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 33
*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
• other
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
Contact us to register
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.
Homework Strategies
Caregivers will learn strategies to support their child in completing their homework and becoming independent with school assignments.
DATE/TIME Wednesday September 10 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Triple P: Positive Parenting Program
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.
DATE/TIME Thursdays September 11- November 6 9:00am - 11:30am
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series
A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood! Each workshop will provide practical tools, expert guidance, and insights into the services and supports available during this important transition. Our goal is to help families plan with confidence. Take the next step toward a successful transition to adulthood!
DATE/TIME Tuesdays 6:00pm - 8:30pm
September 16
September 23
October 7
October 14
The Power of Play
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Play is more than just fun – it’s a powerful tool for learning and development! This interactive workshop, part of our Introduction to Teaching series, equips caregivers with playful strategies to: nurture foundational skills like imitation, joint attention, turn-taking, and pretend play, and turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth and connection.
DATE/TIME Wednesday September 17 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register register register
Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
Transitions, Changes, and Losses
Over the course of a day one goes through an incalculable amount of transitions and changes. Transitions and changes are common challenges for children/youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This can often create moments of stress that derail plans and cause ongoing stress for caregivers. From daily transitions to ongoing grief, in this workshop a Behaviour Therapist (BT) and Psychotherapist introduce skills and strategies for caregivers to utilize in everyday transitions (i.e., morning routine) and helps to prepare for communicating and working through sudden or potential loss (i.e., moving, loss of employment, death and other grief).
DATE/TIME Monday September 22 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register
ABA at Home: How to Generalize Skills
Learn how to take the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) skills your child is learning at Bethesda or school and apply them to your home setting.
DATE/TIME Wednesday September 24 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Toilet Training
LOCATION Virtual
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 Wednesday October 8 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual register register
Emotional Regulation: How to Lend your Calm
Caregivers will learn practical strategies on how to be an emotional support for their child, and teach them calming strategies.
DATE/TIME Wednesday October 15 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual
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.
DATE/TIME Monday October 20 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LOCATION Virtual
Desensitization: Preparing your Child for Cold Weather
Caregivers will learn strategies to prepare their child for colder weather, and wearing winter clothes.
DATE/TIME Wednesday October 22 6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
ABA 101: Proactive Strategies
Caregivers will learn about the functions of behaviour, power of reinforcement, and proactive strategies to support their child.
DATE/TIME Wednesday October 29 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
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 Tuesday November 4
Afternoon: 1:30pm - 3:30pm Evening: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Picky Eating
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This interactive workshop equips parents, caregivers, and clinicians with practical strategies to address picky eating in children. We’ll explore a variety of positive approaches.
DATE/TIME Wednesday November 12 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION
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.
DATE/TIME Tuesday November 18
Afternoon: 1:30pm - 3:30pm Evening: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Teaching Independence
Caregivers will learn strategies to support their child becoming more independent with daily living tasks.
DATE/TIME Wednesday November 19
6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Virtual
Understanding your Child’s Diagnosis
Caregivers will learn what is autism and how to best support their child.
DATE/TIME Wednesday November 26
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Surviving the Holidays
LOCATION Virtual
Caregivers will learn strategies to prepare their child for being off of school and having a different routine during the holidays. Caregivers will also be provided an activity guide with ideas to keep their children busy during the holidays.
DATE/TIME Wednesday December 10 6:30pm - 7:30pm LOCATION Virtual
“With her guidance, we have seen extraordinary progress in our child and our own communication and confidence. We were all given the rare opportunity to not only grow, but also thrive together.” -Bethesda Parent
Recreational Programs
These services are offered in a different format than the typical Recreational Group Programs you are familiar with. These services have been developed after valuable feedback from families like you to help us meet your family’s specific needs.
Be sure to read descriptions, age ranges, and requirements carefully when registering to ensure the best fit for your child and family.
Date Night
Need some time to relax and reconnect with your partner? Drop off your children at Bethesda, where they will enjoy games, crafts, movies and more! You can enjoy a night out without worrying about your little ones. The group is open to children aged 6 to 12 years.
Please indicate your first and second choice dates when registering for this group. Space is limited and spots are limited to one evening per family. We will try our best to accommodate your date request.
AGES
DATE/TIME 6-12 years Wednesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm
• September 17
• September 24
• October 8
• October 15
• October 22
register
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Play Zone
Play Zone is a one to one recreational offering is designed for children who find it challenging to participate in group settings. 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. Limited spots available.
We carefully review registrants and the waitlist for this program to ensure this group is an appropriate fit for each child who is placed in this service.
Play Zone
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-17 years
Tuesdays September 16- October 21
*No session Sept. 30 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Play Zone
AGES
DATE/TIME 5-9 years Tuesdays November 11- December 16 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services
Sensory Explorers
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 (2 children to 1 staff)
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
Saturdays
September 13- October 4 9:30am - 12:00pm
Saturday Sampler
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Not sure what your child enjoys? Saturday Sampler is a great way to explore! This fun, mixedactivity group gives kids a chance to try some of our most popular recreational group offerings - like Sensory Explorers, Dance and Movement, Superheroes and Fairy Tales and more. It’s a great opportunity to discover what sparks their interest when you’re picking groups next winter! Children must be comfortable in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff). This group was created based on caregiver feedback.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
Saturdays
October 18- November 8 9:30am - 12:00pm
Dance and Movement
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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).
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
Saturdays November 22- December 13 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
years
Recreational Group Services
Creative Corner
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. Youth should be comfortable in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
Saturdays
September 13- October 4 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Builders Club
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Get ready to build and create in this group! Staff will help you make creations using Legos, blocks, and more! Practice sharing, building and having fun! Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Thursdays
September 18 - October 23 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register register
Recreational Group Services
Pokémon
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 favourites. Whether crafting unique creatures or playing high energy games, Pokemon 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 (3 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Saturdays October 25- November 8 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Dance and Movement
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Thursdays
November 13- December 11 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Dance and Movement
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Saturdays November 22- December 13 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register
register register
years
Recreational Group Services
Lights, Camera, Action!
Is your child a budding actor or drama enthusiast? Our experienced staff will guide them every step of the way during this drama and movement group. Ratio of 3 youth to 1 staff.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Saturdays September 13- October 4 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Pokémon
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Welcome to Pokémon Club, a place where creativity and fun come to life! In this exciting group, youth will embark on thrilling adventures, using their imagination to create new Pokémon and reimagine their favourites. Whether crafting unique creatures or playing high energy games, Pokemon 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 (3 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Saturdays
October 25- November 8 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services
Knowledge Knights
Knowledge Knights is a fun, interactive group for youth 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. Youth should feel comfortable in a small group (3 youth to 1 staff). This group was created by one of our teens!
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years Saturdays November 22- December 13 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
“My girls have been at Bethesda since 2014 and have come such a long way. They love the staff and the friends they’ve met here”
-Bethesda Caregiver
Recreational Group Services
NEW
Original Character (OC) Group
OC group is for teens 14-17 who enjoy original or fandom characters. This group will provide a space for creating, sharing, and interacting with peers who also enjoy original and/or fandom characters. Teens should be comfortable participating in a small group setting with limited staff support (4 teens to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays
September 15- October 20
*No session October 13 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Lounge
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Teens can practice socializing and can 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.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays
November 10- December 15 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Music Exchange
NEW
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
The Music Exchange is a group for teens 14-17 who enjoy creating and/or listening to music. This group will provide a space for teens to share their favourite music, be exposed to new types of music, play music trivia, and develop a playlist that will be shared with other Bethesda youth. Teens should be comfortable participating in a small group setting with limited staff support (4 teens to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Saturdays
November 22- December 13 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Clinical Group Services
Social Navigators
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
Lego Club
Mondays
September 15- October 20
*No session October 13
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
In this group children will work collaboratively to build creative structures and work on sportsmanship skills. This group is designed for children who can work in groups with minimal prompting and support - verbal and collaborative play is present. Children must be safe in a group with a 1:3 ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
Mondays
November 10- December 15
6:00pm - 7:30pm
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services
Keeping Your Cool
The Keeping Your Cool series will teach children to identify their emotions, learn how their emotions impact others, and explore practical strategies for regulating their emotions. This series will focus on using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies to teach the concepts and use of the Zones of Regulation. 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 10-13 years
Tuesdays
September 16- October 21
*No session September 30
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Home Alone
Home Alone is an interactive group where children 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 youth who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate verbally and can participate in an in-person group setting.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Tuesdays
November 11- December 16
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services
Sexuality and Relationships
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. In Part One, participants will learn about different types of relationships, public vs. private behaviours, friendship, gender identity and expression, and communication and decision making related to sexuality and health. Part Two builds on these foundations with a focus on developing romantic relationships, safe internet and social media use, being in safe and respectful relationships, and learning how to care for your body. This group is intended for teens in high school. Teens must be comfortable in a group setting (1:4 ratio).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years (in High School)
Thursdays September 18- November 20 4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services
Social Skills and Boundaries for Teens with Autism (DBT-Informed Group)
This Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed group helps teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) build social confidence and relationship skills. We focus on interpersonal effectiveness - how to: ask for what you need, say no without guilt, set healthy boundaries, handle conflict with peers, family and others, build stronger relationships. This group is led by a Registered Psychotherapist, the group uses DBT, a proven approach for teens who struggle with big emotions and social communication. Teens must be comfortable in a small group setting (1:5 ratio).
AGES
DATE/TIME 15-17 years Mondays September 15- November 10
*No session October 13 4:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Family Support Groups
First Day Feelings: Parent Support Group
Is your heart a little heavy as your child starts school? You’re not alone. Join other caregivers for a warm cup of coffee, shared conversation, and encouragement as we navigate this big milestone together. We’ll also provide helpful resources to support your child’s smooth transition into the school year.
DATE/TIME Tuesday September 2 9:30am - 10:30am
LOCATION In Person at 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
Caregiver Club
Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grownups (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!
DATE/TIME Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:00pm
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 3
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Coffee Chats
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.
DATE/TIME Mondays
10:30am - 11:30am
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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 are facilitated by a behaviour therapist and psychotherapist. The group provides an opportunity to share and learn from each other’s collective experiences that are relevant to male caregivers. This group meets once a month and doughnuts will be provided.
DATE/TIME Mondays
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Family Support Groups
Caregiver Advisory Network
You’re invited share your ideas and experiences to help us improve the programs and services we offer to families. Your voice matters and we’re listening. Come out, enjoy dinner and create a positive change.
DATE/TIME Wednesday October 8
6:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)
Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children 8 -17
In-Person Sessions at the NFC on Thursday Oct. 23 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday Oct. 25 | 9:00am - 5:00pm Thursday Oct. 30 | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
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.
Family Events
Family event: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Experience a time of learning, appreciation, and reconciliation of Indigenous Peoples. Families will have the opportunity to participate in Indigenous activities such as a drum circle, and crafts, and learn about the history of orange shirt day and how all Canadians can help with reconciliation.
DATE/TIME Tuesday September 30 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
“Orange Shirt Day is a time to honour the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and to recognize the profound impact these institutions had on Indigenous communities. It is also an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue about the ongoing journey towards healing and understanding.
-Paul McGowan Bethesda Chief Executive Officer
Family Events
Bry-Anne Farms
Your family can come and enjoy time at the pumpkin patch at Bry-Anne Farms! Enjoy a hayride and visit the pumpkin patch; see all the colourful gourds, squash, pumpkins and apples. Fun for the whole family! Disclaimer: Guardians are required to stay with their children. Siblings welcome!
DATE/TIME Saturday October 18 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION Bry-Anne Farms 471 Foss Rd Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
Teen Halloween Dance
Teens are invited to meet and make new friends at our sensory friendly teen dance night: Halloween Dance! Socialize, have fun, and express yourself through dance and music. There will also be an area to hangout away from the dance. Teens must be comfortable in a ratio of 1 staff to 4 teens.
DATE/TIME Tuesday October 28 6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Trick-or-Treat at Bethesda
All ages are welcome. It’s time for spooky season fun! Join us for a hauntingly good time at Bethesda Children and Youth Services Niagara Family Centre! This is a drop-in event.
Practice your Trick-or-Treating skills in a safe and fun environment! Dress up in your most awesome costumes and perfect that “trick or treat!” Explore our building, meet some staff. No Tricks, just Treats. Explore the centre and meet our friendly staff, who will be decked out in their Halloween best! This event is for the whole family.
DATE/TIME Wednesday October 29
5:00pm - 7:00pm
register
LOCATION In Person at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
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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Share Your Bethesda Moments!
Have you recently attended a Bethesda family event or community activity? We’d love to see your pictures! Your photos help us share the fun and build our community.
When you post your pictures on social media, be sure to tag us at the accounts on the previous page. You can also send them to us in a direct message, and we may feature your photos on our pages.
