationships and co-create inclusive programming and events for those we serve. Watching families flourish in our services is particularly rewarding. I’m so pleased to join Bethesda’s innovative team and look forward to being a part of this supportive community.

The best part of working with children at Bethesda is celebrating small victories! Every small step forward , whether it’s a new word spoken, a successful social interaction, or a moment of independence, is a significant and joyful achievement and I celebrate each and every one of them with great enthusiasm!!

Jenn Sinnett Program Supervisor, Children and Youth Services

Kathi Cosgrove Manager, Children and Youth Services

Create a Membership

Membership needs to be confirmed before you can begin registering for events.

Create your membership here

Follow these steps to create a membership account through Bethesda’s portal:

1. Navigate to bethesdaservices.com > Select Children & Youth Services in the menu bar > Select Client Login from the secondary menu bar.

2. Select Membership Level > Family/Child/Youth Services - Free > Click Next.

3. Enter your Email Address > Click I’m not a robot > Click Next

If you will be creating accounts for more than one child, please register each child with a unique email address.

4. Enter the requested client information for your child > Click Next

5. Review and confirm the membership information > Click Confirm.

6. Once your membership application has been reviewed and accepted by a Service Coordinator, you will receive an email from admin@portal.bethesdaservices.com with a temporary password.

7. Please log in using the provided temporary password and immediately change your password to one you will more easily remember by clicking the Change password button.

8. Enter your current and new password (new password must include at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one special character.) > Click Save.

Your website membership application is now complete!

If you require assistance with creating your membership account, please connect with a Service Coordinator at 905.684.6918 ext. 170 or serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com

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